Why Not? Lessons on Comedy, Courage, and Chutzpah

Stand-up comic, actor, and writer Schiff’s collection of essays shares experiences from his 50-year career and his childhood in New York City. In short, manageable chapters, this book examines a less than ideal childhood, his Jewish faith, parenting, marriage, sobriety, health, love, and comedy. His essays read like a well-honed stand-up routine, with a mixture of somber truth and self-deprecating humor. Readers get insight into Schiff’s family life, as well as his longtime relationships with comics, including Jerry Seinfeld, whom Schiff has toured with extensively. Seinfeld wrote the foreword for this book. Schiff’s Jewish faith centers the collection, with footnotes explaining Yiddish terms and other faith-based practices. Essay topics range from love letters to Schiff’s comedy heroes, such as Rodney Dangerfield and George Burns, to becoming a grandparent during the pandemic and the value of living in a Jewish neighborhood. Fans of Schiff will find the well-written book full of insights into his personal life and career.