What do you think?
Rate this book
It's Not Me, It's You!
Living alone, 27-year-old Jon has had far too much time on his hands to think. His obsessive compulsive personality disorder has seen him arrange the coins in his pockets in ascending size and colour code his bookshelves. Faced with a loveless future filled with his own quirks and perfectionism, Jon sets about his search for The One.
294 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2011
197 people are currently reading
1673 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
January 8, 2012
Here's what this book is not: it's not a history of Jon's life; it's not a cheerful comedy; it's not even a witty autobiographical account of one particular incident.
If, instead, you're looking for a dry, cynical, sometimes scathing commentary on relationships, singleness, eating out alone and how to drive down a motorway, then this is probably the book you want. I laughed out loud multiple times and wanted to give Jon a hug even more times. By the time I turned over the last page, I was immensely more appreciative of being single and living alone, and hovering somewhere between saddened and amused by the inevitable ending. An honest, entertaining and thought-provoking read, which will leave you narrating your own life in Jon's voice and wondering exactly what the current mileage on your car is.
If, instead, you're looking for a dry, cynical, sometimes scathing commentary on relationships, singleness, eating out alone and how to drive down a motorway, then this is probably the book you want. I laughed out loud multiple times and wanted to give Jon a hug even more times. By the time I turned over the last page, I was immensely more appreciative of being single and living alone, and hovering somewhere between saddened and amused by the inevitable ending. An honest, entertaining and thought-provoking read, which will leave you narrating your own life in Jon's voice and wondering exactly what the current mileage on your car is.
June 20, 2012
Well I'm pretty sure it wasn't this books goal & I feel as if I'm disappointing Jon in doing so, but I feel completely in love with him after reading this boom. And as I fall a sleep I imagining myself moving to Swindon & very uncreepily stalk him. I always found myself disappointed at these 'Celeb point of view on life books' somehow they thought being so banal made me become less interested coming to the conclusion that all I liked abt them was their 'celeb halo' and when you take it away you're not interested in any god damn thing they have to say. Jon on the other hand made himself so transparent & honest in this book that I only opened my heart to him. He didn't tried to lecture us to how we can be a better we if we follow his steps. He just showed how hard it is for some us to just be us, how the world around us can be a heaven for some, but a very intimidating place for others. I don't claim my self to be like him, I guess I have it a bit easier at times, but I did get a bit scared of how much of myself I see in this book & that im actually screwed & be forever alone because unlike Jon I don't even try anymore. This book isn't for everyone some would never understand the depth of being alone cuz they never were, they will laugh & fell sorry for him & go on living their happy 'together' life.
I really enjoyed taking this little tour inside Jon' life.
I really enjoyed taking this little tour inside Jon' life.
September 4, 2012
(3.5 stars)
I was really looking forward to reading this book after seeing the documentary on Channel 4 that Richardson made about OCD, and seeing a few of his stand-up routines on TV. The whole concept of the book was appealing to me too: Richardson, terminally single, struggles to find a partner who (in his mind) can "put up" with his OCD tendencies of extreme neatness, needing symmetry, etc. I especially loved the line "I've spent my whole adult life getting things just the way I want them, and now all I want is someone to give it all up for" -- maybe because I can relate! ;-D
Unfortunately the book didn't quite turn out to be what I was expecting. It's very well written and you make a connection with the author, but I think the packaging has this book all wrong, because it's not funny. It's tragic. It's heartbreaking. It makes you want to give the author a hug and tell him everything is going to be okay. But I couldn't laugh at what Jon was going through -- despite the fact that, I think, he wanted me to -- because some of it was seriously upsetting.
I have to applaud his honesty, openness and writing ability though. I hope he writes another book. But It's Not Me It's You is a far more serious tome than it's cover, blurbs, synopsis, etc. would suggest, and I think in the end that that does Richardson a disservice, because it takes this well-written, frank admission of what living with (mild!) OCD is like too lightly.
