Before & Laughter

Returned. I’m not paying a tenner to be told how rubbish my life must be because I still read fiction when Jimmy has stopped reading fiction now that he’s a big hot shot and doesn’t need the escapism! I was finding the book a chore anyway but when I read that little nugget of nonsense I immediately turned it in for a refund, which I’ll spend on some wonderfully entertaining fiction thanks. If you want to be a comedian, and not a very funny one at that, and believe every other job is below you then go for it. Waste your hours on this narcissistic tripe. Meanwhile, if you live in the real world don’t bother. Just as I was starting to warm to Jimmy Carr this book has reminded me that my initial perception of him was totally accurate.

Love this! Preordered on a punt and just finished on holiday (I like a review to save me disappointment!) but it’s brilliant! Self help with a dash of Jimmy, this could be a stand alone book that will help anyone feeling in a funk, like they aren’t doing what they should be, or even struggling with anxiety or sadness. It’s so much more than a comedians’ autobiography even though I do love those- he could have even released under another name and it would have been received well for people fed up with self help b***s but looking for some honest advice. I think many people will love this. I’ve highlighted so many passages that have given me food for thought already, and the information is passed on in a way that’s hit the perfect tone, it’s genuine and warm. If you aren’t sure about him, do give this a chance, I think you will be surprised at what this book has to offer.

Hopefully this will show people another side to a man who gets a lot of negative press. Often from people who know very little about him.Snappy book with lots of poking fun at himself, some moving bits (losing his mum - finally talking about his son) and good advice about making the most of your life. Because you only get one shot.It's probably advice that has been repeated in hundreds of other books - but it's less tedious here, because it's interspersed with funny anecdotes.Bought the hardback and have also got the audio book (audible trial) so I can listen to Jimmy reading his words to me.Would recommend.PS - totally get it re not being able to have his father in his life. My mother was a narcissist and I had to absent myself for her last 7 years (as did my sister). Although we did visit in her last weeks. Very difficult people to have as parentsPPS - to those in reviews who query the "funniest man in UK". A group of scientists took a bunch of stand up specials and got people to watch them in a controlled environment. They then calculated how many minutes per hour they actually laughed - and he genuinely came out top. Sure, comedy is subjective. But, when it's your job - it's gotta be nice for an actual study to decide you are top dog?? And wouldn't YOU want to use that fact to promote yourself?

I like Jimmy Carr, I even met him once, but I'm not a superfan or anything. So I had no particular expectations going into this book. And it was bloody brilliant. I loved it.Disclaimer: my favourite books are biographies and self-help books and this is both so I am probably the exact target audience. However, because I'm really into personal development, I very rarely come across anything refreshing or new these days. And this was all of those things.Jimmy tells a story really well, drops in the odd hilarious comment and has some 'genuinely useful' things to say about life.The not so appreciative reviews on here are probably just a case of the book ending up in the hands of the incorrect audience, which isn't surprising when at a quick glance this book looks like any old comedian autobiography.If you're not interested in self-development material at all, and you're looking for pure biography with some laughs, this is not the book for you. Do not buy. However, if you're open to some life insights, interested in the inner workings of the comedy scene and would like to read about the life and times of Jimmy Carr, add it to your basket now.

I am a big fan of Jimmy. I go to all of his stand up tours. I watch the tv shows he’s on. He’s brilliant.So when I saw he was bringing out a book I pre-ordered it straight away.I am so disappointed to say that this book was terrible. It’s so random. It’s not in the slightest but funny and it makes no sense. I hated it after first chapter but carried on Incase it got better- it didn’t.Sorry Jimmy but this was awful.

Gave up after reading about a third of the book. One of my favourite comedians but didn't as much as raise a smile.Very, very disappointed.Would return for refund but bought the Kindle version.

First of all I really enjoyed this book; it's definitely more of a guide than an autobiography, but it works to similar effect - you get a good idea of the man behind it. The problem is it leaves you wanting to know more about him and get to know him more. It's funny, of course it is, but full of wisdom and life experience. You will most likely enjoy it and you will learn from it, and you'll be left with admiration at his ability to take the money to write an autobiography, but not quite deliver that. Like I said, like Matthew McConaughey's Greenlights book but without the naked bongo story.

This is not only hilarious, it's a genuinely helpful self-help book. I didn't want it to end, it's that good. Whatever you write Jimmy, I will buy it. I was a fan but this is on a different level. There's basically something to make you laugh in virtually every paragraph. The pace is brilliant, it's honest and forthright. Top marks.