ME by Jimmy (Big Boy) Valente

Jesse "The Body" Ventura's repetitious, self-aggrandizing, platitude-ridden paean to himself is such unconscious self-parody that it renders Garrison Keillor's satire redundant. But whereas the former pro wrestler turned Minnesota governor is dull, Minnesota's radio minstrel and bestselling humorist is fun. Whereas Ventura reads in a monotonous growl, Keillor recites in his familiar gentle and expressive manner. Whereas the former writes in clunky phrases that mimic demagogic speechifying, the latter composes with singular grace, even by his own standards. One needn't hear Bleed to appreciate Me, so I suggest you don't. Y.R. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 99]