Disclaimer: Tig Notaro is an excellent comedian, but this book is not funny.
It's something else. A heartfelt account of her bad recent years, in whicDisclaimer: Tig Notaro is an excellent comedian, but this book is not funny.
It's something else. A heartfelt account of her bad recent years, in which she got sick and her mother died and she got breast cancer. Tig really loved her mother and talks about it at length.
To be honest, I think the book got better toward the end when she expanded to talk about her complicated relationships with her stepfather and biological father which we don't get details about earlier.
Ultimately, I'm Just a Person is about family. About Tig Notaro's family that she grew up with, and about the new family she was growing at the time of the writing. Now we know she is happily married with kids, healthy, and seems totally confident all the time after the mammectomy and virally joking about the cancer. It is worth knowing how hard it was for her to get there, and how she truly felt despite all the comedy......more
Not a restart of Hulk as horror genre, following up some chaos of the previous run and trying to recreate the magic of Ewing's Immortal Hulk. Will takNot a restart of Hulk as horror genre, following up some chaos of the previous run and trying to recreate the magic of Ewing's Immortal Hulk. Will take some time to see if it's a success tho...more
There are a lot of celebrity memoirs out there, and specifically a lot of audiobooks read by famous performers, aLeslie Jones is a national treasure!
There are a lot of celebrity memoirs out there, and specifically a lot of audiobooks read by famous performers, and the best of them tend to be by comedians. Of those, one of the best I've ever listened to would have to be Leslie F*cking Jones, by Leslie F*cking Jones.
It's not just another short comedy book, nor a vapid shallow celebrity ghostwritten book only out there for the attention and sales. This is a lengthy, thoughtful book by a writer with tremendous experiences that are worth sharing. She goes through her life in stunning detail with wisdom, and of course a lot of humor. (And, also, a lot of cursing.)
The older comedian has had a long history since before she became famous on SNL. Although that may be the spine of the book, what brings readers in--and her take on that world is extremely interesting--she has a lot more to say about her earlier life and many years of doing standup in California and New York.
After a forward by Chris Rock, and prologue about yes SNL, she goes back back to her childhood as an army brat and school years. There was trauma early on, her family struggles moving to Los Angeles, and then she continues into her college years with a focus on basketball. Eventually, she got into comedy and realizes that's what she wanted all along. Then, Jamie Foxx recommends that she take a break in her early 20s so that she can live life, and she talks about her various jobs. There are a few other namedrops from the comedy the earlier chapters, but overall in the first half of the book her stories are very relatable as an average woman with a dream who was just trying to get by.
There's a lot of analysis of standup, and in the broader sense analyzing the creative process itself, as she develops her craft and learns how to focus these talents into a career. Comedy nerds will get a lot of out of her takes. She moves to New York, learns more, makes a living on the stage, 9/11 happens, more family tragedy and deaths as well as dealing with racism and sexism, and she tells it with so much honesty and emotion.
In the read-aloud audio edition, it feels like hanging out with her. Apparently, she deviates from the book and hence its 16 hours long. It works great. It's like having a coffee with Leslie, more like listening to a live unscripted podcast albeit organized around a proper book. She lets it all out, and cries more than once when talking about love and loss. She criticizes herself, she stands up for herself, and she also screams in her signature style and you'll laugh out loud many times.
Towards the end, we get to hear all the behind-the-scenes juice about the Saturday Night Live audition process and Lorne Michaels and the cast members she worked with. For example, she really did have a crush on Colin Jost! She particularly loves music, and gushes over meeting the musical guests as much as the movie stars.
Some of the most interesting and harshest parts are about her harassment during the Ghostbusters debacle. Beyond merely the legal drama she had to go through, even getting the FBI involved, she has poignant things to say about the nature of bigoted online troll culture which was so vicious to her. However, throughout that all, she was no victim and came out the other side stronger. That might be the essence of Leslie F*cking Jones.
Finally, there was her falling out at SNL followed by other showbusiness projects. She ends on some notes with thoughts on politics and social issues, like when she guest-hosted the Daily Show. It feels like a real arc through an epic saga. A real journey. She grows so much, only making it big relatively late in life, and is a real inspiration. What a great experience in both human empathy and in just plain comedy. Very recommended. ...more
This book is very much for hardcore Maria Bamford fans, and not quite for everyone else. So be duly warned.
It's not an intro to her signature brand oThis book is very much for hardcore Maria Bamford fans, and not quite for everyone else. So be duly warned.
