This book is about the amazing life of an amazing man.

books:


	• I'm Chevy Chase ... and You're Not Rena Fruchter Virgin Books, 2008 - 304 pages average customer review:based on 33 reviews view larger image
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A first-rate book

As a college literature professor, I plan to use this fine book as an example of a non-traditional biography that establishes the subject brilliantly without droning on and on with a thousand boring elements that nobody really wants to read.
"I'm Chevy Chase...And You're Not" gives the reader a full understanding of Chevy Chase's background, personality, career and quirks--all the elements that make him the intriguing figure that he is. The reader learns of his disturbing childhood, his political views, his musicianship, his year on SNL, his film career, and his drug use---and how he used all the difficult experiences of his earlier years to pull his life together, against all odds, and to create a strong family life for his wife and three daughters.
I strongly recommend this book. It cuts right to the heart of Mr. Chase, and keeps the reader involved from start to finish. More biographers should follow this superb author's example.

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An Unusual Portrait of a Famous Actor

I have never particularly been a fan of Chevy Chase, but as I read page after page of this excellent biography, I began to gain a respect and insights I had never had before. In the end, I felt that this was a very unusual and extremely well-written book. It is not a biography in the traditional sense--it doesn't cover all the trivia that is found in some biographies. Instead, it is a portrait of a famous man whom, I think it is important to say, most people don't really know.
People think they know who Chevy Chase is because so much has been written about him in newspapers and magazines. But until this book, most people had no idea that Chevy Chase had a miserable childhood. People think he came from a very rich background, but in reality he was raised by a lunatic mother and vicious stepfather who victimized him both physically and emotionally.
Most people don't know that Chevy Chase is an extremely brilliant man, or that he was only on Saturday Night Live for one year! He spent so much time making silly movies that it is really a surprise to learn that he is an intellect. And that he is a very talented jazz musician.
And what a surprise to learn the depth of his friendship with President Bill Clinton, who also had some good things to say about this biography.
His friendships with three American presidents showed the power of the bond between Hollywood and the White House.
Despite Chevy Chase's abusive childhood, he avoided repeating the cycle and became a very good father to his three daughters. Reading about his relationships to his wife Jayni and his daughters was a very touching part of this book.
I was most impressed to learn that Chevy Chase was willing to speak out about his use of drugs, about his experiences at the Betty Ford Clinic, and about what it took to clean up his act.
All in all, I think this is an important book to read.

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This book is about the amazing life of an amazing man.

I bought this book because I have always liked Chevy Chase. I heard he could be kind of a jerk to people and I remember when I watched the Friars Club Roast of him nobody showed up. In fact they had to get random comedians and other people to show up and talk about him. Reading the book you will find out that a lot of people are mad at/hate him. You will also find out why. It really shocked me as to why so many people don't like him as I sure it will you.

All I can say is that this man had such a neat life. He had so many chances to become well known or famous. From writing, shows and even bands he was in. One of which had members that started a famous group. But you will have to read to find out more on that. There is no way I am going to ruin it for you.

You will learn about his family struggles. From those who did drugs. (up until like 12 years ago) To people to hurt him in more ways than one. You will feel so bad when you find out everything he has had to go through. The things that happened in his childhood also effected him in his 20s- 30s. You will see the proof of this when you read about his thoughts, arguments and even his marriage. I am almost sure that before you are even finished this book, you will be mad at yourself for ever being mad at him.

I got really inspired when reading this book. People always tell me I can think fast and that I am funny. So I just yesterday started writing the jokes and ideas I get down. As well as recording songs I thinks of right after I think of them. I know that you will feel inspired in your own way. Whether it be with something in your future, in you present or in you past. You will want to work harder to be he best that you can be at the things you do.

In the end you will get to learn some personal details about a man who has been doing things for people almost his entire life. From the man who was one of the founders of Saturday Night Live to the father and husband who puts the Christmas tree up every Christmas eve on so many televisions. You will really be surprised at all he has went through and all he has had a chance to do. The neat thing is that he really just got lucky A LOT. Through all these lucky breaks a man who is amazing at so many things that are important to so many people emerged. You may see that he is not all that different from you. You then will start to understand the man that is Chevy Chase as if you were there with him through his entire life. I know I did. I would like to end all this thanking Chevy Chase and the author Rena Fruchter.

Side note
I see many have given this a bad review. I can't understand why. You learn a lot about Chase and the entire time you are interested in finding out more. I guess there is always someone that could do something better but I am happy with what I have. It's like people are mad because the book does not talk bad about him. The poor guy made us laugh for decades. He may have made some mistakes in his life but who among us has not? I am a 23 year old guy who has been inspired and learned more about a guy I have always liked. So as all that goes. I'm happy with the book.

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Chevy Chase... a truly decent guy

I met Chevy Chase as a fan in the summer of '76. He was in the process of leaving SNL and allowed 4 giggly gals visiting the Big Apple the chance to tour the 17th floor at 30 Rock one summer night. He and his companion, Alan Zweibel, were so very nice to us. After reading Shales & Miller's "Live From New York" book, I can't help but wonder about the jealous, insecure souls intimidated by a talented guy who clearly had issues with his biological family as well as subsequent cast families born from a show he helped breath life into from day one, as much as Michaels, O'Donoghue or Downey. "I'm Chevy Chase...and You're Not" confirms the guy I met when he had just become a household name was and is a very decent guy.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

A lot has happened to Chevy Chase since this authorized biography was published last year. In this revised and updated paperback edition, Rena Fruchter captures it all, along with new behind-thescene stories from the life of one of America?s foremost comedians. From Time, People, and ?Page Six? to The Late Show With David Letterman and a hilarious return to Saturday Night Live, America embraced Chevy Chase upon the 2007 publication of I?m Chevy Chase . . . and You?re Not. Author Rena Fruchter reveals what this resurgence has been like for Chevy and offers both new insights into his career and more anecdotes from Chevy?s friends and colleagues ?in the biz.? Chevy candidly sets the record straight about his most celebrated exploits and his relationships with Presidents Ford, Carter, and Clinton. He also reveals that his privileged upbringing was dominated by continual physical and emotional abuse by his mother and stepfather, and reflects on how this abuse has shaped his personal and professional decisions throughout his life. But in the end, there?s more comedy than tragedy in this unforgettable biography.

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