Comedians seem to think that they are really good at telling other people what to do.
They're not wrong. Comedians generally observe people and themselves a great deal more than, I propose, the average human does. Most people just wander through life, taking it as it comes. Comedians encounter life, ask "What the fuck are you doing to me?" and move through the bullshit. The only other group of people who analyze themselves nearly as much, in my estimation, are therapists.
Emily Gordon; funny lady, insightful human, wrote a book.
That's why this first book that is coming out sometime around my birthday has me most interested. Emily V. Gordon, funny lady, "comedy mom" to folks who frequent the Meltdown in Los Angeles, and general awesome lady is writing/has written a book that is supposed to be coming out in September. I don't know what it's called yet, and according to her talk with Pete Holmes in the most recent episode of "You Made It Weird" she doesn't totally know either. But! Emily was a licensed therapist who then got really interested in comedians, and even married one. She does her own funny business herself and has been featured on @Midnight quite a few times. If you have never heard her podcast "Indoor Kids" on the Nerdist Network, or her appearances on "You Made It Weird", you should look them up. She is a very insightful lady, and I for one am anxious to read her book.
Chris(t) Hardwick, comedian, host of things, grand emperor of the Nerdist Network
Next on the list: "The Nerdist Way" by Chris Hardwick
I've read this book several times, owned it since it debuted, and when I actually follow it's advice, generally, my life gets more manageable. I've even met Chris Hardwick and had him sign a copy of this very book, but then lost it when I lent it to someone. Regardless, I bought another copy, and hope to get back in to this very soon.
Hannah Hart, youtube personality, funny dame, drunken life coach
MY DRUNK KITCHEN the BOOK
That's not really what it's called. I haven't read it yet. But I adore her YouTube channel, she has great advice on her non-drunk episodes, and I am very anxious to read her book. Based on the sample chapters I looked at, not only are there super cool recipes in this book that I think I could afford to make on my menial budget, but there is some really great organizational, life-progressing advice throughout the book. Or at least in the bits I read. It's out, look it up on Amazon, buy two copies. Give me one.
Grant Morrison talks about his life through comics
This one isn't so much explicitly a self-help book, but it is a very inspirational book for those of you who are interested in writing fiction, or writing comic books. Or thinking about your place in the universe in general. I can't really do it justice beyond that. This book is half creative inspiration, half memoir of Grant Morrison. Either way, it is very much worth the read.
So please, check these books out. You've heard me talk about a few of these in the podcast, and you'll hear me talk about a few more when I actually purchase them, but until then, get your learn on.
Keep on writing,
_Ryan