Comedy and stand-up Books

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Book SynopsisA riotously funny memoir with lots of heart (and just the right amount of bitterness!), Helen Lederer pulls no punches, but every blow is wrapped in a laugh of recognition. Brilliantly written, revealing, and moving, Not That I'm Bitter is sweet, sour, laugh-out-loud, and addictive.

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Book SynopsisThe number one bestseller and Sunday Times Humour Book of the Year by national treasure Bob Mortimer.‘The most life-affirming, joyful read of the year’ - Sunday Times‘Winningly heartfelt’ – The Guardian‘A triumph’ – Daily Mail Bob Mortimer’s life was trundling along happily until suddenly in 2015 he was diagnosed with a heart condition that required immediate surgery and forced him to cancel an upcoming tour. The episode unnerved him, but forced him to reflect on his life so far. This is the framework for his hilarious and moving memoir, And Away… Although his childhood in Middlesbrough was normal on the surface, it was tinged by the loss of his dad, and his own various misadventures (now infamous from his appearances on Would I Lie to You?), from burning dTrade Review‘It’s probably fairer to say that since his brush with mortality, Mortimer has come into his own. There is this book, which is a triumph… And Away is as good a celebrity autobiography as you could hope to read, and enthusiastically recommend.’ * Daily Mail *‘…(a) fascinating and often poignant memoir.’ * Daily Express & Daily Mirror *‘The book, too, grows more confident in talking about serious subjects as it progresses and it’s the honesty and openness that he allows in Gone Fishing that make And Away…, by the end, an unexpectedly moving read’ * The Observer *‘A glorious collection of stories from an extraordinary life. Once you put it down, you may get the immediate urge to pick it up again. Yes, you couldn’t let it lie.’ * Yorkshire Magazine *‘Bob Mortimer is pretty much established as a national treasure…So it's great to hear his story of how he got there first-hand…In the end he has become loved for being himself. And maybe that's the best type of success of all.’ * Beyond the Joke *‘Bob’s recent reinvention via the …Gone Fishing series means a whole new audience might indeed be surprised at how many different things he’s done and will particularly admire the non-showbiz route to stardom in our age of driven but ultimately vacuous and content-free superstars.’ * Yorkshire Bylines *‘It’s a precarious world, but And Away... is a heartfelt testament to the magic of finding your happy place within it.’ * The Sunday Times *‘(a) touching, funny autobiography.' * Observer *‘(a) comic masterpiece of a memoir: melancholically amusing, warm and witty’ * Strong Words *‘Filled with anecdotes from Mortimer’s life, And Away… contrasts humour with a deeper contemplation of life following his open-heart surgery’ * Radio Times *‘…deftly combines all the varied aspects of Mortimer’s eventful, fascinating life and paints a fully three-dimensional picture of this much-loved figure’ * Chortle *‘…it’s everything you would want from the man who is the highlight of every show you see him on’ * The Independent *

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Book Synopsis*A memoir and self-help manual by one of the country's most treasured comedians - for anyone who feels stuck in a rut but doesn't have the tools or self-belief to shake things up*In his mid-twenties, Jimmy was bored, boring, unfulfilled and underachieving. He wasn't exactly depressed, but he was very sad. Think of a baby owl whose mum has recently died in a windmill accident. He was that sad. This book tells the story of how Jimmy turned it around and got happy, through the redemptive power of dick jokes.Written to take advantage of the brief window between the end of lockdown and Jimmy getting cancelled for saying something unforgivable to Lorraine Kelly, this book is as timely as it is unnecessary. Because you might be interested in Jimmy's life but he's damn sure you're a lot more interested in your own, Before & Laughter is about both of you. But mainly him. It tells the story of Jimmy's life - the transformation from white-collar corporate drone to fake-toothed donkey-laugh plastic-haired comedy mannequin - while also explaining how to turn your own life around and become the you you've always dreamt of being. At just £20, it's cheaper than Scientology, quicker than therapy, and significantly less boring than church.Before & Laughter contains the answers to all the big questions in life, questions like:· What's the secret to happiness?· Is Jimmy wearing a wig?· What happened with that tax thing?· What's the meaning of life?· Is Jimmy's laugh real?· Can those teeth bite through vibranium?And for readers in the West Country: yes, there are pictures (actually, sorry, there are no pictures, but there's a book about a hungry caterpillar you'll love).Because it's Jimmy Carr - recently scientifically proved to be the funniest comedian in the UK - there are jokes, jokes and more jokes throughout. If laughter really was the best medicine, the NHS would be handing out this book in Nightingale Hospitals.Fascinating, thoughtful and insightful - are all words that appear in the book.Trade ReviewRiveting * Daily Mail *An utterly sincere guide for people to achieve bigger things in life * Guardian *Very funny and very beautiful, packed with jokes and genuinely wise advice * Chris Evans *So good. I've loved every second of reading it * James Corden *A hilarious book that will be adored by Jimmy's fans. Both of them * David Walliams *Made me laugh, made me think, what more do you want from a comedian's memoir? * Alastair Campbell *I was really annoyed at how good this book is and that's the biggest compliment I can give * Romesh Ranganathan *Very, very funny - a great read * Gary Davies, The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show *At last, a selfless biography that aims to inspire and does. Also, of course, very, very funny * Rich Hall *It's the first life advice book from someone whose life you would actually want * Katherine Ryan *

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Book SynopsisPacked with hard-won wisdoms and gentle truths, this is Miranda's honest exploration of the lessons she has learned on her journey from illness to recoveryTHE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER NOW IN PAPERBACK 'A raw and poignant account. Miranda is more of an everywoman than ever before' The Times'A bombshell, moving, inspirational... No comedian, female or male, has been so taken to the nation's bosom since Victoria Wood' Independent'Irrepressible and joyous. Taking us affectionately by the hand, Miranda takes us through her ten-year journey to deep self-knowledge' Daily MailA wonderful book, filled with treasure' Julia Samuel'A raw and poignant account. Miranda is more of an everywoman than ever before' The Times'Miranda's account of slowly letting her guard down and being vulnerable is sweet and moving, and proof that happiness is possible even in the most trying times' Guardian--Hello to you, I am with news. I have a new book: I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You. I know what an intriguing title!Basically, I have had an unexpectedly difficult decade there have been surprising joys, but also deep revelations and challenging lows. I shall be honest about those, because what I discovered in the difficult times were my, what I call, treasures. Treasures practical tools, values, ways, answers researched from some great scientists, neuroscientists, therapists, sociologists (all the ists') out there, that have genuinely led to a sense of freedom, joy, peace and physical recovery I never would have thought possible. Life now, amazingly, with what I will share, is SUCH FUN! (always important to quote your own catch phrases. . .) If you fancy having a read, then I hope my story might help your story. After all, we are in this beautiful, mysterious, challenging life together. Rest assured there are funny stories along the way we will have a laugh too, my dear reader chum. Oh, and I couldn't possibly say if there is a love story in it . . . (There is shush). Exciting. --MORE RAVE REVIEWS FOR I HAVEN'T BEEN ENTIRELY HONEST WITH YOU'Packed with optimism and wisdom' i'Irrepressible and joyous...[Hart] describes memorable escapades from her past and can't repress her inner funniest girl in the dorm self' Daily Mail'A wonderful book, filled with treasure' Julia Samuel, psychotherapist and bestselling authorSunday Times bestseller, October 2024

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Book Synopsis Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck''s back but two things made this heckler different: first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right. This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unraveled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life: why were the other kids obsessed with Britney Spears instead of The Goon Show? Why don''t people ever say what they mean? Why is everyone chewing so loudly? At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked themselves: why can''t I just enjoy things?

