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Lacks Self-Control: True Stories I Waited Until My Parents Died to Tell
A rollicking collection of true tales from the founding editor of the Huffington Post.
If David Sedaris, Chelsea Handler, Larry David, and Caitlin Moran had the unlikeliest orgy in history, the resulting love child might one day write a book like this one.
“Although he’s generally agreeable, Roy Sekoff lacks self-control.” Or so proclaimed his kindergarten teacher.
Thus pigeonholed, Sekoff spent the next several decades proving her right, gathering many outrageous, sometimes raunchy, occasionally moving, always hilarious stories along the way. From a teenage pilgrimage to a Times Square porn superstore to life-changing experiences with high colonics and psychic readings to his tenure as founding editor of the Huffington Post, Lacks Self-Control is a rollicking testament to his unwavering commitment to overshare.
Told with zinging wit and zero propriety, Sekoff’s collection of true tales—caroming between his Miami childhood, overstimulated adolescence, and celebrity-adjacent adulthood—showcases his caustic yet surprisingly sweet sense of humor. Whether he’s describing a youthful encounter with a killer crocodile, an ill-fated attempt to make off with a tissue containing Oprah’s tears, or that time Chevy Chase grabbed his balls at a funeral, Sekoff is a lively, irreverent raconteur whose sharp observations wring laughs out of a ludicrous yet relatable life.
If David Sedaris, Chelsea Handler, Larry David, and Caitlin Moran had the unlikeliest orgy in history, the resulting love child might one day write a book like this one.
“Although he’s generally agreeable, Roy Sekoff lacks self-control.” Or so proclaimed his kindergarten teacher.
Thus pigeonholed, Sekoff spent the next several decades proving her right, gathering many outrageous, sometimes raunchy, occasionally moving, always hilarious stories along the way. From a teenage pilgrimage to a Times Square porn superstore to life-changing experiences with high colonics and psychic readings to his tenure as founding editor of the Huffington Post, Lacks Self-Control is a rollicking testament to his unwavering commitment to overshare.
Told with zinging wit and zero propriety, Sekoff’s collection of true tales—caroming between his Miami childhood, overstimulated adolescence, and celebrity-adjacent adulthood—showcases his caustic yet surprisingly sweet sense of humor. Whether he’s describing a youthful encounter with a killer crocodile, an ill-fated attempt to make off with a tissue containing Oprah’s tears, or that time Chevy Chase grabbed his balls at a funeral, Sekoff is a lively, irreverent raconteur whose sharp observations wring laughs out of a ludicrous yet relatable life.
202 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2018
About the author
Roy Sekoff
1 book17 followersAccording to a preschool report card, four-year-old Roy Sekoff had “a wonderful sense of humor which is enjoyed by all -- including his teacher!” And his first-grade teacher noted: “Roy enjoys creative writing and should be encouraged to do so more often.” Despite these clear signals, he then spent much of the ensuing three decades in existential turmoil, struggling to figure out what he should be doing with his life.
After a long succession of failed endeavors, the Universe decided to take pity on him (and, more accurately, his long-suffering wife), and gifted him with a lengthy run as the founding editor of the Huffington Post, and president and co-creator of HuffPost Live. Finally, after 17 years of dancing to the rhythms of the 24/7 news cycle, he decided to fulfill that preschool prophesy and write a funny book, “Lacks Self-Control.”
To learn more about Roy and his work, check out his website at www.roysekoff.com or follow him on Twitter:@roysekoff or Facebook: @roysekoffauthor
After a long succession of failed endeavors, the Universe decided to take pity on him (and, more accurately, his long-suffering wife), and gifted him with a lengthy run as the founding editor of the Huffington Post, and president and co-creator of HuffPost Live. Finally, after 17 years of dancing to the rhythms of the 24/7 news cycle, he decided to fulfill that preschool prophesy and write a funny book, “Lacks Self-Control.”
