Making Whoopi ...

The View cohost lets it rip

Whoopi Goldberg is a little cranky these days. In her new book, Is It Just Me . . . Or Is It Nuts Out There? (Hyperion, $22.99) The View cohost, 55, grumbles about everyday things that annoy her to no end -- from awkward elevator rides and too-touchy people to nosy neighbors and smelly airplane passengers. Not many quotidian, mundane events are ignored, even run-ins in the bathroom stall. Who knew the Oscar winner was such a grump?

But Goldberg -- born Caryn Elaine Johnson in New York City -- also doles out advice on manners and simple things we can do to make the world a more civil place; e.g., if you have a video camera at a children's recital, please sit down.

Feel like you can identify? Listen to Whoopi's rants at 8 p.m. Saturday when she brings her one-night-only act to the Arsht Center.

We had a brief chat with the New York-based comedian/actress, who has a daughter and three grandchildren:

How were your holidays?

They were quiet. Snowstorms are like that -- they're quiet, and you're quiet, too.

What was your favorite moment of 2010? There are too many to mention, but seeing the cast of The Color Purple [Goldberg's 1985 screen debut] for the first time in 25 years on Oprah was definitely a highlight for me.

What are you hoping for the new year?

Health and happiness for everyone I love. And me intact in comfortable shoes.

What was your process in writing ‘Is It Just Me?' This book wrote itself. Every time I opened my mouth, it was clear to me that I had better write it down.

What can fans expect from the show at the Arsht?

I've never done stand-up, so I hope they aren't expecting that. My shows are like snowflakes, no two are ever alike. I just talk about things that are bugging me or that I find odd. Which is quite a lot these days.

What do you think of our little town?

As long as it's not snowing, I'm happy. As for the beach, well, I burn easily, then I get bored and that's never good. You don't like planes much. I travel by bus, so I'm the only kid on it -- no screaming.