David Cross drinks to win

David Cross’ cynical, absurd and socially conscience comedy has been evident for well over a decade with his stand-up routines, his television show (“Mr. Show with Bob and David”) and now in book form.

Books written by stand-up comedians often contain a lot of laughs yet lack social commentary, which is usually something people who read such books like.

Yet, with Cross’ “I Drink for a Reason,” he not only indulges into “Mr. Show” style bits, but also goes after religion, class and politics in a humorous way.

“I Drink for a Reason” is a collection of short stories, essays, random thoughts and pointless, yet funny, lists of various things (best one being a top ten list of CDs to listen to while reading CD reviews on pitchfork.com).

There are serious aspects of the book as well.

Cross writes of an especially depressing break-up with an old girlfriend which a lot of people more than likely could relate to.

He writes about the emotional rollercoaster of depression and sudden joy, only to find himself at a supermarket crying at the apples.

Cross even settles some scores in this book.

He reprints a blog written by someone who was insulted by one of his stand-up appearances.

He then reprints his comment back to the blogger detailing the incorrect facts dispelled and does not hide his dislike of anonymous people dishing out lies and half-truths on the Internet.

“I Drink for a Reason” also (one could even say lazily) reprints items Cross has published in various media outlets.

While this at first seemed to be a cop-out, the material is incredible.

Two items stand out in the old material.

The first one is his open letter to the incredibly unfunny Larry the Cable Guy. Larry the Cable guy “wrote” a book a few years back and one chapter was dedicated to bashing Cross and other comedians of his ilk.

Apparently Larry did not enjoy being called a racist and took Cross’ Rolling Stone interview in which he says Larry’s routine is somewhat racist on stage. Cross, in his open letter, quotes the infamous Cable Guy numerous times on his racist comments towards Muslims.

The other stand out is Cross’ “Cigar Corner” bits, which are dedicated to making fun of Jim Belushi.

Cross starts off by explaining an episode he etndured when he met Belushi while making a film that left Cross bitter at the arrogance of the man.

In the “Cigar Corner” bits, Cross makes Belushi out to be a conceded asshole that screws transvestite strippers and works the truck stop areas across the U.S. dressed in drag performing tricks in men’s bathrooms.

While much of this book is incredibly hilarious, it does at times become preachy and self-righteous.

Sometimes his arrogance about being an atheist and drumming on about how religion can be stupid or corrupt can start becoming the reading equivalent of a broken needle replaying a verse of a song over and over.

Yet, these moments are not much of a distraction.

If someone buys this book with a base knowledge of the comedian beyond “Arrested Development,” it is pretty much expected from Cross.

These topics are covered on both his stand-up records he has done.

Another bothersome aspect of the book are a few glaring editing mistakes.

Many times there are sentences which need a comma or a semi-colon.

Some quote symbols end where they should not and the consistency in his prose sometimes seems as if it should have had one more look over in the editing department.

Despite these minor distractions, “I Drink for a Reason” is a good book.

The chapters are short and easily digestible (whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is up to individual readers).

The quality of the humor and insights are well thought out and are written fantastically.

The political content is probably more researched and thought out than any book written by some pundit from FOX, MSNBC, CNN or any other so-called journalist who seemingly does not understand the word “objective.”

“I Drink for a Reason” is highly recommended for fans of “Mr. Show” and those who are fans of quality humor. Those who are aware of Cross by means of “Arrested Development” or “Alvin and the Chipmunks” may want to research a bit more on Cross’ humor before buying this.