It's not an intro to her signature brand of mental oversharing, it's a deep dive. If you like that, then this memoir is great! Personally, I was introduced to Maria Bamford's charming/cringe comedy by my weird Hollywood friend years ago. She showed me the YouTube series back in the early 2000s era, with its lo-fi production in short chunks of weird storytelling, indeed that show was certainly ahead of its time.
I was even lucky enough to see Maria live in one of those small comedy clubs that pervade SoCal. I wanna say it was Los Feliz?
For me, I think I got it and continue to get it. But again: this kind of comedy is not for everyone.
There are broadly interesting chunks about show business, working on Arrested Development, going to auditions, voice-acting, and other insider stories of life in the industry. But those aren't the majority.
It's mainly about her family--with all those great impressions--and mental health issues. And not so much cults specifically, rather the various twelve step programs she finds helpful. So much of that.
Her Mom, her mom's death, all the intricacies of her midwest mom that makes the impression so iconic, and also her sister she's jealous of and her dad and then more about her mom. When it's not about her childhood, or just as odd adulthood, it's about taking meds and talking to doctors and all the psychological issues she's dealt with and already talked about at length in her act.
Maria Bamford doesn't quite paint herself as a victim. She very much checks her privilege, and it seems mental illness may be genetic as much as because of any particular random traumas. There is something of an overarching theme encouraging readers (listeners, if you get the audiobook) to take care of themselves and deal with these illnesses. But there's not exactly a big lesson, not like a big cause that this book is going to bring awareness to. It's just that if you find her interesting, here's more of this with the appropriate responsible disclaimers. It just might help someone.
Sometimes she talked about how there's only certain audiences that get her, and how she doesn't do well with the mainstream if people at a casino or somewhere like that wander in. Bamford is an acquired taste. Personally, I'd argue the best comedy is unique and meta and for sophisticated fans who get it. There's enough lame content for the masses already. That's why I enjoy this as something entirely different.
Anyway, of all the comedian memoirs I've listened to, this is a pretty applicable addition to the canon. For me....more
Sarah Silverman fans will enjoy, but not because of the offensive comedy (although it does get very gross and very personal) but because of the heart.Sarah Silverman fans will enjoy, but not because of the offensive comedy (although it does get very gross and very personal) but because of the heart.
The bedwetting and pee factor isn't just for cheap laughs; she is legitimately sharing stories about courage and redemption albeit as self-deprecating as possible. There's a decent amount to learn about the legendary comedian's biography, although it isn't the most profound of memoirs it is an honest account and well-written.
The book goes fast, with lots of short vignettes from childhood to college to early showbusiness years. Lots and lots about Jewyness. Unfortunately, some of the guest stars have aged badly in the post MeToo era but it's still an interesting window into the comedy scene of recent years...
If you're a fan of the short-lived Sarah Silverman Program, then you'll particularly enjoy her memories.
The most interesting, and also frustratingly-badly aged, are the parts where Sarah addresses her controversies. It probably wasn't a good idea to relitigate and defend that time she said "I love chinks" for example. Better to just let it fade into memory, rather than endlessly go over how wrong her critics were and redebate that entire episode of Politically Incorrect.
Comedy, of course, is hard to explain and still be funny. She does at least call out "fans" who didn't get the intended irony and laughed at the wrong part. Some lines do go too far, and it also depends on the era, but sorry in the 2021 I must say that 2000s envelope-pushing sure can cringe...
(Sarah has by the way since apologized for the racial slur bits if that matters.)
So what. It's not the greatest literary memoir of all time, not even close. It's just a fun book with a little bit of depth by a comedian. Still, I'm glad Sarah made this book and joined the canon of other lite celebrity books!...more
Keegan-Michael Key is excellent, he's smart and educated and knows his stuff. He's also funny.
But the medium of podcasts may not be the best way to shKeegan-Michael Key is excellent, he's smart and educated and knows his stuff. He's also funny.
But the medium of podcasts may not be the best way to share this knowledge. I did learn a lot about theater and classic film etc. And yes, analyzing comedy does tend to take away from the funny so that's not always his fault...
Yet overall, I wish it was a visual documentary. And I also wish they had the rights to all the clips he does impressions for, even if it was only audio, would have been much more entertaining that way is all.
Still, was worth listening for anyone who enjoys sketch and comedy....more
Jim Gaffigan is very funny, and he knows exactly how to share his family complaint stories in an affable and charming way.
But it's so much family. IfJim Gaffigan is very funny, and he knows exactly how to share his family complaint stories in an affable and charming way.
