When I was fourteen a distant cousin screenwriter offered Duck Variations and Sexual Perversities in Chicago as an introduction to his idea of the theatre. At the time, I probably didn't realize how much of an impact Mamet's seductive and witty writing would have on me. He was never my favorite playwright but mention of his name evoked a nod of recognition and an interest in whatever project he was embarking upon. I always liked him hence my willingness to pick up the aptly titled Some Freaks, an outstanding collection of essays that offers a brief glimpse into the genius of Mamet.

Ever wonder what a francheezie is? No one will ever describe the meaning of a hot dog as well as Mamet. Stanislavsky’s theory, women, the Olympics, Mickey Mouse as enterprise, terrorist conventions, its all here. Political musings, discussions on the theatre, personal anecdotes on pop-culture and growing up a middle-western Jew sometimes this excellent collection off the zeitgeist (extraneous arcane trivia on guns and microfilm).

His influence on pop-cultural essayists such as Chuck Klosterman is poignant and apparent in this collection, well worth a quick read. ( )