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ponch22's review against another edition
3.0
Pre-ordered this book back when [a:Chris Gethard|497431|Chris Gethard|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1325544459p2/497431.jpg] (pronounced Ge-thard, not Get-hard) emailed his newsletter list about it. I've been a fan of Gethard ever since I started taking improv classes at Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC. I've seen his improv many times, his stand up once, and even took an improv class with him. I watched a few clips of his public access Chris Gethard Show and watched all the episodes that were on TruTV (I never had Fusion to watch that season). I thought this book might be a fun read, but I was too busy trying to complete my 2018 Reading Challenge that I had to wait until 2019 to start this one.
I've been "reading" it for over two months... It wasn't horrible, but it definitely wasn't very compelling. [b:Lose Well|38139408|Lose Well|Chris Gethard|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1533147569s/38139408.jpg|59824031] is basically half self-help book, half memoir—Gethard describes his theory on life in hopes it will help others. If you've seen his stand-up or watched his TV show, you'll already know most of the self-help details (Try hard, Accept failure, Never give up, Avoid rock bottom, etc.) and you may have already heard some of the memoir stories.
The book would probably be great on audio, given Gethard's excellent storytelling, but as a hardcover book, it was difficult to keep going. There were many weeks when I didn't open it at all... I'd probably have preferred a full memoir as those were my favorite parts of the book. His self-help advice is pretty cliche (which he admits) and in the end, he states that these rules don't apply to everyone and each reader should consider his advice & take whatever they feel would work for them.
I've been "reading" it for over two months... It wasn't horrible, but it definitely wasn't very compelling. [b:Lose Well|38139408|Lose Well|Chris Gethard|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1533147569s/38139408.jpg|59824031] is basically half self-help book, half memoir—Gethard describes his theory on life in hopes it will help others. If you've seen his stand-up or watched his TV show, you'll already know most of the self-help details (Try hard, Accept failure, Never give up, Avoid rock bottom, etc.) and you may have already heard some of the memoir stories.
The book would probably be great on audio, given Gethard's excellent storytelling, but as a hardcover book, it was difficult to keep going. There were many weeks when I didn't open it at all... I'd probably have preferred a full memoir as those were my favorite parts of the book. His self-help advice is pretty cliche (which he admits) and in the end, he states that these rules don't apply to everyone and each reader should consider his advice & take whatever they feel would work for them.
spamrisk's review against another edition
5.0
It’s more like four stars,
but I just love him so much
that I gave him five.
but I just love him so much
that I gave him five.
bizlet's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
I loved his reflections on his career and life journey, but I didn't like the inspiration/self-help pieces because the advice was very lengthy and a little repetitive.
It was funny, I just wish it had been focused on his life instead of on both his life and inspiration.
It may matter that I had never interacted with anything he's created before listening to the book. I also recommend listening to the audiobook because the interviews at the end were some of the best content in the book.
It was funny, I just wish it had been focused on his life instead of on both his life and inspiration.
It may matter that I had never interacted with anything he's created before listening to the book. I also recommend listening to the audiobook because the interviews at the end were some of the best content in the book.
acelarosa13's review against another edition
5.0
I learned of Chris due to his podcast Beautiful Anonymous. It is my favorite, I've listened to them all and look forward every week to the new one coming out. This is more information about the man behind the podcast and how you important failing is to moving forward. Though Chris is a comedian, I have yet to hear any of his comedy. I will do that but in the meantime, this man is teaches people a lot about life in his own self deprecating way. It may not be a book for everyone but give a listen to the podcast and then read the book, you might end up liking both.
mmeagan's review against another edition
4.0
I found out about Chris Gerhard through his podcast Beautiful/Anonymous. The second episode I ever listened to was about an artist who was afraid to take the next step. I found his advice to her so inspiring. When I found out he was writing book about just that I excited!
Reading it I highlighted so many passages. I agree with other reviewers who say the book can feel disjointed but his heart and his quest to inspire shine through. The stories are crazy and the advice is honest.
I recommend this to anybody who likes his work or wants to be an artist.
PS: The parts surrounding his adoration for his wife are great!
Reading it I highlighted so many passages. I agree with other reviewers who say the book can feel disjointed but his heart and his quest to inspire shine through. The stories are crazy and the advice is honest.
I recommend this to anybody who likes his work or wants to be an artist.
PS: The parts surrounding his adoration for his wife are great!
cdeck's review against another edition
5.0
Just like everything Chris does; thoughtful, open, vulnerable, and funny. Great read, highly recommend.
rainbowofcrazy's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
I had no idea this was a self help book until I hit play. (But I immediately gravitate towards Chris Gethard as a Beautiful / Anonymous fan.) This was a mix of self-help blended with a memoir of sorts. Maybe I'm just not used to this self help-y vibe from him, to such a large degree, so it felt a little jarring. The self-help parts tended to drag and I felt like it wasn't quite hitting right.
But overall I still enjoyed it. Mostly because he's very endearing. He's a great storyteller with fun, inspiring stories. I appreciate that he speaks from experience. He's been through a lot, had a lot of great successes (and he's not afraid to talk about his failures, clearly!) I can't deny that this book was still inspiring. I read a few reviews saying it's like a 2-3 star out of a 5 star book, but the way he tells it really brings it up a mark. And I totally agree.
I highly recommend the audiobook because there is literally HOURS of bonus content at the end. You can really tell how much love he puts into his work.
Also if you like podcasts, check out his podcast Beautiful Anonymous. It's amazing.
But overall I still enjoyed it. Mostly because he's very endearing. He's a great storyteller with fun, inspiring stories. I appreciate that he speaks from experience. He's been through a lot, had a lot of great successes (and he's not afraid to talk about his failures, clearly!) I can't deny that this book was still inspiring. I read a few reviews saying it's like a 2-3 star out of a 5 star book, but the way he tells it really brings it up a mark. And I totally agree.
I highly recommend the audiobook because there is literally HOURS of bonus content at the end. You can really tell how much love he puts into his work.
Also if you like podcasts, check out his podcast Beautiful Anonymous. It's amazing.
amanova's review
3.0
Encouraging and funny, just like Geth. I’m a Beautiful Anonymous podcast fan and had to do the audiobook version, but I didn’t get around to listening to the bonus content before it was due back at the library.