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I'm a Joke and So Are You: Reflections on Humour and Humanity
'Joyfully entertaining. Full of warmth, wisdom and affectionate delight in the wonder and absurdity of being human.' Observer'Funny, honest and heart-warming.' Matt HaigWhat better way to understand ourselves than through the eyes of comedians - those who professionally examine our quirks on stage? In this touching and witty book, award-winning presenter and comic Robin Ince uses the life of the stand-up as a way of exploring some of the biggest questions we all face. Where does anxiety come from? How do we overcome imposter syndrome? What is the key to creativity? How can we deal with grief? Informed by personal insights as well as interviews with some of the world's top comedians, neuroscientists and psychologists, this is a hilarious and often moving primer to the mind.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2018
161 people are currently reading
1054 people want to read
About the author
Robin Ince
48 books159 followersRobin Ince is an English comedian, actor and writer. He is best known for presenting the BBC radio show The Infinite Monkey Cage with physicist Brian Cox.
In 2005, Ince began running the Book Club night at The Albany, London, where acts are encouraged to perform turns of new and experimental material. The club gets its name from Ince's attempts to read aloud from, and humorously criticise, various second-hand books which the audience brought in for the occasion. The Book Club proved to be so successful that Ince took it on a full UK tour in 2006. In 2010, Ince published a book entitled Robin Ince's Bad Book Club about his favourite books that he has used for his shows.
~Wikipedia
In 2005, Ince began running the Book Club night at The Albany, London, where acts are encouraged to perform turns of new and experimental material. The club gets its name from Ince's attempts to read aloud from, and humorously criticise, various second-hand books which the audience brought in for the occasion. The Book Club proved to be so successful that Ince took it on a full UK tour in 2006. In 2010, Ince published a book entitled Robin Ince's Bad Book Club about his favourite books that he has used for his shows.
~Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 7, 2018
I realise that this going to be entirely down to the kind of person that I am, but reading this book felt like a hug made of anecdotes and I was very sad when it was over.
February 14, 2020
I like Robin Ince a lot, he seems to me, and maybe it is all an act, like such a kind man with a genuine want of understanding others as well as himself.
I don't know that this book has any particular groundbreaking revelations about what it is to be a comedian, as an aspiring writer and a fellow human being I related to everything in this book.
It is funny, laugh out loud funny, intelligent, interesting and most of all it is warm and it is comforting. I can't explain exactly why, but I think I will miss this book and so will probably pop for a revisit once in a while.
I don't know that this book has any particular groundbreaking revelations about what it is to be a comedian, as an aspiring writer and a fellow human being I related to everything in this book.
It is funny, laugh out loud funny, intelligent, interesting and most of all it is warm and it is comforting. I can't explain exactly why, but I think I will miss this book and so will probably pop for a revisit once in a while.
Read
November 5, 2023A sort of oblique comparative autobiography, Ince talking about incidents which may have pushed him towards comedy, then consulting with peers and academics to see whether that stands up. Inevitably, the answer is usually that it's impossible to say, but the journey there feels enlightening all the same. By most standards it would be digressive, but compared to Ince's other books it feels uncharacteristically focused; also a bit harder going, what with the traumatic childhood accidents, parental demise and such, life pretty much by definition being where the bad stuff happens, not like bookshops. The updated edition adds postscripts to some of the chapters, a few extra bits at the end, and further distress, what with more people having died in the interim. Although on the upside - not that it reads as if Ince feels so uncomplicatedly about it - we also get to hear about how Ricky Gervais no longer speaks to him. Isn't it funny how people who moan that you can't say anything these days often turn out to have the thinnest skin of all? Mostly, though, the usual affable charm shines through, and there are plenty of laughs, only a few of which I felt guilty about.
February 11, 2021
I’ve read this book slowly, over a couple of months, bit by bit in the bath. A real actual book because I’m clumsy and I couldn’t forgive myself if I dropped a device in the water. Plus it might kill me. What? It’s not the equivalent of throwing an electric fire in there with me? Who knew?!
Anyway, my point is, it was a good book to read that way. It engrossed me for just the right length of time. It was easy to read in sections and I didn’t have to reread anything next time I took a dip.
It’s just sciencey enough, balanced out with anecdotes and quotes, covering themes like imagination, creativity, boundaries, and persona.
Ince’s take on comedy, life and the mind, is intelligent, interesting and insightful. As fine a book on the psychology of comedy as I’ve read.
Anyway, my point is, it was a good book to read that way. It engrossed me for just the right length of time. It was easy to read in sections and I didn’t have to reread anything next time I took a dip.
It’s just sciencey enough, balanced out with anecdotes and quotes, covering themes like imagination, creativity, boundaries, and persona.
Ince’s take on comedy, life and the mind, is intelligent, interesting and insightful. As fine a book on the psychology of comedy as I’ve read.
October 1, 2018
Shame he dies in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2021
This was one of the books I received in my surprise box of 30 books from the Wigtown Book Festival last summer and definitely not - despite being, oooooh, a signed copy - a book I would have picked out for myself.
It's a weird one - Ince spends the whole thing musing in a sort of gentle, rambling way about life, the universe and everything AKA what makes us tick AKA anxiety, childhood trauma, imposter syndrome, grief, you know, all that famously winning comedic material. It doesn't tell us anything groundbreaking but is a surprisingly cosy read (the bits with Ricky Gervais notwithstanding).
