Humour is one of the most important things in my life.
These days I’ve found myself reaching for books that make me laugh or that at least make me smile.
Seriously…I’m Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres was one of the books that I recently finished, and it’s one that I recommend highly – you’ll breeze right through it because you won’t want to put it down.
I’m a fan of Ellen DeGeneres, but not to the point where I’d pay $50 for a piece of gum she chewed. I would, however, pay $50 for a $100 bill she touched. 😉
Seriously…I’m Kidding has a great tone – it’s more like a friend talking with you than it is like an author writing to you. And if you like Ellen’s laid-back attitude and warm personality, you’ll definitely appreciate this book.
“Social Skills” is my favourite section because it made me laugh the most. She talks about how with the advent of push-button, instant-communication technology like Twitter, people have forgotten the joy of physical writing.
On page 138, Ellen says:
I’ve always liked writing. I like the feeling of having a nice pen in my hand. It feels like I’m creating something when I put pen to paper, even if it is just a doodle of a flower or a note that says, “If you ever park in my spot again I will have your ass towed.” It’s a nice feeling.
What I admire the most about Ellen’s writing style is that she’s able to deliver a punchline without being really windy. That’s no easy feat. Usually most people take a long time to build up to a punchline, but by the time they’re just getting around to their joke, she’s already hanging up her boxing gloves. That takes real skill.
Especially since I tweeted yesterday about a picture of a hamburger bed, her comment on page 139 made me laugh:
Way, way back in the day, like in the 1990s, if you wanted to tell everyone you ate waffles for breakfast, you couldn’t just go on the Internet and tweet it out. There was only one way to do it. You had to go outside and scream at the top of your lungs, “I ate waffles for breakfast!” That’s why so many people ended up in institutions. They seemed crazy, but when you think about it, they were just ahead of their time.”
So, now I’m curious…What have you all been reading these days? And do you have any book recommendations for me? Also, have any of you read her other books? (I’m thinking about picking them up soon.)
Hahah….I love the waffle people being ahead of their time 🙂 One of my resolutions this year is to read more. Once I find a book I love, I speed through it a few days, but I seem to have a real problem STARTING. I like Ellen, so I may have to read this one! So I am totally unhelpful on book recommendations, but I will be looking at other people’s responses to get ideas too!
Maribeth recently posted: Revlon Whimsical VS Deborah Lippmann Glitter In The Air; Comparison, Swatches, Review
Hey Maribeth!
I’m the same way – starting is the hardest. And with all the great books out there, it’s hard to just choose one. (A few times, I’ve alternated reading 3 books each night…but I’ve found that I prefer just reading one at a time so that I can really get into it.)
If you read Seriously…I’m Kidding, please let me know what you think of it!
I love Ellen but for some reason have never read any of her books…having read this review and some of the snippets though, I will be getting this one as my next book buy! I recommend Tina Fey’s autobiography. It’s so well written and really funny too. It’s not like a normal biography either, none of this “here’s my story of being young, getting famous and now here’s the present me” it’s a little all over the place but it keeps you interested because it’s just so funny! Thanks for the review and giving me another book to pick up 🙂
Robyn recently posted: Comic Book Inspired Explosion Nails!
Hey Robyn!
Oh yeah, I’ve read Tina Fey’s Bossypants, too! That was really good (a different style than Ellen’s book), and I didn’t really know too much about her, so it was cool to find out more of her background. And I never knew that she admired Amy Poehler so much – haha, seriously, she praises her constantly throughout the book! (I like Amy Poehler a lot in Parks and Recreation – wonder if she has a book out – gonna check.)
I am in love with Ellen but have not read her books either, maybe I’ll give this one a shot. I recently finished a book called Sh*t My Dad Says, it was very easy reading and had a bunch of short chapters/stories about the authors father and the things he has said. I have to say this is one of the only books that has literally had me laughing out loud…by myself. The language is a little intense but if that sort of thing doesn’t bother you, I highly recommed it.
Kellyn recently posted: Polish Change – Zoya Kotori/Haul
Hey Kellyn!
Haha, intense language doesn’t bother me at all. (I have bought and read all of Janice Dickinson’s books…haha, and she swears a lot, but I really enjoyed her candid, crass style.)
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll check that book out! 🙂
I love Ellen! Her book is definitely on my list of books to read 🙂 I just finished The Book of Tomorrow by Cecilia Ahern and I’m now starting The Hunger Games. I’ve only read the first two chapters so far and I can’t wait to get into it more.. it’s so good so far and I’m just imagining how it’s all going to play out in the movie 🙂
Hey Becky!
Oh wow, so many people have been asking me to read The Hunger Games, and I really want to before the movie comes out. Still need to pick them up. But it’s good to know that you’re really enjoying the beginning so far. Must be good if so many people like it. 🙂
Haven’t read her yet. Sounds interesting. Would look for this one. I’m reading The Catcher In the Rye, perhaps everyone has read it except me. Reading it is so much fun!
Nivedita recently posted: Lakme Rose powder
Hey Nivedita!
I remember The Catcher in the Rye – it was required reading when I was in grade 12, I think. 🙂 Lots of people in my class loved it. But out of all the high-school required reading we had to do, I think…hmm…To Kill a Mockingbird was my favourite. Also, the movie was perfect, and Gregory Peck was perfect as Atticus!
I listened to the audio book of Ellen’s Seriously and enjoyed it , but Robyn is right, Tina Fey’s Bossypants is hilarious!
Hey Barbara!
YES, Tina Fey’s Bossypants was a hoot, too. Completely different writing styles, but still very funny!
Ellen is so great. Reading her books really is like having lunch with your best friend….it’s relaxed, easy, and always fun.
When I got my Kindle, one of the first books that I downloaded was ‘The Funny Thing Is..’ and it’s become one of my favourite rainy day books.
If you like her books, you might also enjoy some of these:
‘Is It Just Me? Or Is It Nuts Out There?’ by Whoopi Goldberg
“If You Ask Me: (And Of Course, You Won’t)” by Betty White
“My First Five Husbands…And the Ones Who Got Away” by Rue McClanahan
“Diary of a Mad Fat Girl” by Stephanie McAfee
and if you’re in the mood for something really good and somewhat different that you can sink into for a long read, you might try:
“The Host” by Stephanie Meyer….yes, the Twilight author, but this is completely different and highly enjoyable. Her character development is surperb! They are talking about making a movie out of it, but I can’t imagine how they could squeeze everything into a movie.
Hey karen!
I think that’s why Ellen is so popular – she never comes across as snobby or like she’s trying too hard. Her humour comes across very clearly and concisely, which isn’t easy. And I love when she makes jokes that are purposefully hypocritical!
I’ll definitely have to buy The Funny Thing Is… and her other book, too. She has a writing style that seems to pick me up when I’m feeling down in the dumps.
Thanks for that great list of books. YES, BETTY WHITE! I love her! I’ll have to read her book for sure.
I’ve read her other two books and really enjoyed them. This one is on my to read list 🙂 I too enjoy a good funny and uplifting book… When I think of you as a person, Ellen comes to mind because bit of you have such fun, kind and uplifting spirits 🙂
One day I will be able to add a Mary from Swatchandlearn book to the top of my must-read list 😉
I’m currently reading “Netherland” for my first bookclub book! I love the concept of a bookclub, this book wasn’t the greatest but we shall see next week how that whole experience goes 😉 lol
I have to favourite authors (to give you an idea of what I Love to read) Jodi Picoult and Kristin Hannah 🙂
Marta recently posted: The Cult Nails Experience
Hey Marta!
What an honour that you associate me with Ellen! 😀 You know how happy that makes me? It makes me want to dance down the aisle of my own talk show… 😛 On second thought, I think I’ll spare the poor audience!
Hehe, oh, I hope that someday have my book published! That’s my life goal.
I haven’t read any of her book, but I think Ellen is great. I remember watching her sitcom show soooo long ago..I cant recall what its called though. The book I’m reading now is ” Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” by Mindy Kaling. Its a really good book…whats great about it (and her) is that she’s not that much different from her character, Kelly, on The Office.
Frosso recently posted: Guest Post: China Glaze Celtic Sun and Sephora by OPI To the Glitter End!
Hey Frosso!
That’s hilarious how she’s similar to her character on The Office! Oh my gosh, can you imagine working with someone like Kelly? 😛
I haven’t read any of her books but I do enjoy watching her show. Right now, I’m just reading Archie Comics.
Hey maddy!
Archie Comics! I haven’t read those in a long time.
Who is your favourite character? (Mine’s Veronica – haha, I love how snobby she is!)
I really like Veronica and Betty because they are so opposite but they’re best friends and they both date Archie at the same time. It would be really frustrating if my best friend and I dated the same guy.
Yeah, I think that’s messed up, though. In real life, I don’t think best friends can date the same guy and still be on good terms!
That looks like a really interesting read! I’m definitely getting it as soon as I read the one by Mindy Kaling called Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (I just downloaded it to my e-reader). I just finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo because I wanted to read the book before watching the movies. I saw the Swedish movie last night and it was a bit of a let down. Might see the Hollywood take this weekend and fingers crossed that it has a better take. 🙂 Then I’m reading the next in the Song of Fire and Ice series before the new season of Game of Thrones debuts this spring. While I miss reading actual books, the convenience of an e-reader makes it so easy to keep reading even after you’ve finished your most recent one! Ever considered getting one?
Carmela recently posted: Orly Fowl Play is out to prove there’s nothing foul about this play.
Hey Carmela!
My, you sound like a bookworm! Love it! 😀 (I used to read way more books when I was younger. I still enjoy it, but I don’t read as fast as I used to.)
Actually, no, I never really considered getting an e-reader. I really enjoy holding a physical book and turning the pages, but so many people who said that seem to really love the convenience of their e-readers. Maybe one day I’ll stop being such a Luddite! 😛
I LOVE Ellen! This book has been on my wishlist forever!
As for me, I mostly read Young Adult books. I think I’m obsessed with this genre for my lack of a normal high school experience lol.
Marie recently posted: Monthly Favorites: November 2011
Hey Marie!
It’s cool that you’re into young-adult books. Reading, in general, is a worthwhile activity that also helps you become a better writer. And reading should be an enjoyable activity. Hehe, we’ve all had to trudge through require reading for school, so leisure reading should be fun! 🙂
When I was in elementary school, I remember really liking young-adult fiction by Lurlene McDaniel. Her stories always made me cry. But in high school, I just stopped reading those kind of books…
I love Ellen! I read her first book and will definitely be getting this one! (and the one in between that I missed too!)
Jamie recently posted: Barielle Reviews and Swatches!
Hey Jamie!
I really want to read at least one of her other books. Her writing style is so laid-back, and it just makes you feel upbeat.