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Funny How Life Works
In his debut book, FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS, Michael Jr. draws on personal stories infused with humor and wisdom to extract impactful life lessons. He walks us through some of his most career-defining moments to emphasize the importance of living life with the punchline in mind. With a comedian's cadence and a dependable friend's outstretched hand, Michael Jr. addresses provocative issues including race, policing in America, forgiveness, socio-economics, and faith with gritty familiarity. While you will find yourself laughing out loud, at its core, FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS reveals that if you pay close attention, the obstacles you face day to day are part of a much bigger plan that can help you realize and fulfill your life's mission. Like many of us, Michael Jr. wrestled with several moments of uncertainty, from living in his car to being held up by officers, but he never lost sight of the bigger picture. In this inspiring and self-reflective book, he implores us to do the same.
244 pages, Hardcover
Published April 13, 2021
54 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Michael Jr.
4 books46 followersExceptionally gifted at combining story with thought-provoking life principles, Michael Jr. exhibits what it means to be a comedic thought leader. Using comedy and dynamic storytelling, he brings laughter and encouragement to audiences all over the world as he inspires audiences to discover and activate their purpose. This unique skill set has landed him on stages like The Tonight Show on NBC, Tedx Talks, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. You can find him in Sony Pictures' feature film War Room, as well as starring roles in Selfie Dad, Laughing On Purpose and More Than Funny.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
January 28, 2021
Funny How Life Works is the perfect read for 2021! Couldn’t everyone use a few laughs right now? However this is not a book that you will laugh your way through, finish and move on with your life. Michael Jr. wrote about his life and it will have you laughing out loud, tearing up, learning life lessons and seeing God in a way you never have before. The book is unique in that it includes you tube links. Michael Jr is a funny humble Christian comedian author! After reading this book, you will agree it is funny how life works! And I guarantee you want a sequel!
January 29, 2021
Wow. Loved this book. This is one of those books where you stay up late and get up early, to finish reading. Inspirational and funny. You may laugh and cry...at the same time. Here's one of my favorite quotes (there are more).
"When you make the decision to do the right thing, God will always work out the details-when the intension is clear, the mechanism will appear." Michael Jr. #funnyhowlifeworks
"When you make the decision to do the right thing, God will always work out the details-when the intension is clear, the mechanism will appear." Michael Jr. #funnyhowlifeworks
January 28, 2021
This is the funniest book I've read in a long time. But more importantly, it's about your finding your purpose in life. I love books that make me think and laugh. After 2020, I so needed this book. I still don't know my purpose in life, but thanks to this book, I'm ready to sit down and figure it out.
January 23, 2021
Michael Jr. is hilarious. This book is funny, inspirational, and challenging in a good way. He may have come from a humble beginning, but the motivation that he gives is larger than this life. It is one of those books that you read and it truly can make you better if you allow it. I am thankful that I did. It is a very easy read. It was so good that I could not put it down. It took less than a day. Yet, the little nuggets he shares will stick with me for a lifetime!
March 4, 2021
"Your current problem could be teaching you something that propels you into something bigger and better." - Michael Jr.
If you need an inspirational book to get you pumped up about your purpose in life, and you want to laugh, check out #funnyhowlifeworks.
This book made me laugh 😅, cry 😭, and feel inspired 🙌🙂 to live out God's purpose for my life.
I received a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you need an inspirational book to get you pumped up about your purpose in life, and you want to laugh, check out #funnyhowlifeworks.
This book made me laugh 😅, cry 😭, and feel inspired 🙌🙂 to live out God's purpose for my life.
I received a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2021
I laughed. I cried. I was provoked in thought, challenged, and took action. It was fun getting to hear what makes Michael Jr., Michael Jr. He encourages you to live your best life. Fun read with great stories.
February 1, 2021
Michael Jr., in his volume, FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS, invites the reader to reflect on his stories, not simply to find entertainment. Although the book is entertaining, it goes beyond surface laughs to provide substance. In my read through, each chapter had a special story that I could relate to, which launched me into my own reminiscences. Recognizing my personal history made me a participant in his stories. I wanted to shout, “I understand how that feels!”