To learn more about Roy and his work, check out his website at www.roysekoff.com or follow him on Twitter:@roysekoff or Facebook: @roysekoffauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 29, 2018
Lacks Self-Control: True Stories I Waited Until My Parents Died to Tell by Roy Sekoff is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. This guy had some very strange stories at times but I think the strangest I thought was his colon cleansing period was the weirdest. Him and his room mate decided to get healthy and try the new coffee colon cleanse method, daily, for a week... it was strange reading and there would be no way I would voluntary for self torture like that. I have heard good things from it but I don't care how good, I am not trying it. Some of his other life adventures were pretty intriguing too but that was tops them all, lol.
June 12, 2018
Well, I went into this book knowing nothing about Roy Sekoff, and I came out knowing a great deal (at times too much!) It's written quite conversationally, and I found myself wishing that Roy and I were real friends rather than book friends. The anecdotes included are comical and at times graphic, but always entertaining. I got the feeling that the stories contained in Lacks Self Control are only the tip of the iceberg, and I certainly hope there are more books to come! The blurbs contain references to David Sedaris and Chelsea Handler as similar authors, I might also include Dave Barry and perhaps Tina Fey. I enjoyed the personal aspect just as well as the celebrity interactions, the balance was great. I would definitely use this book as a gift, and I could even see it as a choice for a book discussion group.
Read
February 2, 2022I don’t know how or why I finished this, but YIKES. There were some funny lines here and there, but the overall gist is that this guy decided he needed more attention than he already has, and so he wrote a book that’s the equivalent of someone loudly telling offensive jokes in polite company as a way of showing people just how cool he is. If you don’t laugh, it’s because you’re UNCOOL and don’t understand he’s saying things IRONICALLY, and why can’t you take a JOKE, baby? 🤮 He formulaically says or does something vile, but then absolves himself by saying, “That was vile, but I knew it was vile, so it doesn’t really count, and besides I was only doing it as an intellectual exercise, and anyway aren’t I cool, tee hee?” Seriously? Seriously?! Holy arrested development, Batman. The whole thing is summed up by this line:
“[Vile joke about a disabled person], [is something] you might say—if you were a complete a-hole.”
BUT YOU DID SAY IT! YOU DID! AND IN FACT YOU PUT IT IN PRINT, WHICH IS WORSE! AND TRIED TO BE CUTE BY USING “a-hole” IN A BOOK FILLED WITH FOUL LANGUAGE! YOU ARE THE A-HOLE!
Why he wanted to put ANY of this into the world with his name on it is just beyond me. You could have just kept your mouth shut and still been a millionaire, sir.
“[Vile joke about a disabled person], [is something] you might say—if you were a complete a-hole.”
BUT YOU DID SAY IT! YOU DID! AND IN FACT YOU PUT IT IN PRINT, WHICH IS WORSE! AND TRIED TO BE CUTE BY USING “a-hole” IN A BOOK FILLED WITH FOUL LANGUAGE! YOU ARE THE A-HOLE!
Why he wanted to put ANY of this into the world with his name on it is just beyond me. You could have just kept your mouth shut and still been a millionaire, sir.
June 24, 2018
To be fair, the title accurately explains what to expect inside the book: essays that lack self-control and are certainly memories better left published after the author's parents died. Only, after reading the book, I was left wondering if the essays should've been published at all.
It is entirely possible that I am the wrong audience for this book; this seems strange to say given that I do not shy away from non-fiction essays, the topic of sex, or a wide variety of writing-styles. Maybe the essays would've felt substantial if, say, I were the kind of young twenty-something seen in an 80's Wall Street movie.
Unfortunately, from my perspective, the essays read like an unedited teenage-boy's diary, if teenage boys kept diaries. The writing seems raunchy just to be raunchy and none of the essays seem to have any real point; again, much like a diary. It may not be fair to expect more.
Other than knowing Roy Sekoff's ties to The Huffington Post, I knew very little about him before taking on 'Lacks Self-Control' and it's possible that if I knew more about the author, I would have understood what I was getting myself into. With auto-biographical, personal essays, it is often very important to understand the personality of the author and not knowing the author may be the sole reason I did not particularly care for the book. Still, I encourage others to make the decision on this book for themselves.
