Cheech & Chong: The Unauthorized Autobiography
Tommy Chong. Simon Spotlight Entertainment, $23.95 (251pp) ISBN 978-1-4169-5345-6
Comedian and author Chong (The I Chong: Meditations from the Joint), now 70, provides what he'd like us to believe is the straight dope on the popular stoner duo he created with Richard ""Cheech"" Marin in 1970. A popular touring musician before becoming a comedy hero of the hippie-era counterculture, Chong starts with his solo adventures in entertainment. Taking his time ambling through the '60s before catching up with Marin's addition to the act at decade's end, Chong laces crass writing with hyperbole, sex, name dropping and egomania. Often, Chong leans too hard on his act's legacy, straining to convince readers of their iconic status, and ignominiously blames Marin for the duo's post-heyday acrimony. Still, Chong provides worthy insight into the duo's most famous routines (including ""Dave's Not Here""), their first record deal and several movies. Unfortunately, Chong leaves readers in a haze over the end of the partnership, and nowhere does he indicate anything regarding their recently announced reunion tour, their first in more than 25 years.
Details
Reviewed on: 08/04/2008
Genre: Nonfiction
Open Ebook - 224 pages - 978-1-4169-5946-5
Paperback - 272 pages - 978-1-4391-5352-9