But it's so much family. If you're married, if you have kids, then you'll love this. Single people like myself may enjoy Gaffigan as much as anyone, but it's just not that relatable. Still, an interesting window in the specific life of New Yorkers who have 5 kids and like candy :)...more
Flula Borg is for those with a rather niche sense of humor, but if you've seen him on Conan and find his mispronunciations funny then the is the audioFlula Borg is for those with a rather niche sense of humor, but if you've seen him on Conan and find his mispronunciations funny then the is the audiobook for you!
You might even learn a few things about America and Germany, in these silly interviews some of which may or may not be a joke, but mostly it's just dumb and charmingly hilarious
I for one love this guy. He's even now a movie star in the new The Suicide Squad......more
Nothing like a heartfelt comedian's audiobook, narrated by the comedian himself, which isn't so much laugh out lPatton Oswalt is a national treasure!
Nothing like a heartfelt comedian's audiobook, narrated by the comedian himself, which isn't so much laugh out loud funny (although it is sometimes. My favorite is The Day the Clown Cried story) as much as a personal memoir about a classic film addiction overlapping with coming up in the 90s comedy scene. The personal growth, the Hollywood stories both about his contemporaries and about his deep love of 20th century film.
He never did make it as a director, but Patton should be proud of his contribution to American culture with this book and with his many iconic performances. He is of course more stand-up icon than actor, but that's the point. He's the perfect vessel for nerds of all kinds: movie buffs, legitimate comic book fanboys, general pop culture aficionados, and even literary memoirists. ...more
A clever and fun comedically queer radio drama! Bowen Yang is delightful, joined by Mj Rodriguez, Abbi Jacobson, Alan Cumming, Jane Lynch, and more icA clever and fun comedically queer radio drama! Bowen Yang is delightful, joined by Mj Rodriguez, Abbi Jacobson, Alan Cumming, Jane Lynch, and more icons. A satire of heist movies with a lot of dirty jokes, this is a fun story to listen to while jogging indeed.
Hope audible and Bowen do more of these in the future... ...more
Comedian memoirs as audiobooks read by comedians are the best.
Tiffany Haddish's is no exception. But don't think The Last Black Unicorn is just an exComedian memoirs as audiobooks read by comedians are the best.
Tiffany Haddish's is no exception. But don't think The Last Black Unicorn is just an extended stand-up set, because it's certainly more than that. It's a true memoir, talking about the extremely messed up struggles she has experienced. She speaks in a very direct and relatable way, expressing the complexities of an entire life in simple fashion. And, of course, very funny.
She had a terrible childhood, no doubt about that. Not to mention her abusive marriage (apparently her ex is suing... but come on. We all know her side of the story is true). She jumps around from topic to topic, not listing experiences in chronological order. A bit jarring to go from foster care to a mentally ill mother, but it works in the end.
Her dating stories are fun, very self-deprecating, like with poor handicapped Roscoe. Extremely explicit, as is expected. She is brutally honest about sex, abortion, all kinds of subjects. The hardship of sexism in the club circuit. Towards the end of the book it becomes more about the funny celebrity stories with Will Smith and others, as she achieves success post-Girls Trip, which is definitely more upbeat.
Even before the fame, her stories of being an up-and-coming comic struggling in Hollywood from the bottom are excellent lessons for anyone curious about the inner workings of the business. Her perspective is her own, I wouldn't say it's an advice book, but still valuable to learn if one is interested.
It is so inspiring how she knew what she wanted to do when she was young, and pushed her way to the top after so many years and intense struggles, even when stopping and starting. From an illiterate self-hating kid from South Central going to comedy camp, to working at LAX and embarrassing herself at Lesbian open mic nights. A unicorn story if ever there was one!
Any fan of African-American comedy, and just American comedy, would do well to listen to The Last Black Unicorn. ...more
Even without the Squigglevision, fans of the old Dr Katz show will love this audiobook. Great standup comedy aOne more "book" before the year is out.
Even without the Squigglevision, fans of the old Dr Katz show will love this audiobook. Great standup comedy acts, albeit in therapist format. David Cross, Gilbert Gottfried, Colin Quinn, Susie Essman, Reggie Watts, Rachel Dratch, Wanda Sykes, Marc Maron, and so many other legendary names. And of course the legendary H. Jon Benjamin in his original role that made him that slacker voice we all love so.
It really works well as an audio medium, and the only flaw is that one is left wanting more. The episodes are short and over before you know it.
I certainly hope they make more. They should have a new edition/season every year, no reason not to...
