Stay Hungry

I rarely write reviews on anything because, as Sebastian would say, "Who has the time!!!!" But I do read reviews before I buy books. I am adding mine this time, especially to reiterate how awesome this book was to me, and counter those (few, thankfully) negative reviews, possibly written by jealous people.I followed the advice of one reviewer and made sure to first watch every stand up special and clip of Sebastian's available online. Then, I read the book. That's the right order. I literally devoured it, and because of its content, I now respect, admire and understand Maniscalco more than before, if that's possible. Then, if Sebastian ever reads this review, I hope he will like that, as an Italian (who speaks the language, BTW), I feel that he is now a member of my own family and I have the greatest affection for him and all things Maniscalco. Keep looking down at your feet, man. You are the very best.

I just discovered Sebastian a couple years ago and now I can’t get enough. I have watched all the specials and I just started the book and it’s fantastic. I’m looking forward to seeing the movie about his dad.

While I am not one to write reviews especially on books because it's so subjective; I am biased because of the author. I had been looking forward to this book ever since I knew it was in the works, and I personally feel Sebastian Maniscalco is one of the best, if not THE best stand-up comedians, and an all around great inspiring human being to ever walk this earth. I was not paid or given any freebies to promote the book, in fact I am proud to say that I have seen Sebastian's stand-up shows numerous times, 10 to be exact, over the last 2 years (please see picture to vouch for that) - with the most recent being in Chicago for his Stay Hungry Tour. However, knowing I was getting an autographed copy of the book in the VIP goody bag didn't stop me from having pre-ordered the copy from Amazon a few months prior. It is a brutally honest, funny, and inspiring account of someone who continued to follow his dreams, WITHOUT A BACKUP plan so as to keep his focus on comedy at ALL times. In fact, that's where the book shines, because while at first glance, it may seem to be a book about food, it's anything but that. It explains the trials and tribulations of hard work, and how hard work is only limited by the amount of effort you are willing to go to ensure success. This book is a clear cut example of how, when you put your mind to something, ONLY GOOD THINGS happen, and if they don't seem like that at first, stay hungry for more because you have to outdo yourself and not lose steam, even when you're at the top of your game.Sebastian, thank you for allowing us to share in on your journey... As someone that has met you time and time again (I'm the physician from OHIO that you have come to remember by face), let me say this... I may be the doctor, but you my friend... can cure depression like nobody else can. Keep on doing what you do, I am proud to be able to be part of this journey with you and promise to continue doing so... God bless you and your beautiful family - I'm not only a fan, but a friend - and I'm fully inspired by your achievements, success - and humble demeanor. Keep it up!

I imagine most people who pick up this novel today are doing so after seeing the film of the same name with Arnold Schwarzenegger. I did. And sorry I am. While the book is surprisingly better than I expected (ah, the writer is a southerner, I realized), it is a traumatic experience to discover that the lovable characters do not meet the happy ending portrayed in the film.The novel is better art than the film and accounts for some of the eccentricities. Arnold's character, Joe Santo the bodybuilder, is incongruous in the film, while in the novel we find that the be-sandled Saint Joe with long black hair moves through the book like a messiah figure, or at least a prophet, spreading the gospel of staying hungry: "Being comfortable's like a profession or a religion, or uh, a philosophy. You get in there and you can't get out. You get fat." In a scene entirely left out from the film, the characters attend a rodeo where they participate in sacrament-like activities. Joe then helps one of the characters fulfill his dream of riding a rodeo bull, rewarding him for "staying hungry". However, the character is almost killed. Likewise, Mary Tate and the protagonist's lives fall apart in their own ways after briefly experiencing an ecstatic life together. Santo references Keats' poem Ode to Melancholy, from which we learn that pleasure and pain are inextricably linked, and that only those who are prepared to experience Melancholy can take Joy to the limit.In the end, the protagonist does not sell his inherited family home over the mountain as in the film, but retreats into it, too weak to do what's necessary to stay hungry and experience the cycles of joy and sorrow that the Romantics make into the meaning of life. What are we, the reader, to make of this? Is it a commentary on social class? On the Old South? On individual experience alone?Yes, the novel is better art than the film, but it will not make you happy. I was angry at the characters and the author for a day after reading it.

Love this guy's work, and until I read the book didn’t realise that he got there the hard way. A great read.

Everything you'd expect from this top notch comedian. Very funny and well written.

This is a story of dogged determination and a "NO PLAN B" attitude. Sebastian deserves all the success he has. His story is a must for any artist as we all see through his story that to "make it" really does belong to the 1-2% who above all else simply do not quit or back down. But this book/his journey can be applied to any area of life where one wants results. It reads like a boxing match, Seb lands a punch and then life hits him and down he goes, but he gets back up. Even when he appears he is winning and getting his dreams, down again he goes.Bravo Sebastian, bravo.Love from Toronto, Canada! We can't wait to see you live again.

great book, highly recommended especially if you're into bodybuilding

The book is absolutely great! It’s so well written and gives a great idea of how hard Sebastian worked to get where he is today. I admire him for being true to himself.Note to Amazon: I ordered 2 books, one of which was supposed to be a gift. The pages were folded over in the first quarter of the book so whoever is packing them in boxes needs to be careful. I was lucky that the other one was ok.