It's a weird one - Ince spends the whole thing musing in a sort of gentle, rambling way about life, the universe and everything AKA what makes us tick AKA anxiety, childhood trauma, imposter syndrome, grief, you know, all that famously winning comedic material. It doesn't tell us anything groundbreaking but is a surprisingly cosy read (the bits with Ricky Gervais notwithstanding).
January 30, 2022
It was like being back at uni reading about a bunch of studies from which no definitive conclusions can be derived. Half the book is just rambling and thoughts, it doesn't really go anywhere. I was hoping for something funny and lighthearted, this wasn't it for me.
September 1, 2024
I bought the book on a whim without hearing of Robin Ince. I realized I was clueless about the author after I bought the book and settled down to read it. So, I Googled him and searched for him on YouTube, realizing with shock that he is a famous comedian.
While the book is easy to read, it is not simple if you want to absorb the material. Robin Ince covered vast ground, exploring many aspects of people's problems while growing up, how these issues impact adulthood, and how you use them in your career.
Stand-up comedians are a special breed of people who do not walk onto a stage and belt out jokes. As in every profession, there are comedians and outstanding comedians. Some focus on shock, others on sex, and others on racial slurs, but exceptional comedians dig into themselves and often reveal something of their angst, anxieties, conflicts, and other issues. Some, like George Carlin, take a firm stand on crucial issues. Everyone has a distinct persona.
Robin Ince covered many topics, including childhood issues, recent trauma, imposter syndrome, and many others. He discussed the life journeys of comedians apart from himself, describing their struggles to attain success. It is difficult to find material from your life, convictions, struggles, disputes, and trauma and convert this material into comedy without sounding pitiful, dull, patronizing, or over-insulting. An outstanding comedian knows when to stop.
I give full credit to Robin Ince for taking profound and personal material like this and converting it into a book that is readable, enjoyable, and communicates a vital message.
Stand-up comedians are humans who bleed like the rest of us. Often, a tear hides behind the comedy and the jokes, and we must remain conscious of this and the effort required to stand in front of an audience daily to entertain them.
Robin Ince's book is outstanding and deserves a broad audience
While the book is easy to read, it is not simple if you want to absorb the material. Robin Ince covered vast ground, exploring many aspects of people's problems while growing up, how these issues impact adulthood, and how you use them in your career.
Stand-up comedians are a special breed of people who do not walk onto a stage and belt out jokes. As in every profession, there are comedians and outstanding comedians. Some focus on shock, others on sex, and others on racial slurs, but exceptional comedians dig into themselves and often reveal something of their angst, anxieties, conflicts, and other issues. Some, like George Carlin, take a firm stand on crucial issues. Everyone has a distinct persona.
Robin Ince covered many topics, including childhood issues, recent trauma, imposter syndrome, and many others. He discussed the life journeys of comedians apart from himself, describing their struggles to attain success. It is difficult to find material from your life, convictions, struggles, disputes, and trauma and convert this material into comedy without sounding pitiful, dull, patronizing, or over-insulting. An outstanding comedian knows when to stop.
I give full credit to Robin Ince for taking profound and personal material like this and converting it into a book that is readable, enjoyable, and communicates a vital message.
Stand-up comedians are humans who bleed like the rest of us. Often, a tear hides behind the comedy and the jokes, and we must remain conscious of this and the effort required to stand in front of an audience daily to entertain them.
Robin Ince's book is outstanding and deserves a broad audience
January 26, 2019
This book is about the art of writing and delivering comedy, and the relationship between that art and the ordinary mental states that make up the collage we call the human condition. It's not very "tight", rambling from one thing to another, like one of his routines or an episode of Bookshambles, but I guess most potential book buyers will know what to expect from a Robin Once book. I think I prefer Bad Book Club though.
November 2, 2020
I almost gave up after the first few chapters, because I knew the question, "What can science, psychology, MRIs etc." tell us about comedy was always going to end up at the predictable, "We don't know."
But the book became more about what it is to be human through the experience of delivering comedy - and tragedy as comedy on stage, and I ended up liking it.
But the book became more about what it is to be human through the experience of delivering comedy - and tragedy as comedy on stage, and I ended up liking it.
November 9, 2018
Smart, funny, insightful... Musings on what makes a stand-up, and therefore what makes a person. Confessional, probing, entertaining and ultimately reassuring. Anyone with even a passing interest in comedy should get something out of it.
July 8, 2019
Really interesting! Also very relieved to discover I'm not alone in my horrific impish thoughts!
December 29, 2019
More than fascinating...
Robin Ince wrote this book to figure out if the world could learn anything from the life and experience of a comedian. His other motivation was to see whether everyone is equallly mad: so that we can embrace our 'hidden eccentricities, safe in the knowledge that many other minds contain absurd trains of thought.'[pg 7-8]
This is a comedian's glance into psychology and then, psychological stances on the art of comedy and comedians, themselves. Ince interviews a number of psychologists, asking questions in relation to his past and his career as a stand-up. There's a lot to be gained from reading this book, you get a sort-of inside look into the lives of multiple popular comedians.
These days nearly everyone is a psychology expert, we are all drawn to books that aspire to help us understand ourselves and others we know. But, for me, this was the first time I've read such a book by a comedian. And it seems so very fitting- if not a psychologist, why not a comedian? The latter would at least keep you entertained!
Ince discusses having personas which I thought to be fascinating. These "other selves" who change through life, sometimes we don't notice this creation but with comedians, the persona is the act. They craft and alter it until it only reflects what they want to be seen. Quite manipulative, I thought but there are also instances, as Ince describes, when the persona and real self become so melded it is difficult to distinguish between them.
Ince writes in a storyteller's prose, with deep reflections and personal insights cropping up all the while. It is not so much a frantic scribbling down of ideas but a thoughtful look at an art form. It's a journey towards a better understanding of comedy and the people behind it. Ince reads as a humorous but also anxious and over-thinking individual, and I think that makes him the best person to have written on this subject. I especially enjoyed reading his take on internal voices/inner monologues!
Ince, closer to the end concludes that comedy is the only thing comedians take seriously. But that it's used to help make sense of the world, the past and that which remains unknown or uncertain. This, I suppose, sustains it and why most of us agree it's a source of comfort. And why, I think we all should take it a little bit more seriously: Ince compassionately discusses the role of comedy in times of grief and anxiety.
This book is a valuable, thoughtful resource- I recommend.
I received this book from the publisher for review consideration.
Robin Ince wrote this book to figure out if the world could learn anything from the life and experience of a comedian. His other motivation was to see whether everyone is equallly mad: so that we can embrace our 'hidden eccentricities, safe in the knowledge that many other minds contain absurd trains of thought.'[pg 7-8]
This is a comedian's glance into psychology and then, psychological stances on the art of comedy and comedians, themselves. Ince interviews a number of psychologists, asking questions in relation to his past and his career as a stand-up. There's a lot to be gained from reading this book, you get a sort-of inside look into the lives of multiple popular comedians.
These days nearly everyone is a psychology expert, we are all drawn to books that aspire to help us understand ourselves and others we know. But, for me, this was the first time I've read such a book by a comedian. And it seems so very fitting- if not a psychologist, why not a comedian? The latter would at least keep you entertained!
Ince discusses having personas which I thought to be fascinating. These "other selves" who change through life, sometimes we don't notice this creation but with comedians, the persona is the act. They craft and alter it until it only reflects what they want to be seen. Quite manipulative, I thought but there are also instances, as Ince describes, when the persona and real self become so melded it is difficult to distinguish between them.
Ince writes in a storyteller's prose, with deep reflections and personal insights cropping up all the while. It is not so much a frantic scribbling down of ideas but a thoughtful look at an art form. It's a journey towards a better understanding of comedy and the people behind it. Ince reads as a humorous but also anxious and over-thinking individual, and I think that makes him the best person to have written on this subject. I especially enjoyed reading his take on internal voices/inner monologues!
Ince, closer to the end concludes that comedy is the only thing comedians take seriously. But that it's used to help make sense of the world, the past and that which remains unknown or uncertain. This, I suppose, sustains it and why most of us agree it's a source of comfort. And why, I think we all should take it a little bit more seriously: Ince compassionately discusses the role of comedy in times of grief and anxiety.
This book is a valuable, thoughtful resource- I recommend.
I received this book from the publisher for review consideration.
February 16, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed 'I'm a Joke and so are You' due to its truthfulness and the pure sincerity it was written with. I felt intrigued by the ideas and thought processes of Robin Ince, and I thought that the imagery and anecdotes used were relatable and accessible to any reader. There was an extreme lack of pomposity, even when the points or ideas written about were scientific or analytical; this is something that writers of this genre often struggle with. There was a beautiful balance between the writer's own experiences, discussions with other comedians and factual knowledge, which led to a truly interesting read. There was a clear message behind the book, which I found important to today's society, and relevant to many of our lives. The references to comedians who have recently passed were stunningly touching.
November 3, 2019
I don't know where to start. I just fucking loved this.
Aside from how genuinely funny this book is (I was literally crying with laughter at one point...), there is also a deeply moving element to it. I’m just baffled that he manages to pack so much into this book. Unsatisfied that his MRI scans did not show a dedicated ‘comedy’ centre which would physically explain his gravitation towards stand-up, Ince (with input from leading researchers, scientists, psychologists, writers, actors, and comedians) reflects on what it means to be human. Some of the big topics he covers include: resisting the urge to throw babies from windows, and why it’s normal to want to french-kiss relatives who talk too much.
Ince covers the peculiarities of our existence; where does humour originate and what determines our creativity - is it a nature/nature issue? How does humour help us interact with difficult topics such as death and mental illness? The scope of this book is pretty bloody huge, but Ince manages to present it in a coherent structure which balances perfectly, the darker topics with the lightness of his humour. It was a genuine joy to read and it is oh-so-quotable.
*Bit of a trigger-warning* - there are some references to suicide and mental-illness towards the end of the book which could be uncomfortable, but honestly, by the time you get to those parts, it'll be pretty clear that you're in good hands. Robin deals with these topics in a way which is succinct and insightful, yet still warm and reassuring.
