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Thirsty
A hilarious rollercoaster ride of life behind the curtains with Australia's funniest rising star of comedy
With a foreword by Chrissie Swan
Joel Creasey has known he wanted to be on the world’s stage since he was in short pants, and nothing was going to get in his way. After his first stand-up performance at 17, he had to follow his dream – that is, to always have the spotlight on him.
His breakout moment was appearing on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, and now he's a comedy superstar, performing non-stop at sellout events in Australia and around the world. Even the late, great comedy superstar Joan Rivers was a fan, inviting him to open for her last Broadway shows.
Like Joel, Thirsty is acerbically funny, and full of his most personal, hilarious, joyous, heartbreaking, outrageous, ridiculous and scandalous stories. From what it’s like to be growing up gay in suburban Australia, with parents who understand the call of the spotlight - his mum was a West End actress, his dad starred in the famous Solo Man advertisements and both his parents were extras in Star Wars – to his early life at school, finding his comedy and what life is like on the road now.
From the ridiculous (visiting the anti-gay capital of Australia) to the sublime (opening for his idol Joan Rivers), this is the story of a hopeless romantic who believes women should run the world and men should just kiss him.
With a foreword by Chrissie Swan
Joel Creasey has known he wanted to be on the world’s stage since he was in short pants, and nothing was going to get in his way. After his first stand-up performance at 17, he had to follow his dream – that is, to always have the spotlight on him.
His breakout moment was appearing on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, and now he's a comedy superstar, performing non-stop at sellout events in Australia and around the world. Even the late, great comedy superstar Joan Rivers was a fan, inviting him to open for her last Broadway shows.
Like Joel, Thirsty is acerbically funny, and full of his most personal, hilarious, joyous, heartbreaking, outrageous, ridiculous and scandalous stories. From what it’s like to be growing up gay in suburban Australia, with parents who understand the call of the spotlight - his mum was a West End actress, his dad starred in the famous Solo Man advertisements and both his parents were extras in Star Wars – to his early life at school, finding his comedy and what life is like on the road now.
From the ridiculous (visiting the anti-gay capital of Australia) to the sublime (opening for his idol Joan Rivers), this is the story of a hopeless romantic who believes women should run the world and men should just kiss him.
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First published November 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 21, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive a signed advanced reading copy of this book.
Thirsty is a FABulous memoir of a 27 year old man, who still looks like a boy and jokes around like he is a teenager. Joel Creasey is not just a stand-up comedian. He has been many things in his short life and in this book he shares many of his life experiences.
Joel tells us in his own words about the life he lived growing up, coming out and moving on. As you read the pages you can just picture him there, in front of you, telling you the story. He starts to tell you a tale, then moves off an a tangent with another tale, before bringing it all back to the start. You will laugh with this book and I have to admit, there are times you might just tear up a little. I had a tough time reading the section about where he flies to LA as a boy and returns a man. What he did for his best friend during that time and what he felt during a performance of Wicked just tore at my heart strings. This is a side of the man that you so rarely see.
If you are in to celebrity spotting, you need to read this book. Joel has been up close with so many of the world's best, although, if you are a top female comedian, watch out. He opened for Joan Rivers the day before she died and spent 10 minutes hugging Carrie Fisher just days before she passed on. There are a lot of juicy stories within these pages but I am so not going to share them or the little insights into this world of celebrity as you really need to read this book.
Joel presents himself to the world in this book and opens up his heart and his eyes to bare his truths to you, the reader. This is more in depth than watching his comedy act. He is letting you in further to give you a better view of his world and how he made it within ours.
Thanks for your bravery, for your insights and for just being so effing funny! I know the people on the plane around me must have been wondering about why I was giggling so much. I believe with Joel, it has to be a giggle...it just fits. Keep the funny coming Joel. As much as I would like to say we need more people like you in the world, I know you would hate to share the spotlight! It shines bright on you.
Thirsty is a FABulous memoir of a 27 year old man, who still looks like a boy and jokes around like he is a teenager. Joel Creasey is not just a stand-up comedian. He has been many things in his short life and in this book he shares many of his life experiences.
Joel tells us in his own words about the life he lived growing up, coming out and moving on. As you read the pages you can just picture him there, in front of you, telling you the story. He starts to tell you a tale, then moves off an a tangent with another tale, before bringing it all back to the start. You will laugh with this book and I have to admit, there are times you might just tear up a little. I had a tough time reading the section about where he flies to LA as a boy and returns a man. What he did for his best friend during that time and what he felt during a performance of Wicked just tore at my heart strings. This is a side of the man that you so rarely see.