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Book SynopsisPaul Whitehouse and fishing expert John Bailey celebrate the timeless joy of fishing.Paul Whitehouse and John Bailey have been devout fishermen for longer than they care to remember. A hobby, past time or sport call it what you want they have felt the pull of the water ever since they were kids and have never missed the chance to set up on the bank and try their luck.In this wonderful book, the two fishermen collaborate to celebrate the rich tapestry that is fishing from mentors to memories; from philosophy to modern jargon; from watercraft to becoming self-styled Fishing Detectives'. Punctuated by brilliant stories, beautiful illustrations by Carys Reilly-Whitehouse, and recollections from fishing day trips past, How We Fish is the perfect tome for the veteran fisherman or the budding angler warm, funny and rich in the wonders of the riverbank.

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Book Synopsis'Read any history of the Nineties in Britain and you will read about Britpop, Blair, the birth of the Premier League and the rise of new lads. I played no part in any of these events. Growing up in a tiny rural village on Dartmoor, no bands came within 100 miles, all the local farmers voted Tory, our nearest football team was in the fourth division, and the closest I got to being a new lad was when my older brother let me drink some of his Hooch.' In Watching the Nineties, much-loved comedian Josh Widdicombe tells the story of a strange rural childhood, the kind of childhood he only realised was weird when he left home and started telling people about it. From only having four people in his year at school, to living in a family home where they didn't just not bother locking the front door, they didn't even have a key. Using a different television show of the time as it's starting point for each chapter Watching the Nineties is part-childhood memoir, part-comic history of 90s television and culture. It will discuss everything from the dangers of recreating Gladiators in your front room, to Josh's belief that Mr Blobby is one of the great comic characters, to being the only vegetarian child west of Bristol. Together it tells the story of the end of an era, the last time when watching television was a shared experience for the family and the nation, before the internet meant everyone watched different things at different times on different devices, headphones on to make absolutely sure no one could watch it with them.Trade ReviewYou know when your mate does something really impressive, and you look at them with a renewed sense of admiration? That's how I feel about Josh's book. Beautifully written, cleverly crafted and charmingly funny. -- Adam HillsIf you read only one book by Josh Widdicombe this year, make it this one -- Jack DeeA wonderful blend of nostalgia, hilarity and personal anecdotes that only Josh Widdicombe could deliver -- James AcasterBrilliantly observed -- Romesh RanganathanWarmth, wit and Widdicombe - with big laughs and pure nostalgia at its heart. Made me want to watch Neighbours with him. Twice.' -- Danny WallaceThis book is genius -- Dawn O'PorterFantastic -- David BaddielA '90s TV throwback dream -- Katherine RyanAnnoyingly very funny -- Sean WalshRetro heaven -- Alan CarrBrilliantly funny and nostalgic -- Russell Kane

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Book SynopsisA genuinely funny memoir with lots of heart (and just the right amount of bitterness!), Helen Lederer pulls no punches, but every blow is wrapped in a laugh of recognition. Brilliantly written, revealing, and moving, Not That I'm Bitter is sweet, sour, laugh-out-loud, and addictive.

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Book SynopsisAfter coming last by quite such a distance on Taskmaster Series 15, and seeing his emotional frailties laid bare in a series of memes of him with his head in his hands, Ivo Graham is adapting to an increasingly irreversible reputation as a man better known for his chaos than his comedy. Yardsticks For Failure is an exquisite map of the brain behind the breakdowns; a deep dive into the various facepalms of Ivo''s recent past, and a live diary of his unravelling present, where his solution to the general bedlam of his life has been to pile his plate higher than ever before. Longer-term resolutions of rest and relaxation can wait; in the meantime he''s trying to host the greatest club night of all time, run a Sub-3 marathon while pushing a wheelchair, and put his heart on the line in a show unlike anything he''s ever done before. Can these dreams become a reality, or will they just become more yardsticks for failure?A gleeful glimpse behind the grubby curt

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Book SynopsisJennifer Saunders'' comic creations have brought joy to millions. From Comic Strip to Comic Relief, from Bolly-swilling Edina in Ab Fab to her takes on Madonna or Mamma Mia, her characters are household names.But it''s Jennifer herself who has a place in all our hearts. This is her funny, moving and frankly bonkers memoir, filled with laughter, friends and occasional heartache - but never misery.BONKERS is full of riotous adventures: accidentally enrolling on a teacher training course with a young Dawn French, bluffing her way to each BBC series, shooting Lulu, trading wild faxes with Joanna Lumley, touring India with Ruby Wax and Goldie Hawn.There''s cancer, too, when she becomes ''Brave Jen''. But her biggest battle is with the bane of her life: the Laws of Procrastination. As she admits, ''There has never been a Plan. Everything has been fairly random, happened by accident or just fallen into place. I''m off now, to do some sweeping...''Prepare to chuckle, whoop, and go BONKERS.Trade ReviewFabulous? Yes. Funny? Absolutely * Mail on Sunday *Beautifully written and frequently hilarious * Guardian *Delightfully funny... she writes with moving honesty * Hello! *Her account of battling breast cancer is as honest as it is uplifting * Daily Mail *'Hilarious and brilliant' -- Kirsty Young * BBC Radio 4 *Endearing and hilarious. If only all celebrity biographies were this funny * Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisFollowing her 2021 bestselling memoir Don't Laugh, It'll Only Encourage Her comes the laugh out loud follow-up Hexy B*tch. 'My life's changed a lot since This Country came out.

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Book SynopsisWhen 'Hymns and Arias' rang out at Cardiff Arms Park some fifty years ago, those great Welsh anthems 'Calon Lan' and 'Cwm Rhondda' had found a companion and the valleys of south Wales had produced a new folk hero. Max Boyce's work, with over five decades of creativity, captures the spirit and the story of the people of Wales. It also has a warmth and charm that has made his words and music resonate with a worldwide audience. From his early days touring the folk clubs and small concert halls of his native south Wales to sell-out shows at some of the world's most iconic venues, including the Albert Hall, the London Palladium and the opera houses of Sydney and Durban, Max has become an original and treasured performer whose songs and stories have become part of folk culture. His albums, including the No. 1 album We All Had Doctors' Papers and the iconic Live at Treorchy, have sold in their millions and earned him several gold discs. His greatest influence has always been the valleys of Wales, with their inherent warmth and humour, their sadness and passion, and he has the remarkable ability to heighten, to an art form, the 'hwyl' that attends his nation's national game: rugby union. Compiling - in some instances for the first time in print - the very best songs, poems and stories from across his celebrated career, Max: Hymns & Arias is the definitive selected work of a major cultural figure who, through his inimitable humour, uniquely Welsh pathos and masterful wordcraft, has defined a nation and its people for more than half a century.

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Book SynopsisThe essential book for new dads by an award-winning comedy writer and his friends, preparing you for the confusing, emotional - and funny - rollercoaster ahead. A must-have gift for new dads!

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'A hilarious must read.' -Jameela Jamil'I loved the chutzpah and the honesty.' - Graham Norton'Funny, frank and inspiring.' - Lenny Henry All her life, London longed to be a badass, an awesome bulletproof star nobody could mess with - someone who takes no shit - and in Living My Best Life, Hun, she lifts the lid on how she went from secretly writing Frasier fan fiction alone in her bedroom to taking Hollywood by storm.It hasn't been an easy journey; from birthday parties gone wrong and dealing with bullies every step of the way, to getting blocked by Foxtons (long story) and being mistaken for the cleaner at a comedy competition (true story), London leaves no stone unturned. It took London some time to find her voice and her people, but now that she has, she's mentally high-fiving her fourteen-year-old self every day.Frank, fearless and funny, Living My Best Life, Hun will inspire you to ditch the self-loathing, start the self-loving and engage with your inner winner.