Incase Robin Ince ever reads the ramblings of Goodreads users - thanks very much for writing this book, Robin! :)
Aside from how genuinely funny this book is (I was literally crying with laughter at one point...), there is also a deeply moving element to it. I’m just baffled that he manages to pack so much into this book. Unsatisfied that his MRI scans did not show a dedicated ‘comedy’ centre which would physically explain his gravitation towards stand-up, Ince (with input from leading researchers, scientists, psychologists, writers, actors, and comedians) reflects on what it means to be human. Some of the big topics he covers include: resisting the urge to throw babies from windows, and why it’s normal to want to french-kiss relatives who talk too much.
Ince covers the peculiarities of our existence; where does humour originate and what determines our creativity - is it a nature/nature issue? How does humour help us interact with difficult topics such as death and mental illness? The scope of this book is pretty bloody huge, but Ince manages to present it in a coherent structure which balances perfectly, the darker topics with the lightness of his humour. It was a genuine joy to read and it is oh-so-quotable.
*Bit of a trigger-warning* - there are some references to suicide and mental-illness towards the end of the book which could be uncomfortable, but honestly, by the time you get to those parts, it'll be pretty clear that you're in good hands. Robin deals with these topics in a way which is succinct and insightful, yet still warm and reassuring.
Incase Robin Ince ever reads the ramblings of Goodreads users - thanks very much for writing this book, Robin! :)
August 17, 2020
My favorite aspect of this book is probably the writing style. It's written in a conversational tone that allows the empathy of the author to shine through, which made this a nice and easy read. (It *does* meander which is the Robin Ince brand and part of the appeal for me, but that may not be everyone's cup of tea!) It's also full of interviews from comedians and psychologists which allows for a good variety of perspectives on the topics covered.
My main issue with the book is its treatment of mental health issues. It's not that the book doesn't *overall* respect the existence of mental illness - it's that sprinkled between the discussions on depression, etc. are throwaway lines like "at least x is cheaper than therapy". In a society where that sentiment is unfortunately still taken at face value and not as a joke, I think it undermines the main message of those sections - the stigma is prodded at, but then subsequently reinforced.
As the book says, though, where we draw the line between funny and offensive differs, so this might just be where I draw mine.
My main issue with the book is its treatment of mental health issues. It's not that the book doesn't *overall* respect the existence of mental illness - it's that sprinkled between the discussions on depression, etc. are throwaway lines like "at least x is cheaper than therapy". In a society where that sentiment is unfortunately still taken at face value and not as a joke, I think it undermines the main message of those sections - the stigma is prodded at, but then subsequently reinforced.
As the book says, though, where we draw the line between funny and offensive differs, so this might just be where I draw mine.
October 23, 2024
I’m a stand up. This book was brilliant for my brain. Looks at Stand Up from a Unique warm and human angle. Worth reading. (Listened to on Audible during walks).
November 30, 2018
This is a pretty insightful and fascinating read about psychology of comedy and I learnt so much about! Comedy is something that keeps me going especially watching stand up comedy and psychology is something I've always been interested. So this book was totally for me.
Before this book I had never heard of Robin Ince but now I have to check out his work. I love that he interviewed so many comedians and psychologists for this book. I even started making a list of comedians to check out but then I got into the book and forgot to carry on.
Also Matt Haig wrote something about this book on the front and I had no idea so I knew it would be good and it was! The only thing was that you have to put the book down at parts just so you can take it in. I love how the chapters were separated with their headings he talks about so many things that relate to comedy such as anxiety, childhood etc.
Before this book I had never heard of Robin Ince but now I have to check out his work. I love that he interviewed so many comedians and psychologists for this book. I even started making a list of comedians to check out but then I got into the book and forgot to carry on.
Also Matt Haig wrote something about this book on the front and I had no idea so I knew it would be good and it was! The only thing was that you have to put the book down at parts just so you can take it in. I love how the chapters were separated with their headings he talks about so many things that relate to comedy such as anxiety, childhood etc.
January 7, 2019
I like Robin Ince. I suspect he and I have similar backgrounds & grew-up in similar places.
This is a rather lovely book that uses Robin's own experience as a hook for explaining why we are who we are as individuals. It catches you out a little occasional for being more moving than you'd expect. He also, in his final chapter, flags up Hannah Gadsby's 'Nanette'. 'Nanette' is a stand-up show that is also beyond a stand-up show. It was probably the thing last year that affected my view of the world more than anything else I saw, read or heard.
I digress though.
Read this book. It's clever. It's funny. And occasionally it goes off on a ramble. Like its author.
This is a rather lovely book that uses Robin's own experience as a hook for explaining why we are who we are as individuals. It catches you out a little occasional for being more moving than you'd expect. He also, in his final chapter, flags up Hannah Gadsby's 'Nanette'. 'Nanette' is a stand-up show that is also beyond a stand-up show. It was probably the thing last year that affected my view of the world more than anything else I saw, read or heard.
I digress though.
Read this book. It's clever. It's funny. And occasionally it goes off on a ramble. Like its author.
July 6, 2024
Nothing much to say. Was pretty funny but lacked real substance. Finished the book - learned a few interesting facts here and there but overall left with the question - what was the point?
The author was accurate in that comedians are talented yappers.
The author was accurate in that comedians are talented yappers.
January 9, 2022
With My Reviewing Head On
It's quite apt I think that in this book that covers the masks we wear as performers, how we react to our own experiences and where the jokes come from psychologically, there is a moment in the book where Robin talks about one particular minute on stage and I know I was there. The whole gist of the scene was completely recognisable. However, my brain queried the detail: was there Red Stripe on sale? Doesn't sound like the kind of thing that cafe would have sold... But oh yes, they'd got loads of Red Stripe and loads of Strongbow in cans just for that gig. What colour were the walls? I don't recall red... But I totally recalled my complicity in the herd of spurring Robin on to drink that lager.
What is the point of starting a book review like that?
Only that this book is about the comedy brain, And at that point in my life, I was a comedy retiree. I've since returned. I've often wondered what it is about me that can't leave the rollercoaster of emotions that is performing alone. Especially when performing feels like a constant game of balloon keepy-uppy in terms of what I think about myself and what my peers think about me... Never mind the punters. And how is it that a decade ago I lost my performing desire when my mom died (jokes about it, I still guiltily did), but me needing lifesaving surgery, we'll that's a show.
The wonderful thing (one of many wonderful things) about Robin is his ability to wonder, and then articulate the many psychological tangents that spike off the root question of "why comedy?" I think this is a book for you if you are a comedian with questions. I think this is a book for you if you have ever turned to comedy for solace, or had weird thoughts that seem inappropriate for the situation and are now wondering if you are normal. Because Robin does not baulk from those sorts of questions, and he approaches these shadowy recesses of our minds and coaxes them out with kindness and humility, and humanity.
With insights from psychologists, neurologists and many fellow comedians, I am very glad I read this book and I feel I now have a much better understanding of what the heck it is that I think I am doing.
And that jealousy I felt once, watching him on stage doing something I regretted having given up, and being utterly lost in that moment of connection. It's flipping brilliant, that. This.
It's quite apt I think that in this book that covers the masks we wear as performers, how we react to our own experiences and where the jokes come from psychologically, there is a moment in the book where Robin talks about one particular minute on stage and I know I was there. The whole gist of the scene was completely recognisable. However, my brain queried the detail: was there Red Stripe on sale? Doesn't sound like the kind of thing that cafe would have sold... But oh yes, they'd got loads of Red Stripe and loads of Strongbow in cans just for that gig. What colour were the walls? I don't recall red... But I totally recalled my complicity in the herd of spurring Robin on to drink that lager.
What is the point of starting a book review like that?
Only that this book is about the comedy brain, And at that point in my life, I was a comedy retiree. I've since returned. I've often wondered what it is about me that can't leave the rollercoaster of emotions that is performing alone. Especially when performing feels like a constant game of balloon keepy-uppy in terms of what I think about myself and what my peers think about me... Never mind the punters. And how is it that a decade ago I lost my performing desire when my mom died (jokes about it, I still guiltily did), but me needing lifesaving surgery, we'll that's a show.
The wonderful thing (one of many wonderful things) about Robin is his ability to wonder, and then articulate the many psychological tangents that spike off the root question of "why comedy?" I think this is a book for you if you are a comedian with questions. I think this is a book for you if you have ever turned to comedy for solace, or had weird thoughts that seem inappropriate for the situation and are now wondering if you are normal. Because Robin does not baulk from those sorts of questions, and he approaches these shadowy recesses of our minds and coaxes them out with kindness and humility, and humanity.
With insights from psychologists, neurologists and many fellow comedians, I am very glad I read this book and I feel I now have a much better understanding of what the heck it is that I think I am doing.
And that jealousy I felt once, watching him on stage doing something I regretted having given up, and being utterly lost in that moment of connection. It's flipping brilliant, that. This.
December 19, 2024
I bought the book on a whim without hearing of Robin Ince. I realized I was clueless about the author after I bought the book and settled down to read it. So, I Googled him and searched for him on YouTube, realizing with shock that he is a famous comedian.
While the book is easy to read, it is not simple if you want to absorb the material. Robin Ince covered vast ground, exploring many aspects of people's problems while growing up, how these issues impact adulthood, and how you use them in your career.
Stand-up comedians are a special breed of people who do not walk onto a stage and belt out jokes. As in every profession, there are comedians and outstanding comedians. Some focus on shock, others on sex, and others on racial slurs, but exceptional comedians dig into themselves and often reveal something of their angst, anxieties, conflicts, and other issues. Some, like George Carlin, take a firm stand on crucial issues. Everyone has a distinct persona.
Robin Ince covered many topics, including childhood issues, recent trauma, imposter syndrome, and many others. He discussed the life journeys of comedians apart from himself, describing their struggles to attain success. It is difficult to find material from your life, convictions, struggles, disputes, and trauma and convert this material into comedy without sounding pitiful, dull, patronizing, or over-insulting. An outstanding comedian knows when to stop.
I give full credit to Robin Ince for taking profound and personal material like this and converting it into a book that is readable, enjoyable, and communicates a vital message.
Stand-up comedians are humans who bleed like the rest of us. Often, a tear hides behind the comedy and the jokes, and we must remain conscious of this and the effort required to stand in front of an audience daily to entertain them.
Robin Ince's book is outstanding and deserves a broad audience
While the book is easy to read, it is not simple if you want to absorb the material. Robin Ince covered vast ground, exploring many aspects of people's problems while growing up, how these issues impact adulthood, and how you use them in your career.
