DYN-O-MITE! by Jimmie Walker

Synopsis: Philosophical personal reflections of celebrity comedian Jimmie Walker; (aka J.J. 'Kid Dyn-o-mite'/from 70's sitcom Good Times)

Writing Style: Commercial Memoir. 

Pacing: Moderate.

Personal Highlights: For starters, this memoir surprised me in many ways. Usually I don't read intros, but loved the opening. Also heartwarming was learning what drew Jimmie to comedy. Life wasn't easy. No silver spoons or platters spread out for him. He laced up his bootstraps and increased his opportunities by getting to the right room at the right time. Interestingly enough however, the very reason I wanted to read this memoir, became the very aspect that makes Jimmie's story most significant, despite never addressing my one vexation directly.

Aside from Dick Gregory's book (a standalone on its own), what drives Jimmie and his story is Brenner's pep talk, and Jimmie's guarded, but deep respect for Cosby, and the way he paid his dues, along with his perspectives and opinions, and small things such as the way he handled signing autographs, or his later relationships with women. This memoir is so meaty that more need not be revealed. Esther Rolle probably framed it best, during a motivational talk she had with young people excited by the character J.J.. Indeed I applaud Jimmie for hurdling obstacles never meant to be scaled. My personal favorite chapters were 'Black Sheep among Black People' and 'On the Road'. Both summarized much, albeit in a painfully powerful way. Well done. Highly recommended.