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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Hitting a bit of a rut. I’ve been in the habit this month of reading shorter books to try and maintain the frankly insane pace of 15 books in January. It’s been pretty effective, and as part of that, I listened to the audiobook of Romesh Ranganathan’s As Good As It Gets. I’m a big fan of audiobooks read by the author—especially when it’s a comedian.
Comedy books can be hit or miss for me. I thoroughly enjoyed Ayoade’s Ayoade on Top during lockdown, and Tom Segura’s I’d Like to Play Alone, Please worked really well for me, especially as someone who wasn’t a huge follower of American comics. James Acaster’s Perfect Sound Whatever was fantastic—such a novel topic. On the flip side, I found Ed Gamble’s Glutton pretty weak, lacking real heart or self-reflection, and Acaster’s Guide to Quitting Social Media felt more like a collection of bits.
I guess what I’m saying is, I enjoy books by comedians when it’s not just “I’m a comedian, and here’s something my agent told me to put together.”
With that in mind, As Good As It Gets is effectively a selection of interwoven 8-10 minute bits, written during lockdown, covering everything from The Avengers to being a bad parent to video games. And honestly, I thought it was really solid.
Reading it made me a bit introspective about how Ranganathan became so big. The book has lockdown references that already feel slightly dated, but considering it was published in 2021, that was right at the start of his meteoric rise. Now, he’s cemented himself in the conversation as the nation’s biggest comedian, arguably taking the mantle from Michael McIntyre—and personally, I prefer him. He feels more authentic, more real. His material is still relatable but has just enough of an edge to set him apart.
You can feel that authenticity in the book. Sure, there are plenty of funny anecdotes, and some material is likely lifted from his stand-up sets, but it never feels phoned in. It’s a solid read without breaking the mould. If Ranganathan writes again (I think he’s published a children’s book), there’s potential for something even more interesting. But if you’re already a fan of his, this is a book you won’t regret giving or receiving as a gift.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
funny
lighthearted
reflective
funny
fast-paced
5 - I had the chance to see Romesh live touring his WIP a few years ago. I wasn't particularly desperate to see Romesh but I love live comedy and it was hilarious. Easily one of the best gigs I've seen. This book completely reminded me of the humour he'd brought that night, slightly freer than permissable on mainstream TV to delve into some darker humour and listened to as an audio book was excellent.
emotional
funny
informative
slow-paced
I love Romesh Ranganathan’s style of dry , self deprecating, honest comedy and this book had me giggling many times. Don’t read if you are offended by bad language but do read it to cheer you up .
There wasn't as much that made me laugh out loud like there was in his first book but I still really enjoyed it. There are a lot of things I agree with him about and some that I don't but he writes in his own voice and I can hear him reading it in my head which is always a good sign that the person did actually write it. I don't have children so none of the content about parenthood I could relate to but he's real enough about the struggles that you don't read it and think 'privileged twat' like you might otherwise.
I think this is the kind of book that if you like his comedy you'll probably like the book and if you find him annoying then you won't. Do with that information what you will.
I think this is the kind of book that if you like his comedy you'll probably like the book and if you find him annoying then you won't. Do with that information what you will.