We’ll Be Here For the Rest of Our Lives, Paul Shaffer

What the hell is some lounge, summer read doing in my March? It’s a no-homework read. This isn't a book where you need to take notes or ponder the human condition; instead, it’s a romp through the golden eras of Saturday Night Live and Late Night with David Letterman as lived by Shaffer. Shaffer writes exactly how he speaks… energy, a lot of "hip" lingo (which doesn’t sound too hip to me whatever the hell that means), and an endless stream of "you won't believe who I ran into" stories. It’s pure, unadulterated showbiz fluff that lets you turn off your brain and enjoy the ride.

What I enjoyed in this memoir lies in its lack of self-importance. Shaffer doesn't try to pivot into deep philosophy or settle old scores; he’s just a guy who loves music and happens to have spent decades as the sidekick to some of the biggest icons in history. Whether he’s describing the chaotic early days of the Blues Brothers or sharing memories of a Vegas residency, the chapters fly by like a variety show. It’s the perfect book for a long flight for those of us who read on planes (are there any left out there besides me?), and when you want to be entertained without having to do any lifting and scratching your chin.