Funny Business: Moguls, Mobsters, Megastars, and the Mad, Mad World of the Ad Game

Allen Rosenshine
Beaufort Books (2006)
ISBN 9780825305399
Reviewed by Stephanie Rollins for Reader Views (7/07)


Rosenshine worked his way up to the executive level of BBDO, an advertising firm.  Through his corporate climb, he experienced many funny, awkward, and culture-clashing moments.  “Funny Business” describes these moments.

Rosenshine divided “Funny Business” into small, easy-to-read chapters.  Each chapter is short.  They are like mini-stories.  This is a perfect “bathroom book.”  For the person who has it all, this book will make a great gift.  Anyone who has their own business, or who is climbing the corporate ladder, will appreciate the humor.

From the time his daughter was trying to hide the raw eel, so she did not have to eat it or insult her Asian hosts, to the time his wife may have ordered a diet Coke in front of the Pepsi CEO, you will feel his awkwardness.  Rosenshine explains that the advertising business is a business in which right-brained people have to work with left-brained people.  This inevitably causes conflicts and confusion.  Reading about the differences in the creative people’s office behavior and the behavior of the “suits” was hilarious. 

Roshenshine writes as an ad person should—short, sweet, and funny.  Live vicariously through the ad executive.  Have a chuckle at his expense.  Put “Funny Business” on your Christmas list.  It is better than giving your boss a wacky tie.

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