A collection of short and sometimes random texts awaits you within these pages. It makes for an excellent bedside book, perfect to be read over time. Here, you'll encounter great thoughts about theatre and acting, delving deep into the world of creativity and art. There are also musings on poker and his childhood, offering a glimpse into his personal experiences. Additionally, there's a summary of his experience as a spectator on the set of the sci-fi movie Iceman, which starred his wife. It's truly fascinating.

Moreover, this book contains a good bit of criticism of some aspects of American culture. Although written in the 1980s, these critiques still ring very true in the 21st century. It's remarkable how relevant they remain. I, for one, would love to hear what he thinks now, in this modern era. What new perspectives might he have? How would he expand on his previous thoughts? The possibilities are endless, and I can't wait to find out.

Mamet's body of work includes a collection of essays that, while containing some valuable insights, also have their fair share of drawbacks. Some of his essays unfortunately come off as preachy and naive. However, it's important to note that there are also some truly great essays within the collection. These particular essays focus on the crucial importance of integrity in the world of theatre.

Mamet's writing style is undeniably articulate and well crafted. His ability to express complex ideas with clarity and precision is a remarkable talent. This aspect of his writing often compensates for the times when his opinions seem a bit too high and mighty. Despite the flaws in some of his essays, the overall body of work offers a unique perspective on various aspects of theatre and the creative process.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with Mamet's viewpoints, there's no denying the impact his essays have had on the field of theatre. They continue to spark discussions and debates among theatre enthusiasts and professionals alike, making them an important addition to the literary canon of the theatrical arts.

The work in question contains a few funny lines and interesting thoughts. However, it's not my favorite Mamet thing. It seems that he might be better off sticking to fiction. Maybe in the realm of fiction, he can truly let his creativity soar and craft more engaging and captivating stories. While the current piece has its moments, it doesn't quite reach the level of excellence that I've come to expect from Mamet. There's something about his fictional works that just grabs me and keeps me hooked from start to finish. I hope that in the future, he'll focus more on his fictional endeavors and give us more of those amazing stories that we all love.

Smart and pithy essays on the theater and other matters from one of our greatest living playwrights.

These essays offer a unique perspective on the world of theater. The playwright delves deep into the art form, exploring its various aspects with great insight and intelligence.

From the creative process to the stage production, every detail is analyzed and dissected. The essays also touch on other related matters, such as the role of the audience and the impact of theater on society.

With a concise and engaging writing style, the playwright manages to convey complex ideas in a way that is accessible to all. Whether you are a theater enthusiast or simply interested in the arts, these essays are sure to provide you with a thought-provoking and enjoyable read.

They offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a master playwright and are a must-read for anyone interested in the world of theater and beyond.

It is truly sad to state that he is essentially an asshole.

The True Stories of Bitchiness serves as more than sufficient evidence of this fact.

Regrettably, there were indeed a good moment or two within some of the early essays.

These fleeting positive instances, however, do little to overshadow the overall negative impression that he leaves.

His actions and behavior, as depicted in the stories, clearly demonstrate his assholish nature.

It is a pity that what could have potentially been a more redeeming collection of works is marred by his less-than-desirable qualities.

Nonetheless, the truth remains that he is, at his core, an asshole, and the True Stories of Bitchiness bear witness to this undeniable fact.

David Mamet is at his very best when he tells a story about something that has happened to him.

His opinions on theatre are also quite interesting. However, he has a tendency to digress in a most plodding and tiresome manner.

The prose he uses is rather inelegant, and one can immediately see the difference between his prose and his strength, which is dialogue.

Although this difference is obvious, one does not necessarily expect it until confronted with the evidence.

I seriously doubt that he can write a good novel. He exhorts his philosophy of action, yet his philosophizing seems to commit the very act he argues against.

On the positive side, one can sense a sound and witty intelligence at work within his writing, and that is a pleasure in its own right.

It may not be like warming your hands by the fire of a Mailer-like intellect, but it is certainly a good conversation to have over a beer.

Overall, Mamet has his strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and it is up to the reader to decide how much they value his work.

Mamet holds a profound perspective on the theater. He views it as the very place where America's collective unconscious resides.

