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Do Not Feed the Clown
Do Not Feed The Clown is a box full of satirical delights and irreverent parodies. Consisting of 34 short works, it highlights the absurdities of our socio-political climate, tackles the mayhem of our news cycle, and highlights the inconsistencies of our cultural norms. This is a countercultural book, a bit of a challenge to the system, but in a lighthearted way and in the tradition of the court jester.
The author, Matt Nagin, had his work banned from Funny or Die, which, let’s face it, is all the more reason for you to read this book!
The author, Matt Nagin, had his work banned from Funny or Die, which, let’s face it, is all the more reason for you to read this book!
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2007
5 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Matt Nagin
7 books87 followersMatt Nagin is a writer and comedian. He has published five books. His most recent offering is "The Book of Outcasts," a short story collection. Matt's poem "If We Are Doomed" won the 2018 Spirit First Editor's Choice Award, and his story "The Failure" made Best of Across The Margin 2021. He's published other work in The Binnacle, Void Magazine, and the anthology "Rabbit Hole: Weird Stories Vol. 5. In 2019, his humor book, "Do Not Feed The Clown" was published by Tenth Street Press.
Matt is also a comedian who has performed standup in seven countries, on The Dr. Steve Show, and at The Edinburgh Comedy Festival. He has headlined shows throughout the Southeast, including at The Joke Joint Comedy Club and at a Festival of Fears showcase. He also wrote and directed the short film "Inside Job" that won Best Short at The Mediterranean Film Festival Cannes and Best Supporting Actor at The Nice International Film Festival. Finally, Matt spent several years as a Talent and Show Coordinator for The Gotham Comedy Foundation, a charitable organization that brings comedians into hospitals and senior centers. More info at http://www.mattnagin.com
Matt is also a comedian who has performed standup in seven countries, on The Dr. Steve Show, and at The Edinburgh Comedy Festival. He has headlined shows throughout the Southeast, including at The Joke Joint Comedy Club and at a Festival of Fears showcase. He also wrote and directed the short film "Inside Job" that won Best Short at The Mediterranean Film Festival Cannes and Best Supporting Actor at The Nice International Film Festival. Finally, Matt spent several years as a Talent and Show Coordinator for The Gotham Comedy Foundation, a charitable organization that brings comedians into hospitals and senior centers. More info at http://www.mattnagin.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 3, 2021
Once again Matt Nagin cooks up his innovative wit flavored with satire challenging traditional beliefs. Do Not Feed The Clown is a buffet of hysterical commentary on socio-political subjects most would consider taboo. Religion, Homosexuality and Racism along with many other entrees are all on the menu. This book is a must for anyone and everyone that enjoys laughing at society's contradictions.
The clown is a hungry jokester when unfed.
Judge Santiago Burdon
The clown is a hungry jokester when unfed.
Judge Santiago Burdon
December 21, 2019
Romance today, like the sea, is a chemical-ridden, genetically-modified cesspool likely to poison you to death.
First things first, you absolutely need to be okay with dark humour to enjoy this book. As long as you remember not to take this seriously, you'll be fine! I certainly raised my eyebrows many times, and had to remind myself that Nagin doesn't mean everything he says, especially as most segment are written from the perspective of either a parody of a famous figure or an imaginary person. 'Do Not Feed the Clown' uses sardonic humour to jostle socially acceptable boundaries and raises some pretty interesting points, especially about social justice warriors, virtue signalling and the possibility of being over-sensitised to matters of racism and discrimination. Much like how the court jester could sling verbal barbs at whoever they please - even the powerful - no group is safe from Nagin's brand of sarcastic wit.
One of my favourite segments was the very tongue-in-cheek 'Gay Conversion Therapy 2.0' chapter - not what it sounds like - which hilariously details an action plan towards 'going gay for Jesus' rather than the old turning-off-homosexuality that characterises 'traditional' gay conversion therapy. It also plays off stereotypes of gay men as effeminate and flamboyant to great comedic effect - I think this was likely intentional (especially considering the context of the chapter) and aims to highlight how these caricatures fail to capture the nuance of sexuality and expression.
Religion cannot eradicate human urges. That said, if devout Christians wants [sic] to “reform” homosexuals, they would have way more success aiming for a middle ground. An alternative campaign that might succeed (or, at least, not fail so spectacularly) is titled Go Gay For Jesus! ...Jesus died for our sins — died so that if you wish you can go gay for him — love him wholeheartedly — making him your lord and savior. Never lose sight of all this sexy hunk has done for us. Amen!It was so hard not to cackle out loud as I was reading on the train!
This was actually the first satirical humour book I've ever read, as my brand of humour doesn't usually veer quite so dark - unless we're talking about death. I did enjoy it, but I think it requires a greater and personal understanding of the US socio-political climate to really have full comedic impact. (I've never even visited the USA!) There were a few typos but they had a negligible effect on the book as a whole.
Overall...
...a quick and hilarious read serving as a spicy introduction to the satirical comedy genre. Nagin has also written some acclaimed poetry, which I'll definitely check out too.
Thanks to Tenth Street Press for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 14, 2020
Matt Nagin is a writer, educator, actor, filmmaker, and standup comedian from New York City.
In other words, Nagin is a man of many parts and many talents. In the book "Do Not Feed The Clown," we find him living at the extremes of that identity.
If Lenny Bruce was alive and writing in 2020, this might be a book that he would create. In a collection of smouldering vignettes, Nagin holds up the mirror at much that is abhorrent in this world and then promptly rubs our collective noses in the filth.
At times, you might want to look away, and accusations of poor taste may follow. But this is comic writing on the leading edge. A famous Bruce routine and Nagin's telling piece on "Insensitivity Training" have much in common. The reader, not the writer, defines the power of language. After all, it is only a set of shapes on a page. The dark edges are there to illuminate, not shock.
At times, I found this difficult to read. Nagin's references are drawn from sources far and wide, and his vocabulary is greater than mine. But, if I reflect and ask myself was I glad to read this book, well, the answer must be yes.
"Do Not Feed The Clown" could well be one of those important books that go severely under the radar. I hope, in a small way, this review goes a little way to redress that fear. Please read this book. It will definitely make you think.
In other words, Nagin is a man of many parts and many talents. In the book "Do Not Feed The Clown," we find him living at the extremes of that identity.
If Lenny Bruce was alive and writing in 2020, this might be a book that he would create. In a collection of smouldering vignettes, Nagin holds up the mirror at much that is abhorrent in this world and then promptly rubs our collective noses in the filth.
At times, you might want to look away, and accusations of poor taste may follow. But this is comic writing on the leading edge. A famous Bruce routine and Nagin's telling piece on "Insensitivity Training" have much in common. The reader, not the writer, defines the power of language. After all, it is only a set of shapes on a page. The dark edges are there to illuminate, not shock.
At times, I found this difficult to read. Nagin's references are drawn from sources far and wide, and his vocabulary is greater than mine. But, if I reflect and ask myself was I glad to read this book, well, the answer must be yes.
"Do Not Feed The Clown" could well be one of those important books that go severely under the radar. I hope, in a small way, this review goes a little way to redress that fear. Please read this book. It will definitely make you think.
February 28, 2020
More than a big shtick
There is a sort of manic brilliance at work here. A single paragraph can contain more information than most are used to processing in one take.
What makes comedy work is how *real* it is; even when the analogies seem way off base a good comedian can drive a point home. What may appear in this book as shock for shock value is actually a sly, upper-level satirical view. Sometimes we need to get hit over the head with something before we can see. The best part is, you'll be laughing the whole time!
There is a sort of manic brilliance at work here. A single paragraph can contain more information than most are used to processing in one take.
What makes comedy work is how *real* it is; even when the analogies seem way off base a good comedian can drive a point home. What may appear in this book as shock for shock value is actually a sly, upper-level satirical view. Sometimes we need to get hit over the head with something before we can see. The best part is, you'll be laughing the whole time!
November 12, 2020
This humor collection is a satirical look at today’s society. With sections titled: ‘Brutally Honest Marketing Copy’, ‘A Misanthropic Guide to the Holidays’, and ‘Rejection letters for Famous Authors’; Matt Nagin takes irreverent shots at society at large. Challenging the system, this book is great for any parody, dark humor reader.
I received this book for free for this review.
I received this book for free for this review.
December 12, 2019
good read: accessible, topical, humorous.
