Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Paris The Memoir | Paris Hilton

You might think you know Paris Hilton, but this memoir shatters any preconceived notion you have ever had of the starlet. This is truly one of the best memoirs I have ever read! 

As expected, Paris begins the book off like other memoirs in an upbeat manner, but unlike other memoirs, it quickly turns dark making it impossible to put down. Paris' book is unlike others in that her story doesn't just include one or two hardships, but rather, it unleashes unmistakable horror that has left me in continuous disbelief. There could be no way that all of the things she shares in this book are real.... but they are and it gets darker and more traumatic each step of the way! I would have never guessed the amount of trauma and pain that Paris has gone through behind closed doors. 

As someone who has followed Paris' work in the troubled teen industry after watching the 2020 YouTube Original "This is Paris", it is safe to say that the book does a much better job of digging deep and really describing the atrocities of the supposed "schools" that Paris has attended. Paris does an amazing job of unpacking her pain ultimately making the reader both furious and deeply sad.

Normally, when I am reading a good book, I will share the highlights with my husband. But in the case of this memoir, shortly after beginning, I quickly realized I must read aloud the entire memoir to him because I couldn't sit with the range of emotions it was eliciting in me alone. I needed someone to share this story with. We finished the book in two days. It was in the words of Paris, "beyond". 

I am both horrified and inspired by the life Paris has led. There is a certain and unexpected wisdom that she shares with her readers that is both eloquent and honest. Her strength is so admirable and the rawness that is shared will not be easily found in other memoirs. After reading this novel I instantly re watched This is Paris which in my opinion, only scratched the surface of what the memoir tackles.

If you are feeling a little lost or confused after reading my book review, I hope that it makes you inspired to read it for yourself. In all honesty, I truly can't even begin to TRY to explain the contents of this book. It is absolutely a 2023 MUST READ. 

Finally, I want you all to know that you do not even need to be a fan of Paris Hilton in order to appreciate this book and her life story, but I guarantee after reading it, you will become one!

Paris The Memoir can be found at your local bookstore and here

Happy Reading! @ThatFunnyAmy

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

The World's Worst Assistant | Sona Movsesian


Would you happily boast about being the world's worst assistant? Well Sona Movsesian does! This book delves into the life of working for one of the most prominent comedic figures in our current age, Mr. Conan O'Brian. Movsesian takes us on a wild journey that spans over a decade into her life working in the Tv and Entertainment industry. She discusses the transformation from a friendly working relationship with her comedic and legendary boss (as his assistant), to a relationship that resembles more of a sibling dynamic and familial love. 

If you are a mega fan of Conan, than this book will be quite an easy and quick read. However, if you are a newer fan and have not seen all of the segments that Movsesian refers to, than this book may actually be even more fun to indulge in. For me personally, I really became a bigger fan of the terrific duo through their podcast. So, I really enjoyed pairing the readings and recounts that Movsesian offers in conjunction with a healthy dose of googling and YouTubing in order to see all the hilarious moments from their working relationship unfold for myself. It may sound like a great deal of time, but it took me a good 6 months reading the entirety of this book. I think it took me so much time because I savored each story and appreciated the funny subtleties of Movsesian and O'Brian's friendship in small doses along with a healthy binge session of online comedy content related to the pair. 

A really delightful feature of this particular book is the comic strips sprinkled through out, Movsesian's playfulness with font sizes and the picture inserts. There is a magic in bringing forth a playful childlike feature to this book which makes it interesting and reminds us to harness and enjoy a more sillier side to life (that I think we all need).

I was pleasantly surprised when I was moved to tears by the end of this book. It saddened me that it came to an end. This book is a perfect example of not every memoire needing to include moments of darkness, sadness or trauma in order to be considered a great piece of writing. What I really liked about this particular book was that it didn't need any of that emotional material in order for me to consider this book a quality read. A happy workplace and a healthy friendship (although the author may counter argue this label), can be just as an important of a read than any other and this book demonstrates that in a beautiful way. 

Movsesian's final message is to find people and work that you enjoy. I'm going to take this lesson with me moving forward!

The World's Worst Assistant can be found at your local bookstore in the 'Humour' section and here. Happy Reading! @ThatFunnyAmy

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

The Bedwetter | Sarah Silverman

 

Have you ever had difficulty holding your urine overnight? Then here's the book for you! Sarah Silverman's The Bedwetter takes us on quite the journey of courage, redemption and pee. As a bedwetter well into her teens, Silverman starts off the book sharing her upbringing and the difficulty she faced feeling like she didn't belong amongst her peers.  She takes the reader through her struggles growing up and makes mention of her experience as a Jewish girl living in a very non - Jewish neighborhood. Silverman's feelings of being different, alone and not quite accepted, is certainly not lost on me! I too felt very different as a mixed person growing up in a predominately white neighbor hood. If you have ever felt this way... then I am sure you will really enjoy this book!                                                                                                      I could appreciate Silverman's vulnerability when she shares some of her past experiences. A memory that really struck a nerve with me, would have to be her recollection of being force fed MEAT, as a young vegetarian. The visual of this story alone... left me so uncomfortable and ANGRY! Another story which left me very unsettled, was when Silverman was left dangling at the side of a building. These stories make the reader uncomfortable (understatement) and empathetic towards Silverman's experiences and we get a new take on the person, rather than the performer.

Readers will certainly also appreciate Silverman's email exchanges with various business folk and her take on the haters in which she has encountered over the years. Personally, what I found most fascinating (by a land slide) was Silverman's ability to digest and address the boatloads of ANTISEMETIC hate mail in which she has received. 

Silverman displays incredibly strength in these trying moments. I think there is a lesson here in her ability to turn hate and fear into comedy... and I'm not really sure how she does it...but she has clearly mastered her craft. Now that's not to say Silverman doesn't speak up or fight back... or that anyone should by any means tolerate hate... its that her grace, eloquence and sense of humor, shines very brightly in an otherwise dark miserable world full of horrific hate. A sincere thank you Silverman for your stories of strength. 

This is an older publication, so you may not be able to locate an outright copy from your local bookstore. So if you are looking for a copy, then check out Amazon here!

@ThatFunnyAmy


Friday, January 14, 2022

Act Like You Got Some Sense | Jamie Foxx

If you're looking for a quick and entertaining read, Jamie Foxx's Act Like You Got Some Sense is quite the page turner. Foxx describes his new publication as a 'parenting book' which in all honesty, made me quite reluctant to make the purchase considering I am neither parent nor famous. However, I'm really glad I did, as it was a read that I could not put down. 

The book is set up in such a way that Foxx (single father of two daughters from two different relationships) introduces a life lesson at the beginning of each chapter and then immediately dives into his own experience of this lesson growing up. He then balances it out with a more recent memory from his daughters' lives and experiences. The juxtaposition of the the 'then' and the 'now' structure, really had me invested in this particular read. Personally, I really appreciated his recollections of the love and strength he received from his grandparents early on in his life and how it drives him to apply it into the present day with his own children. 

Foxx's memories are funny, heart warming and shed light into the world of fatherhood. As a daughter to a single father myself, I don't think I ever really would have been able to see things from my own father's perspective, if not for this book. As I continued to read, I started to understand my own relationship with my dad a lot better. After all, Foxx does a great job of explaining why dads may react or behave the way they do in different circumstances. I can earnestly say, that I am truly thankful to Foxx for putting these stories out into the public realm. They were relatable regardless of his stardom. 

If you are a dad, daughter or are interested in Foxx's life in anyway, then this is the read for you. It was so enjoyable, that I could easily see myself reading it again...especially during those trying times with my own father! Perhaps in the future (if and when I become a parent), I will appreciate this read in a whole new light! Only time will tell. So if you are a parent, please have a read and be sure to let me know your thoughts!

Act Like You Got Some Sense can be found at your local bookstore in the 'New Releases' or 'Humour' section and here

Happy Reading!

@ThatFunnyAmy



Wednesday, January 5, 2022

The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo | Amy Schumer

I think Barbara Walters had it right when she coined Amy Schumer one of the most fascinating people of 2015. Schumer is the best friend I didn't know I needed and this book will probably make you feel the same. If you think you have a solid understanding of who is Amy Schumer, I challenge you to read this book... as I'm confident that your preconceived notions will be up for question. I stood corrected in my assumption that Schumer was a wild extrovert. I was humbled when I read that Schumer is in fact an introvert who enjoys her alone time. I didn't see that or everything else that was coming in this lengthy, yet enjoyable read (319 pages). 

Schumer's book goes into many aspects of her life such as her relationship with her father who is battling a heart-wrenching disease, or the fact that Schumer is tragically yet another women who has faced sexual assault. Of course the book itself has lots of breaks for more light hearted topics too such as Schumer's excerpts from her childhood and teenage journals, but it doesn't shy away from the tough or emotionally taxing ones either. I enjoyed the balance between both elements from Schumer's life as it gave as a full picture into who this remarkable person truly is.  A personal favorite moment for me, was discovering the deep love Schumer has for her brother and sister and reading all about the work that she is doing towards gun violence education. 

Although the book is a longer read, it challenges your assumptions, beliefs and perspective on both life and people. I definitely was left thinking 'hmm... I think I need more Schumer in my life!' I recommend this read, as it made me appreciate someone who did not have the same upbringing as myself, yet somehow became so unbelievably relatable and earnest.

The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo can be found at you local bookstore in the 'Humour' section or on Amazon (link here)

Happy Reading!

@ThatFunnyAmy


Saturday, December 4, 2021

Dear Girls | Ali Wong

 

I didn't know much about Ali Wong beyond her comedy specials on Netflix. I found those specials hilarious, but I wouldn't call myself a big fan of Wong just yet. Enter Dear Girls. After reading Wong's book, it is safe to say that I would whole heartedly consider myself a full fledged Wong fan. 

The book is written in the form of letters addressed to her daughters, giving them both life lessons and recapping memories from her own past. However, Wong strongly warns her children not to read the book until they reach the age of 21 and to be frank, that is a fair self-assessment on Wong's part. After all, the recollections of her sexual escapades had me blushing and I am well past that age!

Wong is brutally honest in Dear Girls and does not shy away from sharing some very specific and at times, graphic details about becoming a mother, delivering a child, courting her now husband and her dedication to comedy. She is so committed, that she performed at times when you couldn't help but ask yourself... doesn't this woman believe in taking breaks?! Wong is truly an exceptional women who loves her craft, her husband and her children. Dear Girls is an inspiring and VERY funny read. One of my favourite parts being the section on Wong's experience learning more about her Vietnamese background, which I could really identify with as a mixed person myself.  

Although Dear Girls might feel/look like  it was primarily written for a female reader, I want you to know that in my humble opinion, that isn't the case at all. This is a story of persistence, ingenuity and freaking hard ass work, to make your dreams and your life work. It is a tale of partnership, love and commitment and let's be honest, those are lessons for everyone.

Have a read and let me know what you thought in a comment below! Dear Girls can be found at your local bookstore in the 'Humour' section or on Amazon (link here). 

Happy Reading!

@ThatFunnyAmy


Saturday, November 27, 2021

The Last Black Unicorn | Tiffany Haddish

I don't think I have ever read anything more personal than Tiffany Haddish's The Last Black Unicorn. When I read the back description, I kind of glossed over it being referred to as 'edgy' or 'extremely personal'. I just made the safe assumption that it was like most other memoires written by comedians... funny, light hearted and a quick read. Now the latter is true. It was in fact a quick read, but not because it was simple to process...but because I could literally not put it down. Haddish's book demands to be heard. Her stories are SHOCKINGLY RAW. I can't believe someone of her magnitude, was so willing to put it all out there. 

Haddish discusses any and everything from her life. Nothing is off limits. She discusses the heaviest of topics including and not limited to: abortion, miscarriage, domestic violence, homelessness, the sex industry, betrayal and so much more. To be perfectly honest, at times it was too much for me. I kept shouting at Haddish through the book, telling her  'Oh my god Tiffany.... WHY?!' and questioning myself as to why I continued to read it. But I am so glad that I did not stop...because her final message to the reader and the way in which she concludes this book made it crystal clear. We need this book out there in order for people to know that they truly matter. We need it out there in order for people to see how very special they are and that they really do have the power to make their life great. It had me so appreciative of this woman and made me see her in a totally new light. Tiffany Haddish is nothing but a WARRIOR. All I have to say is...you need to read this book!!!