If you are in to celebrity spotting, you need to read this book. Joel has been up close with so many of the world's best, although, if you are a top female comedian, watch out. He opened for Joan Rivers the day before she died and spent 10 minutes hugging Carrie Fisher just days before she passed on. There are a lot of juicy stories within these pages but I am so not going to share them or the little insights into this world of celebrity as you really need to read this book.
Joel presents himself to the world in this book and opens up his heart and his eyes to bare his truths to you, the reader. This is more in depth than watching his comedy act. He is letting you in further to give you a better view of his world and how he made it within ours.
Thanks for your bravery, for your insights and for just being so effing funny! I know the people on the plane around me must have been wondering about why I was giggling so much. I believe with Joel, it has to be a giggle...it just fits. Keep the funny coming Joel. As much as I would like to say we need more people like you in the world, I know you would hate to share the spotlight! It shines bright on you.
November 16, 2017
I have the biggest crush on Joel Creasey, I’m not ashamed to say that I regularly google “Joel Creasey Nudes” in hopes of leaked photos, the guy is majorly crush worthy.
Up until a few years ago I’d never even heard of Mr. Creasey as I’m not the biggest fan of stand up comedy, but every now and again the social media sensation, chooky girl Cherylyn Barnes, would talk about him and so I looked him up and have been in love ever since. The guy is funny as hell, he’s like the gay best friend that we all know we want and need, and his book is absolutely, positively, knee slappingly hilarious. I was on the bus and burst out laughing, much to the dismay of the grumpy bus patrons, it’s the kind of book that is so funny that I was putting it down and clapping to myself. His humour is distinctly Australian and a lot of his general mannerisms I found funny, he has the best way of telling a story, I don’t even mind that he’s a potty mouth that’s unable to form a sentence without the word “f**k”.
Please please please read this book, it’s so funny and I had the best time with it. Also, I need a second book about all the awful celebrities he’s encountered... I’m looking at you Reese Witherspoon and Christina Aguilera!!
Up until a few years ago I’d never even heard of Mr. Creasey as I’m not the biggest fan of stand up comedy, but every now and again the social media sensation, chooky girl Cherylyn Barnes, would talk about him and so I looked him up and have been in love ever since. The guy is funny as hell, he’s like the gay best friend that we all know we want and need, and his book is absolutely, positively, knee slappingly hilarious. I was on the bus and burst out laughing, much to the dismay of the grumpy bus patrons, it’s the kind of book that is so funny that I was putting it down and clapping to myself. His humour is distinctly Australian and a lot of his general mannerisms I found funny, he has the best way of telling a story, I don’t even mind that he’s a potty mouth that’s unable to form a sentence without the word “f**k”.
Please please please read this book, it’s so funny and I had the best time with it. Also, I need a second book about all the awful celebrities he’s encountered... I’m looking at you Reese Witherspoon and Christina Aguilera!!
November 1, 2017
Absolutely wet myself the whole time 😂😂😂
June 13, 2018
With the exception of the last two chapters which I did find boring, this memoir is wonderful! Almost every page turn had me laughing out loud and for a good while. There were several occasions when I laughed until I ran out of breath, and once I shared a few pages with a colleague and we both laughed until we cried! (The bull story!).
This memoir is essentially a standup routine with heart. I got a lot personally, from some of Joel's insights, and overall this book inspired me to really get into reading again; something I've struggled with for a decade. I rarely finish a book these days, and this book had me gagging to get back to reading each day. I stayed up hours past bedtime to read, and even took it to work to sneak in a read whenever I could.
Such an uplifting, insightful and effortlessly entertaining text!
This memoir is essentially a standup routine with heart. I got a lot personally, from some of Joel's insights, and overall this book inspired me to really get into reading again; something I've struggled with for a decade. I rarely finish a book these days, and this book had me gagging to get back to reading each day. I stayed up hours past bedtime to read, and even took it to work to sneak in a read whenever I could.
Such an uplifting, insightful and effortlessly entertaining text!
November 6, 2020
Two things I learned from reading this.
1. Don't stand too close to Joel if there is a bull nearby.
2. Two glasses of white wine he'll give you something special. :)
From start to finish it is a great read that will have you laughing out loudly.
Definitely do yourself a favour and get Thirsty by Joel Creasy.
1. Don't stand too close to Joel if there is a bull nearby.
2. Two glasses of white wine he'll give you something special. :)
From start to finish it is a great read that will have you laughing out loudly.
