I didn’t anticipate to be bowled over by Seth Rogen’s book, but when I remembered his impassioned speech before Congress about the devastation caused by Alzheimer’s I thought it was worth a second look. Much like his thoughtful words on Capital Hill, this collection of personal essays is far more than the low hanging fruit of stoner stories. (Yes, there are plenty of stoner stories too.) Throughout the span of Rogen’s life, quirks abound – whether it’s a mohel who needs a bris routine or Steve Wozniak inviting him to the Magic Castle on a segway, wacky moments seem to just find him and prove that idosyncracies are found amongst celebs and normies alike.
In Yearbook, Rogen shares not only how he got into comedy, but how his upbringing – and, yes, his Jewish culture was a big part of that upbringing – informed that comedy. It’s not a rundown of his famous work or famous friends. Those are all mentioned, but it’s more about learning from adolescent mishaps (and professional ones, like The Interview) and finding humor in the mundane but adorably eccentric things around you.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Pair with: Weed and a movie, of course.
Peaches to Apples 