A punchline, as he explains it, can be one goal we have when we relate to others. Sometimes, for comedians and in life, the punchline can be funny, flat or fulfilling. This depends on timing and the ability to engage. Throughout the book, Michael Jr. throws out his punchlines while carefully preparing the recipient for the goal.
Because he has taken the time to retell the story, he lets the reader know he cares. He cares about the value of his story for himself, for those he talks about and for the reader. Ultimately, he sees his abilities as God-given and the ones he wants to use as a means to realize his life’s calling.
Another aspect of FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS is the inclusion of videos that visually direct the reader to see some of the stories as they were played out. With a QR code, one can enjoy several stories anew, after reading about them. I was touched by the superhero, Spiderman, who interacted with the author upon receiving a gift of Michael Jr.’s children’s book. That gift became the impetus for the little boy to reveal his face and to start more healing from terrible wounds he had experienced in his young years. One of the takeaway comments exposes our own condition, “There are many masks people wear on the outside to hide the hurt they are feeling on the inside.”
This book invites me into the writer’s life as I laugh and cry with him. Many books record others’ lives with valuable lessons. I thoroughly enjoy autobiographical sketches and learn volumes from them. This book deliberately challenges me to look into the story mirror to perceive what is peering back. It appears we are having a conversation while he tells his story, then he suddenly asks, “What are you looking at? What do you see?”
A punchline, as he explains it, can be one goal we have when we relate to others. Sometimes, for comedians and in life, the punchline can be funny, flat or fulfilling. This depends on timing and the ability to engage. Throughout the book, Michael Jr. throws out his punchlines while carefully preparing the recipient for the goal.
Because he has taken the time to retell the story, he lets the reader know he cares. He cares about the value of his story for himself, for those he talks about and for the reader. Ultimately, he sees his abilities as God-given and the ones he wants to use as a means to realize his life’s calling.
Another aspect of FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS is the inclusion of videos that visually direct the reader to see some of the stories as they were played out. With a QR code, one can enjoy several stories anew, after reading about them. I was touched by the superhero, Spiderman, who interacted with the author upon receiving a gift of Michael Jr.’s children’s book. That gift became the impetus for the little boy to reveal his face and to start more healing from terrible wounds he had experienced in his young years. One of the takeaway comments exposes our own condition, “There are many masks people wear on the outside to hide the hurt they are feeling on the inside.”
This book invites me into the writer’s life as I laugh and cry with him. Many books record others’ lives with valuable lessons. I thoroughly enjoy autobiographical sketches and learn volumes from them. This book deliberately challenges me to look into the story mirror to perceive what is peering back. It appears we are having a conversation while he tells his story, then he suddenly asks, “What are you looking at? What do you see?”
January 28, 2021
I just finished my advanced copy of Funny How Life Works, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a great look at how every aspect of our lives has meaning. Every situation that seems bleak and disastrous can be used for a greater purpose in our future, be it for personal growth or to lead us in another direction or even to set us up for greater things. Michael Jr. has an excellent insight to this as well as a talent for teaching in a way that anyone can easily understand and feel a very personal connection to him. The sprinkling of his signature humor made me, on more than one occasion, burst out laughing. This is an excellent book that I would highly recommend.
January 28, 2021
This book is so good! I've laughed AND had a-ha moments. Michael has a great way of giving you the Word & yet giving you a laugh. Love it. I read this 1 sentence "Are you ready to wait a little while longer so you can learn a little more?" a few days ago & it has stuck with me. Michael is a funny guy but, he also has a lot of wisdom. #funnyhowlifeworks
January 29, 2021
I loved this book! I love good clean comedy! You can definitely see how God was guiding Micheal Jr.'s steps starting in his childhood.
"I believe that anger preserves and intensifies pain or past hurts. The sooner we can let it go, the faster our hearts will heal and grow" #funnyhowlifeworks This is so true!
"I believe that anger preserves and intensifies pain or past hurts. The sooner we can let it go, the faster our hearts will heal and grow" #funnyhowlifeworks This is so true!
January 30, 2021
I am a slow reader. I love to read but it’s a labor of love for me. I had only gotten about four chapters into the book. But last night I had some time. I didn’t turn on the tv. I turned on my tablet and couldn’t put it down! Finished the book this morning. So inspiring. Looking to step out of my comfort zone now and see what “punch line” God has for me!
Currently reading
February 2, 2021Looking to laugh AND be inspired? This is THE book to read! All kinds of funny and no foul language. He gives all the glory to God for the journey he has traveled in his life, and BOY does he have some stories!
WARNING: Do not read while eating. I did this & choked on a joke :D
WARNING: Do not read while eating. I did this & choked on a joke :D
May 1, 2021
Enjoyed this book! Inspiring and funny. Which is needed in lives today. Will make you really think about your life and how God may work in and through you. Definitely recommend.
March 11, 2023
Talented, clean comedian. Check out his stuff.
March 3, 2021
I love this book! I was blessed to receive an advance copy of Michael Jr.'s book. He is very funny but also very inspirational. He writes about how we can find humor and good lessons in every situation. You will be blessed with this book. It will make you stop and think that not everything that doesn't work in your life is a bad thing... it can be used for good... especially when we let God in our lives. He talks about life before being a Christian and after. Also about his youth and adulthood. Every time finding that there is a lesson to be learned if we only look for it! Here are a few quotes to inspire you and to encourage you in your daily lives. But trust me. There are so many more wonderful quotes and thoughts in this book. You need to buy your copy today! You will be blessed when you read it!
"Have you ever found yourself disappointed? Unappreciated? Or that life wasn’t fair or your goal was just out of reach? You may feel like giving up… but maybe you should think of this… Maybe something deeper is happening through the struggle… perhaps you’re learning a lesson that is preparing you for something else down the road. Then you can look back and realize the struggle was preparing you for something better. Embrace the struggle. Learn from it."
"When you step up and step out there will be days when you face opposition. But when circumstances come against you- don’t give up. Your Heavenly Father stands up for you.
You can be the voice that saves someone’s life"
"The question isn’t- will an opportunity present itself. The question is- what will you do when it does?"
"Have you ever found yourself disappointed? Unappreciated? Or that life wasn’t fair or your goal was just out of reach? You may feel like giving up… but maybe you should think of this… Maybe something deeper is happening through the struggle… perhaps you’re learning a lesson that is preparing you for something else down the road. Then you can look back and realize the struggle was preparing you for something better. Embrace the struggle. Learn from it."
"When you step up and step out there will be days when you face opposition. But when circumstances come against you- don’t give up. Your Heavenly Father stands up for you.
You can be the voice that saves someone’s life"
"The question isn’t- will an opportunity present itself. The question is- what will you do when it does?"
February 9, 2021
Wow! Where to begin? Recently, I had the privilege to read “How Funny Life Works” by Michael Jr.. When I got this book, I was expecting some comedy with some motivation but I never expected the impact this book would have on my life. Throughout the book, Michael Jr shows his true comedic self but he also shows what it’s like to be a Christian and how sometimes following God‘s plan does not turn out how we expected it to. Michael Jr has displayed a characteristic that many of us do not. When he hears God speak to him, he acts upon it. So many times in our life it can be intimidating or even crippling to go against what this world is telling us to do. Michael Jr is such an encouragement. It has really pushed me to focus on what God‘s calling is for me and to listen to God more; to hear that voice of God and act upon it. His willingness to share openly about his struggles and successes in life are so valuable and it’s worth taking time to read his story. Expect humor from a gifted comedian but also expect to be pushed by a lover of God. Expect to be guided past your own self inflicted boundaries in pursuit of God’s goals for your life. This book should be on everybody’s reading list this year.
February 13, 2021
Don't think this is a joke book. While Michael Jr. does share really funny things (you'll literally laugh out loud), he also goes deep. What makes this book by a comedian so unique is it's not just about the comedian. He makes it about us, too.
He says, "When I make an appearance on stage, there is a line of people afterward waiting to talk about what I said and tell me how it affected them. But let’s make this personal to you. What would happen if at the end of your day today there were a line of people waiting to talk to you about what you said and did today?"
Again and again Michael Jr. invites us into the story. Not to do standup comedy (although if that's your thing, go for it), but to do whatever our thing is.
"It really is funny how life works. I tell you that story because it is a great reminder that we never know who is listening to what we say or watching how we live. This isn’t just true for a comedian who stands on a stage—this is true in your life, too."
This is a book about purpose. It's very good. I read a complimentary copy for review, but I would have picked up a copy for myself anyway. You should read it, too. You'll be inspired.
And you'll laugh. A lot.
He says, "When I make an appearance on stage, there is a line of people afterward waiting to talk about what I said and tell me how it affected them. But let’s make this personal to you. What would happen if at the end of your day today there were a line of people waiting to talk to you about what you said and did today?"
Again and again Michael Jr. invites us into the story. Not to do standup comedy (although if that's your thing, go for it), but to do whatever our thing is.
"It really is funny how life works. I tell you that story because it is a great reminder that we never know who is listening to what we say or watching how we live. This isn’t just true for a comedian who stands on a stage—this is true in your life, too."
This is a book about purpose. It's very good. I read a complimentary copy for review, but I would have picked up a copy for myself anyway. You should read it, too. You'll be inspired.
And you'll laugh. A lot.
February 16, 2021
I love comedy but I also love sound knowledge and wisdom.
I have listened to and watched on one end many professional speakers and on another end many comedians on a global level.
Honestly, I have not seen anyone who infuses life lessons, faith and comedy in one pack that just brings clarity, soothing and guidance for living, decision making, ideas and thought engineering better than how Michael Jr., does it.
If I were to summarize Michael's book "Funny How Life Works" FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS in one sentence, it will be this - "An all-in-one package for individuals and families to learn, laugh, understand life, build, grow and enhance their decision making process."
Indeed, it is funny how life works.
Thank you Michael Jr., for all you do and the light you shine for us all to walk our paths as you walk in yours.
Thank you Michael Jr.
I have listened to and watched on one end many professional speakers and on another end many comedians on a global level.
Honestly, I have not seen anyone who infuses life lessons, faith and comedy in one pack that just brings clarity, soothing and guidance for living, decision making, ideas and thought engineering better than how Michael Jr., does it.
If I were to summarize Michael's book "Funny How Life Works" FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS in one sentence, it will be this - "An all-in-one package for individuals and families to learn, laugh, understand life, build, grow and enhance their decision making process."
Indeed, it is funny how life works.
Thank you Michael Jr., for all you do and the light you shine for us all to walk our paths as you walk in yours.
Thank you Michael Jr.
January 30, 2021
FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS, is a collection of entertaining real-life stories from Michael Jr.’s experiences as a comedian. Offering a unique and heartfelt glimpse into the world of comedy, Michael Jr. reveals his insight, faith and challenges along the way. His laugh-out-loud humor will have you turning each page for more, as he weaves through situations including his first stand-up unplanned gig, to a chance meeting with a driver who turned him into the love doctor, to an audience that included one of the meanest hecklers in his career.
Sharing what he’s learned on this journey, Michael Jr. enlightens, “If you’ll have a mindset that is open to learn from your experiences, the obstacles of today can become the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Authentic, HILARIOUS, and candid, FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS, is a must read!
FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS
Sharing what he’s learned on this journey, Michael Jr. enlightens, “If you’ll have a mindset that is open to learn from your experiences, the obstacles of today can become the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Authentic, HILARIOUS, and candid, FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS, is a must read!
FUNNY HOW LIFE WORKS
February 3, 2021
Wow, this is simply an amazing book. Michael Jr is really funny and has a wonderful way of brining out the story. After reading chapter 1, you expect a life lesson in each chapter. But as you are reading and laughing through each page, you do not always know what the life lesson will be. As you read, you already know to look further than the word on the page. It is easy to put yourself in the situations as you read each page, but some times the lessons learned comes at you from a different direction. You want to go onto the next chapter, but you just always want to stop and ponder the lesson.
This book may have been written on a lower level of education, but the lessons are fully adulthood. I've heard many of these lessons before, but they are so refreshing to hear again. You can see God's divine intervention, find your purpose in life, and learn to have compassion for others all in this book.
I highly recommend this book to young Christian families. Lots of laughing and lots of learning.
This book may have been written on a lower level of education, but the lessons are fully adulthood. I've heard many of these lessons before, but they are so refreshing to hear again. You can see God's divine intervention, find your purpose in life, and learn to have compassion for others all in this book.
I highly recommend this book to young Christian families. Lots of laughing and lots of learning.
February 4, 2021
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. I've tried reading books written by other comedians, and I couldn't get through them because of the tone they took. THIS book is completely different.
Michael Jr. has one of the most interesting journeys I've ever seen. At times he has been in almost unthinkable situations, but he doesn't use this book to gain pity. He's also been part of some absolutely incredible situations, but he doesn't use this book to boast. As a reader, I can feel his humility and his heart coming through this book as he shares his life experiences and the things that God has taught him. The way that he sees God's hand in his life, and how he responds in turn, is truly refreshing and encouraging. His wisdom has changed the way I look at my goals and purpose in life.
It was a joy and an honor to read this book and I hope that everyone who reads it will gain from the truths and insights that he shares with us.
Michael Jr. has one of the most interesting journeys I've ever seen. At times he has been in almost unthinkable situations, but he doesn't use this book to gain pity. He's also been part of some absolutely incredible situations, but he doesn't use this book to boast. As a reader, I can feel his humility and his heart coming through this book as he shares his life experiences and the things that God has taught him. The way that he sees God's hand in his life, and how he responds in turn, is truly refreshing and encouraging. His wisdom has changed the way I look at my goals and purpose in life.
It was a joy and an honor to read this book and I hope that everyone who reads it will gain from the truths and insights that he shares with us.
February 10, 2021
I want to be honest, This first time in my life I've actual read a book all the way through, Usually I stop and place it on the shelf and it collect dust. Except for the bible. I read that daily because it a living word. But I started to read Michael Jr book, it had me laughing , crying , going through all the emotion. I personally thought I was my wife for the moment watching the notebook or 28 dresses. I personally enjoy every minute of the book and I keep reading , I finished the book today in one day because I couldn't stop reading it. This books is written with heart , truly inspired me and made me think.
This not just a book, this not just another story, This is a heart of a man who truly pouring into people and making a difference but keeping focus on the one true king. Jesus.
Definitely will be sharing this with friends , family, and many people I meet. This book needs to get in the hands of people, because it will touch you any many ways.
This not just a book, this not just another story, This is a heart of a man who truly pouring into people and making a difference but keeping focus on the one true king. Jesus.
Definitely will be sharing this with friends , family, and many people I meet. This book needs to get in the hands of people, because it will touch you any many ways.
March 3, 2021
In each chapter, Michael Jr shares a bit of his past experience. It’s clear that his heart really went into writing this book. The lessons he’s learned along the way he shares with the reader. This book is inspirational and makes you think that not all bad that happens in your life is the end all. It could be we’re learning something through the struggle. And when we make it out, the reward is that much sweeter. Of course, he also sprinkles in his usual humor, which is fun. I wasn’t surprised. I’ve never had the opportunity to see him live in person, only online. But I’ve seen his stand up routines and I knew I had to be part of this. He’s not only funny, but his stand up becomes so much more. I had the honor to be part of Michael Jr’s book launch. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My honest opinions within this review are my own. If you want to be inspired to do better for yourself as well as others, grab a copy.
March 15, 2021
I found Michael Jr comedy on YouTube about a year ago, it was the year 2020 in the month of March! The world was beginning to shut down and I was looking for some relief from the constant changing global situation.
Michael Jr pauses and makes a face when he is about to deliver a word! Why am I talking about Michael Jr’s face in a book review?
He is a great storyteller and can keep you interested all the way to the punchline, and even if you have never seen Michael Jr or the only visual you have of him is on the cover of his book, it’s THAT face! Chapter after paragraph, after sentence, after word you can get a glimpse of when you are about to laugh, or ponder, or cry. I thoroughly appreciated having Michaels words to read, and highly recommend you get his book.
It IS funny how life works.
Michael Jr pauses and makes a face when he is about to deliver a word! Why am I talking about Michael Jr’s face in a book review?
He is a great storyteller and can keep you interested all the way to the punchline, and even if you have never seen Michael Jr or the only visual you have of him is on the cover of his book, it’s THAT face! Chapter after paragraph, after sentence, after word you can get a glimpse of when you are about to laugh, or ponder, or cry. I thoroughly appreciated having Michaels words to read, and highly recommend you get his book.
It IS funny how life works.
February 13, 2021
This book is both timely and timeless! I found it to be inspiring, uplifting, funny, thought-provoking, and valuable. There are belly laughs within and so much more. As Michael Jr. shares his childhood and adulthood experiences, he captures the value of relationships and how every person we interact with is part of our becoming. He does this through good storytelling and reflection. Each chapter is a short story.
I recommend the book to someone interested in growing and learning to navigate life purposefully. I am promoting it because if another person finds themself accepting the challenge to be a better version of themself like I did, not only will they be getting their money's worth, they'll be making the world a better place!
I recommend the book to someone interested in growing and learning to navigate life purposefully. I am promoting it because if another person finds themself accepting the challenge to be a better version of themself like I did, not only will they be getting their money's worth, they'll be making the world a better place!
February 9, 2021
Having been in the live audience for several Michael Jr. Comedy shows, I knew that when reading his book he would deliver so many belly-shaking laughs that quickly turn in to soul-searching inspirations. Michael Jr. has a way of drawing his reader in with humor that suddenly become applications which touch your heart in a way that will stay with you forever. Highly recommend taking some time for yourself to read this book. You will be entertained, inspired, challenged, and frankly--changed for the better. This book will guide you to introspectively discover your own life's "punchline". Michael Jr. has once again inspired me; this time it's off-stage and it's in print. Indeed, it is "Funny How Life Works."
February 9, 2021
I absolutely LOVED this book! I've been a Michael Jr. fan for a while now and this book solidified just why. I am super inspired by his words and the way that he presents life lessons through stories. I loved the callouts throughout the book to reiterate the main points. Too many favorites to name but one that definitely stuck with me was, "You can be the voice that saves someone's life." Another that stuck out to me was about the importance of being prepared for opportunities in advance. That way, when the opportunity comes your way, you are ready to seize it! Michael Jr. is full of wisdom. This book will encourage you through his stories, have you remembering your why for what you do, digging into your purpose and laughing all at the same time. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it!
February 11, 2021
WOW is the word I have for this book! It is so refreshing to hear someone tell the events of their life and have every aspect reflect a greater purpose or lesson. I would highly recommend that you not only read this book, but that you apply these very positive points to your life. THIS BOOK IS A MUST HAVE IN ALL READING COLLECTIONS because, it crosses genre's and any other barriers we can set up and it speaks to the people that we are. So when you talk to your friends about this book this is how the conversation should go. "Hey did you get the Funny how life works book by Michael Jr.?" Friend: why should I? You: "It is the book for generations to come and a must read" Friend: "How can I get it?" its available in audio, ebook, and paper copies. Get yours today, don't wait.
February 1, 2021
Amazing things happen on stage when Michael Jr. does funny. He listens between the gaps, and follows where the Holy Spirit wants to take things… from surprise public wedding proposals, to making Spiderman laugh, to learning to hear from a deaf woman, his stories inspire, challenge, engage, and bring healing to the bones as only laughter can. I read this book in the hospital while my daughter was facing health challenges and the week my father passed away. It raised my sights and helped keep me going. Michael Jr. guides his reader from funny to poignant back to funny seamlessly and with grace and inspiration. Highly recommend.
February 11, 2021
This book is endearing, heart warming, encouraging, motivating, and laugh out loud funny. There are so many great stories and messages that will have you wanting to quote the majority of the book to people around you. It is refreshing for the mind and heart. The words that are written are so true to the voice of Michael Jr., reading this feels like not only the front row at one of his shows but also like a guest at his dinner table. In the end it leaves us with a set of keys, tools to equip us, and open doors of opportunity to deliver our own unique punch lines in the callings of our lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews