Why the Long Face?: The Adventures of a Truly Independent Actor

By Craig Chester

Book Overview

Craig Chester's witty and wry observations on his life and those who have occupied it come together to create this funny, sentimental, yet irreverent collection of essays. From the backroads of Texas to the boardrooms of Hollywood, Craig Chester is unabashedly honest about the pain and the unique rewards of remaining an outsider in an insider's world. While his family prepares to watch the apocalypse from their rooftop with a bucket of KFC, Craig is trying to climb the social ladder at school by saving his neighbors from their sinful ways and speaking in tongues (with not-so-successful results). Along the way Craig experiences gender confusion at grade-school summer camp and has massive reconstructive surgery to correct his deformed teenage face, only to emerge and realize that Hollywood success isn't always measured in externals, but also in the machinations of the heart and how much you don't show. All along he expertly captures the feeling of what it's like to not always fit in--and have that be okay--with a comic timing that's tuned in to the heart and soul of trying to get by day to day. His tales of life, from growing up in the Bible Belt to starring in nine films, prove that the average American life is anything but normal.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312287135
• ISBN13: 9780312287139
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.6" x 1.1" x 5.7"

Customer Reviews

A Truly Inventive Writer

This wry, witty, entertaining, and eminently readable tome is about as different from your typical paint-by-numbers, self-serving, egocentric showbiz autobiography as any I've ever read. Rather than blandly follow the timeline of his life and career, actor Craig Chester - an "openly gay" performer who never came out of the closet because he was never in it! - introduces himself to his readers through a series of clever and thought-provoking essays in which he uses his past as a launching pad to discuss general topics on which he wishes to comment. This fresh and unusual approach allows the reader both to pick up on the threads of Chester's life story and to get a handle on his personality, as well as his views on the worlds of filmmaking, gay politics, relationships, and many other subjects. Chester's writing proves that should he ever decide to abandon acting, he has another equally vital career awaiting him as a writer. "Why the Long Face?" is one of those books you have trouble putting down, and wish would never end. Very highly recommended!

Laugh fest all the way--but also much wisdom in the telling

WHY THE LONG FACE? is one of the funniest books I have read in years--and mind you, I have only just read the first two chapters. The first (camp) had a smile on my smile throughout, and the second (Halloween) had me laughing aloud. I have no doubt that I am going to enjoy every chapter that follows, and I have no problem puting pen to paper and calling the work positively delicious only 22 pages into it. I toss more books than I finish, as I am easily bored--but this book hooked me immediately. Chester's delightfully bizarre personality, truly independent take on life, and wonderfully wicked wit shine on every page; they are just what the doctor ordered after a week of stress at work. I feel as if I have a friend sitting next to me on my couch, cracking me up with tales of his most offbeat moments. The world needs more writers/actors/genuine human beings like Craig Chester! Bravo!

A Must Read!!!

I absolutley loved this book. I thought the title was intriguing so I bought it. I was delighfully surprised. Mr. Chester is one of the best writers I have had the privelege to read in a long time. This book is hilarious, touching and insightful. I hope he writes another book soon. We need more writers like him. I have not laughed nor been moved so much by a book in a very long time. Kudos to you Mr. Chester for writing such a wonderful book and sharing your fascinating life with us.

Laugh! Laugh! Laugh!

I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book this much! With the exception of a particular sad point in his life, Craig Chester's story was incredibly entertaining. Considering my reading was done mainly outdoors, I received numerous wondering looks from people around me because I would burst out laughing! Craig Chester puts his words in such a way that you can't help but enjoy yourself page after page. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to smile and laugh while they read!

Couldn't put the book down

This book made me laugh and cry. Not since Robert Fulghum's All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarden, have I found a book so easy to read and one that you will not want to put down. Can't wait for the sequel.