The Buzz...About Books

David Letterman has been a fixture on television for a long time. In the 1970s he worked as a radio host and weatherman in Indiana before moving to Los Angeles to become a comedy writer. He wrote for a number of shows and became a regular guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. His television appearances led to a short-lived day time talk show on NBC which led to Late Night with David Letterman in 1982. In 1993, Letterman left NBC for CBS and The Late Show. David Letterman will host the show for the last time on May 20, 2015. Back in the 1980s Letterman had a recurring segment featuring the NBC Bookmobile staffed by Library Lady Kathleen Ankers and gruff but lovable old Gus, so it seems appropriate to mark the occasion with a book list.

Calm, Cool and Contentious by Merrill Markoe
• eBook
The co-creator and former head writer for Late Night with David Letterman, Markoe has written some very funny novels and non-fiction, often about her dogs. This is her latest collection of essays.

The Guy Under the Sheets: The Unauthorized Autobiography by Chris Elliott
Actor, writer, and comedian Elliott was a regular on Late Night with David Letterman playing such diverse characters as The Panicky Guy, The Conspiracy Guy, and The Guy Under the Seats. His novel The Shroud of the Thwacker was also a lot of fun. 

How I Got This Way by Regis Philbin
• Audiobook
• eAudiobook
• eBook
• Large Print
• Talking Book: CD Format (restricted to Print Disabled patrons)
Philbin made over 150 appearances on the Late Show–more than any other guest. Here he shares his life story and rules for living a happy life.

We'll Be Here for the Rest of Our Lives: A Swingin' Show Biz Saga by Paul Shaffer
Paul Shaffer's journey from Thunder Bay to David Letterman's band leader.

Late Show Fun Facts by David Letterman and The Late Show writers
A compilation of trivia from the Late Show Fun Facts segment.

Johnny Carson by Henry Bushkin
• Audiobook
• eBook
• Large Print
• Talking Book: CD Format (restricted to Print Disabled patrons)
Letterman was originally slated to take over The Tonight Show following Carson's retirement. It didn't work out but Letterman has always given Carson credit for his career. Following his retirement, Carson sometimes wrote jokes for Letterman's monologues. When Carson died, Letterman paid tribute by using only Carson's jokes in that evening's monologue.

Monologue: What Makes America Laugh Before Bed by Jon Macks
• eBook
Why do so many people get their news from Letterman, Leno, and Stewart? Macks, a writer for The Tonight Show, explains the phenomenon of late night television.

This Land was Made for You and Me (But Mostly Me): Billionaires in the Wild by Bruce McCall and David Letterman
Ever wonder what it's like to be extremely wealthy? Find out in this parody catalogue featuring vacation homes of the 1 percent.

Tricks and Games to Teach Your Dog: 75+ Fun Indoor and Outdoor Activities for your Dog by Sophie Collins with Suellen Dainty
David Letterman's departure means that there will be no more televised Stupid Pet Tricks. Time to come up with your own!

The War for Late Night: When Leno went Early and Television went Crazy by Bill Carter
Carter has documented late night television show drama for years. In this book, he takes a closer look at the short-lived Conan O'Brien Tonight Show era.