Review – Silverstein and Me by Marv Gold
A Memoir of Cartoonist Shel Silverstein by a Lifelong Friend
Oct 27, 2009
Ten years after his passing, Shel Silverstein (1930-1999) is often still described as a Renaissance Man. An author, artist, songwriter, poet and more, it was as a cartoonist where Chicago-born Sheldon Alan Silverstein got his start.
Silverstein's Cartoons Ran From Playboy to Children's Books
First doing “gag” cartoons (single frame jokes) for the U.S. Army’s Stars and Stripes, followed soon by a 40-year freelance gig with Playboy magazine, Silverstein remains best-known for his children’s books, like The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends. But he was also (among other artistic pursuits) a prolific songwriter, penning more than 700, including Johnny Cash’s hit "A Boy Named Sue" and Dr. Hook’s "Cover of the Rolling Stone."
With all those credentials, it might be assumed that much has been written about such a diverse talent, but that’s not the case. A true recluse, Silverstein never married, divided his time between houses in various parts of the country, was continually on the move, and kept friends at a distance, often telling them “I need my space.”
Although it saw extended periods of minimal contact, one of the friendships that lasted a lifetime for Silverstein was with childhood pal and fellow cartoonist Marv Gold. Gold’s recent memoir, Silverstein and Me, has been welcomed as one of the few first-hand remembrances of Shel Silverstein in the decade since his death at age 68.
Silverstein and Me is not really a biography, but more of an anecdotal memoir, or collection of reminiscences, and a funny bunch they are. The promotional materials state that “Shel’s fans will question this book,” perhaps because Gold pulls no punches in relating the often wild and crazy moments the two experienced together, particularly in their younger years.
Author Marv Gold's Anecdotes Both Funny and Poignant
Beginning with some poignant childhood recollections of the two near north side Jewish boys scrounging scrap metal in alleyways, through school (many, many schools) and on into young adulthood, Gold relates story after amusing story in his quirky, shorthand style. It’s almost as if the reader is listening to these tales while gathered around the bar.
Among the memorably funny tales are those pertaining to creating their own amusement, attending weddings, for instance, of people they didn’t know, for the free food and booze. When questioned, they always said they were with the other side, much to the relief of the hosts.The “back scrub incident” is another one readers wont forget.
Beyond the fun and games, however, is the underlying feeling (one that is later confirmed by friends) that Silverstein was a lonely man, never quite convinced of his talent, continuously moving (and moving on to “the next thing”) in order to stay one step ahead of being “found out.”
Some inconsistencies in Gold’s stories have been pointed out, and they are obvious enough that it is safe to say the book could have benefitted from a firmer editorial hand. But in the end, they don’t really subtract from the strength (and often hilarity) of the tales.
Silverstein And Me Appropriately Wacky Considering the Subject
Also a bit off-putting at first is the premise the author operates under: that of having to rid his brain of his deceased buddy’s singing voice, via a psychiatrist, by reliving these stories. Ultimately, though, it not only works, but feels appropriate for a memoir about an original gag guy written by a cartoonist/screenwriter. And for all we know, Marv knows that Shel’s somewhere laughing his bald head off. Silverstein and Me is not only unique in its subject matter, but in its telling, a very memorable book that Silverstein fans in particular should find joyous.
Gold, Marv. Silverstein and Me, 2009 Red Hen Press, Los Angeles, 190 pages.
(ISBN: 978-1-59709-151-0)
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