Scan barcode
renatasnacks's review against another edition
3.0
I was really excited to read this book. I even pre-ordered it on the Internets, something I usually reserve for books of a Harry Potter stature. But I just love Mike Birbiglia's standup. He is a funny, funny guy. I cannot emphasize that enough. If I were reviewing any of his standup shows or albums I would give them 5 stars. But this book was 50% his standup routine written down, which was less funny than his standup routine being performed. And it was kind of awkwardly strung together, like it was kind of a chronological memoir of his life and kind of an excuse to hold the jokes together. I mean... it was still very funny, because he is a funny guy. But not as funny as his standup routines are. If you don't know who Mike Birbiglia is I really strongly recommend watching or listening to him rather than reading this book. DO IT.
mvertel's review against another edition
3.0
If you're a Birbiglia fan, then you've heard most of these stories before. They are still funny but the delivery makes them really funny.
boygirlparty's review against another edition
4.0
in the span of 24 hours, I watched the movie of the same name TWICE and read this. loved both. I think I would have five starred this well-written and often-laugh-out-loud, enchanting book had I read it first.
jilljaracz's review against another edition
4.0
I'd heard Birbiglia on This American Life and was really looking forward to the title essay; however, it seemed a little thin, compared to the story as I've heard it on the radio. Otherwise, this was a pretty quick and fairly entertaining read.
readra's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
streetsmcrts's review against another edition
4.0
i adore mike birbiglia as a comedian (and comedy writer as well) so this book truly gives me a joy. perhaps i'm gonna give it a higher rating if he didn't said "several things" that bit offensive (i think he regretted this in his special several years later. thank god he realized that).
rated this 3.5 stars pointed up.
rated this 3.5 stars pointed up.
jacque18's review against another edition
3.0
I've always enjoyed Mike Birbiglia when I've heard him on This American Life and The Moth. This book was very enjoyable, but for me it lost something by not hearing it in his own voice. I feel the same way about David Sedaris - I can't read his books, I can only listen to him. Nevertheless, this was a very interesting book and entertaining, and it held my interest until the last page.
sigmamorrigan's review against another edition
3.0
Let's start by saying I adore Mike Birbiglia. He is an incredibly talented and genuine comedian, as well as a very sweet man (I got to meet him in person after his latest show). His recent movie, of the same title, was delightful. So when I saw this book, I obviously had to pick it up.
The book tells many stories that I have heard in his standup acts, but also includes a deeper look into his progression through the slog of becoming a professional comedian. Those views were my favorite parts of the book, giving me more insight into the highs and lows that he experienced. Mike Birbiglia has a knack for self-deprecation that isn't self-pitying, allowing you to laugh with him over the silly and embarrassing stories that everyone can relate to.
The reason I didn't give this a higher rating probably has more to do with the fact that I know his standup so well. Structure that works incredibly well in his shows doesn't translate quite as well to the page. I would say listen to his standup before buying this book.
The book tells many stories that I have heard in his standup acts, but also includes a deeper look into his progression through the slog of becoming a professional comedian. Those views were my favorite parts of the book, giving me more insight into the highs and lows that he experienced. Mike Birbiglia has a knack for self-deprecation that isn't self-pitying, allowing you to laugh with him over the silly and embarrassing stories that everyone can relate to.
The reason I didn't give this a higher rating probably has more to do with the fact that I know his standup so well. Structure that works incredibly well in his shows doesn't translate quite as well to the page. I would say listen to his standup before buying this book.
naomi_x's review against another edition
2.0
Have loved him on The Moth, TAL, and stand up... But, sadly, his genius doesn't translate to the written page.
booksam's review against another edition
3.0
**Kabul Book**
I have always like listening to Mike Birbiglia on TAL, but reading this book didn't really do much for me. Probably should have bought the audiobook instead.
I have always like listening to Mike Birbiglia on TAL, but reading this book didn't really do much for me. Probably should have bought the audiobook instead.