I'm the One That I Want

by Margaret Cho

Book Overview

Comedian. Icon. TV star. Role model. Trash talker. Fag hag. Gypsy. Tramp. Thief. Margaret Cho displays her numerous sides in this funny, fierce, and honest memoir. As one of the country's most visible... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345440137
• ISBN13: 9780345440136
• Release Date: April 2001
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 213 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Pretty good

I thought this book was going to be all comedy. It wasn't. She told stories of stuff she actually went through. I was very surprised at a lot of things. Very interesting.

margaret's auto-biography

i literally couldn't put the thing down. there was just nowhere that i wanted to stop! it's margaret cho's life in a nutshell and it really teaches you some things about her life that you never knew happened, that she doesn't mention in her stand-up. an autobiography is an autobiography. but if you love margaret cho, get this book immediately. one of the only books i actually own.

Rockin'

I don't need Margaret to be funny in her autobiography, I only want that from her on stage. All I require of an autobiography is a life worth talking about, honesty, and the talent necessary to make me feel bonded to the author. I found that here. I was actually somewhat surprised by Margaret's simple yet profound writing style. Fans coming to this book lookin for a laugh will be disappointed. Fans coming to this book to learn more about the serious side of Margaret, about alchoholism, about self-acceptance, depression, about addiction, and about degradation will find what they want here. I think the author of Prozac Nation said it best when she made reference to the fact that so many of her readers complained they found her autobiography "irritating" and she responded that it was exactly the effect that she was going for, because depression in it's sense of endlessness is irritating. One keeps hoping, while reading this book, that the depression is over, wanting to scream "snap out of it." Those of us who have lived with depression or have lived with someone who has depression can understand the feeling. I recommend Cho's book for it's courage, honesty, and wit.

A warning: This is not a funny book!

Well, it is, in parts. But she goes into such detail about her personal problems (drinking, drugs, sex, strict dieting) that this book is in turns depressing, disturbing, and poignant.Nevertheless, it is an excellent autobiography. One wishes for such frankness and forthrightness in autobiographies. Margaret Cho does not whitewash. She comes right out. More authors should be so blunt in their writing.So, it's not a comedy, but it does illustrate the sources of her top-of-the-line standup routines. If she can go through all of these awful situations and still come out on top, then more power to her.

Disappointed.

The title of this reflects my opinion of the most recent "reviewers" and their responses to this book, not the book itself--which I love. Too many of them did not like this book because they were expecting something "funny" or whatever. Typecasting--that's typical America, I suppose.The fact is, whether or not you like Cho's comedy should be irrelevant when actually rating her autobiography. And when a person can get beyond his/her preconceived notions, I think that he/she would find it to be a sincere and intelligent reading. Cho does something that many people overlook when addressing discrimination and identity: she brings forth issues regarding gays and lesbians, overweight people and Asian Americans. It's appalling to know that *All American Girl* was the first sitcom based on an Asian family! Think about it.Margaret Cho, in her autobiography, may be angry at the people who have wronged her in the past; however, she serves as an example to all of us by not taking herself as serious as "True Hollywood Story" celebrities and instead deconstructing herself honestly for us. Her strength in her identity is rare among anyone in the public eye.I recommend this text to anyone who is interested in identity politics, self love and deconstruction, minority issues and all related topics.And those who said that her humor isn't really conveyed in the text are mistaken--all of her recent material makes fun of her tragedy but is still VERY serious. Just don't typecast her into what you want her to be (or are afraid to be yourself) and you'll enjoy the experience.

Comedian, TV Star, Icon, Fag Hag...................

Margaret (Moran) may be known as a lot of things; comedian, TV Star, Icon, Fag Hag, but what she really is a warm, passionate, and wise woman. I expected this book to be a very funny autobiography, but was surprised at how serious this book turned out to be. Margaret has certainly experienced many low points in her life along with a few highs. I think Margaret Cho deserves a lot of credit for exposing to the world the many problems she has had dealing with drugs, alcohol, and a failing TV sitcom, plus the fact she's an Asian-American and the prejudice that she has experienced because of this. I think that's why she has always been so supportive and accepting of other minorities and has established a large gay following. She has a unique perspective on personal identity and acceptance. This gives her comedy an edge, and the courage to say what she really feels about human nature and the world we live in.I had a hard time putting this book down. As I said, there are some funny parts, but most of this is a serious reflection on her life up to now. It gave me an honest look into the real "Margaret Cho." Yes, she does sound spiteful and a little revengeful in some parts of the book, but who wouldn't be with the hatred, and prejudice she has experienced in her life. However, I think she has become a better person for it. She hasn't lost her sense of humor, and still deeply cares about others, especially outsiders. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.