A few weeks ago I received a copy of Pat Cooper: How Dare You Say How Dare Me?
By Pat Cooper, Rich Herschlag, Steve Garrin to read and review from the publisher, Square One Publishers for review. (Note I received a complimentary review copy but did not receive compensation for this review. The opinions are my unbiased opinion). 
Hardcover: 262 pages
- Publisher: Square One Publishers (November 1, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 075700363X
- ISBN-13: 978-0757003639
- Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
To be honest, I couldn’t place the name but the face and characteristic glasses looked so familiar. Getting his “big break” on The Jackie Gleason Show, Pat Cooper opened for the likes of Bop Hope, George Burns, Tony Bennett, and even Bobby Darin. At age 82, Pat Cooper is still going; appearing in Analyze This and Analyze That. Chalked full of anecdotes and humorous stories, Pat Cooper, Rich Herschlag, and Steve Garrin tell the story of how the son of Italian Immigrants stumbled upon the career of a life time. Born Pasquale Caputo, Pat Cooper was given his stage name by a stage manager who couldn't say his name. Mistaken for a Jewish guy impersonating an Italian guy, Pat - who shtick was rambling on about his Italian family and life-tells his story in the same stand up humor his shows were done in. You get lost in the pages as he tells how his mother and father felt he was a failure for not becoming a bricklayer. You can almost hear the Italian oozing off the pages.
His account of life and show business is humorous, sad, and enlightening. Like many greats before him, he builds his routine around real life trials and tribulations but with an honesty that makes you laugh out loud because you know it’s all too real to be fake. His stubbornness and pull no punches approach to life and his routine allows his talent transcends decades.
What I liked: His honest telling of his life. He doesn't hold anything back good or bad. Some autobiographic telling of one's life tends to steer towards the positive side and not shine any light on the wrongs in their life. Pat Cooper doesn't do that. If he screwed up, he tells you he did. If someone else screwed up, he tells you. It's a refreshing turn on an autobiography.
What I didn't like: It's written as if he sitting there telling your his story. At first, it's somewhat cumbersome to get the hang of it. But once you do the story flows well. You get lost in the pages and feel like you're right there in the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and even the 80's as he takes on the comedy world.
Overall, this was a great book telling the story of overcoming many obstacles from a difficult family, being in the right place at the right time, and learning as went. Even if you’ve never heard of Pat Cooper this book is a great read. If you’re looking for a story about determination and not letting what others tell you stand in your way, pick up this book.
For those of you interested in seeing the great Pat Cooper in action:
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