December 16, 2019
Ok am I the author's brother, but I still think this book rocks, its hilarious. Who doesn't want to hear a #MeToo Story from a plants perspective after Harvey Wienstien masturbates into her soil and wipes his member on her leaves, or read online postings for acting work exposing the ridiculous extent of what actors do to get famous. Some of the stories that standout in my opinion are: LSD Trip Adviser, Suicide is in again, In Love with a Suicide Bomber, Letters from Management, Stock picks from Satan. The titles alone are great, just wait to you read how insane, boundary pushing, and line crossing Matt Nagin is willing to go. He found Lines I didn't know I had and that's what makes it great, it will invoke disgust, laughter, anger, happiness and sadness. My personal opinion is that any art should evoke emotion [any emotion] if it does that, it's a good work, this book does that and more. I can tell you Matt Nagin wrote these stories with a degree of truth to them, he has taken on acting jobs where he agrees to get beat up for 12 hours with no pay. Yes Matt nagin was anally probed by aliens, that's why this is a great book. Anyone who reads this will laugh their asses off and have a great time doing it! Good work Bro.
*side note for all the haters out there who are pushing their liberal agendas - THIS IS SATIRE - jees, it's an art, he's an artist making a point. No liberals were harmed in the making of this book [other then Matt]
*side note for all the haters out there who are pushing their liberal agendas - THIS IS SATIRE - jees, it's an art, he's an artist making a point. No liberals were harmed in the making of this book [other then Matt]
February 12, 2021
Nagin’s Do Not Feed the Clown is that singularly rare compendium of scorching social commentary and absurd comedy.
Not taking the easy way of promoting a pre-formed agenda but scrutinizing every norm in a not only outside- but nowhere-near-the-box way has become the hallmark of Nagin’s work.
Also not taking the easy way is his use of wildly creative acerbic constructions as opposed to the usual carefully spun propaganda-pabulum to make his points.
Personally, I’m more inclined to apolitical, purely absurd humor, so this was a bit of a hard sell to me. But the sale was made.
If you like your humor like you like your Rubik’s cubes and revolutions, this is your book.
Not taking the easy way of promoting a pre-formed agenda but scrutinizing every norm in a not only outside- but nowhere-near-the-box way has become the hallmark of Nagin’s work.
Also not taking the easy way is his use of wildly creative acerbic constructions as opposed to the usual carefully spun propaganda-pabulum to make his points.
Personally, I’m more inclined to apolitical, purely absurd humor, so this was a bit of a hard sell to me. But the sale was made.
If you like your humor like you like your Rubik’s cubes and revolutions, this is your book.
December 1, 2019
Quick Review: A hilarious read with dark, witty undertones.
Matt Nagin’s ‘ Do Not Feed The Clown’ is more than a book to make you laugh. Well of course it tickles your funny bone but at the same time it will often make you scratch your head and re-read a few sentences with raised eyebrows. Caution: This is not for the faint-hearted or for the staunch followers of ‘The System’. (Leave your ego at the doorstep, please.)
‘Do Not Feed The Clown’, time and again, not only challenges societal notions but also makes us come face to face with the sad reality of today. All with a dash of humour of course!
Matt Nagin’s ‘ Do Not Feed The Clown’ is more than a book to make you laugh. Well of course it tickles your funny bone but at the same time it will often make you scratch your head and re-read a few sentences with raised eyebrows. Caution: This is not for the faint-hearted or for the staunch followers of ‘The System’. (Leave your ego at the doorstep, please.)
‘Do Not Feed The Clown’, time and again, not only challenges societal notions but also makes us come face to face with the sad reality of today. All with a dash of humour of course!
Read
February 4, 2020Matt Nagin's ability to elicit every type of emotion through his most recent work, "Do Not Feed the Clown" makes you hungry for more humorous twists and turns. I highly recommend reading his book - it's brilliantly entertaining, to say the least!
February 20, 2020
This is Hilarious
The plant had me laughing outloud at the gym. Wilma and Santa, Lol. I can't give it away, but Insensitivity training cracked me up. Buy this book and get multiple doses of the best medicine.
The plant had me laughing outloud at the gym. Wilma and Santa, Lol. I can't give it away, but Insensitivity training cracked me up. Buy this book and get multiple doses of the best medicine.
November 26, 2020
I very much enjoyed my first foray into comedy fiction. Matt Nagin's Do Not Feed the Clown pulls no punches and no one is safe.
