This book documents, with grace, the rise of the comedian Patton Oswalt. While I didn't always find his reviews of the films he was seeing at the time interesting (or at least not in the ways that I felt drove the plot), the parts of this book that truly shined were those where Patton was detailing his life with other comedians, and how the venues changed and shifted as he grew into who he is. An excellent read for fans and soon-to-be fans.

The novel Silver Screen Fiend, by the comedian Patton Oswalt, isn't another romp in stand up but almost feels like it. While it isn't as focused on comedy as his stand he does try to make the book funny and for the most part it works. His comedic style is very hit or miss for most but is very refined for this book and even if you don't like his comedy there is a lot more to this book. This book touches upon many deep themes of depression and self image and the especially dark theme of addiction. However dark this book may go, it is always one step ahead of itself and can go back to more comedic elements whenever it want to. The major flaw with this book is that I feel as though if you are not a film buff you will be pretty bored by most of the book, and this issue is extremely apparent even to film buffs like myself. But all in all this book is extremely enjoyable if you like Patton Oswalt.

Comedian/actor/writer Patton Oswalt is a smart dude who unabashedly embraces his geekery, while also mocking it. His first book, "Zombie Wasteland Spaceship" was one of the better of the recent wave of comedian books. His follow-up focuses on his "addiction" to film, as well as his stand up career, his initial movie ("Down Periscope"!) and film appearances, and his life in general. It's a fast, engaging read that will appeal to fans of his comedy, but also to anyone who has an insatiable thirst for film of all kinds and all levels of quality. Two thumbs up!

If you're not really a movie buff, this book will probably be too boring for you. I was excited to listen to Patton Oswalt, I think he is hilarious--but this isn't as approachable as his normal humor.

Though not necessarily packed with jokes, this second book from comedian Oswalt does have lots of stories. From coming up as a struggling comic trying to find his voice to the parallels of his obsession with cinema, it's a fun read.