Like a Lampshade in a Whorehouse

by Phyllis Diller

Book Overview

From housewife to humorist, Phyllis Diller has been making millions laugh for five decades with her groundbreaking comedy. With unique material, a raucous laugh, wild hair, the trademark cigarette... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585423963
• ISBN13: 9781585423965
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Tarcher
• Length: 266 Pages
• Weight: 1.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.6" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Blazed the trail for female comics

Phyllis Diller is one of the gems that we have forgotten today. Before there was Roseanne, before women even had jobs besides being the wife and mother, before women had as many choices, there was Phyllis Diller. Many have accused this book of sounding bitter and hostile, but if you look at the lives of many comics (Richard Pryor, John Belushi, Roseanne, etc.), many of them came from sad circumstances. Rather than becoming bitter and another addition to their sad surroundings, they are able to laugh. Because sometimes all you can do is laugh otherwise you're going to blow your head off. Phyllis was one of those, born to elderly parents and living in poverty in Ohio. At age 20 she married her first husband while pregnant with her first child, because in those days that's what you did. Her first husband and the antics of their doomed marriage would later become material for her original routine, and he would be immortalized as Fang. Phyllis overcame her bad marriage, and had the courage to start her comedy career at age 40 having no experience besides being a housewife and mother. Not a glamorous job by any means, but that was what she knew. As the first woman comic, her peers had an easier time rising to stardom than her, but while she stuggled her efforts set her as a pioneer for women in entertainment. Living well is the best reward. And what God didn't give her, teams of plastic surgeons did later in life. She became the standard for which many future women comics set their standards and material. What a great accomplishment.

WHATTA BOOK; WHATTA PERSON

It is so interesting to read about a multi talented person who is supremely successful where they reveal the downside parts of their life and wonder why they did what they did...but they did it. Like Phyllis Diller, I read a most wonderful book "The Magic of Believing" by Claude Bristol when I was in my early 20's that did change my life, but not to the extent that she transformed herself because of that book. Many miserable things happened to her traveling through her life journey, but she was always optimistic and overcame the adversities. This book has funny parts, however, it is really an autobiography and details the life of the author. A marvelous read and a story that should get more than 5 stars.

She's terrific

I am in my early sixties so I can remember when Phyllis Diller was appearing on all the variety shows. She was hysterical. But as this book shows she is also a hardworking, warm BRAVE woman with great spirit. She had 6 kids!!!! Who knew? She tells a great story for women and is so funny. Enjoyable.

What an amazing story. What an amazing woman!

What do you think of when you hear the name Phyllis Diller? Funny jokes? Crazy wigs? Her infectious laugh? Well, that ain't the half of it. Like a Lampshade in a Whorehouse is the story of a woman who grabbed onto a dream and refused to let it go. Despite overwhelming odds, heartbreaking misfortune and lifelong personal insecurities, Phyllis Diller did what every one of us dreams of doing; she refused to accept her circumstances, decided exactly what she wanted to become and then became it. And best of all, she did it her way. If you have ever dreamed of accomplishing something but allowed doubt to stop you from trying, read this book. It will touch your heart. It will make you laugh. But most important, it will help you find the strength you'll need to make your own dreams come true. Thank you Ms. Diller. While I have admired your comedy for years, I will admire your tenacity forever.