I've been a fan of H. Jon Benjamin since his Home Movies days. His deadpan voice is hilarious, and he's since become a mainstay of adult humor animatiI've been a fan of H. Jon Benjamin since his Home Movies days. His deadpan voice is hilarious, and he's since become a mainstay of adult humor animation all over.
The guy is very funny. However, I can't say his memoir is among the best of those comedy books...
It's certainly worth listening to the audiobook version, as any good comedian/performer's books should go. With his distinctive voice, it's a lot of fun hearing him tell the stories.
But mostly the book isn't that outstanding. Which is, I admit, kind of the point. It's about lame stories of failure, and there's nothing that uplifting or heartfelt herein.
It is also surprisingly hardcore. I didn't realize H. Jon could be at that level of X-rated. Betwixt the mundane childhood tales and improv backstories, there's public masturbation and a silly Holocaust report and a particularly gross analysis of how to hire gay prostitution for a show's prank involving live sex acts.
This is of course some very enjoyable stuff. Fans will get it. Just can't say it's a top-tier book is all. ...more
Pretty fun audio comedy if one is into that sort of thing.
It's a treat to hear Offerman and so many other great comedians tell these cynical fairy taPretty fun audio comedy if one is into that sort of thing.
It's a treat to hear Offerman and so many other great comedians tell these cynical fairy tales. They are all talented and good actors so the narration and presentation is very well-done. As for the content, all X-ratedly offensive takes on various fairy tales and poems. Mostly too short to be groundbreaking in any way, just quality laughs without trying too hard to make any kind of brilliant statement.
Bedtime Stories for Cynics is short, entertaining, and worth listening to if you're a fan of anyone in the cast.
All that said... this collection is pretty good, but not great. ...more
Very hilarious comedy audio play, and it seems like part of a new genre that is forming. What can Heads Will Roll be compared it to? Kind of like the Very hilarious comedy audio play, and it seems like part of a new genre that is forming. What can Heads Will Roll be compared it to? Kind of like the classic Douglas Adams' Hitchhikers Guide radio series, but medieval comedy like Monty Python. But, like modernly updated.
A stellar cast with Kate McKinnon as the evil queen, and the bird girl is a treat, not to mention fellow SNLer Alex Moffat as Odin. There are skits with Peter Dinklage, the Fab Five, and more! And, amazingly, Meryl Streep.
The world of this Disney-esque kingdom with a dark edge makes just enough sense to work (that is, not that much sense, as it should be). So many fantasy tropes satirized, as well as some political takes and more among all the many skits. I also liked the weird commercials peppered around.
I'd definitely like to see more of what Audible can do with this new storytelling medium of uncensored "radio" dramas.
Lastly, Warning: extremely dirty jokes herein. You better be into such to enjoy....more
When reading the charming memoir that is Paddle Your Own Canoe, it is important to remember that the real-life Nick Offerman is not in fact the fictioWhen reading the charming memoir that is Paddle Your Own Canoe, it is important to remember that the real-life Nick Offerman is not in fact the fictional Ron Swanson. Offerman is actually an actor, who yes is good at carpentry, but this is going to be about his experiences in theater and hilarious takes on society much more than about canoeing.
Got it? Okay then, as long as that doesn't disappoint this is an interesting book.
And just to reiterate how much he's not Swanson, in the first few chapters about his childhood we shall learn all about how he hates Christianity. One might say this is a very (well, pre-2016 that is) libertarian take on rugged individuality while promoting quite a bit of sex and drugs throughout the tome.
The bulk of the book is definitely about acting. How he came up in theater, his successes in stageplay-friendly Chicago, and his struggles in the shallowness that is Los Angeles. There are a lot of opinions about what he finds stupid and what he recommends, from aesthetics to the "business." Especially on mustaches/body hair.
If there is a flaw here it's that he can get a mite repetitive and preachy. Still I'd actually quite recommend this book to anyone who is serious about acting, if that's your thing.
Then of course there's his marriage to the talented Megan Mullally. Wow, he really loves her! If you're a fan of her work, Will & Grace being great obviously, then there's some nice tidbits. I wonder what she thought of his poem...
And at last, because these things go chronologically, there's Parks & Recreation and the creation of the Ron Swanson character. It takes all the way to the very end, after a lot of slow snowballing, before he finally makes it big on that brilliant show. But again I reiterate: if you just want Swanson it's more sparse than you may think. Yet when we do get there, the backstory of that show is great.
I should probably say that for Parks & Rec fans Amy Poehler's Yes Please! is probably more up your alley, and that book is one of the all-time best comedy memoirs ever, but Paddle Your Own Canoe is pretty good too. ...more