I truly desired to have a greater affection for this book than I actually did.

I had the intention of completing this book. Indeed, it managed to ignite within me a longing to engage in writing for the theater or perhaps even for the radio.

However, at the present moment, my focus lies elsewhere. Therefore, I have unfortunately had to put this book aside.

It's a bit disappointing because I can see the potential it holds in inspiring my creative pursuits in those particular arenas.

But sometimes, priorities have to be set, and for now, other aspects of my life and work demand my attention.

Maybe in the future, when circumstances allow, I will pick up this book again and explore the possibilities it presents for my writing endeavors.

Until then, it will remain on the shelf, a reminder of the aspirations it awakened within me.

Any mathematician will tell you that the cards at the poker table are distributed randomly. They will also say that we tend to remember the remarkable and forget the mundane, and that "luck" is just an illusion. However, any poker player knows differently. They are aware that there are phenomenal runs of luck that simply defy any mathematical explanation. There are times when one can't seem to catch a hand, and then there are periods when one can't not catch a hand. Additionally, there is such a thing as an absolute premonition of cards, that certain surety of what will happen next. These things occur in direct contravention of scientific wisdom and common sense. The poker player comes to learn that sometimes both science and common sense can be wrong. Just like the bumblebee, which defies the laws of aerodynamics and can fly. Perhaps one should never blindly trust an expert. After all, there are far more things in this world, both on heaven and earth, than are dreamt of by those with an academic bent.

I had no idea what to anticipate, yet I gained a wealth of knowledge about American theatre—or rather, about what it ought to be like.

The writings predominantly consist of prescriptive tirades regarding the world of acting. However, Mamet also demonstrates depth.

Although not overly original, he effectively articulates the issue of consumerism.

It is truly a pity that he has joined the ranks of those who are concerned about an imagined 'woke' movement.

Perhaps some of that can already be perceived here, 40 years ago, if one reads the essays with hindsight, as I did.

This exploration of American theatre through Mamet's works has been both enlightening and somewhat disappointing.

On one hand, the insights into the acting world and consumerism are valuable.

On the other hand, his stance on the 'woke' movement detracts from the overall value of his writings.

Nonetheless, it is important to consider all aspects of his work when evaluating its significance in the context of American theatre.

Strangely reassuring for theatre artists of today,

this statement holds a certain allure and significance. In the ever-evolving world of theatre, where trends come and go and new challenges constantly arise, there is something oddly comforting in this sentiment.

Theatre artists are constantly striving to create unique and engaging performances that resonate with audiences. They face the pressure of keeping up with the latest techniques, styles, and technologies, while also staying true to their artistic vision.

However, the idea of something being strangely reassuring implies that there is a glimmer of hope or stability in the midst of the chaos. It could mean that despite the uncertainties and changes, there are certain fundamental aspects of theatre that remain constant and reliable.

Perhaps it is the power of live performance, the connection between the actors and the audience, or the ability of theatre to tell stories that touch the human heart. These elements have endured throughout the ages and continue to be the driving force behind the art form.

For theatre artists of today, this strange reassurance can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. It reminds them that their work is not in vain and that there is a place for theatre in the modern world.

Meh.

If the best aspect of David Mamet lies in his dialogue and his use of cursing, then unfortunately, this book fails to deliver either of these.

The essays regarding pool tables and the Oscars do have some merit, yet they are somewhat outdated.

Most of the other snippets seem a bit overly intellectualized when it comes to "the theater."

It's as if the author is trying too hard to impress with lofty ideas about the world of theater, rather than presenting a more engaging and accessible collection of works.

Perhaps if the book had focused more on Mamet's unique dialogue or even included some of his famous curses in a meaningful way, it would have been a more interesting read.

As it stands, it feels a bit lackluster and fails to fully capture the essence of what makes David Mamet's work so captivating.

Overall, it's a disappointment for fans of Mamet who were hoping for a more substantial and engaging exploration of his work.

Most of the essays are on dramaturgy and are written for people whose interests lie therein.

These essays delve deep into the various aspects of dramaturgy, exploring different techniques, theories, and historical perspectives. They provide valuable insights for those who are passionate about the art of playwriting and theater production.

However, it should be noted that many of the non-theater essays are also excellent. These essays cover a wide range of topics, from literature and film to history and philosophy.

They offer unique perspectives and ideas that can enrich our understanding of the world around us. Whether you are interested in theater or not, there is something for everyone in these essays.

So, if you are looking for thought-provoking and engaging reading material, be sure to check out this collection of essays.

Fun, unabashed observations and critiques on a variety of subjects are presented by a guy who has an intense love for theatre. He holds theatre on a pedestal, considering it as an art form above all others.

This is likely the reason why his essays related to theatre are the most rewarding. However, it's important to note that his pieces on pool halls and hunting are equally engaging and worthwhile.

Nevertheless, the language used in his essays is dated and formal, which makes not all of them an easy read. They lack the polish of his more recent works.

Despite this, whether you agree with him or not, he is always an interesting read. He doesn't hold anything back, presenting his thoughts and opinions with complete honesty and forthrightness. His unique perspective and unwavering stance make his essays a captivating exploration of various topics.

Overall, while his earlier essays may have their flaws, they still offer valuable insights and a distinct voice that is sure to pique the interest of readers.

I'm so excited! I just registered a book at BookCrossing.com!

This is such a wonderful platform for book lovers. It allows us to share our favorite books with people from all over the world.

By registering the book, I can now track its journey as it travels from one reader to another.

I can't wait to see where this book will end up and who will read it next.

The link to the book's journal is http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11511772.

You can visit this link to follow the book's adventures and even leave your own comments and thoughts.

I hope this book brings joy and inspiration to many readers along the way.

Happy book crossing!

Excellent essays are like precious gems that shine brightly in the literary world. They have the power to captivate readers, engage their minds, and touch their hearts. An excellent essay is not just a collection of words, but a well-crafted piece of art that showcases the writer's creativity, knowledge, and skill.

It begins with a clear and engaging introduction that hooks the reader and sets the tone for the rest of the essay. The body paragraphs are then filled with well-researched and thoughtful arguments, supported by evidence and examples. The writer uses proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation to ensure that the essay is easy to read and understand.

Finally, the conclusion ties everything together and leaves the reader with a lasting impression. It may restate the main points of the essay, offer a solution to a problem, or simply leave the reader with something to think about. In short, an excellent essay is a masterpiece that stands the test of time and continues to inspire and educate readers for years to come.

I must clarify that I have significant disagreements with a great many of the author's ideas and beliefs. Make no mistake about that.

However, I cannot help but express my genuine admiration for the way these essays were masterfully constructed and how the said ideas are presented.

These essays are truly outstanding examples of Literary Essays. They offer some fascinating and thought-provoking insights into several theater-related crafts.

The author's ability to structure the essays in such an engaging and compelling manner is truly remarkable. It allows the reader to easily follow the flow of the ideas and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Despite my differences with the author's viewpoints, I can still appreciate the value and quality of these essays as works of literature. They serve as a testament to the power of well-written and well-presented ideas.

It's truly refreshing to listen to the views of the famed writer on various aspects of life.

His insights offer a unique perspective that can inspire and challenge our own beliefs.

Whether it's about love, friendship, or the pursuit of happiness, his words have the power to make us think deeply and reflect on our own experiences.

The writer's ability to articulate complex ideas in a simple and engaging way is truly remarkable.

His works have touched the hearts and minds of countless readers around the world, and continue to do so to this day.

By sharing his views, he invites us to join him on a journey of self-discovery and growth, and to explore the many facets of the human experience.

Overall, listening to the famed writer's views is not only a source of entertainment, but also a valuable learning experience that can enrich our lives in many ways.

When you achieve fame, an interesting phenomenon occurs. You find that even the most ordinary things like your collected laundry lists, after-dinner speeches that might have been somewhat forgettable at the time, and random samplings of hot air can all be set down in book form. This is precisely what this little collection of largely hyperbolic oddities represents. It's almost as if fame赋予了 these otherwise mundane items a new kind of significance and value.

Damn, if only I were famous. Then perhaps my own random thoughts and everyday musings could also be immortalized in print. Maybe there are hidden gems within my own experiences that could be packaged and presented to the world in a book. It makes one wonder what kind of impact such a collection could have. Would it be a source of inspiration for others? Or simply a curiosity that people would flip through out of mild interest? The possibilities are endless, and it all starts with achieving that elusive state of fame.