The Last Black Unicorn can be purchased at your local book store in the 'Humour' section or of course on Amazon (link here). 

PLEASE...if you choose to read this book and need someone to discuss it with, I am here. It is a painful read, but incredible therapeutic at the same time...and isn't that what the BEST kind of comedy is all about?!

Take Care, 

@thatfunnyamy

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Yearbook | Seth Rogen

I've always wondered what it would be like to kick it with Seth Rogen. He'd probably have the most insane drug stories or have so many funny celebrity run-ins. Well now you don't have to get a contact high, just to get that hot goss! All you have to do is read Rogen's Yearbook. 

Yearbook has everything you can expect from a well written memoire. It includes the funniest encounters he's had with mega celebs such as Kanye, Steve Wozniak, Nicolas Cage and Tom Cruise (just to name a few). These stories give a real perspective into the world of celebrities and what they're really like to each other behind closed doors. The book's greatness doesn't end there though, it is so much more! For example, we learn all about what Rogen's early years were like growing up in Vancouver, Canada and read his recollections starting out in comedy clubs underage. But my personal favourite has got to be reading about the time he got paid to write jokes for a Mohel. If you're more the sentimental type...he's got that here for you too. He hilariously describes how he successfully wooed his now wife, while having severe diarrhea! And of course, if you're just looking for a good old fashion Rogen story, there's always the chapter in which he describes how he scored weed as a minor from nudists on his local beach. 

This is the kind of book that you can't read alone. Many times while reading Yearbook, I found myself needing to stop after reading a chapter and having to re-read it to my husband, so we could share the moment and laugh together. Other times, stories were so ridiculous that I would need to pause and take a couple deep and long breaths to calm down. If you enjoy a book that is both goofy and uplifting, then Yearbook is for you! I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Rogen, comedy or just looking to learn more about what the entertainment scene is all about! Lastly, if you're reading a chapter and need to pause and debrief because the funny is too intense... I'm here for you! Feel free to leave a comment below! ;-) Yearbook can be found at your local bookstore in either the 'Humour' or 'New Release' section and of course on Amazon (link here)

  • Happy reading!
  • @thatfunnyamy

Monday, November 15, 2021

A Very Punchable Face | Colin Jost

  •         Have you ever wondered what kind of person becomes the head writer of Saturday Night Live? What if I told you it takes someone who has gone to Harvard, married a gorgeous superstar actress AND regularly shits his pants? Confused? Then you probably haven't read Colin Jost's A Very Punchable Face. This book takes you on a crazy journey of insanely hilarious anecdotes from Jost's childhood, teenage and young adult life. The funny doesn't end there though, he continues to share humorous moments from his current life with his mega famous friends and how he remains a functioning adult who is highly respected by his peers and yet still remains just a diaper shy away from blowing it all (pun intended). 
      • My personal favourite stories from the book include the chapter entitled: Why I Love My Mom, which is simply put.... absolutely heart wrenching. This chapter made me bawl way too much. However, I am a firm believer in not having true happiness without sadness and the equilibrium was reached when he gifted us my next favourite chapter entitled  'Okay So Maybe I've Shit My Pants a Couple Times'. This chapter had me howling with laughter. So much so, my husband literally heard me laughing down in the living room from his office upstairs and raced down to see if I was alright! 
      • This book has been hands down one of my favourite reads this year. If you are a mega fan of SNL, then this is a great read...however you don't have to be in order to appreciate this book for the value it brings to your life. 
      • I highly recommend taking the time out for this read as it is most definitely worth your buck. I promise you, it will not disappoint. This is a 5 star read and you will be surely thanking me later for this recommendation! A Very Punchable Face can be found at your local bookstore in the 'Humour' section or of course on Amazon (link here). 
      • Don't forget to leave a comment below if you've read it. I will always be curious to hear fellow book lovers opinions and feedback!
      • Happy reading!
      •  @ThatFunnyAmy