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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
I’ve been listening to John’s podcast for a few years now and love it … in fact I’m listening to the latest episode AS I write this. As an airline status seeker, I was excited to read this book. I just hit Platinum on American for this year and it makes me quite a happy traveler!
It took me days to read this book because it’s full of a lot of insider knowledge that I’m not sure I have. There were times when I just skimmed over sections because I don’t know who that actor or author or show was.
I do appreciate reading slight celebrity memoirs that are just about their daily lives. All in all, a great read!
Also one I got from the library but also purchased a personalized signed copy of for a friend … which I did not read before giving to her. I think this shows something about the level of friend she is (I’m not sure WHAT that something is, but I know it’s something) … and if I wrote a book in the future I’d be sure to drop that brag somewhere in it.
Maybe we can add that to the growing “cause for canonization folder” someone’s obviously keeping. I once fixed a customer’s major website issue by doing almost nothing. Then I refused homemade ice cream at a restaurant in California. And now, I gave away a book I wanted to read before I read it. So. Holy! … and humble!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It took me days to read this book because it’s full of a lot of insider knowledge that I’m not sure I have. There were times when I just skimmed over sections because I don’t know who that actor or author or show was.
I do appreciate reading slight celebrity memoirs that are just about their daily lives. All in all, a great read!
Also one I got from the library but also purchased a personalized signed copy of for a friend … which I did not read before giving to her. I think this shows something about the level of friend she is (I’m not sure WHAT that something is, but I know it’s something) … and if I wrote a book in the future I’d be sure to drop that brag somewhere in it.
Maybe we can add that to the growing “cause for canonization folder” someone’s obviously keeping. I once fixed a customer’s major website issue by doing almost nothing. Then I refused homemade ice cream at a restaurant in California. And now, I gave away a book I wanted to read before I read it. So. Holy! … and humble!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. Maybe I could have done without the Trump chapters, but I understand why he included them. I just am not in that headspace these days, and it put me back there— which also might speak to the skill of Hodgman’s writing.
But the book is in general laugh out loud funny and perfectly self aware. I really like Hodgman’s writing style, and these glimpses into his life were honest and funny. I typically don’t read audiobooks, but this is the kind of book that works especially well for the format. It feels almost more personal, like he’s speaking to you directly.
But the book is in general laugh out loud funny and perfectly self aware. I really like Hodgman’s writing style, and these glimpses into his life were honest and funny. I typically don’t read audiobooks, but this is the kind of book that works especially well for the format. It feels almost more personal, like he’s speaking to you directly.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
I always liked John on TDS, but this was a much, much different look at him. His writing style and humor are extremely unique, and I quite enjoyed this book.
Always a joy hearing John tell stories. He’s a gifted comedian, author, narrator and this one was just as entertaining as his first book.
I guess you have to like John Hodgman a lot to appreciate it. And I don’t know why anyone would. He’s not very funny. He’s not very popular. He hasn’t lived through any great tragedies or demonstrated expertise with the written word.
From the book, it sounds like his job is being a celebrity. But a celebrity of what, you don’t know. Like Kathy Griffin or Kim Kardashian. And it’s not even a big celebrity, more like vice-vice-vice-celebrity. And the essays in this book prove that. They’re not even funny, they’re just… diverting. Agreeable.
But not fulfilling because there’s no conflict or drama here. You either get peeved at him because of his elevated status (e.g. his quest to be in the most prestigious Delta Sky Club) or tedious musings on Disneyland (celebrities are just like us!).
High concentrations of meh.
From the book, it sounds like his job is being a celebrity. But a celebrity of what, you don’t know. Like Kathy Griffin or Kim Kardashian. And it’s not even a big celebrity, more like vice-vice-vice-celebrity. And the essays in this book prove that. They’re not even funny, they’re just… diverting. Agreeable.
But not fulfilling because there’s no conflict or drama here. You either get peeved at him because of his elevated status (e.g. his quest to be in the most prestigious Delta Sky Club) or tedious musings on Disneyland (celebrities are just like us!).
High concentrations of meh.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
I really enjoyed this book almost more so than Hodgman’s previous Vacationland. If you only know John Hodgman from his three almanacs of fake facts or his television roles, this is a really entertaining and engaging book about fame and middle-age and becoming comfortable in your own skin.
John Hodgman is a rare humourist and storyteller whose writing is not only truly funny, but also thoughtful, introspective, and poignant. Medallion Status represents some of his best work. Themed around Hodgman's quest to achieve Diamond status in an airline loyalty rewards program, the book takes the audience on a tour of the continental United States, interweaving restaurant recommendations with career advice for precocious 13-year-olds and life lessons from show business, fatherhood, and the current political moment.
One day I had the audiobook on in the car on a 20-minute drive to the gym. In that 20 minutes I experienced uproarious laughter at one anecdote, followed by reflective thought and finally tears of empathy. You know you've read a great book when you turn the final page (or listen to those final few minutes) and feel like you've just been given a gift, and that's exactly how I feel. The only improvement I can suggest would be for Hodgman to travel back in time to release this book back when I was a still precocious 13-year-old, because I really could've used some of that career advice.
One day I had the audiobook on in the car on a 20-minute drive to the gym. In that 20 minutes I experienced uproarious laughter at one anecdote, followed by reflective thought and finally tears of empathy. You know you've read a great book when you turn the final page (or listen to those final few minutes) and feel like you've just been given a gift, and that's exactly how I feel. The only improvement I can suggest would be for Hodgman to travel back in time to release this book back when I was a still precocious 13-year-old, because I really could've used some of that career advice.
Entertaining read. Wish I could get Medallion Status.