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4.51 AVERAGE
4.51 AVERAGE
I try hard not to rate memoirs because they are so personal to the one writing it. I listened to this on Audible and I think hearing this in the author’s voice made it even better for me. This memoir provoked a range of emotions for me for Hannah.
I had watched all of Gadsby’s Netflix shows, starting with the most recent and working my way through the others in a mixed up chronological order. I instantly fell in love and, admittedly, became a bit obsessed with wanting to hear more from Hannah Gadsby, hence listening to this book. I was not disappointed. I laughed, I cried, I became incensed at what she and others have experienced at the literal hands of ignorant others.
I highly recommend listening to the audio version of this book as one wouldn’t quite catch the nuances otherwise.
I had watched all of Gadsby’s Netflix shows, starting with the most recent and working my way through the others in a mixed up chronological order. I instantly fell in love and, admittedly, became a bit obsessed with wanting to hear more from Hannah Gadsby, hence listening to this book. I was not disappointed. I laughed, I cried, I became incensed at what she and others have experienced at the literal hands of ignorant others.
I highly recommend listening to the audio version of this book as one wouldn’t quite catch the nuances otherwise.
Enjoyed getting to hear the book in the Gadsby's own words.
I especially liked the analysis of how she did her comedy and designed her shows.
When it was over, I missed getting to hear her voice in the evenings.
I especially liked the analysis of how she did her comedy and designed her shows.
When it was over, I missed getting to hear her voice in the evenings.
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
*book club*
This is both a great companion piece to Nanette and a fantastic memoir in its own right. Gadsby's personality shines through in every line. A lot of topics are covered but I found it to be an especially insightful portrait of their experience as an autistic person. Overall, a really solid memoir and engaging read.
This is both a great companion piece to Nanette and a fantastic memoir in its own right. Gadsby's personality shines through in every line. A lot of topics are covered but I found it to be an especially insightful portrait of their experience as an autistic person. Overall, a really solid memoir and engaging read.
It's hard for me to rate this book or even review it, because I think I picked it up at a wrong time.
The first thing you need to know is that I love Hannah Gadsby's brand of stand up. My relationship with stand up comedy is very complicated, because it sometimes feels like a group of people making the same problematic jokes over and over again (usually either racist, sexist or just... you know, the same jokes about sex and relationships). But Gadsby flips that on a back and she does shows that are both funny and impactful. She always makes me think and consider things I didn't consider before. So there was no possibility of me disliking the book and I like it. It's funny and impactful and the audiobook is narrated by Hannah herself which is something I didn't dare to hope for before and I think that adds so much to the experience. That all said, this book is - in its lightness - incredibly heavy. If you are sensitive, definitely search for content warnings. But then, if you watched Nanette you probably already know which those are.
I knew this book wouldn't be easy one to read and despite that I picked her up almost immediately after finishing [b:The Judas Rose|285565|The Judas Rose (Native Tongue #2)|Suzette Haden Elgin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1354209473l/285565._SY75_.jpg|1462706] (feminist dystopia) when I wanted to read something lighter. So... being overwhelmed by the book is entirely my own fault. I listened to 3/4 of the book in one go and then just had to stop and take a break from it, because it was too much.
The part of the book I "enjoyed" the most was the historical/political recounting of Gadsby's youth. I knew nothing about Tasmanian/Australian politics and even though those parts were sometimes hard to stomach, I found them the most interesting.
What didn't work that great for me was the sometimes - intentionally - tangled narrative. Hannah clearly states in the beginning that this is done on purpose and I get it. But it was still sometimes confusing and some lines are just never properly ended - which I guess mirrors the real life (which is mostly heartbreaking).
I can't really say I enjoyed this book, but it was very informative and interesting read and I just enjoy Hannah's narration so much. Maybe I just wish I waited a bit until I picked it up, because it was a bit much for me just now.
The first thing you need to know is that I love Hannah Gadsby's brand of stand up. My relationship with stand up comedy is very complicated, because it sometimes feels like a group of people making the same problematic jokes over and over again (usually either racist, sexist or just... you know, the same jokes about sex and relationships). But Gadsby flips that on a back and she does shows that are both funny and impactful. She always makes me think and consider things I didn't consider before. So there was no possibility of me disliking the book and I like it. It's funny and impactful and the audiobook is narrated by Hannah herself which is something I didn't dare to hope for before and I think that adds so much to the experience. That all said, this book is - in its lightness - incredibly heavy. If you are sensitive, definitely search for content warnings. But then, if you watched Nanette you probably already know which those are.
I knew this book wouldn't be easy one to read and despite that I picked her up almost immediately after finishing [b:The Judas Rose|285565|The Judas Rose (Native Tongue #2)|Suzette Haden Elgin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1354209473l/285565._SY75_.jpg|1462706] (feminist dystopia) when I wanted to read something lighter. So... being overwhelmed by the book is entirely my own fault. I listened to 3/4 of the book in one go and then just had to stop and take a break from it, because it was too much.
Some people, most particularly the guy who came up with the concept, will tell you that 'The Grim Reaper' was a work of genius, a revolutionary approach to television advertising. But I’m here to tell you that was, and remains, a total and utter shit stain of an idea. And you don’t need to go any further than the first line of the ad to understand why:
'At first, it was only gays and drug users being killed by AIDS.'
It is the word 'only' that pisses me off. 'Only gays and IV drug users.' that is to say: 'Only' people who don’t matter. 'Only' people whose suffering should be of no concern to you. Like I said. A total and utter shit stain of an idea. Defenders of the ad might argue that the 'only' was simply about identifying those whom the AIDS epidemic was affecting, and not a statement of this demographic’s value to the community. To which I would say: If you’re such a genius at mass messaging then you should be aware of how the word 'only' would work in the minds of those who are already looking for ways to subjugate the humanity of the people who are listed after the world 'only'.
The part of the book I "enjoyed" the most was the historical/political recounting of Gadsby's youth. I knew nothing about Tasmanian/Australian politics and even though those parts were sometimes hard to stomach, I found them the most interesting.
What didn't work that great for me was the sometimes - intentionally - tangled narrative. Hannah clearly states in the beginning that this is done on purpose and I get it. But it was still sometimes confusing and some lines are just never properly ended - which I guess mirrors the real life (which is mostly heartbreaking).
I can't really say I enjoyed this book, but it was very informative and interesting read and I just enjoy Hannah's narration so much. Maybe I just wish I waited a bit until I picked it up, because it was a bit much for me just now.
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
A well written, raw and intriguing memoir. Ample mix of humor and heart wrenching reality, similar to the trademark style of the Nanette stand up show.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Cannot recommend this enough, specifically in audio book form, for fans of Hannah/Nannette (of which I am both) - she provides a TW early on for sexual assault, grooming, mental health issues, suicide ideation, etc.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced