Scan barcode
brianajae's review against another edition
5.0
Exactly what I look for in a comedy memoir, of which I read many.
Light and fun, like a more extensive telling of his stand-up material, with some touching moments, too.
I laughed and read it all in a day.
Highly recommended.
Light and fun, like a more extensive telling of his stand-up material, with some touching moments, too.
I laughed and read it all in a day.
Highly recommended.
eandrews80's review against another edition
3.0
I'm guessing that this book is a lot like Birbiglia himself: alternately hilarious, awkward, stilted, insightful, and moving.
kylegarvey's review against another edition
4.0
At a slim 188 pages, Sleepwalk With Me seems at first pretty usual and shallow. The ol' standup's memoir, short and jokey and no-nonsense. But Birbiglia's always been enormously thoughtful and interesting and self-aware -- in comedy routines, ThisAmericanLife monologues, and in the latest promotion for his movie -- so I thought I'd better give his book a shot. As a whole, it's wise, deft, and profoundly worthwhile.
Honestly, for most of its length, Sleepwalk With Me seems to be just yoked-together comedy bits (short staccato sentences, punchy paragraphs, hit-or-miss) about growing up in a Boston suburb in the '70s, funny anecdotes with family and friends, and rocky self-discovery. But there's so much control and pacing and awareness along with those that they're much more special. And the last chapter (the titular essay, and all by itself the premise for the movie) definitely delivers on the potential of what came before.
There are several expertly-reprised notes of grace in Birbiglia's book that stuck out to me:
*He recalls his mother's Catholic minced oath: instead of "Like hell!", she'd warn him with "Like fun!"
*From an embarrassing childhood misdeed (you may be able to guess what), Birbiglia earned the nickname "Tinkles."
*He imagines, while visiting an Alaskan wildlife retreat with his sister, that the bears lumber up to them with just a few peaceful words: "I'm a bear, etc."
Each of these punchlines out once and then comes back again, sometimes again a third or fourth time, but always in an interesting and thoughtful way.
And the book's closer, like its opener, notes an opposite-day-satirical but still sweet reprise from his dad, a persistent "Don't tell anyone." It's hard to end an überconfessional memoir with an idea better than that one.
Honestly, for most of its length, Sleepwalk With Me seems to be just yoked-together comedy bits (short staccato sentences, punchy paragraphs, hit-or-miss) about growing up in a Boston suburb in the '70s, funny anecdotes with family and friends, and rocky self-discovery. But there's so much control and pacing and awareness along with those that they're much more special. And the last chapter (the titular essay, and all by itself the premise for the movie) definitely delivers on the potential of what came before.
There are several expertly-reprised notes of grace in Birbiglia's book that stuck out to me:
*He recalls his mother's Catholic minced oath: instead of "Like hell!", she'd warn him with "Like fun!"
*From an embarrassing childhood misdeed (you may be able to guess what), Birbiglia earned the nickname "Tinkles."
*He imagines, while visiting an Alaskan wildlife retreat with his sister, that the bears lumber up to them with just a few peaceful words: "I'm a bear, etc."
Each of these punchlines out once and then comes back again, sometimes again a third or fourth time, but always in an interesting and thoughtful way.
And the book's closer, like its opener, notes an opposite-day-satirical but still sweet reprise from his dad, a persistent "Don't tell anyone." It's hard to end an überconfessional memoir with an idea better than that one.
helena_basket's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book even though I was not familiar with Mike when I started reading the book. Which is strange because I am a This American Life junkie.
Anyway - not sure if it's because I bonded with the experiences because of the time period or the location - it all felt familiar and like I was reading something a very funny friend wrote. It was nostalgic for me. That's a good thing.
I looked up Mike on Youtube and he is very very funny - I really don't know how I missed him.
Anyway - not sure if it's because I bonded with the experiences because of the time period or the location - it all felt familiar and like I was reading something a very funny friend wrote. It was nostalgic for me. That's a good thing.
I looked up Mike on Youtube and he is very very funny - I really don't know how I missed him.
florapants84's review against another edition
3.0
Birbiglia is a funny guy. I've seen some of his standup stuff, so I feel like I can say that. That aside, I loved "parts" of this book, which is why I marked and highlighted my way through hilarious passages that I might want to revisit later. I just wish it had been more cohesive. I don't know, maybe I'm just weird like that...but my brain needs order. I will mos def be checking out the movie, though. I've heard it's very good (from people who haven't read the book).
stevereally's review against another edition
3.0
I love the standup and storytelling of Mike Birbiglia. If you also love listening to him, you'll likely enjoy this book, as I did. If you love his storytelling and standup, though, you'll likely already know most of the material. You'll still enjoy it again, but it'll tend to be familiar. If you don't know his standup and storytelling, I'd go looking for that (Netflix, The Moth, This American Life), before or after. You'll like this, but you'll like that better.
ckwolff's review against another edition
4.0
My mom's college roommate is Mike Birbiglia's sister. That's how I heard about him, and once I watched him on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, I was hooked! His humor isn't too in your face and not racy to make a quick joke like some other comedians. I read it on an airplane and I could. not. put. it. down. I walked around the airport holding it laughing all day.
One hilarious story right after another! If you are having a bad day, just flip to any page in this book and it is sure to make you smile. Even if there's a part he is talking about and it's something you can't relate to, Mike will manage to find a way to make you feel like you are right there laughing with him or at him (but usually at him) Where ever I was (even on the airplane) I started laughing out loud from time to time. The book is the perfect length and the story in the second to last chapter will make you think, "No way! Really??" Trust me, just read it and you'll see :) I would also highly suggest his CD called Two Drink Mike. It's him LIVE from one of his stand up comedy acts. I loved this book and have been passing it around to all my friends. If you love to laugh, or are sick of the same old vampire crap that no one else can seem to get enough of, try this book! You won't be disappointed :)
I can't wait to reread it!
One hilarious story right after another! If you are having a bad day, just flip to any page in this book and it is sure to make you smile. Even if there's a part he is talking about and it's something you can't relate to, Mike will manage to find a way to make you feel like you are right there laughing with him or at him (but usually at him) Where ever I was (even on the airplane) I started laughing out loud from time to time. The book is the perfect length and the story in the second to last chapter will make you think, "No way! Really??" Trust me, just read it and you'll see :) I would also highly suggest his CD called Two Drink Mike. It's him LIVE from one of his stand up comedy acts. I loved this book and have been passing it around to all my friends. If you love to laugh, or are sick of the same old vampire crap that no one else can seem to get enough of, try this book! You won't be disappointed :)
I can't wait to reread it!
bent's review against another edition
4.0
A fun read. I've seen some of Mike Birbiglia's routines before, so some of this was familiar to me, but I do enjoy his self-deprecating autobiographical stories.
402reader's review against another edition
4.0
Mike Birbiglia is very funny, and has a unique awkward way of making everyday troubles hilarious, everything from trips to the doctor to staying in hotels for business trips.