THE OTHER GREAT DEPRESSION

As an actor and comedian, Richard Lewis became well known, but apparently it came at a cost, as this book, which outlines his battles with alcoholism and substance abuse, makes painfully clear. Lewis makes his story that much more palpable by narrating it himself. Given the highly personal and frank nature of the work, he is in the best position to give his memoir the treatment it deserves. He does so with a heavy Brooklyn accent and a droll delivery reminiscent of one of his idols, Lenny Bruce—right down to the frequent use of four-letter words. But for those who can endure its brutal candor, this is a worthy exorcism. J.S.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2008]