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Book SynopsisPacy, witty and affectionate' GuardianRob Beckett never seems to fit in. At work, in the middle-class world of television and comedy, he's the laddy, cockney geezer but to his mates down the pub in south-east London, he's the theatrical one, a media luvvy. Even his wife and kids are posher than him.In this hilarious exploration of class, Rob tries to understand the life he lived growing up as a working-class kid in comparison to the life he lives now.Will he ever favour a craft beer over strong lager? When did it become normal for kids to eat sushi? Is he still working class? Why does he feel so embarrassed about success? And, will it ever be acceptable to serve pie mash on a wooden board?Tackling the questions big and small, A Class Act is a funny, candid, often moving account of what it feels like to be an outsider and why actually that's the best (slightly awkward) place to be.Trade Review ‘Pacy, witty and affectionate’ Guardian

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewDawn's witty outlook on life will have you laughing * Prima *A must-read to pass on to friends and family of all ages * Women and Home *A manual for how to create your own happiness * Sunday Times *A mellow, gentle read with words of wisdom * Independent *It's beautiful, like Dawn, and stuffed full of goodies -- Jo BrandThis book is inspired!!! -- Nadiya HussainOne brilliant, inspiring woman -- Emma KennedyWho wouldn't want to spend a year in the company of Dawn French? * BEST *A lovely concept . . . it's very intimate -- Matt Baker, BBC The One ShowLovely! -- Jane Garvey, BBC Radio 4 Woman's HourDawn French will get you thinking * Fabulous Magazine *I spent a good 10 minutes snogging it -- Sarah CoxI love it. Lots of my friends are getting sent one now!!! -- Deborah MeadenThis woman is a warm hug in human form - just thinking about her makes me smile. Dawn spreads joy in abundance. She is dazzling -- Lorraine Kelly

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Book Synopsis''Piercingly honest witty wonderful'' - The Observer''My favourite way to learn is when a funny, clever, honest person is teaching me that''s why I love Rosie Wilby!'' - Sara Pascoe''Funny, sweet, entertaining, insightful, life-affirming...'' Viv Groskop''Hilarious, honest and brilliant'' Helen Thorne''Rosie Wilby unearths the hope and hilarity that can come from heartbreak'' Abigail TarttelinIn 2011, comedian and podcaster Rosie Wilby was dumped by email... though she did feel a little better about it after correcting her ex's spelling and punctuation. Obsessing about breakups ever since, she embarked on a quest to investigate, understand and conquer the psychology of heartbreak. This book is a love letter to her breakups, a celebration of what they have taught her peppered with anecdotes from illustrious friends and interviews with relationship therapists, scientists and sociologists about separating in the modTrade ReviewWe all know about the joys of love and relationships, but there's so much more to discover about the glorious benefits of breakups. Rosie reassures and entertains you through brilliant stories and fabulous facts, about what can be gained from the end of a relationship. This is a hilarious, honest and brilliant book! * Helen Thorn, Scummy Mummies podcaster *Piercingly honest… witty… wonderful * The Observer *For anyone who has ever been disenchanted by idealised romantic fairytales, this book will make you feel less alone. Rosie Wilby unearths the hope and hilarity that can come from heartbreak. * Abigail Tarttelin *My favourite way to learn is when a funny, clever, honest person is teaching me - that's why I love Rosie Wilby! * Sara Pascoe *Funny, sweet, entertaining, insightful, life-affirming... this book is all the things a breakup is not. Rosie’s wisdom is balm for the soul for anyone who has ever been in love. * Viv Groskop *[A] gem of a book * Red Magazine *Comedian Rosie Wilby deftly blends her own experiences with insights from therapists, sociologists and scientists to explore why heartbreak can be so devastating. -- Therapy TodayIf you’ve ever been heartbroken, this will help you heal. Plus it’s FUNNY -- Nichi Hodgsonwise, funny and clever -- Lucy-Anne HolmesI unexpectedly found this really brilliant. It’s about how heartbreak can be a real turning point and the creativity that comes with the depths of depression. It’s a really new take on it. -- Lorraine CandyThe smartest and most thought-provoking book about breakups in recent memory… expertly blends comedy, personal memoir and science to create the most essential book of the season * The Maritime Edit *The Breakup Monologues is a book to go back to, again and again. It’s smart, funny, and wise. Buy it for all your friends, single, coupled, or otherwise. * Liza Delfouli, Arts Hub *The perfect blend of humour, memoir and science * Diva *

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Book Synopsis10th Anniversary of hit TV show. A Sunday Times Number One Bestseller Miranda Hart will carry you along with the sheer force of her charm, bumbling cheer and charisma. - Sunday ExpressWell hello to you dear browser. Now I have your attention it would be rude if I didn''t tell you a little about my literary feast. So, here is the thing: is it just me or does anyone else find that adulthood offers no refuge from the unexpected horrors, peculiar lack of physical coordination and sometimes unexplained nudity, that accompanied childhood and adolescence? Does everybody struggle with the hazards that accompany, say, sitting elegantly on a bar stool; using chopsticks; pretending to understand the bank crisis; pedicures - surely it''s plain wrong for a stranger to fondle your feet? Or is it just me? I am proud to say I have a wealth of awkward experiences - from school days to life as an office temp - and here I offer my 18-year-old self Trade ReviewIs Miranda Hart a National Treasure yet? If not, it can only be a year or two before she joins Stephen Fry and Alan Bennett in the trophy cabinet of the country's affections... That personality and voice belong to a uniquely cherished comedian, and the answer to that question in her title is actually, yes - it is just her. Because there's nobody like Miranda. * Daily Mail *Funny and charming and full of terrific comic ideas... Unlike most comedians, she can actually write... Every Christmas there is, at the very most, one celeb book that is genuinely worth buying and reading. Here is this year's. Accept no substitutes. * The Spectator *'As you'd expect, it's very funny indeed... we applaud this bumbling, childish and splendid attempt to create such a guide, which includes Miranda verbally sparring with her 18-year-old self' ***** * Heat *'Miranda Hart will carry you along with the sheer force of her charm, bumbling cheer and charisma'. * Sunday Express *The best thing about her book is its universality - it is stuffed with the kind of events with which almost every reader will identify - sometimes with a groan of horrified recognition. * The Lady *I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Miranda Hart's new book - we should all embrace our inner Miranda gene and learn to laugh at ourselves. * Daily Express *Comedy queen Miranda recalls the awkward experiences she has encountered over the years and gives her unique thoughts and advice on dealing with them... Warning: you will laugh out loud on public transport while reading this! ***** * Closer *Navigate the awkwardness of adult life with Miranda Hart's Is It Just Me? * Grazia *This is pure, unadulterated, totally genius, Miranda. A cult (would religion be too weighty a word?) must surely follow, where can we get the T-shirt? * Red Online *In her brilliantly funny book, TV's Miranda muses on some of the most challenging, baffling and 'hideola' aspects of life... all the anecdotes are told in her unique style, with regular interjections from her 18-year-old self. Such fun! ***** * Star *

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Book SynopsisThe hysterical, shocking and incredibly intimate memoir from one of the most original and unique comedians alive today.Hello! I'm Brian Limond, aka Limmy. You might know me from Limmy's Show. Or you might not know me at all. Don't worry if you don't.They asked me to write a book about mental health, because I sometimes talk about my mental health in tweets and interviews, like suicidal thoughts and anxiety, and what I've done to try and deal with it.I said to them, oh, I don't know if I could fill a whole book with just that. But how's about I write a general autobiography type of thing, and all the mental health stuff will naturally appear along the way? I could talk about growing up and slashing my wrist and taking acid all the time and getting done for car theft and feeling like a mad freak that would never amount to anything.And then how I made my own sketch show. I directed it and everything. Plus I'm a dad. I'm an adult. But I still feel like that mad freak from years ago. I stilTrade Review‘One of the most innovative and fearless comedians on the block’ -The Guardian ‘One of the most idiosyncratic and original comics working today’ -The Independent

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Book SynopsisRomesh Ranganathan is a comedian, actor and writer. A former maths teacher, he is now known for his award-winning series The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, his weekly topical show The Ranganation, his sitcom The Reluctant Landlord and the BAFTA nominated Asian Provocateur, which features Romesh's mum. Amongst all of this, he still manages to squeeze in time to record his award-winning podcast 'Hip Hop Saved My Life', to write his regular Midlife Crisis column for the Guardian, and to pen his bestselling autobiography, Straight Outta Crawley. DJ Muffin drops the Mic is his first children's book and gave him an excuse to write about two of his favourite things - hip hop and cake.Trade ReviewVery, very funny. I can’t recommend it highly enough. * Jonathan Ross *His ability to produce bitingly fresh gags marks him out from the crowd. * The Guardian *Frank and very funny. * The Daily Telegraph *Delivered with consummate skill... totally original. * Evening Standard *Irresistible gags with stink-bomb impact. * The Guardian *

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Book Synopsis ''A great comedian and an extraordinary life'' - Billy Connolly ''Properly laugh-out-loud funny'' - The TimesJOIN COMEDY LEGEND AND NATIONAL TREASURE JANEY GODLEY AS SHE LOOKS BACK ON HER EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND FACES CANCER HEAD-ON Janey has been a determined fighter all her life - from her tough Glasgow childhood to becoming the much-loved comedian she is now. It was the strength she needed to survive as a sweary-mouthed woman in the male-dominated comedy clubs of the 1990s.She needed it again when she brought a case against the uncle who''d abused her as a child. A terrifying ordeal - but she won. From rocky beginnings, Janey started to gain big audiences at home and internationally. Awards rolled in for her acting and writing too. She was at her height, and with a soaring online following for her hilarious political voice-overs, when in 2021 hurtful, historic tweets were unearthed which shook her to

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Book SynopsisDave Itzkoff is the author of Mad as Hell, Cocaine's Son and Lads. He is a culture reporter at the New York Times, where he writes regularly about film, television, theatre, music and popular culture. He previously worked at Spin, Maxim and Details, and his work has appeared in GQ, Vanity Fair, Wired and other publications. He lives in New York City.

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Book SynopsisIn one of Chris' productions, due to an ill-timed haircut Rapunzel had to be imprisoned in a bungalow. But now with no further ado, please put your hands together for J.M. Barrie's Christmas classic: Peter Pan!The inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society set out to present J. M. Barrie''s classic tale of Peter Pan, their most audacious production to date. Flying? Pyrotechnics? Sharp hooks? What ensues is two acts of hysterical disaster. You''ll laugh, they''ll cry. Something so wrong has never been so right.From the mischievous minds of the West End and Edinburgh hit The Play That Goes Wrong comes this highly original, chaos-filled re-telling of J.M. Barrie''s much-loved classic.Peter Pan Goes Wrong received its world premiere at the Pleasance Theatre, London, on 10 December 2013 and transferred to the West End on 4 December 2015. The show opened on Broadway on 19 April 2023, and this updated edition was publishe

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Book SynopsisLarry Grayson was extremely funny, highly likeable and much-loved. Those were sentiments felt not just by his millions of fans, but also by those who knew him personally. He was a complicated man who didn't become a star until well into his middle age, having worked for years as drag act Billy Breen. The peak of his popularity came in the early 1980s with Larry Grayson's Generation Game on BBC1, with regular viewing figures of over eighteen million. Larry Grayson's story is fascinating from beginning to end, and has never properly been told before. This extensively and painstakingly researched account of his life is aspirational, funny and heartbreaking in equal measure. "Written with affection and sensitivity, this long overdue biography tells the wonderful Larry's remarkable story." Julian Clary "He was an honest comic and he was funny. I think that's why everybody loved Larry Grayson." Lionel Blair "Larry had a wicked sense of fun and from many years in clubs and variety halls his timing was just impeccable. This fascinating account of his life story is like a rollercoaster ride." Chris Tarrant

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times top 10 bestseller.Laugh along with Michael McIntyre as he lifts the curtain on his life in his revealing autobiography.Michael’s first book ended with his big break at the 2006 Royal Variety Performance. Waking up the next morning in the tiny rented flat he shared with his wife Kitty and their one-year-old son, he was beyond excited about the new glamorous world of show business. Unfortunately, he was also clueless . . .In A Funny Life, Michael honestly and hilariously shares the highs and the lows of his rise to the top and desperate attempts to stay there. It’s all here, from his disastrous panel show appearances to his hit TV shows, from mistakenly thinking he’d be a good chat show host and talent judge, to finding fame and fortune beyond his wildest dreams and becoming the biggest-selling comedian in the world. Along the way he opens his man drawer, narrowly avoids disaster when his trousers fall down in front of three policemen and learns the hard way why he should always listen to his wife.Michael has had a silly life, a stressful life, sometimes a moving and touching life, but always A Funny Life.Trade ReviewThere are plenty of guffaws but it can be moving too * The Mail on Sunday *A winning combination of the laugh-out-loud funny and the surprisingly poignant * Daily Mail (Weekend) *A highly entertaining insight into a stand-up comic’s life. McIntyre fans will lap it up * Daily Record (Saturday) *He will have you on the verge of tears with his recollections - both happy and sad * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisFollow the hilarious misadventures of Ian Moore and his family as their search for serenity in rural France leads them on a journey of chaos, commotion and comedyComedian, mod and professional grump Ian Moore has had enough. Tired of being unable to park anywhere near his cramped house in a noisy town he doesn''t like, he hatches a plan to move his wife and young son to a remote corner of the Loire Valley in search of serenity and space. Several years later, Ian finds himself up to his neck in bilingual offspring, feral cats, promiscuous horses, dysfunctional spaniels and needy hens; he''s wrestling with electric fences, a foreign language, a mountain of animal waste and a wife who collects livestock like there''s a biblical flood on the horizon, all while trying not to dirty his pristine loafers.But despite the ups, downs and increasing demands of Ian''s showbiz career, the Moore family persevere in true Brit style to create a unique, colourful and ul

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Book Synopsis***WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER***''A smart, funny, brilliant book on how to be smart about being funny, brilliantly'' Sarah Cooper''This book has finally convinced me that joking around can actually be important and powerful'' Ed Gamble''Eye-opening, important and utterly enjoyable. Come for the humour, stay for the insights'' Arianna HuffingtonHumour is a superpower. If you''re not using it, the joke''s on you.When we''re kids we laugh all the time. The average four year-old laughs as many as 300 times a day, while the average forty year-old laughs 300 times every two and a half months! We grow up, start working and suddenly become serious and important people, trading laughter for bottom lines and mind-dumbing zoom calls. But the benefits of humour for our work and life are huge. Studies have shown that humour makes us appear more competent and confident, strengthens our relationships, unlocks creativity and boosts resilience during difficult times. Dr. Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas are on a mission to help everyone discover the power of humour. Based on the popular Stanford Business course, this book will show you how to mine your life for material, explore the Four Deadly Humour Myths and help you figure out which style of humour you fall into - The Magnet, The Sweetheart, The Sniper or the Stand Up. Drawing on behavioural science, advice from world-class comedians and stories from top leaders, Humour, Seriously will show you how to harness the power of humour every day. Trade ReviewHumour is magical. It can make fear and pomposity vanish and creativity and resilience appear in their place. The ultimate guide to using the magical power of funny as a tool for leadership and a force for good, Humour, Seriously is an intoxicating mix of science, strategy, and slapstick - a knee-slapping, mind-expanding tour de force * Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of When,, Drive, and A Whole Mind *A smart, funny, brilliant book on how to be smart about being funny, brilliantly. And I'm not just saying that because they say I am smart, funny, and brilliant in it. Buy it * Sarah Cooper, Comedian and author of 100 Tricks To Appear Smart In Meetings *I've learned (often the hard way) that the best way to be taken seriously is to not take yourself too seriously. My teams are always at their best when approaching problems with levity, which entails both humility and optimism and always engenders trust. Plus, it's more fun - like this book! * Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Executive Chair of Google (Alphabet) *A sharp, incisive, and genuinely funny read. Humour, Seriously translates the knowledge of the world of comedy to tools that actually work in the world of business * Anne Libera, Director of Comedy Studies at The Second City *If you think your workplace would work better if everyone laughed more, this is your playbook * Chip Heath, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Power of Moments *I've always used humour as a secret weapon at Spanx. Jennifer and Naomi make a scientific case for the importance of humour and show it's an incredible way to connect with customers and build culture. This book will help anyone embrace the power of laughter * Sara Blakley, Founder and CEO of Spanx *Humour is an act of social courage that, when used correctly, has a transformative effect. Humour, Seriously gives us the tools we need to deploy humour expertly in any environment * Susan Cain, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Quiet *Eye-opening, hilarious, and absolutely original, Humour, Seriously will change the way you think on the job, about the world, and in your life * Leslie Blodgett, Founder and former CEO of Bare Essentials *Of all the known ways to ruin humour, the most common start with the words 'research,' 'analyze,' and 'professor.' The bad news is that this book features all of those words. Prominently. The good news is that against all odds, you'll actually have fun reading it. It probably won't turn you into Ali Wong, Dave Chappelle, or Hannah Gadsby, but it will give you a much deeper appreciation of how they think-and teach you some new ways to make people laugh * Adam Grant, New York Times-bestselling author of Originals and Give And Take, host of the TED podcast WorkLife *In this eye-opening, important and utterly enjoyable book, Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas use science to explain how humour at work (and in life) helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and burnout. Come for the humour, stay for the insights * Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post and CEO of Thrive Global *If this book and Brad Pitt walked into a bar, and I could only pick one, I'd take the book home with me * Nancy Lublin, Former CEO, Crisis TextLine and DoSomething.Org *Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas have written a remarkable book for a remarkable moment in history. I long ago learned that when weighed down by serious matters, one may best be taken seriously by seeking out a certain light-heartedness as an expression of humility, optimism and confidence on the road to the serious business of nurturing trust and leading others * Joel Peterson, Chairman of Jetblue Airways *This myth-busting, grin-inducing, data-driven humdinger of a book simply nails what I've clung on to for years: that humour can be more than ephemeral entertainment. When appropriately curated, it creates the right culture for success. In fact, its absence should be a cause for concern. You may eat your five a day and walk ten thousand steps but when did you last check if there was enough laughter in your life, in your team, in your business? If you had a centuries-old tried and tested tool that enhances rapport, creativity, collaboration, resilience, leadership, mental and physical health, sales and more - why wouldn't you use it? * Neil Mullarkey Author, speaker, improviser and Co-founder, London’s Comedy Store Players *I've been a comedian for ages, and this book has finally convinced me that joking around can actually be important and helpful.

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Book SynopsisBen Weatherill is a British writer from the East Midlands. He was playwright in residence at the Curve Theatre, where he wrote his debut full-length play, Chicken Dust. His next play Jellyfish was developed with The National Theatre Studio and premiered at The Bush Theatre. The play was nominated for four Offies and shortlisted for the Writers Guild Award for Best Play before transferring to the National Theatre. Frank and Percy premiered at the Theatre Royal Windsor/Bath in 2023, and starred Ian McKellen and Roger Allam. The play transferred to The Other Palace in London and enjoyed a sold-out run.

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Book SynopsisAlright guys? It''s me, Arron. Or as some people call me, ''that guy with the phone, the skinny jeans and the really fat head on Facebook''.In a world that seems to be freefalling without a parachute towards utter chaos, I''m here to remind you that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. No, in fact, when life gives you lemons, make a fool out of yourself in the lemonade aisle.*Because there''s more to life than Brexit, Bake Off and banging on about being vegan. Yes, with this book - which is my take on the world - you will learn how to survive a proper lads'' holiday, become a master in the art of takeaway ordering and find out about the pitfalls of seriously inappropriate tattoos.So do yourself a favour: turn off the news, cancel that juice cleanse, open your eyes to the brilliant, hilarious world we live in and most importantly . . . buy this book.SEE YA LATER! Arron x*Actually, don''t do exactly that, that''s

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Book SynopsisA TIMES BEST COMEDY BOOK OF 2021 'Phil Wang makes me laugh out loud with every single thing he does and this book is no exception' JAMES ACASTER'An hilarious breath of fresh air' AMY SCHUMER'Phil Wang is as original a writer as he is a comedian. Sidesplitter is predictably hilarious but also quietly moving' SATHNAM SANGHERA'A razor-sharp dissection of cultural connections, divides and differences. And yes, it's side-splittingly funny' ADAM KAY'But where are you REALLY from?' Phil Wang has been asked this question so many times he's finally written a book about it. In this mix of comic memoir and observational essay, one of the UK's most exciting stand-up comedians reflects on his experiences as a Eurasian man in the West and in the East. Phil was born in Stoke-on-Trent, raised in Malaysia, and then came of age in Bath - 'a spa town for people who find Cheltenham too ethnic'. Phil takes an incisive look at what it means to be mixed race, as he explores the contrasts between cultures and delves into Britain and Malaysia's shared histories, bringing his trademark cynicism and wit to topics ranging from family, food, and comedy to race, empire, and colonialism.Trade ReviewA book packed with witty, profound and candid reflections on race and belonging * Woman's Own *Phil Wang makes me laugh out loud with every single thing he does and this book is no exception -- James AcasterSidesplitter is elegantly written and unexpectedly moving * Observer Magazine *Phil Wang is one of my all time favorite comedians, a true original. His comedy and words here are a hilarious breath of fresh air we all need -- Amy SchumerPhil Wang is as original a writer as he is a comedian - Sidesplitter is predictably hilarious, but also quietly moving -- Sathnam SangheraPhil Wang runs headlong towards difficult subjects, firing off jokes as he goes. This brutally funny book will appeal to anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. -- Helen LewisA beautiful book about home, history and family. Told with Phil's trademark sharp wit and deadpan humour it captures the nuances of his experiences perfectly. -- Tom AllenA razor-sharp dissection of cultural connections, divides and differences. And yes, it's side-splitting funny -- Adam KayPeople often ask Phil Wang 'But where are you really from?' I can confirm, after reading Sidesplitter, that the answer is 'Funnyland'. -- David BaddielA terrific writer. I've laughed out loud at least once on every page -- Victoria Coren MitchellFunny and disarmingly moving... Britain's most original and promising young comedian * Times Magazine *A funny and moving look at what it means to be of dual heritage -- Elizabeth DayEloquently laced with laughs and bittersweet observations. * BBC News *

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Really Good Actually and I'm Glad My Mom Died'Moving, hilarious and generally astonishing' - Guardian'The most fun a reader can have this summer' - Daisy Buchanan'Brave, funny and moving' - Aisling Bea 'A deftness that catches your breath' - Fern Brady'An incredible piece of writing' - Brett Goldstein'Interrogates moments of trauma with insight, kindness and humanity' - John RobinsThis is a book about mistakes. And why we should de-flower shame in all its messy, complicated glory...This book contains tales of dead dads, pretend dead dads, getting barred from an osteopath's, getting arrested, sex crimes and forgiveness. I used to be addicted to boys and alcohol and then men and alcohol and then some other things. I was a little unhinged. I've got some great

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Book Synopsis*The Sunday Times Bestseller*The brand new memoir from James Acaster: cult comedian, bestselling author of Classic Scrapes, undercover cop, receiver of cabbages.PERFECT SOUND WHATEVER is a love letter to the healing power of music, and how one man''s obsessive quest saw him defeat the bullshit of one year with the beauty of another. Because that one man is James Acaster, it also includes tales of befouling himself in a Los Angeles steakhouse, stealing a cookie from Clint Eastwood, and giving drunk, unsolicited pep talks to urinating strangers. January, 2017James Acaster wakes up heartbroken and alone in New York, his relationship over, a day of disastrous meetings leading him to wonder if comedy is really what he wants to be doing any more. A constant comfort in James''s life has been music, but he''s not listened to anything new for a very long time. Idly browsing ''best of the year'' lists, it dawns on him that 2016 mTrade ReviewImmensely comforting - a witty and wise account of the rejuvenating effect of opening yourself up the the creativity of others. * Record Collector *Loved James Acaster's memoir / epic listicle that posits his theory that 2016 was the best year for music. His dry wit I expected, but was impressed by the real life stories of so many musicians the world over. Paints a striking picture of what it means to be a modern musician. * Edgar Wright *honest, unaffected, poignant - and, yes, entertaining * Chortle *James is a phenomenally talented comedian and his music taste is second only to mine. * Romesh Ranganathan *If, as the pundits say, comedy is like jazz then I'm against it. I didn't drill power chords and feedback techniques just to go fannying about looking for the melody. James Acaster, though, is a bit of an outlier. He's a music wonk with a sense of the ridiculous and his controversial theory that 2016 was the greatest year for music ever is off by a mere five decades. Interesting take, though. * David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap *

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Book Synopsis''For a collection of good old-fashioned gags, it''s one of the best out there, a rich buffet of inventive wordplay that''s best savoured a little at a time to fully appreciate the joy of these perfectly-constructed morsels. For original, hilarious gags you''ll want to share, this is the real deal.'' - Chortle ''A rollicking joyride. . . Pundamentalist has puns for the whole family: rude ones, daft ones, deft ones, stinkers and absolute belters.'' - British Comedy GuideGary Delaney, one-liner extraordinaire, has appeared on shows like Mock the Week and written for the likes of Jimmy Carr, Jason Manford, and James Corden. Now, for the first time, comes the first collection of his finest jokes. Featuring the likes of: Garden centres can''t reopen fast enough for me, I''ve been living on borrowed thyme.We can''t even afford a garden, so when my girlfriend bought us a trampoline I hit the roof.<Trade ReviewA rollicking joyride. . . Pundamentalist has puns for the whole family: rude ones, daft ones, deft ones, stinkers and absolute belters. * British Comedy Guide *Quirky, silly, super-imaginative one-liners . . . For a collection of good old-fashioned gags, it's one of the best out there, a rich buffet of inventive wordplay that's best savoured a little at a time to fully appreciate the joy of these perfectly-constructed morsels. For original, hilarious gags you'll want to share, this is the real deal. * Chortle *

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Book SynopsisThis is a book about three things: 1. A room called the Comedy Cellar. 2. Who gets to speak in that room. 3. What they get to say. The Comedy Cellar is a tiny basement club in New York’s Greenwich Village. Run according to the principles of its owners, the Dworman family, it became a safe place for stand-ups to take risks and experiment. Superstar comedians such as Amy Schumer, Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart, and Louis CK became regulars, celebrities started to hang out, the club hosted debates, and everyone was encouraged to argue at its back table. Then the Comedy Cellar ended up on the frontline of the global culture war. Andrew Hankinson speaks to the Cellar’s owner, comedians, and audience members, using interviews, emails, podcasts, letters, text messages, and previously private documents to create a conversation about who gets to speak and what they get to say, and why. Moving backwards in time from Louis CK’s downfall to when Manny Dworman used to host folk singers including Bob Dylan, this is about a comedy club, but it’s also about the widening cultural chasm.Trade Review‘For all those interested in comedy, free speech and how they do those things in New York, Andrew Hankinson’s Don’t applaud. Either laugh or don’t is really excellent, and has made me immediately want to read his other book.’ -- Dara Ó Briain‘This book is fucking fantastic … Honestly one that was nearly impossible to stop reading.’ -- Doug Stanhope, comedian‘A fascinating tour through the history of a comedy club in a constant state of flux caused by the political and technological upheavals outside its walls.’ * The Telegraph *‘Cleverly structured ... So smartly done and so unbelievably timely too ... One of the best books I've read this year.’ -- Stuart Heritage, author of Bedtime Stories for Worried Liberals‘Fascinating.’ -- Al Murray‘If you're interested in comedy or free speech or power you MUST read Andrew Hankinson's new book about the Comedy Cellar which is one of those great bits of writing that makes everyone's position feel interesting.’ -- Sarah Ditum‘Credit to Hankinson for tackling these broad, important ideas – what speech is acceptable, what’s forbidden – and trying to understand them through the prism of a specific environment.’ -- NJ McGarrigle * The Irish Times *‘A fascinating read.’ -- Georgina Godwin * Monocle *‘Thought-provoking … the author takes the history of the nearly-forty-year-old club as a microcosm of the comedy industry; Hankinson see its values, its unspoken rules and attitude to acceptable speech, onstage and off, as a useful reflection of American culture as a whole.’ -- Madeleine Brettingham * TLS *‘Compelling … the sacrifice of authorial vanity gives this book warmth, honesty, and a resistance to easy conclusions.’ -- Sarah Ditum * UnHerd *‘This oral history is dominated by discussion of freedom of speech and what should be acceptable within the confines of a comedy club … it captures the intensely combative, competitive, hierarchical and often petty atmosphere of an iconic comedy venue.’ -- Alastair Mabbott * The Herald *‘Andrew Hankinson is a brilliant writer, and this is a fascinating book. And I say that as someone with zero interest in stand-up comedy.’ -- Melissa Harrison, author of The Stubborn Light of Things‘The best book I've yet read about freedom of expression.’ -- Andy Miller, author of The Year of Reading Dangerously‘The smartest (and funniest) book yet on the culture/free speech wars. Andrew Hankinson does it again with another incredible work of nonfiction.’ -- Will Storr, author of Selfie: How the West Became Self-Obsessed‘A deeply thoughtful and perceptive new book … [A] truly brilliant voice.’ -- Jason Hazeley, writer on Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe and Paddington‘It is brilliant.’ -- Padraig Reidy * Little Atoms *‘A valuable historical document but also a timely and important investigation into morality, masculinity, censorship and freedom of speech in the modern age. It has all the makings of a future cult classic. There’s no book like it.’ -- Benjamin Myers, author of Male Tears‘A demonstration in form and fact of what a less polarised, more humane, discussion about comedy, politics, taste and people looks and feels like, and it's so very necessary.’ -- Mark Blacklock, author of Hinton‘Cannot stop thinking about it. It's the story of an NYC comedy club but it's also about the culture war, even as it rages all around us. What a fantastic book.’ -- Andy Miller, co-host of Backlisted‘Fantastic … The structure is superb.’ -- Adelle Stripe, author of Black Teeth and a Brilliant Smile‘A proper creative nonfiction writer who tells true stories with art, in the fine tradition of The New Journalism. A terrific, vital, painful subject.’ -- Richard T Kelly, author of The Knives‘It's incredible.’ -- Bonnie McFarlane, comedian, writer, and co-host of My Wife Hates Me ‘Insightful, and brings back amazing memories of the greatest club in comedy history.’ -- Colin Quinn, comedian, actor, and writer‘Done with such skill that you imbibe stuff by osmosis … Unsettling and understated, this report from the frontline of live comedy is more memorable and thought-provoking than any number of polemics on free speech and offence. Andrew Hankinson is a master of showing, not telling.’ -- Helen Lewis, author of Difficult Women‘An extraordinary insight into the workings of stand-up — the people, the practicalities, the politics, the lines that are crossed … original and affecting.’ -- Dan Davies, author of In Plain Sight‘Plenty of readers will be offended by certain jokes or comments — that’s the nature of the business — but Hankinson ably captures the importance of the Comedy Cellar. A well-crafted tale of comedy stars and thorny social issues that shows just how hard it is to make people laugh.’ * Kirkus Reviews *‘What can comedy tell us about the ways the world is changing? This history of storied New York stand-up club The Comedy Cellar offers an in-depth look at the space that helped many a famous comedian break out. But, as befits a venue frequently associated with Louis CK, it also explores the comedy scene’s part in larger cultural controversies, and the Comedy Cellar’s penchant for stoking them.’ -- Tobias Carroll * Inside Hook *‘When someone comes to write the definitive account of Laughter in the Age of Trump — the cruel guffaws, the neutered snickers, the strange inversions whereby the left went into a collective cringe while the authoritarian right waved the flaming brand of free speech — Andrew Hankinson’s superb oral history of a single New York club, the Comedy Cellar, in Greenwich Village, will be heavily featured … Hankinson probes the owners, the comedians, the staff, and the audience.’ * The Atlantic, ‘Summer Reading Guide 2021’ *Praise for You Could Do Something Amazing With Your Life [You Are Raoul Moat]: ‘Immersing the reader in Moat's self-justifications, You Could Do Something Amazing With Your Life [You Are Raoul Moat] is both an experiment in empathy and an exploration of the limits of empathy — holding the reader hostage in the echo chamber of an angry and confused man's head.’ -- Louis TherouxPraise for You Could Do Something Amazing With Your Life [You Are Raoul Moat]: ‘A claustrophobic true-crime account in the tradition of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood … [Hankinson’s] purpose is to show Moat as a product of our culture and society … Moat is presented as an intriguing case study in disintegration, making bad choices then devoting all his intelligence to justifying them in his own head.’ -- Gavin Knight * The Guardian *Praise for You Could Do Something Amazing With Your Life [You Are Raoul Moat]: ‘The second-person voice is a notoriously tricky one to maintain and Hankinson uses it to great effect … Another strength is the overwhelming sense that Moat is not in control of his own narrative.’ * The Saturday Paper *

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Book SynopsisFrom master comedian Mark Schiff, a long-time touring partner of Jerry Seinfeld, comes a hilarious account of decades of foolery with comedy and acting legends and how he honed his mensch skills in all of life’s arenas. Pursuing a career in comedy has always taken a lot of chutzpah. Today Mark Schiff looks back at his fifty-year career as a stand-up comic, actor, and writer and knows he’s laughed with the best of them. His comedy and character have been widely praised by everyone from Jerry Seinfeld to Bill Maher, Paul Reiser, and Colin Quinn—as Seinfeld writes in his foreword, Mark is “the greatest comedy pal a guy could ever wish for”—but it hasn’t always been easy. In this brilliantly honest collection of essays inducing both heart tugs and deep belly laughs, Mark recounts growing up Jewish in the outer boroughs of New York City and shares how he survived a harrowing childhood and managed health crises, aging, marriage, parenting, and career highs and lows. With wit and wisdom, Mark reminds us that no matter the troubles at-hand, the show must always go on. The result is an unforgettable and highly relatable account from one of the best humor writers of our time that will leave readers of all faiths energized and feeling like they’ve schmoozed with the best of them. Trade Review“Comedy fans will come for the behind-the-scenes anecdotes and stay for the heart.” —Publishers Weekly“Mark Schiff is one of the funniest, the brightest, the best stage comics I have ever seen.” —Jerry Seinfeld, comedian, actor, and creator of Seinfeld, author of Is This Anything? and SeinLanguage “Starting out in stand-up comedy with Mark Schiff was a blast, and the humor he brought to the stage back then is now between the pages of this book, plus the wisdom you get when you add time.” —Bill Maher, comedian, actor, and host of Real Time with Bill Maher “Mark’s book is funny, philosophical, and gentle.* And it makes sense because so is Mark. *Not gentile, gentle.” —Colin Quinn, comedian and actor, Saturday Night Live and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn “Mark Schiff knows how to tell a story and Mark Schiff knows how to write a book. I hope this is also an audiobook because nothing lulls me off to sleep more than Mark Schiff reading hilarious stories.” —Kevin Nealon, comedian and actor, Saturday Night Live and Weeds “We’ve known for a long time that Mark Schiff is funny. Now we know that he’s also thoughtful, empathic, and a great Jew. Why Not? is an insightful look at the human condition. Poignant, bravely self-examining, and psychologically acute. Also funny.” —Jonathan Kellerman, New York Times best-selling author of the Alex Delaware series “Mark Schiff is one of the funniest comedians I know. We came up together in the New York comedy club scene and he is endlessly entertaining and creative. This book will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you glad you bought it.” —Carol Leifer, comedian, writer, and producer “Mark and I started in comedy together at the exact same time, and year after year he’s just gotten better and funnier, which irritates me to no end. And as you’ll see in this funny and uplifting book, he’s a great writer too. I’m just so annoyed. But you will love this book.” —Paul Reiser, comedian, actor, and creator of Mad About You “I’ve always loved Schiff’s comedy and really love who he is as a person, especially his kindness. . . . His wonderful book of essays . . . makes you laugh, think, and cry a little, that’s actually something we should all do every day. Reading it made me miss him and appreciate him. I’m calling him right now. Get this book.” —Louie Anderson, comedian and actor, Baskets “The word ‘genius’ is overused, so I won’t use it here. But Mark Schiff’s unique and honest insights on parenthood, childhood, husbandhood, and pet ownerhood are hilarious without being mean-spirited and sentimental without being mawkish.” —Jeff Astrof, writer, showrunner, and producer, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Veronica’s Closet, and Trial & Error “Heart, comedy, soul, insight—a treasure chest of wonderful moments await all who open these pages.” —David Sacks, writer and producer, The Simpsons, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Murphy Brown “Is there nothing better than a book that is funny and sensitive? That’s what Mark Schiff has created: a book that’ll make you laugh and warm your heart.” —Steve Bluestein, comedian and cofounder of the Groundlings comedy troupe and school “Mark Schiff is a great comic, a one-of-a-kind singular voice in comedy. Everyone in our generation of the stand-up world can rattle off Mark’s best bits. This book perfectly captures and showcases his ghoulish, childish, Jewish, foolish, and hilarious style. The book reads fast and funny. It’s just like Mark. Once you’ve read it and loved it, it’ll be very hard to get it out of your house.” —Mike Binder, director and writer, The Mind of the Married Man, Reign Over Me, and The Comedy Store “If laughter is the best medicine, then Mark Schiff is a doctor. As a stand-up comedian, Mark has been dispensing laughter for decades. In his new book, Why Not?, instead of going to a comedy club, you get to take his wit, wisdom, and lots of laughs home with you. The best part is there is no two-drink minimum.” —Michael Platt, producer and writer, Grace and Frankie and Weeds “Add ‘outstanding author’ to Mark Schiff’s previous credits of hilarious stand-up and quality notary public!” —Jon Hayman, writer and producer, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The Chris Rock Show “Mark Schiff writes irresistibly about friendship, family, faith, and the business of being funny, sprinkling his stories with wisdom and killer laugh lines. Oh, and he’s also a genius and handsome to boot. There, Mark, I said it.” —Judy Gruen, author of The Skeptic and the Rabbi “Schiff may be known as a stand-up comic, but he’s also a stand-up guy who really knows how to tell stories.” —David Suissa, editor-in-chief of the Jewish Journal “Mark Schiff’s comedy always seemed effortless to me. We met at The Improv in the ’80s and his act is always funny, but nobody gets hurt, just like a pro bank robber. That he’s from the Bronx makes that fact all the more amazing. The stories in his book Why Not? are also very funny, yet show his deep humanity, and they’re a joy to read.” —Mark Brazill, writer and producer, In Living Color, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and That ’70s Show “Mark Schiff’s stories of childhood and beyond make us feel as if they are happening to us in real time. The interweaving of wonder, confusion, rebelliousness, angst, strangeness, and humor speak to something deep within all of us. Unpretentious, insightful, and bristling with humanity, Schiff takes us on an unpredictable rollercoaster, tempered with resilience and compassion.” —Bob Nickman, writer and producer, Freaks and Geeks, Mad About You, and The Drew Carey Show “Mark and I spent a lot of time together in our formative years in New York. He was always funny. Always kind. Always Jewish.” —Rita Rudner, comedian, writer, and TV personality “I loved reading this book. Schiff gives us a funny and inspiring look at his life. Part memoir, part Judaism guide, and part self-help book. Plus, most importantly, Seinfeld wrote the foreword.” —Wayne Federman, comedian and author of The History of Stand-Up “Mark Schiff is one of those legendary comedians we all looked up to, and now that he’s grown old and decrepit we can finally look down to him. But he’s still hilarious as always. He is a stellar comedian who’s consistently at the top of his game, as you can see when he’s on stage and in his writing. The best part of reading this book is that you get all of Mark’s comedic genius, and you don’t have to stare at his stupid face.”—Elon Gold, comedian and actor, Stacked and Chosen and Taken “Mark’s humor combines a keen sense of observation with the wisdom he’s gained while making his way from one end of life to the other. He’s a really good guy. Read this wonderful collection and you’ll agree.” —Alan Zweibel, comedian, original Saturday Night Live writer, and author of The Other SchulmanTable of ContentsForeword by Jerry SeinfeldIntroduction 1. AgeMay You Live TillOy Vey Iz MirThe Incredible Shrinking ManThe Show Must Go On 2. CommunityCraving CommunityI Don’t Have to Go, Now I Get to GoIt’s In You, So Share YouAmazing, AmazingGooood ShabbasI Love My Neighborhood 3. DietingExcuse-AholismJews, Non-Jews, and Weight LossMy Downfall is BreadEat, Pray, EatYou’re Too Thin 4. FamilyHere Comes the JudgeI Used to Have a LifeWhat is a Typical Jewish Mother?The Miserable Side of Dining OutAll You Need Is Love? MaybeI Saw MaTraveling with My FatherThe Orphan 5. FriendsThe Importance of FriendsGet A CoupleAbu Mustafa Calls Me His BrotherThe Big SnubDon’t Ever Quit on Yourself 6. FunnyConsult Your DoctorThe War on CultureWhat’s All the Complaining About?The Most Jewish Comedian EverThe Punchless PunchlineHeeere’s Mark Schiff 7. Helping OthersCoronavirus and Sumo WrestlingWillingnessA Great Phone CallA Valued CustomerAs the World TurnsA Tight Twenty MinutesBrother From a Different MotherI Want to Be Around for All of YouMy Uncle MiltieSimon Says Do This 8. Hope“B” Positive is Not Just a Blood TypeThe Perfect CircleLet There Be LightThe BlessingSealed with a Kiss 9. KindnessAlways Keep Your Promises to Your DogHow a Christmas Gift Changed a Young Jewish Boy’s Life ForeverThe Candy ManThe HaircutPause When AgitatedA Period of TransitionRuby: A Lesson in KindnessThe Rumor Mill 10. LoveDon’t Fence Me InThe Good Old DaysI’m Proud of You 11. MarriageProof There is a GodSeinfeld, Bradley Cooper, and My WifeTwo MillionYou Look Marvelous 12. ParentingGreat Catch, ChampNever Talk While Eating FishThey Are BackThe Nineteen BoxesSmell My New CarThe Nearness of YouPay AttentionWelcome to the Club 13. Self-HelpHow to Accomplish GettingNothing DoneI Love Your SmileLost and FoundNap TimeI Don’t Want to ExerciseKeep Your Two Cents to Yourself 14. Famous FriendsThe Day Bob Dylan Came to My HouseKatharine Hepburn and MeHey, Carl, Don’t Forget Your ToupeeWhat’s a Kid from the Bronx Doing Hanging Out with Sir Anthony Hopkins?Free Cars 15. Stand-UpThe Night“There Goes the Neighborhood”The RoadCaesars to CedarsPortrait of a Young Comedian AcknowledgmentsPhotos