I was really looking forward to reading this book after seeing the documentary on Channel 4 that Richardson made about OCD, and seeing a few of his stand-up routines on TV. The whole concept of the book was appealing to me too: Richardson, terminally single, struggles to find a partner who (in his mind) can "put up" with his OCD tendencies of extreme neatness, needing symmetry, etc. I especially loved the line "I've spent my whole adult life getting things just the way I want them, and now all I want is someone to give it all up for" -- maybe because I can relate! ;-D
Unfortunately the book didn't quite turn out to be what I was expecting. It's very well written and you make a connection with the author, but I think the packaging has this book all wrong, because it's not funny. It's tragic. It's heartbreaking. It makes you want to give the author a hug and tell him everything is going to be okay. But I couldn't laugh at what Jon was going through -- despite the fact that, I think, he wanted me to -- because some of it was seriously upsetting.
I have to applaud his honesty, openness and writing ability though. I hope he writes another book. But It's Not Me It's You is a far more serious tome than it's cover, blurbs, synopsis, etc. would suggest, and I think in the end that that does Richardson a disservice, because it takes this well-written, frank admission of what living with (mild!) OCD is like too lightly.
January 20, 2020
2.5
Listened to via Scribd 😊
Listened to via Scribd 😊
April 25, 2013
I've been staring at the empty space where my review should be for several minutes now, and I just cannot for the life of me come up with something that even remotely sounds like a book review. Mostly this is because the book, even though it is about Jon Richardson, did not really make me think too much about Jon Richardson and they way he wrote his book, but rather about myself (well, hello there, egocentricity). All Jon's quirks and characteristics just brought into foreground my own, and the very different way we deal with them.
Still, concerning the book, something did not really click. Perhaps it was due to the simple fact that it was not what I expected it to be (not the book's fault, of course) or because I couldn't quite put my finger on Jon's character. Nevertheless, it is definitely not a waste of time or anything like that, but simply an entertaining read, which caused much more introspection than I thought it would.
So, to sum up - yes, I laughed and I smirked, and I giggled once or twice. But mostly I just thought and reflected. Considering that Jon himself writes that we escape from out thoughts far too often, perhaps this is exactly what he had in mind when he created the book. If not - it is a nice little side-effect.
Still, concerning the book, something did not really click. Perhaps it was due to the simple fact that it was not what I expected it to be (not the book's fault, of course) or because I couldn't quite put my finger on Jon's character. Nevertheless, it is definitely not a waste of time or anything like that, but simply an entertaining read, which caused much more introspection than I thought it would.
So, to sum up - yes, I laughed and I smirked, and I giggled once or twice. But mostly I just thought and reflected. Considering that Jon himself writes that we escape from out thoughts far too often, perhaps this is exactly what he had in mind when he created the book. If not - it is a nice little side-effect.
December 29, 2022
Rating: 3.5
I haven't heard of Jon before. The title was the reason I picked it up at a book fair and it didn't disappoint.
There are lines that resonate so deeply with me, the thoughts concerning love and relationships which I could never articulate.
The book is flooded with punches and humor as expected from a standup comedian.
Although there are bits that do feel unnecessary.
You should watch his few standups before picking this one up. You will love it even more.
I haven't heard of Jon before. The title was the reason I picked it up at a book fair and it didn't disappoint.
There are lines that resonate so deeply with me, the thoughts concerning love and relationships which I could never articulate.
The book is flooded with punches and humor as expected from a standup comedian.
Although there are bits that do feel unnecessary.
You should watch his few standups before picking this one up. You will love it even more.
August 4, 2012
Don't get the impression that just because I gave this book two stars, that it means I didn't like it. I did like it. However, I did find that it didn't quite know what to be a lot of the time. Richardson is a good narrator, but tended to get bogged down in introspection at some points, whilst at others being blisteringly funny.
