A Carlin Home Companion: Growing Up with George

The voice of a generation, George Carlin gave the world some of the most iconic comedy routines of the last century. From the “Seven Dirty Words” and “A Place for My Stuff”, to “Religion is Bullshit” and “The American Dream”, he perfected the art of making audiences double over with laughter while simultaneously waking people up to the realities of modern life.

Few people glimpsed the inner life of this beloved comedian, but his only child, Kelly, was there to see it all. Kelly not only watched her father constantly reinvent himself and his comedy, but also had a front row seat to the roller coaster turmoil of her family’s inner life—alcoholism, cocaine addiction, life-threatening health scares, and a crushing debt to the IRS. All the while, Kelly sought to define her own voice as she separated from the shadow of her father’s genius.

With rich humor and deep insight, Kelly Carlin pulls back the curtain on what it was like to grow up as the daughter of one of the most recognizable comedians of our time.

“[A] sensitively observed portrait.” ―New York Times Book Review

“There are a lot of nights I still wish I could sit next to George and talk; this is the next best thing.” ―Jon Stewart

“As a fan, this book is essential. As a comic, this book is profound.” ―Margaret Cho

“Kelly Carlin...gives great insight into a man who was a hero to many, but a father to one.” ―Bill Maher