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Book Synopsis“The answer is not to silence me. . . . The answer is for you to have better arguments.”Go the Joe Rogan way. Sh*t Joe Rogan Says is a book of motivation, inspiration, and reflections from the man who talks to everybody. Not one to back down from a conversation or an f-bomb, Joe Rogan tells it like it is and gives everyone a fair shake.From years of discipline and expertise in martial arts, to unabashed comedy and showing people how to face their fears, to his stratospheric ascent to podcast greatness, Joe Rogan knows a little something about life, discipline, hard work, and an unrelenting pursuit of personal freedoms and free thought. Get Joe Rogan’s take on philosophy, comedy, politics, free speech, mind-altering experiences, censorship, and happiness with this collection of his most influential quotes and ideas. Get your hands on 150 Joe Rogan-isms on life, free thought, and common sense Find motivation, momentum, and real talk in Joe Rogan’s no-nonsense reflections Follow the Joe Rogan route to achieve confidence, nonconformity, and an uncensored life

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Book Synopsis''An absolutely brilliant read'' Patrick Kielty, Late Late Show, RTÉ‘Blisteringly honest . . . hilarious, traumatic, joyful and terrifying. Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy read!’ Liz Nugent''Gloriously unabashed . . . vibrant, poignant and surprisingly hopeful'' Irish Times I grew up in a psychiatric experiment crossed with an alcoholic experiment. . . . a place run by two people who were extraordinarily drunk and guarded by a potentially vicious dog with a brain tumour.PJ Gallagher spent much of his childhood knocking back Lucozade with the local alcoholics in his parents'' northside pub. But the chaos that reigned for his first ten years was nothing compared to what happened when - having lost the pub - his mum took in six psychiatric patients from the local hospital to give them ''care in the community''.Worst. Idea. Ever.Madhouse is PJ''s riotous life story. Covering everything from dogs, motorbikes and the art of small talk, to the lessons of mental breakdown and finally figuring out love, this is PJ unbound. Most surprising - to PJ more than anyone - is the prospect of becoming a dad in his late forties, when he always thought of ''family'' as a trap.Madhouse is the funny, insightful and moving story of someone just trying to keep his head above water - and how he is making sense of it all at last!''Terrifically honest, as well as a being funny and sad'' Matt Cooper, The Last Word, Today FM''Delivered in Gallagher’s brilliantly blunt northside brogue, evoking a shade of Roddy Doyle'' Irish Independent''Tells his story with humour and insight making it feel as though you are chatting with an old friend'' Irish Examiner''Bold, anarchic . . . relates wild antics and traumas from his tumultuous life with both humour and perceptive clarity'' Business Post''So open . . . amazing for understanding and trying to destroy the stigma [of mental health struggles] . . . a great read'' Elaine Crowley, Ireland AM, Virgin Media

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Book SynopsisLEARN HOW TO WRITE AND PERFORM STAND UP COMEDY.A new edition of Be A Great Stand-Up, now fully revised and updated with new material on setting up and running a comedy night and mining almost any subject for jokes.Logan Murray has successfully taught the techniques of stand-up comedy to thousands, and in this book he distills his years of experience into the essential skills for a great and enjoyable performance. He will help you find your creative streak and your funny side, build the confidence to deliver, and explain the finer details of stagecraft, from dealing with hecklers to coping with props. There is a full guide to the practicalities, from finding gigs to securing an agent, with plenty of valuable hints, tips and advice. Drawing on Logan''s years of teaching and his own successful stand-up career, with top tips from some of the most well-known people in the business, it is guaranteed to bring a smile to both your face and that of your future audience

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Book Synopsis

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