Everyone I know is reading It Never Ends: A Memoir With Nice Memories by Tom Scharpling. The reviews are coming in fast and furious over the text boards — it’s a hit! A barrel of laughs. 😝
For the uninitiated, Tom Scharpling is a comedian, television writer (Monk), producer, and most notably, the host of weekly call in radio show The Best Show.
Tom is a proud New Jerseyan, which makes me automatically love him. Admittedly, I am about 17 or so years late to The Best Show party. The story of the show is not mine to tell. I’m a casual listener. But I feel at home whenever I do chose to check-in to his universe. 💫
Most of the time I am only in it for the call from his long time comedy partner, Jon Wurster. I understand this makes me a fraud — time is precious people! Tom also hates golf and Frank Zappa. That’s going to be a NO from me dog. But seriously, fuck him.
For me, the Philly Boy Roy character (above) is the greatest achievement in comedy.. ever. I feel like I owe it to Tom to buy and read his book solely for his role in crafting such a beautiful comedic specimen. I am not much of a laugh out loud chuckling guy, but these always get me going.
Most memoirs feel like they are being dictated down from on high. Someone at the apex breaking it all down for the less fortunate. Those not in the know. It Never Ends is a conversation. Tom is sort of just catching everyone up. His story seems like it’s just getting started.
It was really fun to read. If you love The Best Show, you will love this book. If you enjoy an underdog story, you will love this book. If you hate Billy Joel — you will love this book. If you are from Central New Jersey you will enjoy the part when Tom talks about eating at the Panera on Nassau Street in Princeton. You will also love this book.
I truly hope you are enjoying your summer. If you want to let me know what you are reading - that would be very cool! Looking forward to hearing from each and every one of you.
Peace and love.
Just finished this. It's good! Kinda wanted more behind the curtain of the show, but as a personal memoir it really struck a nice balance between the serious and laughs. I've listened to so many hours of the man talking, it was cool to hear more about what his actual life has been.
I’m checking all four boxes on your “…You Will Love This Book” checklist. In Sharpie. I aspire to be a Best Show completionist, but I can only claim “casual listener” status like you. Dropping in whenever I need an shot in the arm—just a little dose of Jersey to balance out this content west coast energy.