Given that he died more than a decade ago, Chris Farley is an unlikely subject for a new book — so call The Chris Farley Show a pleasant surprise. Edited by the late actor's older brother, Tom Farley Jr., along with Tanner Colby (the former head writer for National Lampoon Radio Hour and co-author of Belushi ), this exemplary oral biography draws on more than 100 interviews with the Saturday Night Live star's family, friends, and colleagues. The editors avoid the fragmented structure that often weighs down oral biographies, and the result is a skillfully constructed portrait of a performer who stood out among a cast that also included Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, and David Spade.

Tom Jr. and Colby work chronologically, beginning with the remembrances of Farley's family and childhood friends from Madison, Wisconsin. A gifted comedic performer from an early age, Farley also displayed a dangerously addictive personality, manifested through his eating disorder and penchant for alcohol and drugs. After moving through the improv training grounds of Improv Olympic and Second City in Chicago, Farley achieved a lifelong dream when he landed on SNL. He quickly became a fan favorite for some of his unforgettable characters, including motivational speaker Matt Foley and the host of "The Chris Farley Show," which demonstrated his endearing humility and shyness. (The episode with Paul McCartney is one of SNL's undeniably classic moments.) More fame followed with starring roles in Tommy Boy (1995) and Black Sheep (1996), but Farley continued to struggle with weight problems and substance abuse. Despite frequent trips to rehab during the years before his death, Farley's struggle to stay sober ended with an overdose in December 1997.

Though the list of celebrity contributions is certainly impressive — featuring John Goodman, Conan O'Brien, Alec Baldwin, Rob Lowe, and Al Franken, among others — the sections featuring Farley's family and close friends most pointedly reveal his unique gifts and tragic flaws. By no means a hagiography, The Chris Farley Show airs the good along with the bad, providing a cautionary tale that's also an engaging story perfect for wiling away the long summer hours.

-Eric Liebetrau