The Moaning of Life: The Worldly Wisdom of Karl Pilkington

My first Pilkington book, and definitely not my last. One of those rare books you frequently laugh out loud at and have to read passages to your spouse.I only know Karl from the An Idiot Abroad series, and didn't know what to expect. Certainly not a guy who just always seems happy and satisfied with his lot in in life, and full of interesting and definitely quirky observations about how others treat life, or how life treats others. He certainly has an interesting perspective on just about everything. The title is completely misleading. There was no moaning here. Just the observations of an uber pragmatic guy who had the opportunity to be the ultimate fly on the wall. Karl isn't a "cup half empty" kind of guy. He strikes me as a cup runneth over fellow, and one who'd be glad to share-provided you brought your own cup, because he's just not really into guests, and washing up and all that kind of thing, and oh, he does hope you'll leave early.Looking forward to adding his other books to my library.Was astonished to discover that my kids had watched the series as well, and they thoroughly enjoyed it too. Doggone problem with Kindle is, you can't share the book with family, because now they want to read it, too. Rats!

I stumbled across An Idiot Abroad while perusing Netflix several months ago and instantly fell in love and immediately got my fiancé hooked as well. Unfortunately we haven't been able to find a way to watch The Moaning of Life series (since we're in a very rural part of Southern Indiana, U.S.) and as I was looking for it on DVD I realized the series hasn't been released on U.S. compatible discs yet. Bummer! But I DID find the books and my fiancé is just as happy to read during his third shift lull at work so I got him this for his birthday and he absolutely loved it. His level of thinking is on par with Karl's.So if you appreciate logic that is almost so flat and blunt it's hysterical, this book is well worth the money and it arrived in perfect condition. But be prepared! Once you get a taste of Pilkington's brain you'll want to absorb as much as possible via podcasts, television, or collecting all of his travel diaries!

As much of a fan I am of Karl Pilkington (Have read all of his books to date) this one is probably my least favourite. Not because it isn't funny or entertaining (because it is) but because I feel like there is not enough private thought back stories Karl usually shares in his book. Reading this, I just felt like he was narrating the Moaning of Life series.. I've already watched the series so it's essentially like I am rewatching it but in book form. His other books had a lot more behind the scene comments that you didn't get from watching the series themselves.This book reminds me of the "World of Karl Pilkington" in that way. If you've heard the XFM podcasts, that book was just a repeat in text form.Again, still enjoyable.. still made me laugh. Oh, and there's pictures. Pictures are always nice

Sorry , Karl. Not your best. No comparison to your previous " Idiot Adventures" when you went travelling . This book focuses on the bigger issues of life, about dating ,marriage, and how to find a mate. Whether to have children or not . I don't know, this one just didn't grab and keep my attention . Parts of it were interesting . I enjoyed learning a bit more about how they do arranged marriages in India. I find that fascinating . Other than that .. I can't think of much else that made it worth my time to read it . Get out on the road again, Karl.. Tell us about new places and adventures. You do better in those areas .

Hilarious ramblings from the alien, and indescribable, mind of Karl Pilkington. I love the way he takes any experience, and analyzes it in a absolutely unique way. I found myself asking "How can a man like this exist?" His mind takes right turns where everyone else's takes a left, and that's what makes him - and this book - great.The day Ricky Gervais discovered this gem of a bloke with a head like a ******* orange was a great day. Buy the book.

I am an avid fan of Karl Pilkington and the wacky adventures that he is sent on. I absolutely loved this book just like the rest of the books he puts out. It was a quick read about someone constantly being put into situations that he doesn’t want to be in. I like to read the books before I go and watch the tv series and enjoy Karl’s sense of humor.I would suggest this book to someone that wants to lighten up their life by reading about someone being put in uncomfortable situations.

The mind of Karl Pilkington is a scary and hilarious place. What scares me is many of his thoughts and ideas make total sense to me lol. That being said this book was not only funny but educational as well reading about the different cultures around the world. A must read for anyone who likes "idiot abroad"

I love Karl Pilkington! He is one of the funniest human beings I have ever come across and he doesn't even seem to know how hilarious he is. I would love to spend a day with him. I read this book on the subway and several times I actually laughed out loud. Keep these books coming, Karl! You bring pleasure to a lot of people by sharing your own unique takes on every-day things and I think laughter is the best medicine -- you surely enriched my life.

I'm a massive fan of Ricky, Stephen and Karl, have been since the podcast days and the book itself is as funny as Happyslapped by a Jellyfish!However it really isn't as fun to read, HbaJ I read in a day or two, couldn't put it down in fact, but this one just didn't have the same effect on my unfortunately. Maybe I expected too much? Either way, it's a really enjoyable book, and definitely worth a go if you're a fan!

This book brings the fun side of reality to life.Exellently written too.

If you're expecting the genuine Karl from the XFM days, I think you'll be disappointed with this book. Karl still entertains but has become a caricature of himself, overemphasising everything that made him unique. This book is littered with reused catchphrases from his 'glory' days but still manages to entertain as a filler book.

His back good old karl is back on t.v. and I must say I enjoyed this book just as much as the show. He is so right in what he talks about, it made a nice change for him to do what he wanted rather than being told what to do by Ricky and Steve. The topics chosen where very interesting seeing how things are done by other nations. The thing I like about karl is that his funny even when he is serious. Please lets have another book soon.

Well Ive finally finished it... it took a while cos I was only reading it when I was stuck in traffic on the bus to work... may have been a mistake as a few of my fellow passengers thought I was a bit strange... sitting there sniggering to myself and recalling the tv series. A lot of good one liners in this book and I hope theres another series ( Without the annoying office bloke ) and another book to follow ?