When I'm Dead All This Will Be Yours: Joe Teller -- A Portrait by His Kid

According to Webster's New World College Dictionary a raconteur is "a person skilled at telling stories or anecdotes". Stories and anecdotes are usually transmitted verbally but this new book by writer and magician, Teller, brings the art of the raconteur to life through the written word. Much more than a biography of his father, Joe (Pad), and mother, Irene (Mam), this book opens a door to the past and gives us a remarkable glimpse into the lives of two very talented and intelligent people who raised a remarkable son. In true raconteur style, Joe Teller shares stories and letters he wrote while "riding the rails" during the great Depression, why he eloped with Irene, and tales from World War II. The letters are often written in a very pleasing style and contain such pearls of wisdom as "Harder the work, so the lesser the pay. Thus philosophically, hard work is play." Not only are we privy to the inner workings of the mind of Joe, but his kid has also given us a visual treat with the reproductions of over 70 original cartoons, paintings and photographs which help to make this book even more delightful. Though the book is subtitled "Joe Teller - a portrait by his kid, Teller", I must give mom, Irene credit for her own contributions through stories and artwork. In my mind I see Joe and Irene as loving, equal partners in their journey through life, and it is obvious that they have enriched the life of their son, the greatest gift a parent can give. I too feel that my own life has been enriched by learning just a little about these two wonderful people even if it is only through this loving tribute. No matter what your reading preference is, history, art, humor, stories, poetry and more you will find it in "When I'm Dead All This Will Be Yours". Thank you so much Joe, Irene and Teller for sharing with all of us.

An excellent and enjoyable read, written by the quieter half of Penn & Teller, the magicians. Teller uncovers the unusual and fascinating life his artistic parents led before he was born. (His father rode the rails as a hobo during the Great Depression is just one example.) The book is illustrated with many unpublished cartoon panels drawn by the elder Teller more than 50 years ago.

Having read the reviews, I knew what to expect. That is, a sweet telling of a family story. The cartoons done by Joe are a fascinating insight into the period. But what surprised me most was the photo of Joe and Irene sitting at their kitchen table after their marriage. I didn't know you could photograph love.

I breezed through this book in a day when I was home recuperating from surgery. Being a long time fan of Penn & Teller, I was already interested in the subject matter. I was pleasantly surprised at how beautifully Teller blends stories from the past and present tense. Reading this book warmed my heart. This is a book about two lovely people, their lives (mostly Joe's through correspondence with his family) and how they fell in love. Usually books about families highlight their dysfunction, but not this book. I saw it as kind of a love letter from Teller to his parents. They seem like they were a couple of amazing individuals who did an excellent job of caring for each other and raising their son in a nurturing environment. If I ever have children, I can only hope to create a family dynamic with them that is on par with the Tellers'.

This was a pleasant and entertaining book. If I ever get to see their show and meet him afterwards, I'll ask him to sign my copy.

The book was written well and funny. It makes Teller even more human and interesting than he is.

Fast, enjoyable read.

A beautiful book in so many ways. Warm, touching tribute to a generation, parental love, art, poetry...life. Spare yet surprisingly full. Honest, intimate portrait, well done by "the kid".