Why Not? Lessons on Comedy, Courage, and Chutzpah

Schiff debuts with a humorous collection of essays about his life and career as a comedian. He recounts anecdotes from his tumultuous childhood in the Bronx, including shouting matches between his parents and his mother’s penchant for smashing dishes. His account of getting into comedy offers an insider look at the 1980s New York and Los Angeles scenes. Working as a short-order cook “to pay the landlord,” he spent nights performing at comedy clubs alongside Jerry Seinfeld (who reflects on his friendship with the author in the foreword), Paul Reiser, Carol Leifer, and Larry David (no one wanted to follow David’s sets, Schiff notes, because he left audiences “upset or bewildered”), and eventually landed several appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Schiff tells of how he embraced his Jewish faith after attending a Torah class in L.A. while in his early 30s, hoping that “maybe there’d be girls there” but finding instead a welcoming community. Though rarely laugh-out-loud funny (some of the one-liners feel forced), this is at its moving best when Schiff discusses the hard times, such as living in fear of his mother or supporting his wife after a hysterectomy. Comedy fans will come for the behind-the-scenes anecdotes and stay for the heart. (Nov.)