FICTION

Is This Guy for Real?: The Unbelievable Andy Kaufman

by Box BROWN
illus. by Box Brown. 272p. bibliog. websites. First Second. Feb. 2018. pap. $19.99. ISBN 9781626723160.
COPY ISBN
Brown tells the story of actor and comedian Andy Kaufman in this biography. Teens may not be aware of Kaufman, who's best known for his character on the TV series Taxi, but his story makes for good reading. Inspired by the over-the-top wrestling villains he loved as a child, he created despicable characters in his comic acts to goad audiences into hating him. After appearing on Saturday Night Live and starring in Taxi, Kaufman found his way into the world of wrestling by challenging female opponents. Brown did extensive research on Kaufman's life, including several in-person interviews with those who knew him well—truly necessary to get through the layers of the actor/comedian's public personas. The black-and-white art is simple but gives life to the humor and situations.
VERDICT A sympathetic tale about a challenging subject. Hand to teens interested in pro wrestling or the entertainment industry.
Reviewed by Allison McLean, Elkhart Public Library, IN , May 01, 2018

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