Chris Jericho is well known for his time in WWE and his band Fozzy. He has chronicled his life and experiences over three previous books and now has turned his attention to making his new book about life lessons mixed with autobiographical details. With his trademark wit, Jericho takes us through the journey of an entertainer and a person and lets us in on his lessons learned.
The book is not arranged in traditional chapters like his Jericho’s previous books, but instead each chapter is a different lesson and covers a different part of Jericho’s life and experience. He details in full abut meeting Paul Stanley and getting invited to exclusive Grammy parties, auditioning for America’s Funniest Home Videos and having drinks with Hulk Hogan and Kevin Nash while on a flight. Each of these involves a different life lesson and Jericho plays the part of the teacher well.
I have to say that I truly enjoy Jericho’s writing, and the format chosen for this new book is a great idea. It allows Jericho to tell numerous stories and details and what to take away from them, and also leave people wanting more, thus setting up his next book if he should write one. While some parts are a bit much to read ( Jericho going on in detail about his drinking habits) there is much to like in the book and just get lost in his writing. Whether you are a WWE fan or a music fan, or just a fan of good writing, there is something for everyone. Jericho gives more detail about his early years in wrestling in Calgary and what he learned from other wrestlers for example. He also discusses how one should sell themselves when trying to get a job or make a pitch. When emphasizing not to take no for an answer, Jericho goes into detail about what you can accomplish if you stick to that idea. And music fans will appreciate his discussions of the industry, his interactions with stars like the late Lemmy Kilmister as well as what it took to get Fozzy ahead.
There is also plenty of humor included, whether it be jokes about things that had occurred, or just the interactions themselves. Jericho definitely knows how to tell a story and this is a good one. it may bill itself as a guide, but it is a guide based on experience and that experience is what we all need to know more of.
No Is A Four-Letter Word is available in stores now.