It is entirely possible that I am the wrong audience for this book; this seems strange to say given that I do not shy away from non-fiction essays, the topic of sex, or a wide variety of writing-styles. Maybe the essays would've felt substantial if, say, I were the kind of young twenty-something seen in an 80's Wall Street movie.
Unfortunately, from my perspective, the essays read like an unedited teenage-boy's diary, if teenage boys kept diaries. The writing seems raunchy just to be raunchy and none of the essays seem to have any real point; again, much like a diary. It may not be fair to expect more.
Other than knowing Roy Sekoff's ties to The Huffington Post, I knew very little about him before taking on 'Lacks Self-Control' and it's possible that if I knew more about the author, I would have understood what I was getting myself into. With auto-biographical, personal essays, it is often very important to understand the personality of the author and not knowing the author may be the sole reason I did not particularly care for the book. Still, I encourage others to make the decision on this book for themselves.
January 31, 2019
I laughed at some of Sekoff's turn of phrases and observations. If talk of sex or porn is not your cup of tea, you might want to find a different book. It's not all about that, but enough that it might bother some.
Sekoff narrates his own audiobook which is good for this memoir.
Sekoff narrates his own audiobook which is good for this memoir.
May 23, 2018
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
Lacks Self-Control, for me, was even better than your usual famous person’s memoir. Most of it was because of how relatable I found it. Roy Sekoff is effortlessly funny, witty, and has his own droll style of writing; you can’t help but love him.
You know how all of us have a funny story we tell at dinner parties? Sekoff has like 10 of them in this book. No, really. How do I become friends with this guy?
In all, this book’s really funny, and I’m no person to tell you how to lead your life, but what are you even doing if you haven’t read it yet?
Lacks Self-Control, for me, was even better than your usual famous person’s memoir. Most of it was because of how relatable I found it. Roy Sekoff is effortlessly funny, witty, and has his own droll style of writing; you can’t help but love him.
You know how all of us have a funny story we tell at dinner parties? Sekoff has like 10 of them in this book. No, really. How do I become friends with this guy?
In all, this book’s really funny, and I’m no person to tell you how to lead your life, but what are you even doing if you haven’t read it yet?
May 14, 2018
Be prepared to laugh out loud while reading this book!
Reminiscent of the work of David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs, these essays put a hilarious spin on awkward moments in Sekoff's life. From discovering his dad's porn collection as a kid, to scattering his parents' ashes as an adult/father, Sekoff does a stellar job highlighting significant moments in his life. These are the moments we all have, some of which may seem "minor" at the time, then later become the stories we tell at dinner parties, and are ultimately the moments that build us as a person.
The writing is skilled and packs a punch in all the right places. (Not surprising since Sekoff is the founding editor of the Huffington Post.) He writes with raw emotion and honesty, after finishing the book I felt like we were friends.
The title and subtitle are a perfect reflection of what's in these essays. I hadn't heard of Sekoff before reading this, and I'm definitely going to pay attention to what he's doing from here on out!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Big A Books for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
Reminiscent of the work of David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs, these essays put a hilarious spin on awkward moments in Sekoff's life. From discovering his dad's porn collection as a kid, to scattering his parents' ashes as an adult/father, Sekoff does a stellar job highlighting significant moments in his life. These are the moments we all have, some of which may seem "minor" at the time, then later become the stories we tell at dinner parties, and are ultimately the moments that build us as a person.
The writing is skilled and packs a punch in all the right places. (Not surprising since Sekoff is the founding editor of the Huffington Post.) He writes with raw emotion and honesty, after finishing the book I felt like we were friends.
The title and subtitle are a perfect reflection of what's in these essays. I hadn't heard of Sekoff before reading this, and I'm definitely going to pay attention to what he's doing from here on out!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Big A Books for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2018
Just the brain cleanse I needed! This book is like having a goofy, intelligent old friend over for drinks. Sekoff’s personal stories are hilarious and, at times, enlightening. He’s just self-deprecating enough to be believable and trustworthy, and adventurous enough to have some good stories to tell. I’m now wondering if I’m missing out having never had a high colonic.
I learned a little and laughed a lot. Definitely pick this one up – you’ll speed through it and enjoy every page.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Big A Books for the advance copy in exchange for my review.
I learned a little and laughed a lot. Definitely pick this one up – you’ll speed through it and enjoy every page.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Big A Books for the advance copy in exchange for my review.
July 9, 2018
Sekoff’s autobiographical snapshot into his life, is a hilarious look back on a boy to man and everything in between. The book jumps timelines so it is not a lateral a to z but it does offer insight into the high jinx of the founding editor of the Huffington Post.
The book is well written and there is a lot to entertain and marvel at his interesting view of his world. There is a hyperactive charm within the pages and his writing style makes it easy for the reader to delve into his mad cap life. The most interesting is that although he has his own view, he never really uses a person to poke fun at but more of the situation. His aim here is to look at the funny side of a situation to have a deeper understanding.
The episodic appeal of the book does lift this up from the norm and allows the book to breathe. Reading more like essays on a life than a straightforward autobiography which appeals to the novel strengths. Luckily, the book never goes into politics which in the current climate is a blessing though there is two slight digs which are obvious jokes but fortunately, he takes the higher ground.
Overall, this is a fun novel that doesn’t degrade those around him to find the humour but he finds it through situations which gives us a story about a boy who looks at the world to find value. The book passes by so fast that after you read the final page, it will leave you wanting more.
The book is well written and there is a lot to entertain and marvel at his interesting view of his world. There is a hyperactive charm within the pages and his writing style makes it easy for the reader to delve into his mad cap life. The most interesting is that although he has his own view, he never really uses a person to poke fun at but more of the situation. His aim here is to look at the funny side of a situation to have a deeper understanding.
The episodic appeal of the book does lift this up from the norm and allows the book to breathe. Reading more like essays on a life than a straightforward autobiography which appeals to the novel strengths. Luckily, the book never goes into politics which in the current climate is a blessing though there is two slight digs which are obvious jokes but fortunately, he takes the higher ground.
Overall, this is a fun novel that doesn’t degrade those around him to find the humour but he finds it through situations which gives us a story about a boy who looks at the world to find value. The book passes by so fast that after you read the final page, it will leave you wanting more.
June 10, 2018
This book is hilarious. It is stories from Roy Sekoff’s life, some embarrassing, and some quite crude but still funny.
There are stories from his life starting in his childhood and extending into his adult years. These are things he (anyone) wouldn’t ever want to admit to parents. I laughed through most of the book. He is a wonderful storyteller and gifted writer.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Big A Books for the ARC in return for my honest feedback
There are stories from his life starting in his childhood and extending into his adult years. These are things he (anyone) wouldn’t ever want to admit to parents. I laughed through most of the book. He is a wonderful storyteller and gifted writer.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Big A Books for the ARC in return for my honest feedback
December 19, 2018
This was a collection of mildly amusing anecdotes told by the founding editor of The Huffington Post. He includes stories of his experiences meeting famous people like Oprah Winfrey, Chevy Chase, Khole
Kardashian and such. But the strangest and perhaps most interesting story is about how he and a roommate got interested in high colonics and thus pursued a "health habit" which he continues to this day of fasting and purging which even though it's TMI, is perversely fascinating.
I can't agree with the book jacket which describes the stories as being "always hilarious" but I do agree with the blurb by Larry David which says, "I've read worse."
Kardashian and such. But the strangest and perhaps most interesting story is about how he and a roommate got interested in high colonics and thus pursued a "health habit" which he continues to this day of fasting and purging which even though it's TMI, is perversely fascinating.
I can't agree with the book jacket which describes the stories as being "always hilarious" but I do agree with the blurb by Larry David which says, "I've read worse."
December 15, 2025
I laughed here and there.
October 18, 2022
This was in my Kindle Unlimited recs, and sounded funny based on the description. But whewww i did not know what i was in for based on the description lol
So here’s what i liked: i smirked 80% of the time reading, most of the stories are really funny. It’s a short read. I didn’t know the connection to HuffPo and loved getting those little insights. I laughed out loud a few times.
What i didn’t know i signed up for: the book is definitely….crude. In some chapters. Actually, chapter 1 was had a particular moment that disturbed me a bit; i didn’t even put the book on my GR because i wasn’t planning on continuing to read if the entire book was similar (lol).
If any level of offensive humor is not your thing i would run in the opposite direction of this book because you will hate this (see lower ranked reviews😬).
Of all the memoirs i’ve read, this one just set out to be funny and crass and authentic to the author. He clearly gave 0 F’s as to how he might be viewed after putting this out (hence the subtitle). And it did just that. Is it my most favorite book i’ve ever read? No. Did i mostly enjoy it? Yep. Did i internally say “yikes” a few times throughout? Yep.
But it definitely accomplished whatever the goal was here… and for that, i feel obligated to give it 5 stars???? I do not, as the youths say, “have no choice but to stan” but i’ll be damned if the author didn’t put out a genuine-to-him memoir. This is my strangest read this year, i dunno what to say. 🤣
So here’s what i liked: i smirked 80% of the time reading, most of the stories are really funny. It’s a short read. I didn’t know the connection to HuffPo and loved getting those little insights. I laughed out loud a few times.
What i didn’t know i signed up for: the book is definitely….crude. In some chapters. Actually, chapter 1 was had a particular moment that disturbed me a bit; i didn’t even put the book on my GR because i wasn’t planning on continuing to read if the entire book was similar (lol).
If any level of offensive humor is not your thing i would run in the opposite direction of this book because you will hate this (see lower ranked reviews😬).
Of all the memoirs i’ve read, this one just set out to be funny and crass and authentic to the author. He clearly gave 0 F’s as to how he might be viewed after putting this out (hence the subtitle). And it did just that. Is it my most favorite book i’ve ever read? No. Did i mostly enjoy it? Yep. Did i internally say “yikes” a few times throughout? Yep.
But it definitely accomplished whatever the goal was here… and for that, i feel obligated to give it 5 stars???? I do not, as the youths say, “have no choice but to stan” but i’ll be damned if the author didn’t put out a genuine-to-him memoir. This is my strangest read this year, i dunno what to say. 🤣
May 15, 2018
The Founding Editor of the Huffington Post shares the true stories of his life that he couldn’t tell until after his parents died. I chose this book because the title and the book cover made me laugh. After I began reading the book, I realized that the author and I are complete opposites. For example, Mr. Sekoff shares a great story about his skepticism and lack of respect for clairvoyants. That describes how far apart in lives and beliefs the author are and how we would each think of the other.
But then, two stories bridged the chasm for me. We are both sports fans and we both have had Khloe Kardashian moments. As I read more I saw that we also share a positive, upbeat outlook and we both love wry stories that make us laugh. So, this book grew on me, in spite of my initial shock.
There are plenty of hilarious tales of the author’s childhood, and teenage and college years. He’s a guy, so be prepared for lots of funny episodes with his father’s porn collection and his eye-opening visit to Times Square. Laugh-out-loud lines appear on every page as we go with him on dates, and share his work experiences. As I read, I highlighted many well-crafted phrases.
Mr. Sekoff is a gifted writer, and a sweet and smart guy. Lose or loosen your own self-control and enjoy the book!
But then, two stories bridged the chasm for me. We are both sports fans and we both have had Khloe Kardashian moments. As I read more I saw that we also share a positive, upbeat outlook and we both love wry stories that make us laugh. So, this book grew on me, in spite of my initial shock.
There are plenty of hilarious tales of the author’s childhood, and teenage and college years. He’s a guy, so be prepared for lots of funny episodes with his father’s porn collection and his eye-opening visit to Times Square. Laugh-out-loud lines appear on every page as we go with him on dates, and share his work experiences. As I read, I highlighted many well-crafted phrases.
Mr. Sekoff is a gifted writer, and a sweet and smart guy. Lose or loosen your own self-control and enjoy the book!
June 9, 2018
LACKS SELF CONTROL, by Roy Sekoff, is a laugh out loud series of stories from Roy Sekoff's unique past. Between growing up in a unique family, to having crazy celebrity exchanges through his work with Huffpost, to his own neurosis and borderline OCD, Roy seems to have a million stories to tell.
There are a few what I would say "anecdotal" stories that generate a smirk or too, but with some of the stories I had to stop and laugh and find the nearest person to tell them what I just read. There is a rather gross (and funny) chapter about Roy's experiences with high colonics that was a little hard to stomach, When I finished the book, I was surprised it was over, I got the feeling there are so many more stories Roy could tell. My favorite chapter was his crazy New Orleans trip, and a close second was the chapter about Khloe Kardashian and Snoop Dogg.
I wanted more, but nevertheless LACK'S SELF CONTROL was entertaining and comically and I would read another book of Roy Sekoff's life experience without hesitation.
Thank you to Big A Books, Roy Sekoff, and Netgalley for copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
There are a few what I would say "anecdotal" stories that generate a smirk or too, but with some of the stories I had to stop and laugh and find the nearest person to tell them what I just read. There is a rather gross (and funny) chapter about Roy's experiences with high colonics that was a little hard to stomach, When I finished the book, I was surprised it was over, I got the feeling there are so many more stories Roy could tell. My favorite chapter was his crazy New Orleans trip, and a close second was the chapter about Khloe Kardashian and Snoop Dogg.
I wanted more, but nevertheless LACK'S SELF CONTROL was entertaining and comically and I would read another book of Roy Sekoff's life experience without hesitation.
Thank you to Big A Books, Roy Sekoff, and Netgalley for copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
July 22, 2018
By Roy Sekoff
A lighter, less embellished, but just as entertaining compilation of vignettes reminiscent of David Sedaris' stories. The main theme that runs through Sekoff's book is porn - his father loves it, his 12-year-old self discovers it, he inherits a large collection of it. There's also a father/son bonding attempt by way of a nudie theater production, a play-by-play recounting of high colonic adventures, a decidedly unflattering encounter with Chevy Chase, and much more. Sekoff's writing reveals a Jewish sensibility, a (to my way of thinking) clear-headed skepticism, and a wonderful sense of the absurd. His talent for storytelling make this memoir a joy to read, all the while laughing out loud along with the author who has managed to succeed in life despite the unanimous opinion of his teachers that he "lacks self-control."
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A lighter, less embellished, but just as entertaining compilation of vignettes reminiscent of David Sedaris' stories. The main theme that runs through Sekoff's book is porn - his father loves it, his 12-year-old self discovers it, he inherits a large collection of it. There's also a father/son bonding attempt by way of a nudie theater production, a play-by-play recounting of high colonic adventures, a decidedly unflattering encounter with Chevy Chase, and much more. Sekoff's writing reveals a Jewish sensibility, a (to my way of thinking) clear-headed skepticism, and a wonderful sense of the absurd. His talent for storytelling make this memoir a joy to read, all the while laughing out loud along with the author who has managed to succeed in life despite the unanimous opinion of his teachers that he "lacks self-control."
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2018
Not as funny as advertsied
The blurb for this set some mighty high standards - an orgy of comedy between people who have been known to make me snort barely restrained laughter in public places? I'm in, we could all use a good laugh now and again.
Regretfully, it didn't live up to the hype. While well written and edited, it reads like tales told years after the fact by siblings or friends after one too many adult beverages. The universal truth behind that sort of story is that it's way funnier in person, especially when you know everyone involved. An audio version of the book may present better.
