Zombie Spaceship Wasteland

A Book by Patton Oswalt

By: Patton Oswalt

Narrated by: Patton Oswalt

Length: 3 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Prepare yourself for a journey through the world of Patton Oswalt, one of the most creative, insightful, and hysterical voices on the entertain­ment scene today. Widely known for his roles in the films Big Fan and Ratatouille, as well as the television hit The King of Queens, Patton Oswalt—a staple of Comedy Central—has been amusing audiences for decades. Now, with Zombie Spaceship Wasteland, he offers a fascinating look into his most unusual, and lovable, mindscape.

Oswalt combines memoir with uproarious humor, from snow forts to Dungeons & Dragons to gifts from Grandma that had to be explained. He remem­bers his teen summers spent working in a movie Cineplex and his early years doing stand-up. Readers are also treated to several graphic elements, includ­ing a vampire tale for the rest of us and some greeting cards with a special touch. Then there’s the book’s centerpiece, which posits that before all young creative minds have anything to write about, they will home in on one of three story lines: zom­bies, spaceships, or wastelands.

Oswalt chose wastelands, and ever since he has been mining our society’s wasteland for perversion and excess, pop culture and fatty foods, indie rock and single-malt scotch. Zombie Spaceship Wasteland is an inventive account of the evolution of Patton Oswalt’s wildly insightful worldview, sure to indulge his legion of fans and lure many new admirers to his very entertaining “wasteland.”

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2011 Simon & Schuster (P)2011 Lord Loudoun, Inc

Critic reviews

"Patton Oswalt is a brilliant rarity; a relentlessly creative and original comic who is also a superb writer. If you don’t buy this book you are a fool and I will, I swear, fight you.” (Conan O’Brien)

Fans of Patton Oswalt’s standup comedy have always known he was a born writer at heart, and now here’s the proof. This is a surprisingly affecting, sincere and daresay vulnerable collection of essays, all keenly observed, always very funny.” (Dave Eggers)

“Perfect—I can describe Patton’s book the same way I describe his stand up—brilliant and prolific, I am slackjawed, amazed, and left feeling both inspired and fraudulent.” (Sarah Silverman)

“Patton Oswalt is among the funniest on-stage talking humans I am aware of, so it annoys me deeply that he is also an incredibly talented writer. It annoys me, but it does not surprise me. Every sentence in this book is funny (except for the sad ones), but it also brims with Oswalt-ian smarts and surprising poignancy.” (John Hodgman)

Love Patton, Hate the "Book"

I really love Patton Oswalt's comedy. He is amazing. This "book" is not amazing. I have a hard time calling it a book. There are a couple of funny stories and a lot of other stuff that I don't know what to call.

AVOID THIS BOOK!

that was...weird!

What made the experience of listening to Zombie Spaceship Wasteland the most enjoyable?

Patton's voice rocks and his storytelling ability is such that even a lame story SOUNDS interesting enough to keep listening and remember.

Would you be willing to try another book from Patton Oswalt? Why or why not?

possibly. this memior hodgepodge thing was definitely... weird.

Which character – as performed by Patton Oswalt – was your favorite?

Descriptions of childhood and early performance experiences were my favorite. He was so normal and down to earth, I could relate.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no, not really. It was nice listening a little at a time as I took walks with my dog.

Any additional comments?

now I know how to play D and D. Thanks, Patton.

Strange non sequiturs throughout.

It was a fine set of stories. However a few of them were poorly setup or just straight cold started without any context and so wildly different from the previous story that I thought I was just missing a chapter. Not his best book, but if you're a fan, it won't bother you much.

Best book I have ever heard.

Honestly, give it a listen, or read it, either way, you're welcome. A genius masterfully reads to you some of the best autobiographical words ever written.

A Must Have For Any Comedy Nerd

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. Patton Oswalt is one of the Best working stand-ups out there right now.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Zombie Spaceship Wasteland?

A History of America from 1988 to 1996 As Recounted by the Three Types of Comedians I Opened for While Working Clubs on the Road. It's Simple amazing

Which character – as performed by Patton Oswalt – was your favorite?

Rodney.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Packed with Laugh Out Loud chapters and the memoir-stlye chapters are very enjoyable for those (like me) who like to get a look into the head of a comedian.

Any additional comments?

I hate to repeat myself but Patton Oswalt is one of the Best Working Stand-Ups out there right now. This is A MUST HAVE for any comedy nerd. I would also recommend picking up the Paperback print copy as there is some additional material.

Can't listen to narrator

Would you try another book from Patton Oswalt and/or Patton Oswalt?

maybe but probably not

Would you ever listen to anything by Patton Oswalt again?

no

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Drifted from normal speech to quiet kindergarten inaudible. What did he say? Audible book with footnotes is distracting and indicate an unplanned writing.

Do you think Zombie Spaceship Wasteland needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Absolutely not

Any additional comments?

What was I thinking when I bought it?

Not as funny as well written

If you could sum up Zombie Spaceship Wasteland in three words, what would they be?

Zombie spaceship wasteland.

Would you recommend Zombie Spaceship Wasteland to your friends? Why or why not?

No. This books audience is for a certain type of people. A niche market. It won't be universally appreciated, so I say no. With that said, it is enjoyable if you are the target demographic.

Which scene was your favorite?

The D&D "scene" and poem.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, but I did find it surprisingly well written. While I am a fan of his standup, this book was more honest, philosophical, and well written than funny. You can tell Patton is well read and has a passion for literature, movies, music, etc.

definitely worth the listen

this audio book encapsulates the awkwardness of youth from the perspective of a particularly geeky child, to adult and parenthood of a great comedian.

Perfect for any Patton Oswalt fan!

Where does Zombie Spaceship Wasteland rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

#1

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A nerdy philosopher and his life

Any additional comments?

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys Patton Oswalt's work. It was, for me, a way of even better understanding each of his stand-up specials, like a behind the scenes for his life and how he sees it.

A right chickamoo!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

i love this man's voice. i could listen to him for hours! oh wait. i did! yay!

Who was your favorite character and why?

i really love the Wines by the Glass characters.i laughed out loud while jogging when i first heard this chapter. by the way - it's very difficult to job AND laugh out loud. Darn you, Patton!

Which character – as performed by Patton Oswalt – was your favorite?

Patton Oswalt!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Smile Hole!