Pryor Convictions: And Other Life Sentences

by Richard Pryor and Todd Gold

Book Overview

Finally back in print, Richard Pryor's 1995 smash hit Pryor Convictions follows Pryor's life from his upbringing in a brothel in Peoria, Illinois, where he was sexually assaulted by a man in his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 037570048X
• ISBN13: 9780375700484
• Release Date: September 1997
• Publisher: Pantheon Books
• Length: 257 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

The most Honest You can get

You will love reading his stories and can still hear his tone and comedic timing even in his writing.

World's Most Profane and Profound Autobiography

In chapter 20 of this book Richard Pryor offhandedly calls his comedy style "profane and profound" and inadvertently sums up his life and this book perfectly. This is at various times the most dirtyminded, hilarious, shocking, or downright disturbing autobiography you may ever read, but always with his great dark humor. With a bizarre and damaging childhood in Peoria, Richard Pryor was raised in his grandmother's place of business - which happened to be a whorehouse with all of its shady and unwholesome characters. A violent and painful childhood full of profanity and prejudice came out in Richard's comedy, which was truly groundbreaking in its shocking honesty. He lived a wild life in the spotlight, with addictions and a constant parade of rough women, including five wives that he divorced six times. The wives are hard to keep track of, but Richard is always brutally honest about his attitudes toward women even if it's rarely pretty. He also has a very refreshing outlook on racial matters, as the prejudice that was so damaging failed to ruin his respect for all people of any color. Most of the tail end of the book concerns his nearly born again soul searching about his infamous addictions and latest losing battle with multiple sclerosis. In addition to Richard's straightforward and unforgiving narratives, there are very frequent asides from one of his stage characters, Mudbone, who here is acting as his even more brutally honest alter ego. This gives the book an often jarring schizophrenic character, and surely reflects the true workings of Pryor's dark genius.

More Respect than "Pryor"

This has to be one of the most honest and compelling autobiographies I ever read! I have an immense amount of respect for the intimate details that Rich felt comfortable with sharing with readers about his early life and personal problems. Though some parts dealt with painful issues, the comedic genius he is, he manages to have readers smiling through tears. I found it particularly painful to read his battle with MS, which I watched my mother suffer with, but again, the humor is always there. Richard Pryor is the epitomy of a survivor, not to mention one of the most talented comedians of our time. This was a very inspirational and enjoyable read and I recommend the purchase A.S.A.P.

Joy and Pain.

PRYOR CONVICTIONS made have changed the names to protect the innocent, but the story that unfolded made up for it. Richard Pryor's life has been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, starting with his childhood, his molestation and rearing in a brothel to his complicated teens and young adulthood, when he felt he needed everyone's approval to live his life. Even as he reached maturity, he still felt he needed to belong to someone and needed to believe in something. It is this pyschological imbalance that drives him to drugs, numerous wives, and even more sexual conquests, but, in the end, he still felt alone and lost. He found out that the only need he couldn't live without was the need to be himself and the power to love who he is. Very candid and explicit, this is the real Richard Pryor, and, for better or worse, this is his story.

very honest

this man is a legend.he is bigger than comedy.he is everyday life.this book reflects the flaws & the genius of this man.i used to wait until my folks were asleep and sneak his tapes on.they were extremly funny but also thought provoking.it dealt with issues that he was facing.race being the number one factor.and he was very open and straight to the point about it.sex he didn't hold back his thoughts.same with drugs.his work is still imitated & sampled.the man has left a lasting impact on my life and countless others.this is one of the greatest biographys that i've ever read.captivating and honest just like the man.must read.he is the king of comedy for me.

Fascinating

In Pryor Convictions and other life sentences, Richard Pryortells all about his bumpy journey through life. The best thing aboutthis memoir of Mr. Pryor's life is he kept it real. After reading the book, I developed a greater respect for this man because through all the rain and pain he survived, admitted to his mistakes, and moved on. Richard Pryor's work shows that he's talented, but his life proves that he's special.