Stand-up comedians are a special breed of people who do not walk onto a stage and belt out jokes. As in every profession, there are comedians and outstanding comedians. Some focus on shock, others on sex, and others on racial slurs, but exceptional comedians dig into themselves and often reveal something of their angst, anxieties, conflicts, and other issues. Some, like George Carlin, take a firm stand on crucial issues. Everyone has a distinct persona.
Robin Ince covered many topics, including childhood issues, recent trauma, imposter syndrome, and many others. He discussed the life journeys of comedians apart from himself, describing their struggles to attain success. It is difficult to find material from your life, convictions, struggles, disputes, and trauma and convert this material into comedy without sounding pitiful, dull, patronizing, or over-insulting. An outstanding comedian knows when to stop.
I give full credit to Robin Ince for taking profound and personal material like this and converting it into a book that is readable, enjoyable, and communicates a vital message.
Stand-up comedians are humans who bleed like the rest of us. Often, a tear hides behind the comedy and the jokes, and we must remain conscious of this and the effort required to stand in front of an audience daily to entertain them.
Robin Ince's book is outstanding and deserves a broad audience
November 14, 2022
In some cases, when a medium reflects on itself, it can come across as navel-gazing. There are plenty of television shows or movies that seem overly concerned with television or movie making, or stories concerned with storytelling, that I struggle to care about. I do not tend to feel this way about comedy that's about comedy. Perhaps it's because when comedy is about itself in this way it is still required to be funny. But that would not account for Robin Ince's I'm a Joke and So Are You, because while it is often funny, it's not really a comedy book. It is an analysis of why people do comedy and what they hope to achieve from it - and that, to me, is interesting.
A key factor here is that comedy is usually about making connections with an audience or audience member. Ince tackles some difficult issues in this book that he and other comedians have made comedy about, and how in the right hands those difficult issues have proved to create meaningful connections with audience members who may also have been struggling. I have been having my own issues with stress and anxiety recently which made reading about Ince's experience there both difficult and helpful. The experience is complicated by the fact that I am never more homesick for Britain than when I am over-indulging in British comedy, as I seem to be at the moment.
Ince combines discussions with experts on science and with experts on comedy to provide a variety of perspectives on what drives comedians to do what they do and how they achieve what they achieve. I think the experience might be improved with more details about certain routines (although I understand why they aren't there in many cases; this can perhaps be solved by watching some of the comedians in question). I plan on taking quite a bit of this into the therapy sessions I am definitely on a waitlist for at the moment...
A key factor here is that comedy is usually about making connections with an audience or audience member. Ince tackles some difficult issues in this book that he and other comedians have made comedy about, and how in the right hands those difficult issues have proved to create meaningful connections with audience members who may also have been struggling. I have been having my own issues with stress and anxiety recently which made reading about Ince's experience there both difficult and helpful. The experience is complicated by the fact that I am never more homesick for Britain than when I am over-indulging in British comedy, as I seem to be at the moment.
Ince combines discussions with experts on science and with experts on comedy to provide a variety of perspectives on what drives comedians to do what they do and how they achieve what they achieve. I think the experience might be improved with more details about certain routines (although I understand why they aren't there in many cases; this can perhaps be solved by watching some of the comedians in question). I plan on taking quite a bit of this into the therapy sessions I am definitely on a waitlist for at the moment...
March 16, 2020
Robin Ince is a really thoughtful individual and applies his normal level of intimate enquiry and consideration into exploring the psychology behind comedians. Is it true they're all prone to depression in their own lives? Are there particular types of person that lend themselves better to comedy than others? Does an unhappy childhood make for better material in later life than a happy childhood?
Ince goes on to further explore the nature of offensive jokes and why we laugh at them, why we suffer from anxiety, how to deal with grief and the nature of the comical creativity amongst many other interesting and thought provoking assumptions and traits of the stand up comedian.
Robin uses a mixture of sources from psychologist, therapist and professional interviews and texts, to interviews with many comedians including Ricky Gervais, Tim Minchin, Sara Pascoe, Lenny Henry and more, each of whom provides a unique perspective into the realm of stand up comedy and what makes it work for them. Robin is is able to combine this with drawing upon his own experience as a touring stand-up and work as a creative, plus insights from his overactive imagination and mind to really help him to delve deeply into what makes the stand-up comic really tick.
Superbly written, referenced and organised with really interesting sources and anecdotes done in the typically witty and imaginative fashion we've come to know and love from Robin Ince's work. If you've a remote interest in the workings of the human mind and a love of stand up comedy, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Excellent.
Ince goes on to further explore the nature of offensive jokes and why we laugh at them, why we suffer from anxiety, how to deal with grief and the nature of the comical creativity amongst many other interesting and thought provoking assumptions and traits of the stand up comedian.
Robin uses a mixture of sources from psychologist, therapist and professional interviews and texts, to interviews with many comedians including Ricky Gervais, Tim Minchin, Sara Pascoe, Lenny Henry and more, each of whom provides a unique perspective into the realm of stand up comedy and what makes it work for them. Robin is is able to combine this with drawing upon his own experience as a touring stand-up and work as a creative, plus insights from his overactive imagination and mind to really help him to delve deeply into what makes the stand-up comic really tick.
Superbly written, referenced and organised with really interesting sources and anecdotes done in the typically witty and imaginative fashion we've come to know and love from Robin Ince's work. If you've a remote interest in the workings of the human mind and a love of stand up comedy, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Excellent.
January 26, 2025
I liked the concept and Ince had spoken to lots of comedians to try and piece together a book on the psychology of humour, what influences comedians and what is acceptable as a subject. A professional journalist would probably have put it together better as I found it quite dull and it didn't really live up to the billing.
I have attempted another Ince book and while his heart is in the right place I don't like his writing style. It somehow avoids being outright unfunny, where the intended jokes are obvious and bad, but is written in a manner that is intended to be amusing while offering plausible deniability. When discussing an old hairstyle his mother took exception to, by the time she had died "the genes on my father's side had robbed me of the number of follicles required for such lacquered exhuberance." In the right comedic hands this could have been funny spoken aloud, but in print it failed to raise a smile and made it quite wordy.
This style was consistent throughout the book but the interviews didn't reveal that much to make it worth it. Most points made were brushed over quite quickly and each chapter was peppered with quotations that weren't analysed or put into context, so it was too much like a compendium of views rather than an editorialised argument. It was Ince's book, but his influence was style and anecdote over conclusion or analysis.
Perhaps that was the intention, but there were so many different viewpoints that identifying a trend was difficult and the finished product was unsatisfying. Perhaps others could find the nuggets to make it worthwhile, but I took much less from it than I'd hoped.
I have attempted another Ince book and while his heart is in the right place I don't like his writing style. It somehow avoids being outright unfunny, where the intended jokes are obvious and bad, but is written in a manner that is intended to be amusing while offering plausible deniability. When discussing an old hairstyle his mother took exception to, by the time she had died "the genes on my father's side had robbed me of the number of follicles required for such lacquered exhuberance." In the right comedic hands this could have been funny spoken aloud, but in print it failed to raise a smile and made it quite wordy.
This style was consistent throughout the book but the interviews didn't reveal that much to make it worth it. Most points made were brushed over quite quickly and each chapter was peppered with quotations that weren't analysed or put into context, so it was too much like a compendium of views rather than an editorialised argument. It was Ince's book, but his influence was style and anecdote over conclusion or analysis.
Perhaps that was the intention, but there were so many different viewpoints that identifying a trend was difficult and the finished product was unsatisfying. Perhaps others could find the nuggets to make it worthwhile, but I took much less from it than I'd hoped.
September 19, 2018
I found this to be a quite interesting, insightful read and it certainly made me think about the mindsets of comedians and about the impact that, for example, a troubled childhood may have had on the persons likelihood of pursuing such a career as that of a comedian.
I liked that its written by a well regarded comedian, so its not yet another book by a psychologist or similar but rather someone who can talk directly from 'the horses mouth', so to speak. I liked that it talked about one or two widely believed myths and debunked them and its good at explaining things in a decent level of detail, without becoming convoluted. Its relatively witty at times but overall its more thoughtful and insightful than it is comedic. I found mention of the Imposter syndrome especially interesting.
The book includes conversations held with other well known comedians such as Noel Fielding and Nina Conti and it reveals things about the background of other comedians (such as Eddie Izzard) which I hadn't been aware of. Also, I wasn't familiar with Barry Crimmins before but now I am!.
As well as comedians, there are also references to psychologists, neurologists etc. such as Sarah-Jayne Blakemore (professor of cognitive neuroscience at UCL) and Charles Fernyhough (a professor of developmental psycholoogy at Durham University).
Its not a self help book as such but if your interested in psychology and psychotherapy, if but loosely, its a worthwhile read.
I liked that its written by a well regarded comedian, so its not yet another book by a psychologist or similar but rather someone who can talk directly from 'the horses mouth', so to speak. I liked that it talked about one or two widely believed myths and debunked them and its good at explaining things in a decent level of detail, without becoming convoluted. Its relatively witty at times but overall its more thoughtful and insightful than it is comedic. I found mention of the Imposter syndrome especially interesting.
The book includes conversations held with other well known comedians such as Noel Fielding and Nina Conti and it reveals things about the background of other comedians (such as Eddie Izzard) which I hadn't been aware of. Also, I wasn't familiar with Barry Crimmins before but now I am!.
As well as comedians, there are also references to psychologists, neurologists etc. such as Sarah-Jayne Blakemore (professor of cognitive neuroscience at UCL) and Charles Fernyhough (a professor of developmental psycholoogy at Durham University).
Its not a self help book as such but if your interested in psychology and psychotherapy, if but loosely, its a worthwhile read.
August 17, 2020
I really enjoyed "I'm a joke", Robin Ince has a really pleasent and familiar way of writing and I listened to the audiobook which he narrated, giving the impression that I listened to an exceptionally long podcast that he was presenting! I learned a lot about comedians and their personal feelings about their work. I learned a lot about comedy in general. My top two takeaways are this:
When Robin is talking about childhood trauma and whether it is over represented in comediens he says something to the effect of "I have *some* trauma but I'm not even sure it counts" and starts to talk about an event that happened to him as a boy.....
BUCKLE UP! I was not emotionally prepared for the gravity of the story he tells. It's the most British thing to thing for a story like to be up for debate as to whether it constitutes "trauma". It's a deeply traumatic experience, make sure you're ready.
Also, this book has one of the best descriptions of intrusive thoughts I've ever heard, if you suffer from them (you are holding a baby and vividly imagine dropping them, you unexpectedly imagine driving into oncoming traffic, etc etc) then I'd highly recommend the chapter on anxiety, it's excellent.
A wonderful book, I'd recommend the audio book if you can spring for it because Ince is an absolute delight and he adds little bits here and there.
When Robin is talking about childhood trauma and whether it is over represented in comediens he says something to the effect of "I have *some* trauma but I'm not even sure it counts" and starts to talk about an event that happened to him as a boy.....
BUCKLE UP! I was not emotionally prepared for the gravity of the story he tells. It's the most British thing to thing for a story like to be up for debate as to whether it constitutes "trauma". It's a deeply traumatic experience, make sure you're ready.
Also, this book has one of the best descriptions of intrusive thoughts I've ever heard, if you suffer from them (you are holding a baby and vividly imagine dropping them, you unexpectedly imagine driving into oncoming traffic, etc etc) then I'd highly recommend the chapter on anxiety, it's excellent.
A wonderful book, I'd recommend the audio book if you can spring for it because Ince is an absolute delight and he adds little bits here and there.
September 22, 2018
I suppose I imagined that this book would be funny, it being written by a comedian. If you are looking for a laugh out loud wander through a comedian's brain this probably isn't for you.
If you're after something a bit deeper and thoughtful then this might be right up you alley. It's pretty deep at points (I confess when we were comparing Freud and Jung I started to glaze over a bit) and it does give some insight into what makes a comedian tick.
I especially enjoyed the final three chapters (so if you're struggling hang on in there until the end!) especially when the subject was "the imp of the mind". You know, that sneaky little voice we all have inside us that encourages our inner devilment.
I daresay that each reader will take something different from this book - depending on their own experiences of mental health - so there could be a bit of a marmite effect for that reason.
Whilst I couldn't personally identify with many of the neuroses described it was an informative look at what can be hiding behind the public persona.
If you're after something a bit deeper and thoughtful then this might be right up you alley. It's pretty deep at points (I confess when we were comparing Freud and Jung I started to glaze over a bit) and it does give some insight into what makes a comedian tick.
I especially enjoyed the final three chapters (so if you're struggling hang on in there until the end!) especially when the subject was "the imp of the mind". You know, that sneaky little voice we all have inside us that encourages our inner devilment.
I daresay that each reader will take something different from this book - depending on their own experiences of mental health - so there could be a bit of a marmite effect for that reason.
Whilst I couldn't personally identify with many of the neuroses described it was an informative look at what can be hiding behind the public persona.
January 5, 2022
This book examines the intersection between psychology and standup comedy. It investigates questions such as whether comedians are truly disproportionately depressive personalities as a number of high-profile cases have led the public to believe in recent years. It explores issues such as anxiety and imposter syndrome. But it also looks at less pathological issues of the mind, such as the origin of creative ideas.
The tone is light, and stories and jokes are employed throughout. That said, the book is also dealing with scientific and psychological issues, but it doesn’t get into technical minutiae. Ince discusses how ideas in psychology relate to the acts of a number of comedians he’s worked with, including Ricky Gervais and Tim Minchin, but – ultimately - he’s trying to present information that is useful to the reader. Whether the issue is grieving or parenting, the use of humor and comedy is just a tool to address issues most people face.
I enjoyed this book and found it thought-provoking. You won’t necessarily find it to be a laugh-riot, but you’ll learn a thing or two while being amused.
The tone is light, and stories and jokes are employed throughout. That said, the book is also dealing with scientific and psychological issues, but it doesn’t get into technical minutiae. Ince discusses how ideas in psychology relate to the acts of a number of comedians he’s worked with, including Ricky Gervais and Tim Minchin, but – ultimately - he’s trying to present information that is useful to the reader. Whether the issue is grieving or parenting, the use of humor and comedy is just a tool to address issues most people face.
I enjoyed this book and found it thought-provoking. You won’t necessarily find it to be a laugh-riot, but you’ll learn a thing or two while being amused.
July 28, 2019
Really enjoyed this. My husband read it first from the point of view of enjoying things about jokes and comedy but told me I’d like it because it was all about psychology. Not immediately obvious from the title alone but really well done.
It’s very cleverly constructed to pull together a load of different theories about why people are or might be comedians into easily accessible and fairly standalone chapters that use comedians as the sample to explain some fairly universal theories about what might drive people to do different things or behave in different ways. Really accessible and perfectly possible to pick up to read a single chapter on imposter syndrome, or the whole thing cover to cover. I find Ince a really engaging writer but the dry asides whilst covering some fairly hefty topics made it speed along; a little like Bill Bryson when he’s talking about deeper aspects of national identity or change in society. Would definitely recommend to fans of comedy, psychology, or both.
It’s very cleverly constructed to pull together a load of different theories about why people are or might be comedians into easily accessible and fairly standalone chapters that use comedians as the sample to explain some fairly universal theories about what might drive people to do different things or behave in different ways. Really accessible and perfectly possible to pick up to read a single chapter on imposter syndrome, or the whole thing cover to cover. I find Ince a really engaging writer but the dry asides whilst covering some fairly hefty topics made it speed along; a little like Bill Bryson when he’s talking about deeper aspects of national identity or change in society. Would definitely recommend to fans of comedy, psychology, or both.
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