I've been a Dave Barry fan for decades. I wrote him a fan letter in the 1980s -- and he responded! And years later when I took my son -- an aspiring humorist himself, who in high school already had his own humor site -- to see Barry give a talk at a local synagogue, when Tom introduced himself afterwards and told Barry about his humor website, Barry was enthusiastic and supportive, and signed the copy of one of his books that Tom had brought for that purpose "I get all of my ideas from Tom's website." How cool and generous is that?
A great tribute, Jim! I loved the line of the politician who whipped his audience into a stupor. I got to know Dave Barry's humor from reading the Funny Times. That is also where I discovered the humorist Andy Borowitz, who is also on Substack.
Oh my god...I LOVED Peter and the Starcatchers. Haven't thought about it for years -- but you're right, I remember being absolutely gripped by the story and the writing.
Thank you for this review and summary of Barry's work. I am not sure I have ever read his work - that omission now feels like a gaping hole - but your post has inspired me to check it out. I am looking forward to it! I will start by subscribing to him here on Substack. Thank you again.
I've been a Dave Barry fan for decades. I wrote him a fan letter in the 1980s -- and he responded! And years later when I took my son -- an aspiring humorist himself, who in high school already had his own humor site -- to see Barry give a talk at a local synagogue, when Tom introduced himself afterwards and told Barry about his humor website, Barry was enthusiastic and supportive, and signed the copy of one of his books that Tom had brought for that purpose "I get all of my ideas from Tom's website." How cool and generous is that?
In Class Clown, Barry writes that he gets asked where he gets his ideas all the time, and usually answers “Costco.” Now we know the truth!
So good. Thank you for writing this.
A great tribute, Jim! I loved the line of the politician who whipped his audience into a stupor. I got to know Dave Barry's humor from reading the Funny Times. That is also where I discovered the humorist Andy Borowitz, who is also on Substack.
Thanks Isabella. Yes the Funny Times has great writers including Roz Warren and Bev Potter.
Oh my god...I LOVED Peter and the Starcatchers. Haven't thought about it for years -- but you're right, I remember being absolutely gripped by the story and the writing.
I hope they bring the play back, I've never seen it.
I did not know a lot of this, and OMG ALEXANDRA JUMPED SHIP??? I stopped getting the Post, but I knew she just came back from maternity leave.
I quit the Post, too, so I am glad she moved over.
I started seeing her in the Atlantic and googled it. Just happened. Love her writing.
Dave Barry is proof that much of the best humor comes from tragedy—and also from writing good jokes. Thanks, Jim!
I agree, Mike. Thank you for reading, buddy.
I am sure I will. I have read almost all of the mentors and role models of his that you mention. I just subscribed to him here on Substack.
Thank you for this review and summary of Barry's work. I am not sure I have ever read his work - that omission now feels like a gaping hole - but your post has inspired me to check it out. I am looking forward to it! I will start by subscribing to him here on Substack. Thank you again.
Hope you like him, Polly!
Thanks you for reading it, Witold!