Definitely do yourself a favour and get Thirsty by Joel Creasy.
November 18, 2017
I loved the book, every chance I got I was readying and stayed up late reading as well
March 6, 2025
I didn’t know Joel Creasey much, but I was hoping for more in this memoir.
January 25, 2021
I laughed out loud quite a lot reading this little gem of a book picked up at a Salvo’s store for $2 (sorry Joel)
The main thing I loved about it was Joel’s absolute love for his parents and his Christopher Pyne style non-apologetic writing about his privileged upbringing.
ps I really want to get invited to one of Terry and Jenny Creasey’s soirees!
The main thing I loved about it was Joel’s absolute love for his parents and his Christopher Pyne style non-apologetic writing about his privileged upbringing.
ps I really want to get invited to one of Terry and Jenny Creasey’s soirees!
July 11, 2018
An entertaining read, often funny but the stereotypical kind of gay that Joel represents (which is perfectly valid) can sometimes feel alienating. While that in itself isn't a fair critique (Joel is who he is) I found that there wasn't too much surprising in his story or humour, and at least one star removed for his overuse of sass/sassy.
April 20, 2023
Such a witty man! Love it
September 16, 2020
4.5 Stars
It's like having a tiny piece of Joel Creasey on your bookshelf...
In this memoir, Joel pulls back the curtain on his journey to comedy stardom. From reigning tyrant at his private school and working in radio, to getting dropped in the African jungle and doing the comedy circuit, Joel has SO many stories to tell, and you can tell that some are only scraping the surface (there's probably SO much tea to spill that it'd require another whole book, so I really hope you're writing one Joel!).
I've been a fan of Joel since he appeared on the first Australian season of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, so this book has been on my radar since it's release. I actually ended up listening to the audiobook, which is honestly the best way to read the book - it's literally like being at one of Joel's standup shows, but it lasts almost 7 hours. Because Joel's comedy revolves around storytelling, the book is such a joy to read as it feels really familiar, which some of it probably is since he's referenced things in his shows.
The pages ooze Joel and his personality, injecting a lot of dramatics into the most mundane of stories. There's just never a dull moment and you'll be laughing and gasping as Joel shares stories from his life and his encounters with other celebrities. It's of course not all laughs, with heartbreak and sad moments lightly scattered throughout, but even then he doesn't bring you totally down, keeping things light as he shares what he's learnt or overcome from these experiences.
As I've said before, it's really had to review autobiographies, because outside of the way it's written, you're essentially judging someone's life and the stories they have to tell. But I feel like I can safely say that Joel could be writing about the most boring thing ever, and he'd still put a comedic spin on it and make it entertaining. If you're a fan of his standup, you'll really enjoy this book, particularly if you decide to listen to the audiobook.
It's like having a tiny piece of Joel Creasey on your bookshelf...
In this memoir, Joel pulls back the curtain on his journey to comedy stardom. From reigning tyrant at his private school and working in radio, to getting dropped in the African jungle and doing the comedy circuit, Joel has SO many stories to tell, and you can tell that some are only scraping the surface (there's probably SO much tea to spill that it'd require another whole book, so I really hope you're writing one Joel!).
I've been a fan of Joel since he appeared on the first Australian season of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, so this book has been on my radar since it's release. I actually ended up listening to the audiobook, which is honestly the best way to read the book - it's literally like being at one of Joel's standup shows, but it lasts almost 7 hours. Because Joel's comedy revolves around storytelling, the book is such a joy to read as it feels really familiar, which some of it probably is since he's referenced things in his shows.
The pages ooze Joel and his personality, injecting a lot of dramatics into the most mundane of stories. There's just never a dull moment and you'll be laughing and gasping as Joel shares stories from his life and his encounters with other celebrities. It's of course not all laughs, with heartbreak and sad moments lightly scattered throughout, but even then he doesn't bring you totally down, keeping things light as he shares what he's learnt or overcome from these experiences.
As I've said before, it's really had to review autobiographies, because outside of the way it's written, you're essentially judging someone's life and the stories they have to tell. But I feel like I can safely say that Joel could be writing about the most boring thing ever, and he'd still put a comedic spin on it and make it entertaining. If you're a fan of his standup, you'll really enjoy this book, particularly if you decide to listen to the audiobook.