Written as a series of shorts, Nagin experiments with form to deliver solid humour. Some are written as adverts, while others are monologues from famous faces. My personal favourites included:
New Apps: a series of apps partially in development or would be developed in the future.
Zombie Apocalypse Insurance: an idea that I can't believe isn't already a thing.
Confessions Of A Wayward Santa: a kick in the balls to all your childhood favourites.
Yelp Reviews of the Crucifixion: way too accurate for their own good.
The shorts are quick to read and you'll find yourself saying, "Ooh, just one more..." every time you come to the end of one. It's a very dry humour, balanced on the precipice of dark and outright offensive, but Nagin pulls it off well and manages to satirise even the most untouchable of topics.
My only issues were that some of the jokes were a little repetitive; targeting the same topics for three chapters in a row became a little tiring after a while. I also think this book would be a lot more enjoyable when read by someone who grew up in America, as I did not and some of the references went over my head.
If you're looking for a quick read to give you some laughs and distract from the disasters on the news, look no further than Matt Nagin's Do Not Feed the Clown.
Written as a series of shorts, Nagin experiments with form to deliver solid humour. Some are written as adverts, while others are monologues from famous faces. My personal favourites included:
New Apps: a series of apps partially in development or would be developed in the future.
Zombie Apocalypse Insurance: an idea that I can't believe isn't already a thing.
Confessions Of A Wayward Santa: a kick in the balls to all your childhood favourites.
Yelp Reviews of the Crucifixion: way too accurate for their own good.
The shorts are quick to read and you'll find yourself saying, "Ooh, just one more..." every time you come to the end of one. It's a very dry humour, balanced on the precipice of dark and outright offensive, but Nagin pulls it off well and manages to satirise even the most untouchable of topics.
My only issues were that some of the jokes were a little repetitive; targeting the same topics for three chapters in a row became a little tiring after a while. I also think this book would be a lot more enjoyable when read by someone who grew up in America, as I did not and some of the references went over my head.
If you're looking for a quick read to give you some laughs and distract from the disasters on the news, look no further than Matt Nagin's Do Not Feed the Clown.
March 5, 2020
A very funny, confidently written collection
I enjoyed this book immensely. Perfect for picking up and reading for short periods of time as well, since every chapter is a different story, all of them very creative, intelligent and funny. Kudos to the author. Well done.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Perfect for picking up and reading for short periods of time as well, since every chapter is a different story, all of them very creative, intelligent and funny. Kudos to the author. Well done.
May 23, 2020
Laugh till you cry!!
Having a bad day? Need a laugh? Read this. I laughed till I cried. Hilariously funny satire. this book will keep you in stitches from the first paragraph. Matt Begin has a sense of humor that is unparalleled.
Having a bad day? Need a laugh? Read this. I laughed till I cried. Hilariously funny satire. this book will keep you in stitches from the first paragraph. Matt Begin has a sense of humor that is unparalleled.
May 25, 2021
I had a lot of fun reading this witty book and coming to think of it, has any stand-up comedian catered to the needs of book readers before? If yes, kindly mention them as I would love to read them.
Along with the mild ones, some extreme issues are also discussed in the book. The author has provided a satirical account of the disturbing issues that we come across daily either in news or in our surroundings. So many diverse topics have been dealt with. The author touches on sensitive issues through humour. You may not like reading some chapters because they deal with uncomfortable issues which people generally don't talk about. The book is bold in the sense that it included those uncomfortable topics and made them part of the discussion.
In spite of all the incomprehensible references and uncomfortable issues, the parodies, satires, humorous monologues, witty and clever remarks were an absolute delight to read. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars and take away that 1 star because I didn't understand some of the references and couldn’t enjoy a few chapters.
I would recommend this book to those who have a sense of humour, can read with an open mind, don't get offended easily and, can handle profanity and inappropriate language.
Along with the mild ones, some extreme issues are also discussed in the book. The author has provided a satirical account of the disturbing issues that we come across daily either in news or in our surroundings. So many diverse topics have been dealt with. The author touches on sensitive issues through humour. You may not like reading some chapters because they deal with uncomfortable issues which people generally don't talk about. The book is bold in the sense that it included those uncomfortable topics and made them part of the discussion.
In spite of all the incomprehensible references and uncomfortable issues, the parodies, satires, humorous monologues, witty and clever remarks were an absolute delight to read. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars and take away that 1 star because I didn't understand some of the references and couldn’t enjoy a few chapters.
