Reviews

Egghead: Or, You Can't Survive on Ideas Alone by Bo Burnham

kittehloaf's review against another edition

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5.0

I was super excited when receiving this book because I love Bo Burnham and his personality.
After watching his last special on Comedy Central, he left a lot of dark undertones and that left me feeling a heavy heart in my chest.

As someone who suffers with anxiety and depression, I could relate.

This book had a mix of very deep and dark words stringed together to poems that you wonder why they are even there.

I think reading this helps you understand more what goes on in Bo's mind.

And to you, Bo, I hope you are happy. ❤️✨

emilyrc93's review

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emotional funny fast-paced

5.0

shhherald's review

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4.0

This collection from Bo is a breath of fresh air. It's a nice reminder that good modern poetry doesn't need to be sad and heartbreaking to be poignant; satirical and humorous works just as well, if not better.

stephhaigreads's review

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5.0

I am so in love with Bo Burnham and his style.

Some of my favourites include Chameleon, The Squares, I F**k Sl*ts, A Dog's Poem, Martha - all hilarious.

But there are some that are more introspective that I love. Like 'A Letter'.

To quote the book jacket: "Bo takes on everything from death to farts in this weird book that will make you think, laugh, and think, "Why did I just laugh?"

stillwaterrotter's review

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fast-paced

1.0

Apparently you can survive on ideas alone. Or at least monetize ideas alone. 

ezza1637's review

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4.0

Magic

Read this to yourself. Read it silently.
Don't move your lips. Don't make a sound.
Listen to yourself. Listen without hearing anything.
What a wonderfully weird thing, huh?

NOW MAKE THIS PART LOUD!
SCREAM IT IN YOUR MIND!
DROWN EVERYTHING OUT.
Now, hear a whisper. A tiny whisper.

Now, read this next line with your best crochety- old-man voice:
"Hello there, sonny. Does your town have a post office?"
Awesome! Who was that? Whose voice was that?
It sure wasn't yours!

How do you do that?
How?!
Must be magic.

whitneymouse's review

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4.0

As a fan of Bo Burnham's comedy, I knew I had to read this. This book is funny and serious and vulgar and spectacular. I initially went into it expecting a bunch of poems like "Martha" (my favorite of the ones he reads in "What.") but, of course, he writes poems like "Different" that are about real issues and stimulate thought. I wish I was done with my degree so I could teach some of these poems.

Favorites that weren't featured in "What." were "They" & "Secret Ingredient", both of which are short but hilarious.

Lastly, I wanted to note that he thanks Shel Silverstein at the end of the book and the influence is very apparent. This book reads like a very adult Shel Silverstein book. It's wonderful. If you like Bo Burnham, I would highly suggest it. If you don't know the author's comedy work and aren't bothered by swearing and innuendo, I would highly suggest it. Solid 4.

kelsdafirenze's review

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5.0

I just want to tell him I love him and that he sure is a smart cookie

garagehymns's review

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It is bad. 

salam_'s review

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5.0

3rd? Re-read: I love the wordplay! I noticed that I appreciated different poems than the ones I marked as favs previously. It's like with each re-read I get something different out of it.
Also, I laughed audibly at some parts so that's a bonus.


Do you know how awesome it is when your birthday present is actually the top book on your Birthday wishlist? Life. Needless to say I have a string emotional bond with this book that was there before I even own it so my rating is totally biased :D