Bob Odenkirk‘s CV is an aspiring comedian’s fantasy: writing for SNL in its late-80s heyday, the ahead-of-its-time Chris Elliott show Get a Life, and Late Night With Conan O’Brien in its 90s prime; cocreator and costar, with David Cross, of Mr. Show; a recurring role in The Larry Sanders Show. He also happens to have discovered Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim.
Not all of A Load of Hooey induces laughs: some of the pieces are too oblique or ridiculous, and Odenkirk’s poetry (yes, there are poems) doesn’t exhibit his characteristic sharpness. But the book is slim enough to read in an evening. And as a wise man once said, “It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish” (Tolkien). “But that’s nothing compared to writing a trilogy—that takes fucking forever” (guess who).
By Bob Odenkirk (McSweeney’s) Thu 11/6 and Fri 11/7, 8 PM Up Comedy Club 230 W. North, third floor 312-337-3992upcomedyclub.com $45 (includes a copy of the book)
