Wait For It: The Legen-dary Story of How I Met Your Mother

by Jesse McLean

The record-breaking run of the CBS hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother has come to an end, but new fans of the epic romantic comedy are still appearing in droves, thanks to the joy of binge-watching on demand. What better way for old fans and new to reminisce about all the friendships and fun than by looking at the series as a whole in Jesse McLean’s Wait For It. With an entertaining examination of each of the nine seasons of the show, McLean not only looks at the characters and stories, but the making-of stories, the running gags, the lead actors, and the lasting impact of How I Met Your Mother on pop culture thanks to a cult fandom that’s grown to a national obsession.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

HIMYM, the best of the “friends hanging out” style of sitcoms. I love the attention to detail, and the commitment to telling a poignant, funny story. Not every episode is great, but overall these were characters that I wanted to hang out with and watch grow and change.

This was a good companion to rewatching the series. He has a good general analysis of what made the show great, and why the story quality slipped in the last two seasons.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a goodreads giveaway a few years ago, and frankly forgot that I had it until I started packing for a move. I was excited for it at first because I love the show and I was hopinh for some behind the scenes stories, what cast thought etc. But what I got was basically a recap of a show that I have watched numerous times. I already knew almost everything mentioned in the book and what I didn't know I could have found just by google-ing the actors and show. It was a bit of a disappointment and unfortunately a little boring to read. I wish I had liked it more.

[Diva Prestia · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of HIMYM, I appreciate the insight and analysis of such a sweet, heartbreaking, and realistic series. I learned many new things about the show and reminisced on what I already knew and loved. A few moments of forced humour and typos within the writing, but overall an interesting read.

[Marie C · Rating 3 out of 5]

** I recieved a free ebook copy of this book on Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion***
This review is going to be shorter than usual because I don't have much to say about it.

This book was okay for me. Being a HUGE fan of How I Met Your Mother, it was fun to go over the seasons and remember the laughs that the show brought up. About halfway throughout the book, I started skipping a few pages when things got a little boring because I felt as if it was dragging on. I loved the Empire State Building facts and the descriptions of the actors in the beginning. It was also fun to be able to know what other show the guest stars were from. For example, I remembered seeing Jayma Mays on the show and I remembered her from a movie somewhere, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what movie. I never googled her and when I read the book, it told me that she had played in The Smurfs movie and that’s when I had a «Ohhhh, that’s the movie that she was in…» moment. My favorite section of the book is the Canadian fun facts at the end (instead of the Empire State Building fun facts. Being a Canadian myself, it was just really funny. I also loved the parts where the authors went over the Slaps for the Slap Bet between Barney and Marshall.

In my opinion, if you’re REALLY a HUGE fan of the show you should read Wait For It. If you only watch it sometimes on TV because there’s nothing else on, don’t bother reading this book.
Overall, it was fun to go over the best episodes and the message that were sending. Loved the show, the book was okay but again if you’re not that into the TV series, don’t waste your time.
Final Rating: 3 Stars

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first saw the book I thought that this book would give me more info on a series I loved. As it turned out the book didn't include anything that I couldn't find on google. Some of the fan facts were cool, but the author could have added some more. Basically the whole book is a recap of the nine seasons and the author goes more in depth for 4-5 episodes of each season.

The book could be mostly good for someone who doesn't want to watch the series, but wants to know what it is about. Again the book doesn't offer anything more than you can find simply by googling it and a fan of the show probably doesn't know already about the series.

I thought this book would be an opportunity to see some behind the scenes pics, goofs and other stuff that while are not essential, they are always welcomed.

[David Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was enjoyable to go over some of the more memorable episodes of the shows 9 season run. McLean starts out with quick bios on each major cast member which were interesting as well.
The "fun facts" after each episode discussion also worked well.

By the second half of the book McLean seemed to get a bit more bored of the process and stopped making as many interesting connections. Early on the author spent a lot more time discussing the shows connection, the most interesting for me being the vast connections to the Whedonverse.

Overall, McLean's sense of humor was hit or miss for me.
I did appreciate her approval of the season's finale - I thought I was the only one.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start out by saying that I have always been in love with this series. Each character is well developed and distinct. Each episode , with the odd exception, each season, was compelling and most of all FUNNY AS HECK !!

Reading this book brought back memories of my favourite episodes in each season.

This would be a great Christmas present for the "How I Met Your Mother" fan in the family.

I picked up the book at the Post Office and before I knew it I had read it all in one sitting - WOW

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting for fans who can't get enough of the show. Filled with episode summaries, various facts, and cast information.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book. if your a fan of the show its a lot of inside information laid out season by season if you're not a fan of the show than I'd pass because you wouldn't understand some of the references.

[Noah L · Rating 5 out of 5]

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