Andy Kaufman has always been an enigma to me and many others.

We've only had the opportunity to see the man on the screen, performing as Latka, doing the Mighty Mouse gig on SNL, and Andy doing his great Elvis impersonation.

This book, however, takes you far beyond the surface and delves deep into the life of Andy Kaufman, starting from when he was very young all the way to his final days at the tragically young age of 35.

There are countless fascinating details and stories about Andy within these pages. At times, the book can be a bit confusing, but it is most certainly worth the read.

I know for sure that I'll be taking a revisit down this road to read it again some day.

It offers a unique and captivating look into the mind and life of a truly one-of-a-kind entertainer.

This was an entertaining bio of Andy Kaufman.

However, I think some of what made it into this book is probably a figment of the author's imagination.

The reason is that I don't believe even those who were closest to Kaufman truly knew what was going on inside his head.

Nonetheless, it is fun to read, and there is great stuff about Kaufman's legendary bizarre work, life, and habits.

Kaufman was indeed a true original.

His unique approach to comedy and performance set him apart from others.

The book delves into his various antics and the impact he had on the entertainment industry.

It provides an interesting glimpse into the mind of a man who was constantly pushing the boundaries and challenging the norms.

Overall, it is a captivating read that offers a fascinating look at the life and times of Andy Kaufman.

I think that the truly devoted fans of Andy Kaufman would have a much more enjoyable experience with this book and rate it much higher than I did.

I really had to push myself to get through it. Although I was a somewhat mild fan of Kaufman, I don't think I was a big enough fan to fully appreciate all the stories and the subtleties and nuances of the person.

Perhaps those who are deeply in love with Kaufman's work and persona would be able to pick up on all the little details and understand the significance of each anecdote.

But for me, it felt like a bit of a struggle. Maybe I just didn't have that special connection or understanding that the more dedicated fans might have.

Nonetheless, I can see that there is value in the book for those who are truly passionate about Andy Kaufman.

This is such an extremely hard book to review. It essentially presents a miniaturized version of what Kaufman himself accomplished. It begins by captivating you with wide-eyed wonder at this incredibly unique man. Then, as the man becomes more complex, muddied, and seemingly, as the title implies, lost in the world of his own creation, it unsettles you.

However, that is the simplistic reading of it and of Kaufman himself. The book decides to mirror Kaufman's whole unreadable quality by being written in a slightly awkward semi-third person voice. It immediately places you at a distance, forcing you to work hard to focus on the narrative. By the time you do, the book, just as Andy himself would, has already drawn you into some sort of delightful game it is playing.

So, although it is a brilliant biography of a complex man written in an equally complex manner, it also nimbly switches between different tones of voice and styles of writing. This leaves you always slightly uncertain about where it is headed and whether it is being sincere. But, of course, that is entirely the Andy way of doing things, and he would be delighted that the book even attempts to replicate that "lost in the house of mirrors" approach to his art and life.

Because, and finally you have to reach this conclusion, it is a story of a life as art. It is fascinating to read this so close to David Lynch's death because here is another man whose entire art was constructed from both absolute innocence and sincerity and complete darkness and antagonism. They both practiced Transcendental Meditation, and their art suffered whenever they yielded to commercial pressure. It is that same sense of "where is this going? How sincere is this?" that Lynch's finest art possesses and that propels Andy's finest work.

Similarly, both are so clearly autistic that it is almost absurd. But the difference is that I don't think any autistic person has ever taken that awkwardness and inability to fully fit in, which is an essential part of being autistic, and then weaponized it. And Andy truly does weaponize it, using that oddness and strangeness as a blunt instrument to repeatedly unsettle and confuse people before suddenly removing it and revealing the innocence behind it. Possibly. Who can say for sure? Nobody can be certain, but I can't imagine anyone doing as well as Zehme does here.

The best aspect of Zehme's book is indeed its encyclopedic level of detail.

In the beginning, this excessive detail about Andy's childhood could be a bit tiresome. One might have preferred a bit less in-depth exploration of that particular phase.

However, as the book delves into Andy's career, this approach truly pays off.

The author adopts a "creative nonfiction" stylistic tone. Although in some places it may seem a little worn out, it doesn't significantly reduce the overall value of this book.

Overall, it remains the go-to resource for anyone interested in all aspects of Andy.

It provides a wealth of information and insights that are both engaging and informative.

Despite its minor flaws, Zehme's book is a must-read for those who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of Andy's life and work.

Andy Kaufman was truly a visionary who was so far ahead of his time that

even to this day, we still haven't fully caught up with his unique style and creativity.

No book can ever truly and comprehensively "explain" Andy Kaufman,

but this particular one manages to come remarkably close.

It features interviews with a diverse range of people from all different stages of his life and career.

What is truly amazing is the revelation that so many of Andy's classic bits and acts directly stem from incidents that occurred during his childhood.

However, my only regret regarding this book is the absence of an "epilogue" that would have detailed Andy's lasting legacy and his profound impact on future generations of entertainers.

It would have been fascinating to have a more in-depth exploration of how his innovative approach has influenced and shaped the world of entertainment.

Nonetheless, the book still provides a valuable and engaging look into the enigma that was Andy Kaufman.

The book in question is truly the right one for its subject matter.

One aspect that really stood out to me was Kaufman's unique passive-aggressive style of humour. It makes one wonder if it was more fuelled by anger rather than innocence.

I found "Breakfast with Blassie" to be an extremely enjoyable read. It was truly ahead of its time, presenting ideas and concepts that were perhaps a bit too revolutionary for its era.

The way Kaufman weaves his words and creates a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking is truly remarkable.

Whether you're a fan of humour, social commentary, or just a good read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

It has the power to make you laugh, make you think, and leave you with a new perspective on the world around you.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something different and exciting to read.

There is really nothing else to say about him. He was extremely crazy and had a serious problem with being a sex addict. At first, he could be quite funny, but then he began to play tricks on people's minds. I had no idea that there was such a wealth of information available about Kaufman. This is recommended for anyone who has an interest in Andy Kaufman, yet didn't like the movie "Man on the Moon" at all. It offers a different perspective and perhaps a deeper understanding of this complex and controversial figure. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just curious about his life and actions, this might be something worth exploring.

This man was truly such a fascinating person. His life story is nothing short of remarkable.

From his early beginnings, he showed signs of an extraordinary intellect and a unique perspective on the world.

He embarked on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible.

His achievements in various fields have left a lasting impact and continue to inspire generations to come.

His bio is a captivating read, filled with details of his adventures, his relationships, and his unwavering determination.

It is a story that showcases the power of the human spirit and the potential for greatness that lies within each of us.

Overall, this man's life is a testament to the fact that with passion, perseverance, and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.

Unbelievably good!

There is an abundance of knowledge to be gained about Andy by reading this. It is truly remarkable how much can be discovered.

The writing style employed in this bio is highly distinctive. It sets itself apart from the typical bios one might encounter.

It engages the reader in a unique way, making the experience of learning about Andy not only informative but also captivating.

One cannot help but be drawn in by the author's approach and the details presented.

It offers a fresh perspective on Andy, revealing aspects of his life and character that might otherwise remain hidden.

Overall, this bio is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about Andy and experiencing a writing style that is both different and engaging.

The New Journalism approach, which emerged as a novel and exciting way of reporting, initially captured the attention and imagination of many. However, as time went by, it started to feel a bit wearing.

At first, the vivid and subjective style, along with the in-depth exploration of characters and their emotions, added a new dimension to journalism. It made the stories more engaging and brought a sense of authenticity. But after a while, the constant use of this approach seemed to lose its charm.

The excessive focus on the personal and the emotional sometimes overshadowed the objective facts. Readers began to tire of the same style and longed for a more traditional and straightforward approach to news reporting. The New Journalism, which once seemed so revolutionary, now faced the challenge of reinventing itself or risk becoming a relic of the past.

Perhaps a balance between the old and the new is needed to keep journalism relevant and engaging in the ever-changing media landscape.

An offbeat book about an offbeat guy, this one truly catches the attention. It's not your typical read, but rather a unique exploration into the life of a rather unusual individual. The story is filled with interesting and entertaining moments that will keep you engaged from start to finish. Especially for those who are old enough to recall Andy Kaufman's odd career, this book offers a fascinating perspective. However, it must be said that the first couple of chapters might seem a little too quirky for some tastes. But don't let that deter you. If you stick with it, you'll find that the story gets better and better as it progresses. You'll be drawn into the world of this offbeat guy and discover a whole new side of him that you never expected. So, give this book a chance and prepare to be entertained in a way you never thought possible.