I would recommend this book to those who have a sense of humour, can read with an open mind, don't get offended easily and, can handle profanity and inappropriate language.
April 1, 2021
Truth be told, I didn't find the book as funny as I was expecting it to be, but it's probably just because I discovered that I personally don't share the same sense of humour as the author.
I did chuckle many times though, and I can see how other people would love reading this book. Most of it reads almost like a stand up comedian telling jokes, or humorous little sketches from a late night comedy show.
Although some of the humour may have gone over my head which made me unable to fully appreciate part of the content, I did enjoy many of the stories and comments within the book. The ones I enjoyed the most were " A Brief Guide to Hell", "A Misanthropic Guide to the Holidays", "Rejection Letters For Famous Authors", "Zombie Apocalypse Insurance" and "Letters From The Management."
This book is not for everyone and is probably better enjoyed in small doses at a time as opposed to binge reading.
I did chuckle many times though, and I can see how other people would love reading this book. Most of it reads almost like a stand up comedian telling jokes, or humorous little sketches from a late night comedy show.
Although some of the humour may have gone over my head which made me unable to fully appreciate part of the content, I did enjoy many of the stories and comments within the book. The ones I enjoyed the most were " A Brief Guide to Hell", "A Misanthropic Guide to the Holidays", "Rejection Letters For Famous Authors", "Zombie Apocalypse Insurance" and "Letters From The Management."
This book is not for everyone and is probably better enjoyed in small doses at a time as opposed to binge reading.
February 19, 2024
Matt Nagin is a remarkable stand up comedian. I'm psyched that some his hilarious insights on modern American life and culture are now available in a book format.
Whether its reading through the array of perverse phony Craigslist ads, the rejection letters for famous authors, or imagining the daily drudgery of life after death in hell, Do Not Feed the Clown, does not fail in hilarity; I laughed out loud.
Nagin is unapologetic and never shy’s away from finding humor in the most taboo topics. I delighted in his fresh and new sarcastic take on religion, terrorism, hell, even the Me-Too movement was not spared from the chopping block.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an appreciation for dark humor and parody. Kudos!
Whether its reading through the array of perverse phony Craigslist ads, the rejection letters for famous authors, or imagining the daily drudgery of life after death in hell, Do Not Feed the Clown, does not fail in hilarity; I laughed out loud.
Nagin is unapologetic and never shy’s away from finding humor in the most taboo topics. I delighted in his fresh and new sarcastic take on religion, terrorism, hell, even the Me-Too movement was not spared from the chopping block.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an appreciation for dark humor and parody. Kudos!
September 3, 2025
Cooked, Clever & Bloody Funny
Matt Nagin’s Do Not Feed The Clown is cooked—and I mean that as a compliment. It’s sharp, weird, and makes you laugh when you probably shouldn’t. The bloke has a way of writing that feels like poetry, comedy, and a bit of a piss-take all rolled into one.
Every page has something that makes you stop and go, “What the hell did I just read?”—then laugh, because it’s actually bloody brilliant. No boring crap, just clever, twisted humour that smacks you in the face.
If you like your reads smart, cheeky, and slightly unhinged, this one’s for you. Feed the clown. Feed him till he pops.
Matt Nagin’s Do Not Feed The Clown is cooked—and I mean that as a compliment. It’s sharp, weird, and makes you laugh when you probably shouldn’t. The bloke has a way of writing that feels like poetry, comedy, and a bit of a piss-take all rolled into one.
Every page has something that makes you stop and go, “What the hell did I just read?”—then laugh, because it’s actually bloody brilliant. No boring crap, just clever, twisted humour that smacks you in the face.
If you like your reads smart, cheeky, and slightly unhinged, this one’s for you. Feed the clown. Feed him till he pops.
June 16, 2021
Just finished reading Do not feed the clown by Matt Nagin.
It’s cleverly written, he touches on things that we all think about but don’t necessarily talk about. He delivers this with detailed narratives and witty punchlines...it’s lol funny, I really enjoyed it, you should check it out on Amazon
It’s cleverly written, he touches on things that we all think about but don’t necessarily talk about. He delivers this with detailed narratives and witty punchlines...it’s lol funny, I really enjoyed it, you should check it out on Amazon
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews