5 Books Written by Hilarious Comedians
You unwind with their TV shows after work and always giggle at their stand-up. Want more? As a firm believer that life is better when you're laughing, these books written by my favorite comedians are entertaining must reads.
01. Seriously… I’m Kidding // Ellen Degeneres
Take a hint from the title. Ellen’s book is light, silly, and entertaining – much like her talk show. Except, instead of asking other celebrities questions about themselves, Seriously… I’m Kidding focuses on her own life, inner thoughts, and comical advice. Sorry, but if you don’t like Ellen, I probably don’t like you.
Follow your passion. Stay true to yourself. Never follow someone else's path unless you're in the woods and you're lost and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that.
02. Modern Romance // Aziz Ansari
Unlike the typical memoir expected of a comedian, Aziz Ansari teamed up with NYU sociologist Eric Klinenberg to assess the dating struggles in the era of “Modern Romance.” As a young twenty-something, I found their research project to be embarrassingly accurate and overall very insightful.
I see people my age…getting married to people they’ve known for like a year and a half. A year and a half? Is that enough time to get to know someone to know you want to spend the REST of your life with them? I’ve had sweaters for a year and a half and I was like ‘What the fuck was I doing with this sweater?'
03. Yes Please // Amy Poehler
So, it turns out I love Amy Poehler’s real life shenanigans just as much as I love crazy Leslie Knope. The honesty, the advice and of course the comedy found in Yes Please gave me a real sense of who Amy is as a person and as a friend.
I love saying ‘yes’ and I love saying ‘please.’ Saying ‘yes’ doesn’t mean I don’t know how to say no, and saying ‘please’ doesn’t mean I am waiting for permission. ‘Yes please’ sounds powerful and concise. It’s a response and a request. It is not about being a good girl; it is about being a real woman.
04. Why Not Me? // Mindy Kaling
Why Not Me? features short essays that offer a behind the scenes look at Mindy’s life. Some of these experiences are relatable for any woman, such her stance on body image, pledging a sorority, longing for Mr. Right and spray tans. Others moments are not so relatable, but fascinating, like working on The Office and receiving personal invitations from The President.
In comparison to others on this list, I don’t think Mindy’s book is as laugh-out-loud funny. It feels more like an honest conversation shared with your trusted best friend.
As I got older, I got craftier and less obvious, but I’ve always put a lot of energy and effort into people liking me. That’s why I’ve never understood the compliment ‘effortless.’ People love to say: ‘She just walked into the party, charming people with her effortless beauty.’ I don’t understand that at all. What’s so wrong with effort, anyway? It means you care. What about the girl who ‘walked into the party, her determination to please apparent on her eager face’? Sure, she might seem a little crazy, and, yes, maybe everything she says sounds like conversation starters she found on a website, but at least she’s trying. Let’s give her a shot!
05. The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo // Amy Schumer
Another Amy graces the funny-people-with-books list. This time a bit raunchier in nature. Personal anecdotes are pretty standard for a memoir, but I never expected her to be so vulnerable with me about her private life. There isn’t a single chapter that doesn’t reveal Schumer’s innermost struggles and unbelievable outer strength. She’s funny, but more importantly, she’s real.
I have a feeling The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo will completely change the way you view Amy Schumer as a person. The mere title “comedian” doesn’t do her justice.
Do they think models size 6 and above can't make it to the end of the runway without stopping midway for a burrito? Enough, enough with these waifish elves walking your impossible clothing down an ugly runway with ugly lighting and noisy music. Life doesn't look like that runway.