I don't regret the time spent reading the book, but probably won't look for more from this author. An example of the writing:
"I was the picture of health. The “Before” picture. A person susceptible to frequent colds, sore throats, swollen glands, sinus congestion, headaches, and—like dear old mom—the sudden need to find a bathroom."
The blurb for this set some mighty high standards - an orgy of comedy between people who have been known to make me snort barely restrained laughter in public places? I'm in, we could all use a good laugh now and again.
Regretfully, it didn't live up to the hype. While well written and edited, it reads like tales told years after the fact by siblings or friends after one too many adult beverages. The universal truth behind that sort of story is that it's way funnier in person, especially when you know everyone involved. An audio version of the book may present better.
I don't regret the time spent reading the book, but probably won't look for more from this author. An example of the writing:
"I was the picture of health. The “Before” picture. A person susceptible to frequent colds, sore throats, swollen glands, sinus congestion, headaches, and—like dear old mom—the sudden need to find a bathroom."
November 17, 2019
Thank GOD he wanted until his parents were dead to tell these stories.
They run from gross to inappropriate to slightly amusing to touching.
We get to hear about his dad's porn collection (look, porn's not my cup of tea, but whatever. And he was a hormone-filled kid) to the porn favorites of his brother and his brother's friends (sex with a dog - I had to fast-forward through that one) then touching stories about his mom and dad, then more porn and how does one destash a porn collection made up of VHS tapes --- a very weird story, but slightly touching? Then a totally gross, way too long discussion of self-administered colon cleansing. There must be an audience for this... but it certainly isn't me or my friends.
I think I kept listening because 1) I had nothing else and 2) I kept hoping there would be an endearing story interspersed with the gross. "Spoiler alert" --- there were a few but not as many as I wanted.
They run from gross to inappropriate to slightly amusing to touching.
We get to hear about his dad's porn collection (look, porn's not my cup of tea, but whatever. And he was a hormone-filled kid) to the porn favorites of his brother and his brother's friends (sex with a dog - I had to fast-forward through that one) then touching stories about his mom and dad, then more porn and how does one destash a porn collection made up of VHS tapes --- a very weird story, but slightly touching? Then a totally gross, way too long discussion of self-administered colon cleansing. There must be an audience for this... but it certainly isn't me or my friends.
I think I kept listening because 1) I had nothing else and 2) I kept hoping there would be an endearing story interspersed with the gross. "Spoiler alert" --- there were a few but not as many as I wanted.
March 22, 2023
82% I’m ashamed to say. I don’t know why I let kindle unlimited convince me to read this in the first place. A collection of tepid anecdotes so dated I didn’t even recognize half the references, and the ones I did brought me back to Lawrence Welkian nights watching TV at my grandparents’ house. And dated doesn’t even begin to excuse his horrible attitudes about women, which open the book and reappear with regularity despite never moving beyond the most leering physical descriptions. Even his wife never gets a more full description than “delightful”, but the other women he ogles seem to have left no impression on him at all other than Boobs, Butt, Legs, Won’t Sleep With Me, Did Sleep With Me. Somehow infuriating AND boring.
ETA: seriously concerned about how many positive reviews this book has. Did I fall through a wormhole and we all live in the movie Porky’s here? That’s the only explanation. I miss 2023 😭
ETA: seriously concerned about how many positive reviews this book has. Did I fall through a wormhole and we all live in the movie Porky’s here? That’s the only explanation. I miss 2023 😭
May 22, 2018
This isn't laugh-out-loud funny like Jenny Lawson's "Furiously Happy" or Howie Mandel's "Don't Touch Me". But, it's thoroughly entertaining in a dark and mildly humorous way. Sekoff tells stories like you're sitting down at a bar with him, or snorting lines off the back of a toilet together. (Please don't message me with propositions. This is not actually something I would do.) You feel like he's telling you secrets. My favorite story in the book was how Chevy Chase grabbed his balls at a wake. Maybe THAT one should have been kept a secret (egad).
Although I received this book through NetGalley free to review, all opinions stated here are my own.
Although I received this book through NetGalley free to review, all opinions stated here are my own.
June 7, 2018
Dear Roy Sekoff - will you be my IRL friend?
This book is full of tales of puberty, drugs, celebrities, sex....all stuff Roy couldn't/shouldn't have told his parents - and really - When part of your sexual awakening involved your dad's porn collection....he was right to wait.
Roy is a talented writer (um, hello Huffington Post) and writes these stories with a friendliness and openness of someone who is not ashamed of anything. I like that. It's honest.
Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley and Roy Sekoff for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book is full of tales of puberty, drugs, celebrities, sex....all stuff Roy couldn't/shouldn't have told his parents - and really - When part of your sexual awakening involved your dad's porn collection....he was right to wait.
Roy is a talented writer (um, hello Huffington Post) and writes these stories with a friendliness and openness of someone who is not ashamed of anything. I like that. It's honest.
Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley and Roy Sekoff for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 11, 2018
Oh my, I loved this book!!! this is a laugh out loud book. The stories were hilarious and well written. I didn't want the book to end. I cannot pick my favorite story (though the one about the cleansing was funny as you know what), as they were all good. Excellent read. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Although I received the book in this manner, it did not affect my opinion of this book nor my review.
August 13, 2022
Reviewing a memoir is always difficult, as how one reacts to them is entirely subjective. I'm not particularly into Huffington...I really didn't know who Sekoff was before picking this book up. I just really like memoirs.
A quick and easy read, this collection was very entertaining. I loved the search for the perfect place to dispose of his late father's porn collection. It's something many adult children have to do, yet no one talks about.
A quick and easy read, this collection was very entertaining. I loved the search for the perfect place to dispose of his late father's porn collection. It's something many adult children have to do, yet no one talks about.
June 24, 2018
"Lacks Self-Control" is a terrific memoir. Roy is funny, self-effacing, and candid, a terrific look at a life that involves many hilarious mishaps and mistakes, just like all of us! Really entertaining! - https://johnrieber.com/2018/06/12/roy...
April 26, 2019
Why oh why does every male's memoir need to recount their teens and 20s oversexed history? We get it. You have a PENIS! Good for you!
In fairness, his father's porn collection does make a fairly comical character and storyline projectile. In which case this book should be called "My Dad and I Love Porn" and Also I Used to Have Waaaaaaay More Sex with Total Randos".
In fairness, his father's porn collection does make a fairly comical character and storyline projectile. In which case this book should be called "My Dad and I Love Porn" and Also I Used to Have Waaaaaaay More Sex with Total Randos".
November 14, 2020
This was a decent read. I read it uptil the 30% mark and the stories were quite interesting. I liked the first story the best. Didn't gain an interest in the second one and gave up mid-way on the third story. However, I was expecting to read something that's more "experiential" or something of an "old man's wisdom". What was more fun than the stories is the writing style of the author.
November 9, 2024
Just ok
Definitely more a book for guys. I was hoping it would be anecdotes about his school days and getting in trouble for impulsivity. Instead it is a record of details about his parents that they could be mortified to read (ex: his dad’s porn collection).
The writing was good I just was not a fan of the content.
Definitely more a book for guys. I was hoping it would be anecdotes about his school days and getting in trouble for impulsivity. Instead it is a record of details about his parents that they could be mortified to read (ex: his dad’s porn collection).
The writing was good I just was not a fan of the content.
August 4, 2018
I received a copy of Lacks Self Control as part of the giveaway program. Sekoff is a riot. He's brave to putting embarrassing stories on paper and share them with the world. As I read the book, I often wondered what my father would say if I had done something comparable.
May 9, 2019
We are proud to announce that LACKS SELF-CONTROL: True Stories I waited Until My Parents Died to Tell by Roy Sekoff is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
April 18, 2022
I finished this book, because I cannot not finish a book. I have to tell you, there are times I laughed out loud and some times for a while, but in general the book made me very uncomfortable and I could’ve done without several of the chapters.
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