"Openly Bob" contains a series of humorous essays from comic Bob Smith, talking about living openly as a gay man. From his parents accepting his partner into the family fold to surviving couples therapy to auditioning for plays and TV roles in Los Angeles, Bob shows that his life is just like anyone else's. I laughed and smiled quite a bit while reading. I have to admit that sometimes, though, it felt a little forced, like many paragraphs were set ups for punch lines. I didn't mind that, but my laughs were tempered a bit. Smith's knack for humor really shined, however, when he just wrote without trying to create a joke. In the essay "Ma Nature", for example, he described a group of birdwatchers in Central Park (to which he belongs) and compares them to different species of bird.

"There are gay men who, like some birds, give away their identities as soon as they open their mouths. Everyone can spot the flamingos of our species, but most gay men are more like the confusing sparrows where the differences are more subtle. We have to look for distinguishing field marks. Check for the arched eyebrow. Is that a nipple ring? What ruffles his feathers?" (pp. 82-83)

"Openly Bob" offers a humorous look into the everyday life of a gay man. Read it, and it will definitely put a smile on your face. ( )

Smith was the first openly gay comic to appear on The Tonight Show. Given that I am long asleep before the show comes on, I did not see him on there and had few expectations of this book beyond hearing from a friend years ago that it was hilarious. And you know what? It absolutely was hilarious. This is a memoir of sorts in the form of essays that Smith has written dealing with being gay and being a grown-up. He takes on all sorts of topics like needing couples counseling, coming out to his parents, taking his boyfriend home to meet his quirky family, working as a comic, auditioning for roles as the stereotypical gay man, and so much more. The tone throughout these connected essays is humorous and amusing and while a few pieces have bits that might date them, it is also instructive that some of his politically relevant jibes are still, unfortunately, relevant, 12 years after this book won a Lambda Literary Award. Smith has a biting humor and a sharp wit and those who enjoy word play, will find much to admire here. Although the essays were certainly polished over time, it is clear that Smith must be a pretty darn funny stand-up comic off the cuff as well. He's insightful and observant and quirky and the book stands as an entertaining testament to the ups and downs in one gay man's slightly offbeat life. Read this one when you want to laugh, a lot. ( )

As an openly gay comic, Bob Smith broke barriers with an appearance on 'The Tonight Show.' Now Smith offers up his own original, whine-free perspective on being grown up and gay.In OPENLY BOB, the acclaimed comedian candidly, and humorously, tackles issues facing grown-up gays as they make their place in an overwhelmingly straight society. From bringing your boyfriend home to your father's funeral, to being the only gay couple at a family wedding, to surviving couples counseling, Smith's decidedly wry spin on the events of our lives resonates with keen observation and hilarious truth.