His insights into the pursuit of art within our culture are numerous, sharp, and highly validating.

To listen to the interior dialogue of a major playwright like Mamet is truly fascinating. It offers a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who has dedicated his life to exploring the human condition through the medium of theater.

His thoughts and ideas not only shed light on the art form itself but also provide valuable commentary on the society in which we live.

By examining the theater as a reflection of our collective unconscious, Mamet challenges us to look deeper within ourselves and question the values and beliefs that shape our culture.

His work serves as a reminder that art has the power to both entertain and enlighten, and that it plays an essential role in our lives.

Mamet is Mamet. There is no doubt about it.

I have a profound admiration for him. His works, especially the essays about art, are truly outstanding.

In his essays, Mamet delves deep into the world of art, exploring its various aspects with great insight and passion.

He presents his ideas in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for readers to understand and appreciate the complexity of the subject.

His writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the minds of those who read his works.

Whether it is about painting, sculpture, or any other form of art, Mamet's essays offer a unique perspective that enriches our understanding and enjoyment of the artistic world.

For me, his essays are not only a source of knowledge but also a source of inspiration.

They encourage me to look at art in a new way and to explore my own creativity.

In conclusion, Mamet's essays about art are among his very best, and I highly recommend them to anyone who has an interest in the subject.

3 1/2 stars

This rating of 3 1/2 stars indicates a solid and moderately good experience. It suggests that the subject under consideration has several positive aspects.

Perhaps it offers a decent level of quality, functionality, or performance. However, it may also have a few areas that could be improved upon.

It might not be perfect, but it still manages to provide value and satisfaction.

Overall, a 3 1/2-star rating implies that it is a worthy option, although it may not be the absolute best in its category.

It leaves room for growth and development, but for now, it can be considered a reliable and enjoyable choice.

Whether it's a product, service, or experience, this rating gives an indication of its general standing and desirability.

It allows consumers to make an informed decision based on their own expectations and priorities.

So, if you come across something with a 3 1/2-star rating, it's worth taking a closer look and considering its potential benefits.

Well-written, honest prose by a master. Respect!! This simple yet powerful statement holds a world of meaning. When we encounter the work of a true master, it is like stumbling upon a precious gem. Their prose is not just words on a page; it is a reflection of their deep understanding, their unique perspective, and their unwavering commitment to truth. The master crafts each sentence with precision, choosing words that carry weight and evoke emotions. Their writing flows effortlessly, drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged from beginning to end. It is this combination of skill and authenticity that earns our respect. We are in awe of their ability to create something beautiful and meaningful, something that will stand the test of time. Whether it is a novel, a poem, or an essay, the work of a master is a gift to the literary world. We should cherish it and learn from it, for it has the power to inspire us and make us better writers and thinkers.

This book was presented to me by a Mamet fan. Since I had heard a little about him, I decided to give it a try.

I initially assumed, based on the title, that this book was about writing. However, that wasn't the impression it gave me. Instead, it contained more thoughts on various ideas, topics, and so on. Some of these were quite entertaining, while others I simply skimmed through.

It was interesting to read someone else's thoughts, and it brought back memories of my college days when I would pore over the pages in search of meaning. I'm glad I picked up this book, but it was a difficult read for me, even when I was only reading small portions at a time.

Perhaps in the future, I'll be more prepared to fully understand and appreciate this book. But for now, at least I made the effort to try it.

Overall, it was an experience that made me think and reflect, and I'm curious to see if my perspective on it will change as I gain more knowledge and experience.

I truly liked these essays. They were crafted with great skill and precision, making them a pleasure to read.

Perhaps if I were an actor or someone with a strong aspiration in the theatre field in general, my appreciation for them would have been even deeper. However, even if you don't have that specific background, these essays still offer a great deal.

They are engaging and thought-provoking, presenting unique perspectives and ideas. The writing is of a high quality, which adds to their overall appeal.

Whether you have an interest in theatre or not, these essays are well worth the time and effort to read. They have the ability to captivate and inspire, leaving you with a newfound understanding and appreciation for the subject matter.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend these essays to anyone looking for an interesting and enjoyable read.