Why Not? (Hardcover)

Hardcover. From master comedian Mark Schiff, a long-time touring partner of Jerry Seinfeld, comes a hilariousaccount of decades of foolery with comedyand actinglegends and how he honed his mensch skills in all of life's arenas.Pursuing a career in comedy has always taken a lot of chutzpah. Today Mark Schiff looks back at his fifty-year career as a stand-up comic, actor, and writer and knows he's laughed with the best of them. His comedy and character have been widely praised by everyone from Jerry Seinfeld to Bill Maher, Paul Reiser, and Colin Quinn - as Seinfeld writes in his foreword, Mark is 'the greatest comedy pal a guy could ever wish for' - but it hasn't always been easy.In this brilliantly honest collection of essays inducing both heart tugs and deep belly laughs, Mark recounts growing up Jewish in the outer boroughs of New York Cityand shares howhe survived a harrowing childhood andmanaged health crises, aging, marriage, parenting, and career highs and lows. With wit and wisdom, Mark reminds us that no matter the troubles at-hand, the show must always go on. The result is an unforgettable and highly relatable account from one of the best humor writers of our time that will leave readers of all faiths energized and feeling like they've schmoozed with the best of them.'Comedy fans will come for the behind-the-scenes anecdotes and stay for the heart.' - Publishers Weekly'MarkSchiffis one of the funniest, the brightest, the best stage comics I have ever seen.'- Jerry Seinfeld, comedian, actor, and creator ofSeinfeld,author ofIs This Anything? and SeinLanguage'Starting out in stand-up comedy withMarkSchiffwas a blast, and the humor he brought to the stage back then is now between the pages of this book, plus the wisdom you get when you add time.' - Bill Maher, comedian, actor, and host ofReal Time with Bill Maher'Mark's book is funny, philosophical, and gentle.* And it makes sense because so isMark. *Not gentile, gentle.' -Colin Quinn, comedian and actor, Saturday Night LiveandTough Crowd with Colin Quinn'MarkSchiffknows how to tell a story andMarkSchiffknows how to write a book. I hope this is also an audiobook because nothing lulls me off to sleep more thanMarkSchiffreading hilarious stories.' - Kevin Nealon, comedian and actor,Saturday Night LiveandWeeds'We've known for a long time that Mark Schiff is funny. Now we know that he's also thoughtful, empathic, and a great Jew.Why Not?is an insightful look at the human condition. Poignant, bravely self-examining, and psychologically acute. Also funny. - Jonathan Kellerman,New York Timesbest-selling author of the Alex Delaware series'MarkSchiffis one of the funniest comedians I know. We came up together in the New York comedy club scene and he is endlessly entertaining and creative. This book will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you glad you bought it.'- Carol Leifer, comedian, writer, and producer'Mark and I started in comedy together at the exact same time, and year after year he's just gotten better and funnier, which irritates me to no end. And as you'll see in this funny and uplifting book, he's a great writer too. I'm just so annoyed. But you will love this book.' - Paul Reiser, comedian, actor, and creator ofMad About You'I've always lovedSchiff's comedy and really love who he is as a person, especially his kindness.His wonderful book of essays.makes you laugh, think, and cry a little, that's actually something we should all do every day. Reading it made me miss him and appreciate him. I'm calling him right now. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…