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The One Who Wrote Destiny
The One Who Wrote Destiny
Nikesh Shukla | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sweet but thin storyline
Nikesh Shukla's latest literary escapade is sweet, exploring familial ties and how fate plays a role in this family. The narrators include terminal cancer patient Neha, Kenyan-born father Mukesh, and hapless comedian brother Rakesh, each playing a role in their so-called pre-determined destinies.

The writing is witty and it's always wonderful to hear voices that represent BAME communities in modern Britain. But unfortunately it is a little thin in plot and storyline. It is a host of voices speaking about their perspectives and intricately joining together. An easy read.
  
Before Watchmen:  The Comedian
Before Watchmen: The Comedian
Brian Azzarello | 2013 | Comics & Graphic Novels
7
5.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Some interesting historical links
The Comedian's part of the pre-Watchmen series continues the link to actual historical events and people. Edward Blake, the Comedian, is a good friend of the Kennedy brothers and regularly helps them out in various ways. Blake is then sent to Vietnam, initially as a boost to morale for the US troops, but he soon embarks on a trademark campaign of terror across the jungle.
The overall story wasn't to my tastes, but some excellent artwork and nice historical links. Plus something of an origin story for his trademark smiley face logo.
  
The Golden Age of Television
The Golden Age of Television
1981 | Documentary
(0 Ratings)
TV Show Favorite

"Look at it this way: The Twilight Zone is your memories of growing up, of learning to understand a certain language of cinematic storytelling that embraces fantastic twists of plot and character. Then, when you’re older, and it occurs to you to ask your parents what things were really like back in the day, the answer is Patterns, Requiem for a Heavyweight, and The Comedian, all written by Rod Serling. Of course, there’s more than Serling’s writing to love here: the immediacy of the productions and the adrenaline of the performances make for a perfect record of this incredibly pivotal era of storytelling."

Source
  
The Adam Buxton Podcast
The Adam Buxton Podcast
Comedy
9
6.5 (6 Ratings)
Podcast Rating
The friendly laid back atmosphere in interviews (0 more)
Occasional dull guests (0 more)
I have long been a fan of Adam & Joe on TV and podcast and enjoy Buxton's solo podcast. Here he interviews comedian guests about their work, life and general nonsense. The interviews are very laid back and aren't done just to plug a new release/show. Adam's silly style, but experience and musical knowledge allow the comedy to flow regardless of the guest as there will always be some entertainment he will get out of them.
The advertising gets a little bit irritating at times but this is a necessary evil to make the podcast viable for Buxton.
  
You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes
You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes
Comedy
8
6.0 (3 Ratings)
Podcast Rating
Love me some Pete Holmes
Pete Holmes puts out one of the best long form podcast on the interwebs. There is something about a comedian with the gift of gab having the ability to get people talking. You would assume with this podcast being helmed by funny man Pete Holmes that the whole show is going to be a laugh riot, but the interesting thing is that these conversations get deep and they do in fact get weird.

If you aren't sure about this podcast, give it the 3 episode challenge and see what you think. My belief is that you might just dig it.
  
Joker (2019)
Joker (2019)
2019 | Crime, Drama
Acting, story, cast (0 more)
? (0 more)
Joker begins
Contains spoilers, click to show
Arthur fleck is a struggling comedian with history of depression and a medical condition which causes him to laugh when in physical or mental pain. (Makes sense given the character being portrayed).

Finally being pushed over the edge of his own sanity & idolized by the people of Gotham who feel forgotten & pushed aside, Arthur dons the name 'Joker' & decides to take matters into his own hands by violently retaliating against the wealthy.

Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic and plays the Role brilliantly bringing a dark, intense character to the silver screen in an origin story that is a must see.....knock knock.......
  
I really enjoy Steve Harvey as a comedian, but this book just didn't do it for me. Maybe the book would have been helpful when I was still dating but now that I am in a relationship the advise seemed obvious. Even if I was still dating I think most of his advise is common knowledge on how to conduct yourself as a lady but I guess some people need help in that area. The first chapter was the most helpful for me. After that I just read to finish the book. I really wouldn't recommend this book to anyone I know,but it could be helpful to some single women out there.
  
Funny Cow (2017)
Funny Cow (2017)
2017 | Comedy, Drama
8
5.0 (3 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Another bleak British belter
British cinema tends to be a)about working class people and b) be very miserable. I had a group of American friends staying over and shared with then a selection of British films. They all admitted to feeling suicidal at the end of it.

Some people will watch Funny Cow and expect a rip roaring comedy about a female stand up comedian. That it is not. This is the story of a working class rebel fighting domestic violence and oppression by seeing the funny side. It is brave and probably be very misunderstood by most. For me it was a poignant reminder of the fight some people have to be heard. A brave and strong film.
  
Hari Kondabolu: Warn Your Relatives
Hari Kondabolu: Warn Your Relatives
2018 | Comedy, International
6
6.0 (3 Ratings)
TV Show Rating
I had never heard anything from this Indian-American comedian, but I was excited cause I'm always down for stand-up.
It's important to know going in that his stand up is pretty heavily political and definitely left-leaning. That in and of itself didn't bother me. In fact, I found quite a bit of that part hilarious (the Trump bit and the Universal healthcare bit). However, I discovered that a solid hour+ of that material does start to feel heavy handed. Especially when the last 15 minutes or so feel more like a sermon and less like a stand up.
If you lean that way or are an American immigrant, you will probably enjoy it much more than me. For me it was a bit much by the end.
  
Modern Romance
Modern Romance
Aziz Ansari | 2016 | Health & Fitness
10
8.0 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Going into this book I wasn't expecting much. I mean, how could a comedian write an intelligent non fiction book about romance? I know, I was that person that had a snap judgment on an author and I shouldn't have thought that.

This book was extremely interesting and the audiobook was HILARIOUS! I loved listening to Aziz Ansari read this book and describe the statistics that he gathered. The book was interesting and quite entertaining. He gathered a lot of information and was able to bring life into what could have been a dull psychology book.

Ultimately, if you're looking for an interesting and fun read, this is the book is for you. The statistics were never dull and it was fascinating to learn about other cultures and the differences between generations.