December 12, 2017
It’s funny. I never really liked Joel Creasey. He irritated me. I didn’t warm to him. Which is strange because 30 years ago I knew a lot of Joel Creasey's. Camp. Over-the-top gay guys with no filters and just as judgemental. I hung out with them. They were my friends. I must have matured. Or they did. ANYWAY.... When he and Myf took over Eurovision commentary I was flabbergasted. I was soo disappointed. I wasn’t prepared to give him a chance because I loved Sam and Julia. But when it came to Finals time, well, what can I say, he made me laugh. And laugh. I noticed him. And he is farking funny. So when I saw this book as being available in the library catalogue, I borrowed it. And actually liked it. Yes he “overshares” but he also tells his story, his ups and downs, ins and outs, so we get to know more about him. So yes I was judgemental but now I can actually say I like him. And I’m very interested to see what he does next.
April 6, 2020
Comedian and media personality, Joel Creasey, notes that he is young to be writing a memoir, but it’s always fascinating to see how people make it into showbiz and achieve fame. Joel details his home life, his comedy and media rise, and life as a gay kid / man. In some ways Joel has had a fairly angst-free life, though being gay is never a straightforward road. He is honest about his failures and successes and delivers some great one-liners. I think what I appreciated most was his professionalism and how the show must go on despite any chaos behind the curtain of whatever production you’re in.
July 24, 2020
Firstly, I would love to have Joel as my friend. There would never be a boring moment when you're in the same room as him. He can definitely put a spin on any given moment and the commentary would be worth gold. His life has been full of adventure and mishaps, but the one thing that always shone through was his love for his family and dearest friends. If you're after a fun and witty read from a man who sometimes has no shame telling you all about himself with splendour and candor, then this book would appeal.
March 7, 2018
I couldn’t put this down, very funny read, and incredibly easy to read, written in such a relaxed style, you can actually imagine Joel is speaking directly to you.
A number of places through the book I actually laughed out loud, it’s not often anyone can write their story and generate laughter, a rare gift.
Joel is a funny funny comedian and in this book, shows he has talent in writing also. Would recommend this one!
A number of places through the book I actually laughed out loud, it’s not often anyone can write their story and generate laughter, a rare gift.
Joel is a funny funny comedian and in this book, shows he has talent in writing also. Would recommend this one!
April 2, 2018
I don’t even know who Joel Creasey is and yet I read this! I vaguely know that he’s a comedian and a minor celeb but have not watched a thing of his. Why did I even listen to this?! It was narrated by the man himself and was an easy and relatively entertaining read. He’s self-deprecating but not hilarious. I admire his hard work and drive towards fame. Might have to go and google him now...
July 21, 2018
My favourite memoirs are memoirs by people with a distinct voice, and who write in that voice. While reading this book, it felt like Joel was sitting across from me, reading it to me. Piss-your-pants funny, Thirsty gives a good look into the hard work and persistence it takes to become one of Australia's best comics - and the moments and experiences that shaped him.
December 31, 2017
Great book!!! Really enjoyable to read about Joel's life (so far) and his rise to stardom!
Makes me eager to watch him in stand up, but also I think it just makes me eager to watch anyone in stand up comedy.
Makes me eager to watch him in stand up, but also I think it just makes me eager to watch anyone in stand up comedy.
March 31, 2018
I actually listened to the audiobook narrated by Joel himself - hilarious! Great, funny, crass and candid stories full of character. I really enjoyed it (traditionally not an audiobook person but this made my daily commute in the car fun & less ragey).
February 6, 2018
An acerbic witty and incredibly moving story of Joel Creasey's life. It was just like the way Creasey does his stand up quick witty and to the point with a point of oversharing
September 25, 2018
Bloody brilliant
November 2, 2018
Loved it what a great sense of humor. Was a great easy read. Big fan.
December 13, 2018
Narrated by the author, this audiobook was good fun.
January 10, 2019
An amusing and interesting read. Love him or not .. you cannot but admire this young man’s determination and success.
April 15, 2019
After a lot of mediocre books to start this year, this was such a delight. I highly recommend the audiobook, audio by stand up comics is always a good time.
May 6, 2019
I love Joel Creasey and think he is hilarious. Listening to his book being narrated by himself was a lot of fun :)
May 25, 2019
Oh, he is so wonderful. Joan Rivers was right, he is a star.
September 29, 2019
Joel book was good especially for $3. I learned a lot about him. It is amazing how close he was to a lot of famous people before they were famous e.g Heath Ledger. Good book overall.
October 24, 2019
I really enjoyed hearing about Joel’s life (so far). It was an easy and enjoyable read making me laugh out loud at times.
Joel, I was a fan before and I am even more so now. Thanks for sharing.
Joel, I was a fan before and I am even more so now. Thanks for sharing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews