Penn Jillette is the larger and loudest part of the great Penn & Teller. Penn Jillette’s book, God No! Signs You May Already Be An Atheist And Other Magical Tales, is a book wherein Penn talks to us in his provocative and inimitable fashion about religion, atheism, agnostics, The Ten Suggestions, and so much more. He is most emphatic in his skepticism, and his arguments are stunningly simple, straightforward and logical. While his prose is peppered with more four letter words than we can count, his arguments are precise, a rationalist through and through. Penn & Teller are superb entertainers, among the most brilliant magicians and dazzling provocateurs we can imagine. There’s that word again—provocateur. Penn’s book needles the reader about belief, about knowledge, and about doubt. Penn has inspired millions upon millions of faithful to pray for him and his soul, from Campus Crusaders For Christ to church flocks all over the world. He responds humbly and raucously, and his reasons are soulful and generous. The part about Penn’s mother’s illness and death is moving and wonderful—and again, emphatically rational in the comfort that he got from his atheism. His explanations about his family, his children and the nature of truth will give fundamentalists of any ilk a warning that Penn’s wisdom on matters religious is loud and very clear.
Penn is an entertainer, and this book is completely entertaining, while dealing with issues that preoccupy, and even consume, millions of people all over the world. But some of the best material in the book has nothing at all to do with religion, godlessness or heathenism. The chapter on the GQ photo shoot of Penn & Teller, the guys who always wear gray suits, is so hilarious. TSA takes some heat, as do Prince Charles’ handlers. Hilarious. His chapter on his friendship with his business partner Teller illuminates the real reasons for the success of Penn & Teller. God’s honest truth? It’s a book that will interest those who think about the nature of things. Fundamentalists of any stripe might not love the god stuff, and we know that suits Penn just fine. But the rest of it will make anyone laugh. A lot.
Kevin Pollak has been a standup comic for years, and has appeared in scores of films and television shows, from The Usual Suspects to Entourage. He hosts a web talkshow called Kevin Pollak’s Chat Show, which features some of the best actors and comedians, actors, writers and directors working in movies and television.
At the Writers Guild Theater, 135 South Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills. Tickets, $20. RSVP here at reservations@writersblocpresents.com, or email writersblocpresents@gmail.com .