it's strange to classify this the way i did, but read it, and you'll understand.

this is definitely my fav jerry stahl book. if you live in los angeles (especially on the east side) or are interested in the history of cinema, you'll like it for that in addition to the interesting story of the rail-roading of this black and white movie star.

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This novel presents what might have been if silent film star Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle had sat down and reminisced about his life's trajectory, from his squalid childhood to vaudeville trouper and "bigger than Chaplin" in the early days of film to his implication in one of the century's biggest sex scandals and the resultant eclipse of his career. Stahl's Arbuckle is a cynical wit who laces his account with liberal helpings of gallows humor, period slang, and, above all, misanthropy. The result is a peculiarly affecting tale of woe related with breezy candor. The book begins as a pleasantly nostalgic account of old Hollywood's legends and gradually darkens into a grim tragedy when the Fates begin to surround the protagonist as he mediates a page-turner. ( )

Historical Fiction, starts with his early life, rise to fame and subsequent false accusations which started the "trial of the century".

Rich, engrossing and couldn't put it down ( )

"I, Fatty" by Jerry Stahl brings some much deserved notice and attention to Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, one of the greatest silent film comics to ever grace the screen.

Stahl has written a fictionalized account of Roscoe's reminiscing over his life, the beginning, the ups and downs and the tremendous fall he took for a crime he didn't commit, and Hollywood turning its back on its once Golden Boy.

Stahl's writing is fresh, funny, tragic and full of appropriate terms and slang for the early 20th century. You'll relive the glory days of early cinema, before income taxes, before world war, when actors, although considered lowly, were still gods and goddesses of their universe. As a reader, you will become entranced by Roscoe's story, even fictionalized - - this big man, so full of talent and yet lacking self-esteem, giving so much to the industry and becoming their censorship scapegoat.

But at the same time, it is clear this is a work of fiction. Roscoe Arbuckle was never a heroin addict. And this one creative license puts a slight taint on the whole tale, lest Mr. Arbuckle be remembered as a poor heroin addict. At least Mr. Stahl makes it clear that Mr. Arbuckle was an innocent victim in Virginia Rappe's death.

Overall, this book was a pleasure to read, despite the heroin allegations. Real gems from the silent era, such as Mabel Normand, Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Joseph Schenck, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Gloria Swanson and even Bob Hope come alive in the pages. It's a quick and easy read and worth every moment spent turning the pages. Even knowing the sad outcome of Mr. Arbuckle's career and life after that Labor Day of 1921, the book will still keep you anxious to turn the page and read on.

Hopefully this book will help to shed light on the previously untapped genius of Roscoe Arbuckle, and give him some well deserved new fans.

Recommended. ( )

Work of Fiction told in the first person... as Rosko might have felt and observed. Interesting story and insight into this sadly isunderstood man. ( )