Why Funny Is Funny: a comprehensive (and hilarious) theoretical look at what all humor has in common Paperback – April 1, 2021

This book doesn't disappoint and it's funny too.

One of the funniest things about this book is how humor can become unfunny when you try to understand it. It’s like humor is a form of magic. Poof!Anyway, as I read through this book, I found myself wondering, where are the __________ culture comedians? Fill in the blank. Where are the milsuM comedians, where are the tsinimeF comedians? Where are the rettaM seviL kcalB comedians?We have comedians from every American culture, except not from these too-holy-for-comedy cultures listed above. Do we not have Black comedians, Mexican comedians, Jewish comedians, white fat comedians, white geek comedians, Italian comedians? Yes to all.If you can’t make fun of a culture, are you free? If you can’t laugh at a situation for fear of losing your livelihood, is that oppression?Anyway, this book will have you working on tightening up your storytelling and punchlines. Much to think about.

This book is really good. The writer develops his theory of humor, and dives into the analysis of the joke and its many forms with plenty of examples.Personally, on first read, I skimmed through book until I found a familiar joke, and then dove deeper into that section. Everything from Monty Python to Douglas Adams to Airplane! to "dad jokes" etc. Even discusses culture specific jokes and the mechanics thereof. The "skimming" method was great, and later I went back and began a more through read.Honestly, the book is a very interesting read. I could see how comedians may find it useful to help them develop their craft, while also being very interesting to the casual reader (me). When I need a quick break from life, I pull out the book and just begin reading.I don't recommend much on Amazon; but I do highly recommend this book.

This book was informative and was funny all by itself.Have recommended this book to several of my friends

Good explanation of what makes humor, tries to make a near academic exercise funny with poor(ish) jokes that don’t help you feel he ‘has it.’ Seems to weaken the theory with too many sub topics and losses focus later as if straining to reach a word count. But the basics seem solid and worthwhile.

Humor has been philosophized about in many different ways, but Chris Land manages to come up with a somewhat original take on the issue.Where I think this book really stands out is in connecting the theory to practical applications. The idea that humor is a skill that can be learned is a relatively new one, but a powerful one. I've always considered myself to be a relatively humorous person, but I appreciated working to focus my skills with the help of Chris's book.The book itself is entertainingly written, despite its topic being a relatively philosophical one. Good summer reading to both enjoy, and think about.

I enjoyed reading Why Funny if Funny. It is good book to read and leave behind your day-to-day routine. It is a better bed side book than coffee table book. Who wants to have a visitor who picks up Chris' book from your coffee table and ignores you until they look up and say: "It's funny you should say that."When I hear a joke now, I laugh and think: why was that funny, how do I make it better, am I the only one to get it..... Jokes that only a select few get are the best. Someone who carries a red card probably laughs at different jokes than blue card carriers.

i have learned more about jokes, comedy, etc. in Mr. Land's book than I ever imagined. His analysis of how funny is structured is new and informative. Now, I understand why some of my jokes are funny and others, well, not so much. Every stand-up comedian, "funny" aunt/uncle (or Grandpa, like me) needs this book. Plus, the book is peppered with jokes to keep me smiling or laughing while reading.BTW My 5 and 7 year old grandsons loved: What is a ghost's favorite food? BOO-berries!!