That said, I did find the exploration into the mind of someone with OCD very interesting. I could recognise the strive for 'perfection' in myself, and the way that Richardson has almost denied himself new experiences because of the fear of failure (which all in all is rather fascinating considering his occupation).
However, it is a quick read, but maybe could have done with a little editing and maybe a bit more context for how he came to think the way he does about life.
That said, I did find the exploration into the mind of someone with OCD very interesting. I could recognise the strive for 'perfection' in myself, and the way that Richardson has almost denied himself new experiences because of the fear of failure (which all in all is rather fascinating considering his occupation).
However, it is a quick read, but maybe could have done with a little editing and maybe a bit more context for how he came to think the way he does about life.
January 2, 2013
This book was not at all what I was expecting. I suppose a fun romp through the world of OCD is a bit of a ridiculous expectation, though.
It was much bleaker than I expected, with lots of pondering on relationships and life (in general), and Richardson's perfectionism. I did enjoy these parts, but I think I would have enjoyed it as a whole far more if I hadn't come to it thinking it would make me laugh.
I also thought it had no real discernible path. Although it was a fairly enjoyable read there was no real journey from beginning to end. Nothing had actually changed or been accomplished. Although the use of Gemma clearly help to propel and explain the two sides of Richardson's personality, I found the fixation odd (I was probably meant to, I suppose).
It was definitely worth reading, and I did enjoy it, but it was not at all the book I bought to read!
It was much bleaker than I expected, with lots of pondering on relationships and life (in general), and Richardson's perfectionism. I did enjoy these parts, but I think I would have enjoyed it as a whole far more if I hadn't come to it thinking it would make me laugh.
I also thought it had no real discernible path. Although it was a fairly enjoyable read there was no real journey from beginning to end. Nothing had actually changed or been accomplished. Although the use of Gemma clearly help to propel and explain the two sides of Richardson's personality, I found the fixation odd (I was probably meant to, I suppose).
It was definitely worth reading, and I did enjoy it, but it was not at all the book I bought to read!
January 17, 2012
I picked this up after seeing Richardson on the Graham Norton show. The book is hilarious. I have a split personality. I'm partly a putter (my keys are in the key dish, because they are always in the key dish) and partly a leaver (my ex-husband's only really violent act was to hurl one of my shoes at a picture in our house after he tripped over them for approximately the eleventy-thousandth time). I spent the entire time laughing at myself, laughing at Jon, or reading bits to the very indulgent person sitting near me. It's not taxing--this is less demanding than a beach read--but Jon is clever and articulate, and it was a pleasure.
January 7, 2022
Not sure how I feel about this. I was disappointed that the chapter names turned out to be very misleading (SPOILER - e.g. throughout the book I was looking forward to Jon's date with Gemma. I wanted to see how it went. It never actually happened and the chapter was the same as every other chapter, i.e. Jon's thoughts). But, it was made clear from the start that this was not an autobiography and not a fictional adventure. There are funny and interesting philosophical concepts that make you think along the way.
Also, I'm hoping that I'm mistaken because I tended to read this book just before bed when I was very tired, but I'm pretty sure I found a few grammatical mistakes.
Also, I'm hoping that I'm mistaken because I tended to read this book just before bed when I was very tired, but I'm pretty sure I found a few grammatical mistakes.
January 21, 2012
I was a bit disappointed with this book. I love Jon Richardson but writing is not his forte. I did have a few giggles and some things are written very well. But it wasn't as funny as I had hoped and found it very repetitive.
February 4, 2012
I love Jon Richardson.
That is why I found it such a shame that his life is so difficult.
It was very disturbing to delve into his everyday thoughts that restrict his life so much, thinking at the same time how much easier it could be.
I really hope he'll find his way at some point and that his next book will be easier to read.
That is why I found it such a shame that his life is so difficult.
It was very disturbing to delve into his everyday thoughts that restrict his life so much, thinking at the same time how much easier it could be.
I really hope he'll find his way at some point and that his next book will be easier to read.
January 8, 2018
Not as funny as I was hoping it would be. Ended up feeling more sorry for him or rather her.
August 13, 2023
Richardson is known for being a comedian who is something of a perfectionist and who likes things to be a certain way. This sort of memoir details this aspect of his life and his singledom in his late 20s. If you're familiar with the comic then you will know what to expect from this book. I found it amusing and entertaining for the most part.
December 28, 2024
It was an okay listen but I didn't really find myself that drawn in like I have with other comedians books.
February 21, 2020
it was..... ok
August 8, 2017
I general, If you enjoy Jon Richardson's stand up routines, you'll probably enjoy his book. It is very much in the same vein; sharing his perspective on everyday annoyances and the struggles of functioning in a social and spontaneous world, only more drawn out. I thought it was an easy and natural read, written in such a recognisable voice that you can almost hear him narrating it to you in your head (essentially invalidating Michael McIntyre's hilarious comment of "I loved Jon's book. It's even better than the real thing because you can't hear his voice.").
Unlike some reviewers here, I thought it was an intensely funny read - but then I share Jon's mild OCD and self-deprecating tendencies, and perhaps that's something you need to really appreciate it? Like a blind man joking about sight (or anyone mocking their own disabilities or shortcomings, really), it might make you uncomfortable or you might feel sorry for them if you don't know what it's like, but it's really just the way life is. To me this read as a very honest, and humorous, account of what his life might be like, because a lot of the internal monologues and motivations rang so true for me personally. In fact, I think this book should be required reading for anyone who might want to share my living space in the future. At the very least it would explain to them why I hum the oompa-loompa song as I vacuum cobwebs.
Unlike some reviewers here, I thought it was an intensely funny read - but then I share Jon's mild OCD and self-deprecating tendencies, and perhaps that's something you need to really appreciate it? Like a blind man joking about sight (or anyone mocking their own disabilities or shortcomings, really), it might make you uncomfortable or you might feel sorry for them if you don't know what it's like, but it's really just the way life is. To me this read as a very honest, and humorous, account of what his life might be like, because a lot of the internal monologues and motivations rang so true for me personally. In fact, I think this book should be required reading for anyone who might want to share my living space in the future. At the very least it would explain to them why I hum the oompa-loompa song as I vacuum cobwebs.
August 11, 2013
As a huge fan of Jon, I was so disappointed with this book. I don't know whether I went into it with too high or wrong expectations but it wasn't anything how I thought it would be. Whilst I understood that the book would be staying away from the conventional comedic autobiographies, I still thought it would focus on the comedic aspect of things whilst still dealing with serious issues. Big mistake.
If anything this was a waste of time to read (which makes me really sad to say). It isn't particularly funny, but in not being so it doesn't really enlighten you into any of the issues of Jon's life either (such as living with compulsions and such). It's more like reading a bitter and cynical blog - full of rantings about minor occurrences in his life and slightly self-pitying without any indication of wanting to do anything to change it.
I kind of wish I'd not bothered to read it in the first place because I haven't really gotten anything out of doing so.
If anything this was a waste of time to read (which makes me really sad to say). It isn't particularly funny, but in not being so it doesn't really enlighten you into any of the issues of Jon's life either (such as living with compulsions and such). It's more like reading a bitter and cynical blog - full of rantings about minor occurrences in his life and slightly self-pitying without any indication of wanting to do anything to change it.
I kind of wish I'd not bothered to read it in the first place because I haven't really gotten anything out of doing so.
February 29, 2016
As everyone else has said: this isn't an autobiography, nor is it meant to be laugh-a-minute. I went in with those expectations, which in a way was good because this did actually turn out to be quite funny.
Jon makes some very witty observations about people and life. (I highlighted loads.) Reading about this perfectionist mindset and how it can hinder his progress was moving in parts, but I didn't feel it overshadowed the whole book or made it a complete misery-fest. With the benefit of hindsight, it's also reassuring to know that Jon has somewhat made peace with his problems and is in fact now married.
