Humour Books

Book SynopsisFor fans of WHAT IF? and NEW SCIENTIST comes this brilliantly funny and informative look at the stranger side of evolution.Featuring:The Zombie ants mind-controlled by a fungusBeautiful salamanders that can regenerate any part of their bodies, including their brainsThe mantis shrimp, which fires its club-like appendage so fast that the surrounding water becomes as hot as the surface of the sunThe Antechinus, whose runaway testosterone levels cause them to have so much sex during their three-week mating season that they bleed internally, go blind, and drop dead...Featuring quirky illustrations and the signature blend of science smarts and humour that make Matt Simon''s Wired column so entertaining, this is an ideal stocking-filler for every popular science aficionado...

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Book Synopsis**WINNER OF BEST SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT BOOK AT THE BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2022**''Hard-hitting and hilarious'' - James Acaster''Funny, moving and compelling'' - Mike CostelloA heart-warming, hilarious true story about fighting and family, based on the acclaimed stage show. For fans of books by Dave Gorman, James Acaster and Danny Wallace, along with boxing tales from the likes of Tyson Fury and Ricky Hatton.THE CHAMPTerry Downes - the charismatic cockney known as ''The Paddington Express'' - was a world champion boxer, US Marine, gangsters'' favourite and later a film star and businessman. THE CHUMPJames McNicholas'' PE teacher once told him he was so unfit he''d be dead by the time he was 23. James has spent his life pursuing a career in acting and comedy. In reality, that has meant stints as a car park caretaker and river cruise salesperson. After Terry''s death, James finds himself in reTrade ReviewAn extraordinary family history, told with warmth and wit. Two remarkable underdog stories - come for the cockney scrapper who conquered the world, stay for the grandson and the fight of his life * Greg Jenner *Funny, moving and compelling * Mike Costello *I loved this book: poignant and funny * Suzi Ruffell *Hard-hitting and hilarious * James Acaster *A wonderfully funny and heartfelt story of what family and lineage means * Josh Widdicombe *If you like comedy and boxing this is the perfect book. James McNicholas is a very funny man and a brilliant writer * Rob Beckett *

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Book SynopsisFrom fantastic running quotes (How do you know if someone ran a marathon? Don''t worry, they''ll tell you. -Jimmy Fallon) and hilarious spectator signs (Worst parade ever!) to witty profiles of different types of runners (street fundraisers, gadget gurus) and training tips, Running: Cheaper than Therapy is designed to be the perfect gift for the runner, jogger, or triathlete in your life.Written by a Telegraph journalist and self-confessed running nut, this smartly packaged and brilliantly knowing miscellany details entertaining, real-life runners'' stories (being overtaken by a kid or getting lost while training) and takes a humorous look at the mistakes runners make (wearing a brand new pair of sneakers for half marathon or getting so pumped by your morning run you have arguments with everyone at work).Trade ReviewFull of fun observations to make seasoned runners nod in recognition, or chuckle. * The Scotsman *Runners of all kinds will love this... * Outdoor Fitness, Book of the Month *Littered with facts, figures, funny stories and famous figures – an easily digestible and amusing read ... will make you laugh, remind you why you run in the first place and motivate you to get outside. * Run Deep Magazine *Definitely worth a read -- Kay BurleyNice, easy read about various aspects of running and things us runners experience ... light-hearted and fun. -- Liz YellingRead the new book, Running: Cheaper Than Therapy for bite-sized bits of advice and stories from running writer Chas Newkey-Burden * Woman's Weekly *Highly recommended. Sports Book of the Month * The Bristol Post *This quirky book is full of snippets, stories and stats. * Athletics Weekly *Table of ContentsForeword Introduction Runners You Know Marathon Spectator Signs Training Advice Running Quotes

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Book SynopsisThe wildly popular author of Bad Arguments returns with a funny, smart introduction to algorithms -- those perennially misunderstand, increasingly important problem-solving rules that can save you time and lead to better choices, every day.Trade ReviewOne of the more clever ways of introducing computational thinking to the general public * Vint Cerf, Turing Award winner, Chief Internet Evangelist at Google, a 'Father of the Internet' *

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Book SynopsisHILARIOUS AND HEARTBREAKING OFFICIAL COLD FEET NOVEL FROM THE HIT TV SERIES.What happened to your favourite characters between series five and six of Mike Bullen''s award-winning TV series?**********Reeling from the sudden death of Rachel, his beloved wife, Adam has no time to grieve. He has to keep going, for the sake of their baby son. Jenny moves back in with ex-husband Pete, eight and a half months pregnant with another man''s child. Can their relationship overcome past jealousies? Karen and David agree to an amicable divorce - but that''s before he sleeps with the divorce lawyer . . .*******THE LOST YEARS is an irresistible chance to catch up on all the laughter, the tears, the life lessons we missed while they were gone.''I loved it. The characters have been captured so well and it just feels so like Mike Bullen''s creation . . . Harrington shoTrade ReviewI loved it. The characters have been captured so well and it just feels so like Mike Bullen's creation. Harrington has understood the characters exceptionally well, and I loved taking the journey with them. Their voices ring out from every page, and I love the fact that I learnt more about them and their journey. Harrington should be very proud - it really is fabulous! * Margaret Conway, Line Producer Cold Feet *The author has captured the essence of the characters so very well that they appear uninterrupted in the imagination and continue as if there had never been any sort of lull in the story. As always, the characters made me laugh out loud and yet, they also made me a little bit sad, but such is the nature of the Cold Feet phenomenon, there's always a clever mix of light and shade which is continued in this novel. * Jaffa Reads Too *Irish author Carmel Harrington was asked to bridge the gap from the original storyline to the current one, in her novel Cold Feet: The Missing Years. New characters are introduced alongside the original ones, adding a dimension to the heart-warming humour. From Manchester to Belfast and back, the novel spans a year of tears, laughter and friendship in true Cold Feet style. Harrington has captured the characters' colloquialisms, personalities and group dynamic. An immensely enjoyable companion to the TV show. * Irish Times *I had a fantastic time reading th[is] book . . . It really felt like it could have been the next series of Cold Feet in its original run . . . The Lost Years is a fantastic adaptation that keeps the essence of everything that made Cold Feet, Cold Feet and for fans of the show, it is a must-read * The Tattooed Book Geek Blog *This book retains the charm . . . [It] was like catching up with old friends and I couldn't put [it] down . . . Good job, Carmel. It's not easy to take on such much-loved characters and continue it on whilst staying true to their personalities but you pulled it off. Any chance of another one? * Novel Kicks Blog *

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Book SynopsisJewish humor has defined comedy in 20th-century America.

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Book SynopsisBenjamin Franklin was a pioneering scientist, leader of the Enlightenment and founding father of the USA. But perhaps less well known is that he was also the first person to use artificial respiration to revive an electric shock victim. Odder still, it was actually mouth-to-beak resuscitation on a hen that he himself had shocked. Welcome to some of the most weird and wonderful experiments ever conducted in the name of science. Packed full of eccentric characters, irrational obsessions and extreme experiments, Electrified Sheep is the follow-up to the bestselling Elephants on Acid. Watch as scientists attempt to blow up the moon, wince at the doctor who performs a self-appendectomy - and catch the faint whiff of singed wool from an electrified sheep.Trade ReviewEye-popping * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisCrazy Cat Lady (noun): A badge of honor for people who know cats are awesome. Do you often wake up covered in cat hair? Do you keep adopting more and more cats—then staying home Friday nights to cuddle them? Proclaim your feline obsession proudly! Joyfully illustrated with cheeky mottoes, flowcharts, and fun facts throughout, this little book is an affectionate tribute to cats and the cool ladies who love them. Includes a bonus sheet of colorful stickers!

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Book SynopsisA collection of comics with a millennial take on marriage, adulthood, pet ownership, self-love, and self-care. Finally, comics that answer life’s most pressing questions: Is my partner actually upset or just hangry? Whose turn is it to remember the reusable shopping bags? Is it appropriate to put up Halloween décor two months in advance? (Spoiler alert: Yes. Yes, it is.) “Opposites attract” has never rung truer when it comes to vivacious extrovert Meg and her level-headed introvert husband, Carson. Carson makes his coffee with only the finest locally roasted beans; Meg microwaves two-day-old joe. Carson is reserved and rarely opens up to friends; Meg ensures everyone in her life—including her mailman—knows about her hemorrhoid. From the joys of marrying your best friend to the bizarre musings of a twelve-pound pup to the humour and heartbreak of anxiety, Meg’s all-too-relatable comics leave no stone unturned. Dorky and downright hilarious, Why Are You Like This? explores what it means to make fun of oneself and find laughter in the little things.Trade Review“Meg Adams pulls inspiration from the mundane and turns it into intensely relatable content that is hilarious, absurd, and so touching.” (Destiny Johnsons, The Oregonian)"Why Are You Like This? is a great antidote for doom scrolling or when you want a laugh about the dorky, little things in life and relationships, or just need a gentle hug and reassurance that things will be okay.” (Gay League)“Reading this book feels like I’m hanging out with a relatable and hilarious best friend! Meg is a master of hilarious facial expressions!” (Alina Tysoe, author of What’s Up Beanie?)“Meg’s comics have a certain something that makes them ridiculously charming… and when I found out what that 'something’ is, I’m stealing it.” (Jimmy Craig, author of They Can Talk: A Collection of Comics about Animals)This was so stinking cute and relatable in so many ways! The illustrations were hilarious and the situations the characters found themselves in had me laughing out loud on every other page and nodding my head the next. I’m a single woman myself, but Why Are You Like this perfectly depicts what it’s like to exist as a woman in general. Our quirks, desires, and thoughts, and how much of a rollercoaster of emotions it can be. I saw myself in this graphic novel and it left me feeling warm, fuzzy, and most of all- understood. It was as short and sweet as this review, haha! (Read As A Dornail, Medium.com)

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Book SynopsisA humorous guide that features party-planning tips, delicious recipes, and loving homages to the beloved TV comedy series, Schitt’s Creek. Dine, imbibe, and be blithesome in true Rose family fashion. Whether they’re throwing ostentatious soirées or Valium-fueled tantrums, entertaining a crowd (and sometimes just Stevie) is what the Roses do best! Let their sagacious advice and biting wit wash over you with Fold In The Cheese: The Unofficial Schitt’s Creek Guide to Splendiferous Entertaining. Recipes like “Cardamom Rose Cocktail”, “Johnny’s Hundred-Dollar Sliders”, and “Chocolate Ganache Torte” will titillate taste buds while tips on how to put on a proper game night, host a holiday party, and even organize your own movie premiere will help to create a most consummate atmosphere for hosting. This illustrious tome gives you everything you need to create an event that’s sure to be. . . memorable.

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Book SynopsisHumorous and heartwarming tales of resilience, self-care, and mental health from the popular webcomic War and Peas.Told in rhyming verse and delightful comic illustrations, these stories cover everything from heartache and personal growth to creative burnout and searching for the elusive perfect email signature. While the groundbreaking Webcomic duo War and Peas is famous for their dark style of humor, they decided to try something more poetic and purposeful to inspire their millions of readers during challenging times. So they created the short story “A Job is a Job“ and published it online. It got so much attention and praise that the authors decided to make an entire collection of inspirational illustrated stories for adults. These stories of heartache, self-doubt, family conflict, and employment help turn the struggle of becoming an adult in today’s world into something playful, punny, and profound.

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Book Synopsis For real mums at their wits’ end, this grown-up activity book is perfect for all mothers in a bad mood. Let's face it: motherhood gives you SO many reasons for bad moods. From stretch marks to toddler rage and teenage sulking – it's as if your little (or not so little) darlings seem to have been put on this earth just to drive you up the wall. With The Little Book of Bad Moods for Mothers, you can finally drop the pretence of holding it together and simply explode. Without hurting anyone. Here are just some of the cathartic activities: What UNWANTED advice have you been given about being a parent? Fill out the answers! Draw yourself BEFORE AND AFTER pregnancy. Be very realistic. What are the MOST IRRITATING characteristics that your child has inherited from your partner? A chance to secretly moan about your partner too! What would you REALLY like to say to your child? Resist the urge! Write it down instead. What is the most IDIOTIC TEEN TREND you have witnessed? Be honest... So, if you have to stop yourself screaming louder than your crying infant or throwing food back at your terrible toddler, remember that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. This book is for you.Trade ReviewPerfect for any mother prone to grumpiness, this grown-up activity book for bad-mooded mums will raise a smile and should pull her, at least temporarily, out of the doldrums * Scotsman *Definitely the dark side of motherhood * Bristol Post *

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Book SynopsisA funny and gentle deep dive into the most unbearably reasonable men in the UK your perfect Christmas present for any dad, husband, brother or uncle who owns more gilets than shoes, buys vinyl (but doesn't always remove the cellophane), puffs on a CBD vape and claims he has a brick from the Haçienda in his outdoor barbecue. (Yeah. Right.) Packed full of quizzes, lifehacks and top 10 lists, The Centrist Dad Handbook will answer questions like:Why exactly is the Centrist Dad's taste in music stuck in the Blair era?Why does he carry a folded bicycle wherever he goes?Why does he call it his office' when it's clearly a shepherd's hut?Would he consider bringing back hanging if the rope was made of sustainably-sourced hemp? The guide will also examine gnarlier issues like music festivals, e-scooters and whether it is OK to still listen to The Smiths if you do so whilst wearing noise-cancelling headphones and sorting the recycling. Plus foo

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Book SynopsisMans here to help you help yourself.Real talk. One thing you've got to know about advice: there are two types. Sometimes the people who give the most advice to others are the last people you should be listening to. They just love the sound of their own voice. No matter what the problem is, they'll just say: 'Believe in yourself, you can do anything.' And then ... well, then there's the kind of advice that's just the truth. That's the sort of advice you might get from this book, and I'll warn you sometimes the truth ain't pretty. In these pages I'm gonna tell you some of my story and show you how you can change yours: how to survive school, how to get a job, how to deal with family, friends, love and PAIN. How to live your own life, not someone else's.

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Book Synopsis'When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.' - HM Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch and celebrated role model for our times. Examining such underrated virtues as duty, kindness and discretion, as exemplified by HM The Queen, Mary Killen has created a transformative guide for all who aspire to become happier, wiser and more adept at navigating life's ups and down with integrity and dignity. (We must always try not to swear.)In our throw-away fashion culture we'd all do well to follow The Queen's make-do-and-mend example. Sit up straight with a regal posture, and your digestion will benefit. Fit more into your life by following routines. Tidiness is a primary skill - as a small girl The Queen would arrange her shoes and sea shells into neat rows. To help with everyday anxieties we can study the mysterious but time-honoured techniques Her Majesty calls upon to rise above her own challenges. Packed with invaluable wisdom and insight, this small book carries a big purpose.

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Book SynopsisI don't like to brag but I can control a kayak brilliantly. Canoe?'Pardon' is the only French word that I know. I can only apologise.From Geoff Rowe and the Leicester Comedy Festival comes this brilliant tribute to that most British of jokes, the humble pun.Including a foreword from Dr Oliver Double and a wealth of hilarious (and occasionally groan-inducing) material from some of Britain's finest stand-up comedic talent, All Puns Blazing is a fun and fitting celebration of grassroots UK comedy.Featuring puns from:El Baldiniho - Lovdev Barpaga - Zahra Barri - Adele Cliff - Tony Cowards - Henry Dawe - Pauline Eyre - Friz Frizzle - Masai Graham - Sean Hegarty - Kevin Hudson - Leo Kearse - Colin Leggo - Nigel Lovell - Iain MacDonald - Kat Molinari - Laura Monmoth - Joseph Murphy - Graham Musk - Sean Patrick - Richard Pulsford - Paul Savage - Philip Simon - Rob Thomas - Andrew Tymms - Stevie Vegas - Chris Norton Walker - Darren Walsh - Richard Woolford - Jenan YounisTrade ReviewI was thrilled to be asked to donate some jokes to help support Leicester Comedy Festival. It's a wonderful festival that really supports the UK comedy scene each February. I love puns, they're a joyful and silly escape from reality. Having so many pun champions and rising stars all together make this collection a pun of a kind. * Adele Cliff, UK Pun Champion 2020 *

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Book SynopsisA parliament of fools, or a confederacy of dunces? Blethering celebrities and blundering politicians, royal babies and right royal cock-ups, milkshake madness and vegan sausage rolls - and, of course, the long and winding road to Brexit. If ever the times were ripe for a return to the high days of Augustan satire, it’s now – and the Spectator’s literary editor Sam Leith provides it. Our Times in Rhymes is a waspish, affectionate and very funny look at the state of our nation as it – let's be even-handed - teeters on the cliff-edge of a marvellous opportunity. Here is all the insanity and inanity of 2019, month by cherishable month, rendered in galloping comic verse and paired with satirical drawings by the brilliant cartoonist Edith Pritchett. It makes the perfect Christmas stocking filler for anyone who needs a good laugh at the damnable times we live in.Trade ReviewSam Leith…has turned to verse to unpick the ‘insanity and inanity’ of the year that was 2019 so you can relive the madness and the hilarity month by month -- Emelia Hamilton-Russell * Spears Wealth Management Survey *A new Dunciad specifically for 2019. When times get weird what's the point of a million rancorous tweets? Far better to follow Sam Leith's lead and conduct our discourses solely in sonnets * Martin Rowson *A gloriously satirical take on a darkly savage year. Leith transforms 2019 from bad to verse * Ben Schott *

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Book Synopsis'A frank, funny and long overdue ode to teachers and teaching' ADAM KAYThe malodorous horrors of Sports Day. Bracing yourself for Parents' Evening. Refereeing teenage relationship dramas...From the age of eight, Ryan Wilson dreamed of being a teacher. This is the inside story of his time at the chalkface, from fresh-faced trainee with grand ideals to exhausted assistant head battling ever-changing demands. It is a tribute, too, to the colleagues who befriended him and to the students who inspired him. Above all, it's about the lessons they taught him: how to be patient and resilient, how to live authentically and how to value every day.'Hilarious, inspiring and so terrifyingly true' Lucy Kellaway'Delightfully frank and funny' Jacqueline Wilson'A hilarious love letter to teaching' Christie Watson'Funny, sensitive and clever' Victoria DerbyshireTrade ReviewNot just funny and constantly surprising - but touching, poignant and personal too -- Jeremy VineA book spoken from the heart, the heart of a born teacher. In turns, honest, self-deprecating, enlightening, moving, and funny... This is a powerful and important book. -- Michael MorpurgoBrilliant... It's funny, it's profound and it's a cautionary tale -- Alastair StewartVery funny * Independent *Laugh out loud funny - every teacher who reads it will cringe with empathy -- Laura McInerneyThis entertaining memoir of 10 eventful years at the chalkface further illuminates the debt of gratitude we owe teachers * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisTrixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova took the world by storm with their Guide to Modern Womanhood, a book of expert advice on beauty, homemaking and relationships. Now, they're tackling an even bigger challenge: finding success in the workplace.In Working Girls, Trixie and Katya dole out both savvy and satirical advice for every stage of working life, from choosing a career path to sailing into a blissful retirement, in step-by-step guides, quizzes, the world's most bizarre aptitude test and more. Trapped in one of the Nine Circles of Retail Hell? Agonising over how to get that raise? Suspicious that your colleague doesn't really hope that their email 'finds you well'? Trixie and Katya have got you covered.They also share personal stories from their own remarkable careers and philosophies on everything from office attire to getting fired with dignity, all alongside hilarious, gorgeous photographs.Witty, beautiful and packed with wisdom, Working Girls is the ultimate guide for the working woman.

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Book Synopsis'Do you need a human in the first place? If you do, do not adopt a human on impulse. You may not get the right one for your lifestyle.'George the Cat is the feline world's favourite agony aunt. Now he brings us his irresistible, hilarious A-Z guide for fellow felines to help them navigate the human world, understand their sometimes weird and idiotic behaviour, and help turn human failings to feline advantages. Includes advice on how to move a sleeping human to the very edge of their bed, enjoy the use of their empty boxes before they're thrown out, and to get doors opened for you whether or not you have a private catflap.George also has a word of advice for humans: 'Don't let your cat get his paws on this book!'For fans of Secret Thoughts Cats Have About Humans and 100 Ways for A Cat to Train Its Human by Celia Haddon.

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Book Synopsis'One of the funniest books of the year' - GuardianA collection of hilarious personal essays, poems and even amusement park maps on the subjects of insecurity, fame, anxiety, and much more from the charming and wickedly funny creator of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. "It's nice to know someone as talented as Rachel is also pretty weird. If you're like me and love Rachel Bloom, this hilarious, personal book will make you love her even more." - Mindy Kaling "Rachel is one of the funniest, bravest people of our generation and this book blew me away." - Amy SchumerRachel Bloom has felt abnormal and out of place her whole life. In this exploration of what she thinks makes her 'different', she's come to realise that a lot of people also feel this way; even people who she otherwise thought were 'normal'.In a collection of laugh-out-loud funny essays, all told in the unique voice (sometimes singing voice) that made her a star, Rachel writes about everything from her love of Disney, OCD and depression, weirdness, and female friendships to the story of how she didn't poop in the toilet until she was four years old. It's a hilarious, smart, and infinitely relatable collection (except for the pooping thing).Readers love I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are'I adore Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and this book was exactly what I needed it to be. Would highly recommend.' 5*'Rachel's voice is loud and clear from the first lines of the book. I've been missing it since Crazy Ex-Girlfriend . . . this time she's talking right to me, in my head, and it is like being part of this newfound Friendtopia.' 5*'Heartfelt. Honest. Genuine. And funny as hell . . . Rachel writes about the things that could have broken her, but didn't, in a very funny and raw way, and she doesn't hold back.' 5*'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a hilarious and honest show which does not hold back when confronting the truth of sex, love, mental illness and life. This same comedic and chaotic energy is channelled in Bloom's wonderful book which I would highly recommend, whether you are a previous fan of hers or not.' 5*Trade ReviewOne of the funniest books of the year * Guardian *With one of the best covers of the year, Rachel Bloom (creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) delivers her first collection of hilarious personal essays... As you might expect, her riffs on everything from fame to imposter syndrome are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and the book even includes various amusement park maps as a bonus * Irish Independent *Rachel is one of the funniest, bravest people of our generation and this book blew me away -- Amy SchumerRachel Bloom looks at our 'normal' world through the point of view of a confused, hopeful alien with a huge heart and a raging, quirky creativity. I will never look at amusement park maps the same way -- Patton OswaltIt's nice to know someone as talented as Rachel is also pretty weird. If you're like me and love Rachel Bloom, this hilarious, personal book will make you love her even more -- Mindy KalingPainfully funny (and funnily painful) -- B.J. NovakThere's something I love a lot that people don't acknowledge as a thing and it's heartbreaking comedy. This book is that. Read it. You will laugh while you're crying and cry while you're laughing. Treat yourself to the heartbreaking comedy that is the life of Rachel Bloom -- Sarah SilvermanMy podcast made Rachel Bloom cum and it'll make you cum too -- Dan SavageWith one of the best covers of the year, Rachel Bloom (creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) delivers her first collection of hilarious personal essays... As you might expect, her riffs on everything from fame to imposter syndrome are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and the book even includes various amusement park maps as a bonus * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisA Comedian's Prayer Book. The title is a worry, isn't it?...God is a tough audience as far as audible response is concerned, but at least you don't have to explain the references. In this collection of prayers, much-loved comedian, broadcaster and radio host Frank Skinner has tried to retain the bare candour of the rehearsal-room improvisation - to show what faith feels like, from the inside - but infused it with all the production values required to make it a passable public entertainment. In it are his convictions, his questions, his fears, his doubts, his elations - all presented in an eavesdropper-friendly form. Hell, Judgement, atheism, money, faith and the X-Men all feature: it's a bit like reading the Bible, except you only get one side of the conversation, and all the jokes are left in.Trade ReviewThis is a fine, brave book, beautifully expressed. Richard Dawkins had better look to his laurels. * Daily Mail *It's far from being a comfortable read, though it never ceases to be amusing and thoughtful. * Christian Today *The book is a simple, unpretentious invitation to kneel alongside someone who has experienced the lows and highs of life, who has grown up through that experience, and has found that a conversational relationship with God is essential to living kindly, thoughtfully and well. Anyone new to faith or for whom prayer has become jaded and routine may well find in it an unconventional yet rich source of encouragement to keep on keeping on * Reform *Skinner's thoughts on religion are far more than just amusing: there is a bold freshness to his voice. * Times Literary Supplement *'Skinner's tome also asks some big questions, but is ultimately a prayerbook with a small p. You mightn't hear God laugh at the jokes, but surely He approves.' * Irish Examiner - Weekend Supplement *Skinner uses the book to open up about his ongoing relationship with God and the Catholic Church - and his words make very compelling reading. * Sorted *The questions he raises are serious, and central to Christian theology, and he expresses them much more pithily than most professional theologians...This is a fine, brave book, beautifully expressed. * The Mail on Sunday *He takes laying bare your soul to a level I've never come across before by a well-known name. * The Tablet *

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This new gift edition is a must-have for Pam's many fans - and for anyone who enjoys beautifully crafted stories and poems to make you laugh and make you think.Pam Ayres is one of our most widely-adored poets throughout the world and is nothing less than a national treasure. Her work is popular with fans of all ages, and her wry observations on the peculiarities of modern life will raise a smile from even the most hardened cynic.

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Book SynopsisLegendary cricket broadcaster Henry Blofeld takes the reader on a journey from A-Z through the world of cricket. In his trademark charming style, Blowers goes through the alphabet, explaining some of the puzzling cricket terminology and regaling his favourite anecdotes from his fifty years in the sport. This gift book is perfect for fans of cricket who want to understand the sport from Henry's unique point of view - this is a humorous and entertaining jaunt through the cricket landscape.

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER! (June 2020)'If you're after an in-depth medical or psychological insight into the menopause, I'm afraid you've opened the wrong book - I'm not a doctor . . . However, I am a woman and I do know how it feels to be menopausal, so this book is written from experience and the heart and I hope it makes you laugh and feel better.' JEOlder and Wider is Jenny Eclair's hilarious, irreverent and refreshingly honest compendium of the menopause. From C for Carb-loading and G for Getting Your Shit Together to I for Invisibility and V for Vaginas, Jenny's whistle-stop tour of the menopause in all its glory will make you realise that it really isn't just you. Jenny will share the surprising lessons she has learnt along the way as well as her hard-won tips on the joy of cardigans, dealing with the empty nest (get a lodger) and keeping the lid on the pressure cooker of your temper (count to twenty, ten is never enough).As Jenny says, 'I can't say that I've emerged like a beautiful butterfly from some hideous old menopausal chrysalis and it would be a lie to say that I've found the 'old me' again. But what I have found is the 'new me' - and you know what? I'm completely cool with that.'

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Book SynopsisJack Dee has been very busy during lockdown and would like to update everybody on what he's been up to. While the nation has been baking bread and clearing out cupboards, Jack has retrained online as a psychotherapist and is now open for business. After FOUR HOURS study, he has a certificate of completion from The Ruislip College of Advansed Learning [sic].If you have an emotional, relationship, work or other issue that you need help with, or if you've just totally lost your sh*t and can't take it anymore, then he would love to hear from you.This book will be a rich compendium of your problems along with Jack's unique, very professional, advice.Trade ReviewSo funny, and so wise. Just like the man himself * Richard Osman *Morally bankrupt ... Not a book to be seen on your shelves during a zoom call * Jo Brand *Britain's foremost humourist and a compassionate counsellor have both told me Jack doesn't know what he's talking about * Graeme Garden *Funny, sometimes bracing * Spectator, Books of the Year *What Is Your Problem? is indeed very funny, and it's partly because much of Dee's advice is not at all helpful. But what's even better is that sometimes his advice is-albeit inadvertently-genuinely wise and illuminating * Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller *I recommend you read this. You'll thank me * Barry Cryer *I inhaled it. HILARIOUS. So sharp - it really made me laugh * Katherine Ryan *Jack dispenses advice exactly as you'd want him to: with both hilarious insight and healthy disdain for everyone involve * Romesh Ranganathan *A breath of fresh air * Sun *Timely resurgence of the pull-yourself-together school of therapy * The Times/Sunday Times *Absurd, occasionally useful, and always sardonic * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisThe perfect gift for your Friends-obsessed pals. We might not be able to meet at their favourite coffee spot, but Rachel, Ross, Joey, Chandler, Monica and Phoebe are (unofficially) here to help you to be the best friend you can be. A nostalgic and heart-warming homage to the world's most popular sitcom, Friends for Life distils the wisdom of the TV series, providing readers with advice and practical tips for pivoting - sorry, perfecting - the art of friendship. Having a group of ride-or-die mates has never been more important, because when life kicks you in the teeth (especially if they're luminous like Ross's), you know they'll help you come out stronger on the other side. This book takes lessons from the show on how to (and how not to) deal with issues such as living together, borrowing money, dating, arguments and knowing when to step-up or step away.With everything from actionable strategies, magazine-style quizzes, listicles and countdowns of the best cameos to the best insults, all beautifully emphasised with bespoke line illustrations, Friends for Life is the perfect book for new and returning fans alike.

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Book Synopsis'An uproariously funny collection of true stories from one of the comedy greats' - BILL BAILEY'I loved this book. Absolutely adored it. I devoured it and savoured every word. A wild and wonderful love letter to comedy' - ADAM HILLS'It's rare for comedians to be as funny on paper as they are on stage, but Rich Hall nails it' - CARL HIAASENA collection of hilarious and often absurd epiphanies in the legendary comedian's life that defined him - more in a for worse than for better kind of way - and all delivered in his unique deadpan style. Growing up, Rich Hall aspired to be a writer, and after school he trained to be a journalist. But after a stint at the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, he found himself trying to impress a girl by doing a one-man show in a state university campus in Kansas, armed with a bucket, a loudhailer and some dog biscuits. It wasn't exactly a triumph, and he didn't get the girl, but he had found his true calling.Nailing It is a collection of true stories from both Hall's professional and personal life where he really had to nail it. They're not about glitz, or fame, or how he met his seventh wife at the rehab clinic and found spiritual direction. None of that happened to him.They're about accidentally melting Kraft cheese at his first Edinburgh Fringe Festival, alienating an entire convention of RV holiday-makers in Las Vegas, singing The Who's 'You Better You Bet' at a charity gig and turning his performance into a legendary rock 'n' roll disaster, and attempting to seduce Karen, which must have been successful because she is now his wife. And other such escapades.Hall doesn't always come out of them all covered in glory - far from it - but if someone propped him up at the end of the comedy bar and put a 50p coin in him, these are the tunes he would spin. And you'd be laughing all night.Trade ReviewAn uproariously funny collection of true stories from one of the comedy greats * Bill Bailey *It's rare for comedians to be as funny on paper as they are on stage, but Rich Hall nails it. He is clearly a writer at heart, and his true tales about life on the stand-up comedy circuit are hilarious, touching, and bravely personal. I selfishly wish he had his own TV show here in the States, but this book will fill the void nicely until he does * Carl Hiaasen *I loved this book. Absolutely adored it. I devoured it and savoured every word. A wild and wonderful love letter to comedy * Adam Hills *Rich Hall is a comedic maverick with a laser eye for detail. He is as funny as he is fearless. This book is no exception... a kaleidoscopic journey through the twists and turns of his comedy and his life. * Lewis Black *So well written... Buy it right now and prepare to be amazed. * Merrill Markoe *Since 1978, Rich Hall has made me laugh with a most original and creative brand of stand-up comedy. Now the bastard has written the best comedy memoir I've ever read. I've about had it with this guy. * Ritch Shydner *Hall is good company... writing with wise-cracking, conversational ease... Will have you chuckling throughout with its amusing collection of well-spun yarns * Irish Times *

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Book Synopsis'It's a breeze to read and you won't feel so alone at the end of it' Marie Claire It's never too late to grow the f*ck up. And New York Times bestselling author Sarah Knight is here to help! With her no-bullsh*t bible for the modern adult, you'll become more self-aware, self-sufficient and resourceful - and turn grown-up responsibilities into exciting opportunities for making your life easier and more fun. You'll learn:- How to anticipate consequences and orchestrate outcomes- Four keys to effective communication- Strategies for slaying self-care- The perks of being independent and dependableAnd much more!Packed with practical advice and pro-dult tips for everything from balancing your budget to impressing your in-laws, Grow the F*ck Up is the perfect guide for anyone - at any age - who wants to be an adult and get treated like one.SARAH KNIGHT's No F*cks Given Guides have sold over 3 million copies and her TEDx talk has been viewed 10 million times.Trade ReviewJudgement-free and filled with all the advice you wish you'd gotten (or had listened to) from your parents, this is an expectedly irreverent guide to adulting that will help you get your grown-up life firing on all cylinders * Irish Examiner *Busy, breezy and sensible * Westmeath Examiner *Knight has the hard-earned wisdom to get you from total helplessness to reliable resourcefulness * Shemazing *Packed with practical advice tips for life, from balancing your budget to communicating better -- Women’s Running

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Book SynopsisYou can never take what you love too seriously and The Periodic Table of Football celebrates this fact.Welcome to The Periodic Table of Football. Instead of hydrogen to helium, here you'll find Pelé to Sepp Blatter 108 elements from the football pantheon arranged by their properties and behaviour on and off the pitch.This expert guide spans over 150 years to offer an original perspective of the beautiful game.

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Book SynopsisIt's fun to be playful and not take yourself too seriously.'Olivia Rodrigo has dominated the charts since bursting onto the scene with smash hits like Drivers Licence and Deja Vu and is loved for her raw and relatable lyrics.Ignoring Olivia''s wisdom on growing up, feminism, relationships, and creativity would be a ''Bad Idea, Right?''

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Book SynopsisCombining his signature curmudgeonly humor with, as Newsweek put it, a "silly approach to upsetting topics," Tom Segura presents a series of personal stories packed with the crazy characters and strong opinions fans have come to know and love from his podcasts and standup.The essays in I'd Like to Play Alone, Please feature comedic tales from Tom's time on the road, his marriage, the trials and tribulations of parenting young children and, perhaps most memorably, his dad who, like any good Baby Boomer father, likes to talk about his bowel movements and share graphic Vietnam stories at inappropriate moments. It's enough to make anyone want some peace and quiet. This book will have readers laughing out loud and nodding in agreement with Segura's central message: in a world where everyone is increasingly insane, sometimes you just need to be alone.

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Book SynopsisFormer WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz brings readers behind the scenes for an unprecedented look at the chaotic, surreal, unbelievable backstage world of the WWE.With untold stories from a career spanning over 15 years and featuring the biggest names and controversial moments in wrestling history, THERE'S JUST ONE PROBLEM is an honest, unflinching look on how an introverted life-long fan unexpectedly became one the most powerful men in all of professional wrestling.For decades wrestling was shrouded in secrecy. It had larger than life personalities, bone crunching physicality and jaw-dropping theatrics but backstage it was an industry devoid of outsiders. Then in 1999, after working together on a special for MTV, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson turned to 26-year old television writer Brian Gewirtz and asked "You ever consider writing for WWE?" That question, and its answer, would have a profound effect on both of their lives for years to come.THERE'S JUST ONE PROBLEM is a story about perseverance, tenacity, and steel chairs. Most writers in the WWE last for a matter of months; Gewirtz was there for over 15 years, writing some of most memorable and infamous storylines in WWE history (covering the "Attitude Era", the "Ruthless Aggression Era" and into the "PG" and "Reality" eras). Throughout this journey Gewirtz found himself becoming both friend and antagonist to some of the biggest names in WWE history - Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, Stephanie McMahon, Bill Goldberg, Paul Heyman, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, and the two men who he worked the most closely with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. These men not only shaped his life professionally but also personally, forcing him to grow and change both as a writer and a human being. So how does a lifelong fan and outsider break through to become the ultimate insider? How does a low-key personality deal directly with his boss, the most brash, unpredictable "alpha male" on the planet, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon? How does one gain respect in a locker room that wants nothing more than to see him disappear? Where does one go when every year in wrestling takes you further away from the writing career you always wanted? Taking advice from his idol, the late "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, when you're so full of fear, there's only one way to push through: become fearless.

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Book SynopsisAnjelah Johnson had two dreams as a kid: to be an actress and to be a chola. You may know Anjelah Johnson for her viral sketch "Nail Salon" (over 30 million views) or her beloved ghetto-fabulous MadTV character Bon Qui Qui, but it's her clean humor and hilarious storytelling that make her one of the most successful stand-up comedians today. In Who Do I Think I Am? Anjeleh shares hilarious stories about her life, from her irrational fear of death ("Please Don't Die, Okay?") to growing up caught between two worlds ("I'm Mexican/Hella American") to her cultural pride ("Chola Wishes & Caviar Dreams"). Of course, like any good Latina, she offers a choice of stories that are mild ("I Love Jesus But I Will Punch A 'Ho), medium ("Chin-checked by Prince") and spicy ("I'm Dating You Cuz I'm Hungry").The book follows Anjelah's unlikely journey as she transforms from a suburban kid with Aquanet-drenched hair into a conservative Christian who abstains from drinking and premarital sex, into a mall-famous Raider cheerleader, and then an actually famous comedian traveling the world and meeting people from all-walks of life. As she travels the world, Anjelah has eye-opening experiences, and she morphs from square, rigid Anjelah into "Funjelah," and learns that she can still ride with Jesus without squashing the other parts of her personality.Anjelah's stories explore subjects such as embracing--and sometimes trying too hard to embrace--your racial identity, finding your place in the world and chasing your crazy dreams, the messiness of an evolving faith, and searching for belonging and meaning. Through her journey, Anjelah discovers her true identity, found only in the all-encompassing love of God, and encourages readers to have the audacity to dream big and fight to achieve their goals, no matter what obstacles they may face.

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Book SynopsisThe Bible. You've heard of it, yes? Maybe something about David and Goliath or Noah's ark, or a baby in a manger? What if I told you there was tons of stuff in the Bible that you've never heard about? Things like talking donkeys, self-conscious magicians, and kings who think they're cows. The Bible is a curious book full of deeply flawed people and a God who refuses to give up on them. Don't believe me? Look for yourself.In these 60 devotions, we examine these unique stories, the circumstances and biblical truth around them, and what they reveal about the heart of God.

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Book SynopsisA rollicking comic treasury, starring the world's most famous cartoon horse. He has hundreds of thousands of followers on Facebook and a surging presence on Instagram. Each day, he and his diverse group of friends share their mishaps, their successes, and their innermost thoughts with the world. He is seemingly ageless, looking even better now than when his ascent to fame began. Who is this intriguing Internet celebrity? Fergus the Horse (Equus hilarious), the creation of artist Jean Abernethy, has been entertaining audiences—young and old, in print and online—with his comedic adventures for the past 20 years. His rise to fame was documented in the epic equine comic collection The Essential Fergus the Horse, and now, Abernethy celebrates his age—and the wisdom that should come with it—with an all-new selection of horsey humor, including many cartoons fans have never seen before, created exclusively for this book. With a genuine appeal that crosses boundaries of breed, discipline, and geographic location, Fergus unites anyone with an eye for a horse and a need for a laugh. Readers of all ages—from 5 to 95—will be delighted by his wit, honesty, and profoundly funny observations on horses, humans, and the life they strive to live together.

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Book SynopsisTo anyone who is not a new mother, babyhood may seem like a nanosecond long--a quick blip on the radar of life. But to a new mother, it feels never-ending. A child is born, a thunderstorm comes barreling in, and the idea of buckling down to raise said baby seems like an eternity--and feels totally impossible. How will I ever make it through? This is especially true for women today, who are raised to foster strong personal and professional identities. Becoming a mother is a complete restructuring of one's life, and there's a necessary psychic reckoning that gets buried under dirty diapers and lost amid the nipple shields and mashed peas.Loaded with unfettered support from a mom who has been through it, You Are a F*cking Awesome Mom offers a welcome acknowledgement that motherhood is a mind f*ck--and that women deserve more than trite oversimplifying and sugarcoating about the miracles of child-rearing. It is not a parenting book, it's a mama book, one with an irresistible, irreverent voice, sharp insight, and some welcome doses of "truth salad," plus a few experts thrown in for good measure. It's You Are a Badass for new mothers, and a long-awaited life raft for all the mothers drowning in maternal confusion and terror.

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Book SynopsisThe tangled life of the knitter is the subject of inspired nuttiness in 300 tongue-in-cheek meditations from the Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. At Knit’s End captures the wickedly funny musings of someone who doesn’t believe it’s possible to knit too much and who willingly sacrifices sleep, family, work, and sanity in order to keep doing it. Covering everything from the deadly “second sock syndrome” to a pile of yarn so big it can hide a washing machine, this hilarious collection will have knitters in stitches!

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Book SynopsisThe illustrated lowdown on the toughest, sexiest and beardiest man to ever stalk the earth.

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Book SynopsisMeet C. H. Dalton, a professor of racialist studies and an expert on inferior people of all ethnicities, genders, religions, and sexual preferences. Presenting evidence that everyone should be hated, A Practical Guide to Racism contains sparkling bits of wisdom on such subjects as:· The good life enjoyed by blacks, who shuffle through life unhindered by the white man's burdens, to become accomplished athletes, rhyme smiths, and dominoes champions· The sad story of the industrious, intelligent Jews, whose entire reputation is sullied by their taste for the blood of Christian babies· A close look at the bizarre, sweet-smelling race known as women, who are not very good at anything - especially ruling the free world· A crucial manual to Arabs, a people so sensitive they are liable to blow up at any time. Literally.Trade Review"Read it with someone you hate."—Jon Stewart

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