This was a quick, amusing read that was obviously written from the heart. There wasn't a great deal of plot or substance though, much less a beginning, middle and end. It seems like he really did write the book over the one weekend he describes, rather than taking a more general view. However, it was worth a read and I enjoyed it overall.
Jon makes some very witty observations about people and life. (I highlighted loads.) Reading about this perfectionist mindset and how it can hinder his progress was moving in parts, but I didn't feel it overshadowed the whole book or made it a complete misery-fest. With the benefit of hindsight, it's also reassuring to know that Jon has somewhat made peace with his problems and is in fact now married.
This was a quick, amusing read that was obviously written from the heart. There wasn't a great deal of plot or substance though, much less a beginning, middle and end. It seems like he really did write the book over the one weekend he describes, rather than taking a more general view. However, it was worth a read and I enjoyed it overall.
June 26, 2012
This is a really tough book to categorise. It isn't a biography as such, but it is a factual book about Jon Richardson's life and psyche. Yet that description makes it sound heavy and thick, when in fact it is short, a breeze to read, witty, and enjoyable.
It's hard to summon particularly strong feelings about this. It is essentially a (very) extended version of a Guardian Weekend column. That isn't a bad thing at all, but it does leave the book feeling a bit inconsequential.
This was an enjoyable read, made me laugh a couple of times, made me think about interpersonal relationships a bit, and was good light relief material. It's not a book I'll return to again and again, it's not one of literature's greatest works, but it meets it's mark in so far as it's a thoroughly pleasant distraction.
It's hard to summon particularly strong feelings about this. It is essentially a (very) extended version of a Guardian Weekend column. That isn't a bad thing at all, but it does leave the book feeling a bit inconsequential.
This was an enjoyable read, made me laugh a couple of times, made me think about interpersonal relationships a bit, and was good light relief material. It's not a book I'll return to again and again, it's not one of literature's greatest works, but it meets it's mark in so far as it's a thoroughly pleasant distraction.
April 23, 2013
I've been on a Jon Richardson bender lately (watching his DVD twice... in one day - check), and this book thus concludes my exploits in this domain.
I'm just about the least organized person in the world and couldn't give a toss about the cutlery drawer and its contents, but, other than that, this book was basically the epitome of me. I could oh so relate to all the frustration about life and all that comes with it; it's been quite a long time since I read something as honest as It's Not Me, It's You. A very insightful walk through one's brain that just does not want to switch off, but considers it mandatory to gnaw at you at all times and make you think about stuff which you do not want to be thinking about. As a bonus, helps you realize that being forever alone has its perks (besides having the whole bottle of wine to yourself).
I'm just about the least organized person in the world and couldn't give a toss about the cutlery drawer and its contents, but, other than that, this book was basically the epitome of me. I could oh so relate to all the frustration about life and all that comes with it; it's been quite a long time since I read something as honest as It's Not Me, It's You. A very insightful walk through one's brain that just does not want to switch off, but considers it mandatory to gnaw at you at all times and make you think about stuff which you do not want to be thinking about. As a bonus, helps you realize that being forever alone has its perks (besides having the whole bottle of wine to yourself).
October 27, 2012
Well, it's not a funny book by any means, a bit depressing and hard-going at times with Jon's unremitting perfectionism, which he expects from himself and others at all times, threatening to drown the book in negativity. I don't know if his worst traits are concentrated in this book for comedic effect, therefore making his perfectionism seem worse than it is. Unfortunately some of the analogies he uses are a bit disjointed and it is sometimes difficult to see where he is going with it. However being a bit of a perfectionist myself this book at least has warned me off becoming like this.
January 9, 2013
What a great surprise. It is not the usual 20 something book, spouting accomplishments. It appears to be a very honest account of musings and ramblings. Lifes hard sometimes and after reading this, I feel quite 'normal', if thats a right way to say it. When i can laugh out loud and grin at a book so much, as I have this one it pretty much gets a great big tick in my world. I have to admit to giant crush on the guy too, and to listen to his vulnerability as made me sigh in dreamy wonder ,tee hee hee! I liked the style of writing, very articulate and very witty, while serious and sombre when needed. Its more like a week in the life of, more then autobiographical. I really liked it. x
January 12, 2015
This is a clear 5 star rated book for me, though I understand some may not understand it in the same way
I can relate to areas where he comments on OCD and also areas where he becomes quite philosophical about life as I'm similar in my own personality.
This isn't a book to be bought purely for the comical lifestyle of the author as although I did have many moments where I smiled to myself or even laughed out loud the book is much more in depth than that.
It's definately a book I'd recommend in fact I already have been recommending it while reading it but I believe it is a book to be appreciated more by those with similar personality traits to the author than a general reader.
I can relate to areas where he comments on OCD and also areas where he becomes quite philosophical about life as I'm similar in my own personality.
This isn't a book to be bought purely for the comical lifestyle of the author as although I did have many moments where I smiled to myself or even laughed out loud the book is much more in depth than that.
It's definately a book I'd recommend in fact I already have been recommending it while reading it but I believe it is a book to be appreciated more by those with similar personality traits to the author than a general reader.
February 9, 2016
As a fan of Jon Richardson, I really wanted to and thought I would love this book. The author is hilarious on shows like 8 out of 10 cats and I enjoy his style of comedy. Unfortunately that just doesn't translate to the book. I starts off being witty and endearing and I found myself really relating to many of his idiosyncrasies, but after a while it became tedious and repetitive and I just couldn't keep with it to the end. Richardson seems to have a good premise for this book, he either just lost his way or ran out of steam .
July 31, 2012
OK, I basically love this books because it tells me "You are not alone with your strange ticks. There are more people who have a set order in which they eat their food and think that DVDs should be sorted properly (well, I don't sort thzem alphabetically but after genre and then chronologically...but something tells me that this does not make it better) and there are more people who worry about the future A LOT." In parts it got a bit tedious even for me (it did have a whole chapter on eating breakfast) but then that also is somehow the point of the book.
November 24, 2012
I hate to put this on my 'humour' shelf or my 'autobiography' as it doesn't really qualify as either.
It's quite a depressing whine fest with a few amusing lines. His sad lonely tv persona is a laugh a minute compared to this long weekend of OCD misery.
All the 4/5 star reviews from women who just want to smother him in love, are exactly the kind of women he writes he hates, so good luck with that ladies! Did they actually read the same book I did?
It's quite a depressing whine fest with a few amusing lines. His sad lonely tv persona is a laugh a minute compared to this long weekend of OCD misery.
All the 4/5 star reviews from women who just want to smother him in love, are exactly the kind of women he writes he hates, so good luck with that ladies! Did they actually read the same book I did?
December 2, 2012
I've been trying to get through this for months. It's not a bad book, but it is NOT a comic memoir in the vein of Bossypants. To be honest, I was expecting something funnier, but this more tragic than anything. I'm a HUGE fan of Jon Richardson, so I was really looking forward to an extension of his stand up. That's not to say that this was bad, but it was hard to laugh and hard to get through. I'm glad I read it, but I'm sad for Jon.
October 15, 2011
I was expecting a very funny book and I got that and also much more that that. It's a very honest book, where Jon Richardson pours all his problems, his "obsessions" and at times it can make you feel quite bad about some things. it's very bittersweet. It's quite a good read, definitely recommend it.
February 13, 2015
I think I'm a little bit in love with Jon Richardson. Not enough to leave my husband. He wouldn't have me anyway: I'm not a very very very tidy woman. Richardson is extremely honest about himself, his life, his hopes and dreams, and his quest to find a partner and how difficult this can be when you're Jon Richardson. A fascinating read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews