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Start Without Me
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Humor (2022)This program is read by the author.
From New York Times best-selling author, Family Guy writer, and HBO star Gary Janetti comes a collection of hilarious, laugh-out-loud, true life stories about the small moments that add up to a big life.
In his instant New York Times best-selling book Do You Mind If I Cancel?, Gary Janetti had us all in stitches as he recounted the pains and indignities of everyday life in the way only he can. Now, in Start Without Me, Janetti returns with a hilarious collection about how sometimes the things we most want to get done and over with are the ones that define us for a lifetime. Gary turns his acid tongue (and secretly beating heart) to the moments and times that have defined him, no matter how embarrassing or annoying they might be to admit.
But the book is much more than a barrel of laughs. In the vein of David Sedaris and Jenny Lawson, the collection is also deeply poignant, exploring the complexities of family, frustrations of careers, and the paradox of life where sometimes everything is frustrating, and also exhilarating. Start Without Me will have listeners wishing it would never end.
From New York Times best-selling author, Family Guy writer, and HBO star Gary Janetti comes a collection of hilarious, laugh-out-loud, true life stories about the small moments that add up to a big life.
In his instant New York Times best-selling book Do You Mind If I Cancel?, Gary Janetti had us all in stitches as he recounted the pains and indignities of everyday life in the way only he can. Now, in Start Without Me, Janetti returns with a hilarious collection about how sometimes the things we most want to get done and over with are the ones that define us for a lifetime. Gary turns his acid tongue (and secretly beating heart) to the moments and times that have defined him, no matter how embarrassing or annoying they might be to admit.
But the book is much more than a barrel of laughs. In the vein of David Sedaris and Jenny Lawson, the collection is also deeply poignant, exploring the complexities of family, frustrations of careers, and the paradox of life where sometimes everything is frustrating, and also exhilarating. Start Without Me will have listeners wishing it would never end.
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First published April 26, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 682 reviews
April 18, 2022
This is an entertaining series of memoir essays by television writer and producer Gary Janetti. I listened to the audiobook that he narrates and it is incredibly well done. I always enjoy when someone narrates their own memoir because you get the inflections and emphasis that the person intends for their work.
I had attended a webinar with Gary Janetti a couple of weeks ago, and he stated that after so many years writing for television, he has become very concise with his writing. I must say that I love this style, because he doesn't spend unnecessary time setting the scene or adding extraneous detail. He gets to the point quickly and this allows his snappy humor and personality to just shine through.
There were quite a few laugh out loud moments, and I could identify the the underlying universality of his statements even if I am nothing like him from the outside. I think he'd be a great person to have to a dinner party (although he likely wouldn't show up and I wouldn't take it personally).
If you're looking for a nostalgic, fun series of essays, then you should pick this one up.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I had attended a webinar with Gary Janetti a couple of weeks ago, and he stated that after so many years writing for television, he has become very concise with his writing. I must say that I love this style, because he doesn't spend unnecessary time setting the scene or adding extraneous detail. He gets to the point quickly and this allows his snappy humor and personality to just shine through.
There were quite a few laugh out loud moments, and I could identify the the underlying universality of his statements even if I am nothing like him from the outside. I think he'd be a great person to have to a dinner party (although he likely wouldn't show up and I wouldn't take it personally).
If you're looking for a nostalgic, fun series of essays, then you should pick this one up.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 24, 2022
The Catholics are the RuPaul's Drag Race of religions. We put on a show, honey.
Gary Janetti, a comedy writer and performer, presents a hilarious collection of essays, many about his childhood spent growing up gay in Queens.
I was never more relaxed that when I was with a woman over thirty reading a book.
I was good at making small talk with anyone twenty-five years or more older than me. A fellow child was like something from another planet. But a married woman with sunglasses and a cigarette was my kind of company.
I started writing down all the lines that made me laugh, but had filled a page and a half by the end of the first chapter. You'll have to read the book yourself if you want more.
Gary, I'd love to go with you to see The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. I'll even buy the tickets. (FULL price!)
This book will be available in April. Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt for letting me take a gander at this very funny collection.
Gary Janetti, a comedy writer and performer, presents a hilarious collection of essays, many about his childhood spent growing up gay in Queens.
I was never more relaxed that when I was with a woman over thirty reading a book.
I was good at making small talk with anyone twenty-five years or more older than me. A fellow child was like something from another planet. But a married woman with sunglasses and a cigarette was my kind of company.
I started writing down all the lines that made me laugh, but had filled a page and a half by the end of the first chapter. You'll have to read the book yourself if you want more.
Gary, I'd love to go with you to see The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. I'll even buy the tickets. (FULL price!)
This book will be available in April. Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt for letting me take a gander at this very funny collection.
March 21, 2022
I laughed quite a bit through this book. It isn't super long at all. A fun light read. Perfect for smiles and distraction these days.
June 14, 2022
A quick look in the mind of Gary Janetti who I find completely hilarious! I want to be one on his short list of friends... you listening Gary?
As much a history of New York as essays on growing up. A look at sleep away camp, P.E., Catholic School, learning to swim, reading for other people and attending a Broadway show for the first time.
Well done!
As much a history of New York as essays on growing up. A look at sleep away camp, P.E., Catholic School, learning to swim, reading for other people and attending a Broadway show for the first time.
Well done!
May 24, 2022
This book may be more fun if you know who Gary Janetti is, but I do not. The entire book felt like a cranky old man complaining about nearly everything. And yet, it is not as interesting or funny as the blurb makes it out to be.
April 25, 2022
Thought this book was really funny, have never read anything from this author and hope it won't be the last. I won this book in Goodreads giveaways and from Gary Janetti
May 3, 2022
Aarggghhhh this has to be one of the dumbest books I've ever read.
Only could make it halfways through.
I picked it because it was supposed to be humorous and witty.
Definitely disappointed. ⭐
Only could make it halfways through.
I picked it because it was supposed to be humorous and witty.
Definitely disappointed. ⭐
June 13, 2022
I can't believe I had never read anything by Gary Janetti before. This book was such a breath of fresh air!
Here are some of the MANY lines that made me laugh out loud!!
"Helicopters scanning the entire street. A serial killer! In our backyard! It was all too wonderful!"
"The Catholics are the RuPaul's Drag Race of religions. We put on a show, honey."
"My hopes of making a new friend are quickly dashed when the guy above me let's out a fart so huge it turns the page of my book."
"Also, children did not have feelings in the 70's, this was not something that was developed until much later."
I must know, how many readers were curious and googled a certain scene from a certain movie? Guilty! Hehe
Highly recommend if you're looking for an entertaining read while working on your tan. Iykyk!! ;)
Huge thank you to Raincoast Books and Henry Holt Books for my gifted copy!
I'm off to add Do You Mind If I Cancel to my wishlist :)
Here are some of the MANY lines that made me laugh out loud!!
"Helicopters scanning the entire street. A serial killer! In our backyard! It was all too wonderful!"
"The Catholics are the RuPaul's Drag Race of religions. We put on a show, honey."
"My hopes of making a new friend are quickly dashed when the guy above me let's out a fart so huge it turns the page of my book."
"Also, children did not have feelings in the 70's, this was not something that was developed until much later."
I must know, how many readers were curious and googled a certain scene from a certain movie? Guilty! Hehe
Highly recommend if you're looking for an entertaining read while working on your tan. Iykyk!! ;)
Huge thank you to Raincoast Books and Henry Holt Books for my gifted copy!
I'm off to add Do You Mind If I Cancel to my wishlist :)
April 26, 2022
No one can make me laugh as Gary can. His Instagram feels like my inner thoughts and his book was the same feeling.
His book is a collection of honest and candid short stories from his life that are funny and sassy while also heartwarming.
I may be biased since I relate to Gary a lot. He feels like a kindred spirit and parts of him remind me of me. Fellow born and raised New Yorker, with sarcastic dry humor. He speaks to the anti-social parts of us who do anything to avoid conversations with our neighbors. But also the parts of us that would have a conversation with a doorknob.
Those that growing up choose to spend summer days watching TV in the AC with intense tv schedules that cannot be interrupted. And those that have loved entertainment and pop culture from a young age.
He provides the true humbling advice we all should’ve received when we graduated college.
And how there is no excuse off limits if it helps you get out of gym class.
And he speaks to the parts of us when reading in public, who are more concerned with how we look reading than the actual book itself.
“Meryl Streep put less thought into her performance as Karen Silkwood than I did as ‘person at counter with book”.
A few favorites were ‘Sister Wilma’, ‘The Carol Burnett Show’, ‘Teaching Little Fingers How to Play’, ‘Gay Restaurant’, and ‘Irene’. So practically the entire book.
If you like to laugh, then I highly recommend this book and Gary’s first book ‘Do You Mind if I Cancel?’. This one was equally as funny but also had some stories where there is no punchline but I loved it just as much. Both books brought me so much joy and I can’t wait to re-read again soon. 💛
Thank you so much @henryholtbooks for the gifted copy and package. Gary, thanks for being you.
Rating: 5/5
His book is a collection of honest and candid short stories from his life that are funny and sassy while also heartwarming.
I may be biased since I relate to Gary a lot. He feels like a kindred spirit and parts of him remind me of me. Fellow born and raised New Yorker, with sarcastic dry humor. He speaks to the anti-social parts of us who do anything to avoid conversations with our neighbors. But also the parts of us that would have a conversation with a doorknob.
Those that growing up choose to spend summer days watching TV in the AC with intense tv schedules that cannot be interrupted. And those that have loved entertainment and pop culture from a young age.
He provides the true humbling advice we all should’ve received when we graduated college.
And how there is no excuse off limits if it helps you get out of gym class.
And he speaks to the parts of us when reading in public, who are more concerned with how we look reading than the actual book itself.
“Meryl Streep put less thought into her performance as Karen Silkwood than I did as ‘person at counter with book”.
A few favorites were ‘Sister Wilma’, ‘The Carol Burnett Show’, ‘Teaching Little Fingers How to Play’, ‘Gay Restaurant’, and ‘Irene’. So practically the entire book.
If you like to laugh, then I highly recommend this book and Gary’s first book ‘Do You Mind if I Cancel?’. This one was equally as funny but also had some stories where there is no punchline but I loved it just as much. Both books brought me so much joy and I can’t wait to re-read again soon. 💛
Thank you so much @henryholtbooks for the gifted copy and package. Gary, thanks for being you.
Rating: 5/5
October 23, 2022
Zero stars. Totally worthless book from a guy that has no idea how to write. The "stories" are about nothing, often go on tangents within tangents and lose the thread, while most don't even have an ending. May I remind you that in order for it to be considered a story there needs to be an actual ending that is of interest to the reader. Someone send Janetti back to second grade to learn that.
Like his previous book, there is little content and few pages. I counted about 22 blank pages in the 189 half-page book that is double spaced, so if you were printing this off as a single-spaced double-sided school project it would end up being about 42 pages maximum. This is basically a bad term paper. For that they're charging $28 and he deserves an "F." The publisher and editors are assuming we're all suckers, and sadly some NYC entertainment industry people think this is great gay literature.
There isn't one memorable significant "story" contained in this beyond the last page when his parents don't show up for his graduation and instead go on a cruise (who does that?). Janetti throws up when he takes a trip to Marrakech and loses a week of tanning. He thinks Wizard of Oz is the most gay movie ever made and was mad having to watch it on a black-and-white TV when young. He goes to a circle-jerk gay bar in New York City but then leaves without doing anything other than giving a guy his phone number. Dull, dull, dull.
Worst are his gay stereotypes. Gary Janetti, not every gay guy identifies with Dorothy or Judy Garland, or loves obscure Broadway musicals, or figures out a way to skip the football section of gym class. This writer even claims that at 7 he knew he was gay and was making gay choices. It's revisionist history and creative non-fiction. It would help if there were a few spicy gay stories contained within, but there's nothing humorous or worth reading about because the author has no idea how to tell an actual entertaining story.
Janetti comes across as a total wimp who seems to have serious arrested development and continues to have no idea who he is as a person or what life is really all about. He writes on page 136 about his swim lessons, "It's slow going. Helen Keller learned to talk in less time." That offensive and unfunny line summarizes perfectly what reading this book was like--slow going and clueless.
Like his previous book, there is little content and few pages. I counted about 22 blank pages in the 189 half-page book that is double spaced, so if you were printing this off as a single-spaced double-sided school project it would end up being about 42 pages maximum. This is basically a bad term paper. For that they're charging $28 and he deserves an "F." The publisher and editors are assuming we're all suckers, and sadly some NYC entertainment industry people think this is great gay literature.
There isn't one memorable significant "story" contained in this beyond the last page when his parents don't show up for his graduation and instead go on a cruise (who does that?). Janetti throws up when he takes a trip to Marrakech and loses a week of tanning. He thinks Wizard of Oz is the most gay movie ever made and was mad having to watch it on a black-and-white TV when young. He goes to a circle-jerk gay bar in New York City but then leaves without doing anything other than giving a guy his phone number. Dull, dull, dull.
Worst are his gay stereotypes. Gary Janetti, not every gay guy identifies with Dorothy or Judy Garland, or loves obscure Broadway musicals, or figures out a way to skip the football section of gym class. This writer even claims that at 7 he knew he was gay and was making gay choices. It's revisionist history and creative non-fiction. It would help if there were a few spicy gay stories contained within, but there's nothing humorous or worth reading about because the author has no idea how to tell an actual entertaining story.
Janetti comes across as a total wimp who seems to have serious arrested development and continues to have no idea who he is as a person or what life is really all about. He writes on page 136 about his swim lessons, "It's slow going. Helen Keller learned to talk in less time." That offensive and unfunny line summarizes perfectly what reading this book was like--slow going and clueless.
November 19, 2023
I won't give it one star because it's his life, but the book itself lacked conviction. I understand that the intent was to be witty and fun but it was dry and futile. It's similar to relatives telling a family member to audition for American Idol because they sang a little in the shower. Every "celebrity" doesn't need to share their story. This one did not need to be written. His first book was a bestseller and the description seems to be more authentic. This one was likely just a slap to his publisher to meet a deadline.
January 26, 2022
I was so excited that I was granted early access to Gary's new book, thank you #Netgalley!
I am a long time fan of Gary's work, his sarcastic conversational writing makes for a fun light read. In this memoir, he shared a collection of essays, the majority of his childhood and growing up in New York. He talks about he did not necessarily fit in and his love of television and movies. So many stories made me laugh out loud, and some were so relatable! I love the stories about him connecting with the nuns, his neighbor, basically older women that enjoyed gossiping and chatting. He preferred this to children his own age. He didn't want to play sports or go to the athletic club, instead he would sneak out for ice cream and walking around clothing stores. I admire that he knew what he wanted and didn't want and didn't let that stop him. So many funny stories, highly recommend!
I am a long time fan of Gary's work, his sarcastic conversational writing makes for a fun light read. In this memoir, he shared a collection of essays, the majority of his childhood and growing up in New York. He talks about he did not necessarily fit in and his love of television and movies. So many stories made me laugh out loud, and some were so relatable! I love the stories about him connecting with the nuns, his neighbor, basically older women that enjoyed gossiping and chatting. He preferred this to children his own age. He didn't want to play sports or go to the athletic club, instead he would sneak out for ice cream and walking around clothing stores. I admire that he knew what he wanted and didn't want and didn't let that stop him. So many funny stories, highly recommend!
March 5, 2022
-Disclaimer: I won this book for free through Goodreads giveaways & Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.-
1.5 stars
Another typical memoir.
He definitely tries hard to describe things differently. There were lots of references and the tone was lively. This would be best enjoyed on audiobook. He does well describing things. You can clearly imagine his life playing out at a quick pace. There was the occasional chuckle but nothing particularly interesting.
1.5 stars
Another typical memoir.
He definitely tries hard to describe things differently. There were lots of references and the tone was lively. This would be best enjoyed on audiobook. He does well describing things. You can clearly imagine his life playing out at a quick pace. There was the occasional chuckle but nothing particularly interesting.
October 1, 2024
I’m new to this author and funnyman. I listened to audible and after I got used to his voice I loved it! He had a lovable style towards his family and shared such funny memories- he loved watching tv all day long in his basement and hated sports. He says so much about what I’m sure people think that’s surprising. It’s shirt and easy to listen to.
June 3, 2025
Is this the best book I've read this year? No.
But it was an extremely fast read that made me actually laugh out loud four different times.
But it was an extremely fast read that made me actually laugh out loud four different times.
May 27, 2022
I loved Gary Janetti’s first book of essays/stories and was excited for another to come out. On the one hand, I think I liked the first book better - I remember there being more stories about his early days making it in NYC that really resonated with me. This book has a lot of stories from his childhood mixed with diatribes that border on just plain complaining.
However, a) I do believe that he’s only saying things that many people think but are afraid to say out loud, and b) he somehow always brings each essay back to a poignant lesson or meaning that reveals he’s human; a person who the world didn’t want to let in for some time who had to find his own way. Whether you want to admit it or not, you’ll find yourself somewhere in here, and that’s a good thing.
However, a) I do believe that he’s only saying things that many people think but are afraid to say out loud, and b) he somehow always brings each essay back to a poignant lesson or meaning that reveals he’s human; a person who the world didn’t want to let in for some time who had to find his own way. Whether you want to admit it or not, you’ll find yourself somewhere in here, and that’s a good thing.
April 23, 2022
4.5 pub date April 26
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Gary just gets me. Every time I read one of his books I feel like I'm sitting down and reminiscing with my childhood friends.
This book is filled with fun, sassy, touching, sometimes sad and all around hilarious vignettes from Gary's life: from being 12 belting out songs from "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" at church (same) to an ever passive-aggressive hotel connoisseur & Matt Damon critic. "Start Without Me" was a fast page turner and brought me so much joy & entertainment.
Gary, I love you please keep on publishing your memoirs.
Thank you to Henry Holy for the gifted copy & recognizing I am indeed the target audience for anything to do with Gary.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Gary just gets me. Every time I read one of his books I feel like I'm sitting down and reminiscing with my childhood friends.
This book is filled with fun, sassy, touching, sometimes sad and all around hilarious vignettes from Gary's life: from being 12 belting out songs from "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" at church (same) to an ever passive-aggressive hotel connoisseur & Matt Damon critic. "Start Without Me" was a fast page turner and brought me so much joy & entertainment.
Gary, I love you please keep on publishing your memoirs.
Thank you to Henry Holy for the gifted copy & recognizing I am indeed the target audience for anything to do with Gary.
January 31, 2022
*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: April 26, 2022
This collection of short stories that had me laughing out loud. Gary’s general distaste for other people (ugh, small talk!) and awkward situations (the show of opening presents in front of people or watching adults open presents!) is succinctly relatable (to me, at least)!
Aside from the laughs, this also has quite a bit of wisdom and a lot of heart. A fast, fun read that had me nostalgic and nodding my head to many of its anecdotes. This would be an ideal pick for your next flight or a weekend afternoon (maybe at the beach working on your tan! haha)
This collection of short stories that had me laughing out loud. Gary’s general distaste for other people (ugh, small talk!) and awkward situations (the show of opening presents in front of people or watching adults open presents!) is succinctly relatable (to me, at least)!
Aside from the laughs, this also has quite a bit of wisdom and a lot of heart. A fast, fun read that had me nostalgic and nodding my head to many of its anecdotes. This would be an ideal pick for your next flight or a weekend afternoon (maybe at the beach working on your tan! haha)
May 1, 2022
This is a collection of hilarious stories from the author behind Family Guy. It chronicles the moments and times that defined who he is today. There are many stories about his struggles throughout childhood, and some of them are tearjerkers. He talks about growing up gay in Queens, New York, loving soap operas and Wizard of Oz.
I loved the sister and felt she was the most hilarious character. It was funny to see how the author portrayed his family and, at the same time, celebrated them in the book.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/gar...
I loved the sister and felt she was the most hilarious character. It was funny to see how the author portrayed his family and, at the same time, celebrated them in the book.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/gar...
January 27, 2022
The perfect combination of so so funny and so so lovely. I found myself laughing out loud at one page and then tearing up in the next. The writing is conversational and done in such a well-paced, smart way. I’m a fan of the author’s work writing for some of my favorite tv shows and, of course, his Twitter comments but this book adds a complex dimension of sweetness and nostalgia that makes me like Gary even more. I’m so grateful to have been given an advanced copy by Henry Holt and Co - what a gift this is. Buying for everyone I know - it’s perfect.
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August 20, 2022Sadness on repeat. I'm glad he's happy in later life.
March 27, 2024
Highly recommend the Audible version for this book! It was HILARIOUS! It’s hearing about your gay besties life with no filter. A light hearted take with lots of life lessons.
April 22, 2022
I really enjoyed Gary Janetti’s prior book, Do You Mind If I Cancel, so I was equally excited to receive Start Without Me to review, which is a collection of stories about the the times in his life that defined him, and let me tell you, this book is just as good. It is a quick read, and I was chuckling throughout, as he does not hold back with his thoughts and stories that he told. The audio is absolute perfection, as Gary does the audio himself, so it really doesn’t get any better than that.
All of these stories are great, but there are a few that stuck with me and had me rolling. HIs love of The Carol Burnett Show and the Wizard of Oz, his dislike of knowing his neighbors, and pen pals he reunited with later on - hilarious. At this point I should just list them all here because really each of the stories were wonderful in their own way, and there really is no reason you shouldn’t pick this one up when it is out on Tuesday 4/26. It’s absolutely fantastic and you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to @HenryHoltBooks and @NetGalley for the ARC and ALC to review.
All of these stories are great, but there are a few that stuck with me and had me rolling. HIs love of The Carol Burnett Show and the Wizard of Oz, his dislike of knowing his neighbors, and pen pals he reunited with later on - hilarious. At this point I should just list them all here because really each of the stories were wonderful in their own way, and there really is no reason you shouldn’t pick this one up when it is out on Tuesday 4/26. It’s absolutely fantastic and you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to @HenryHoltBooks and @NetGalley for the ARC and ALC to review.
August 3, 2024
Gary Janetti is an American comedy writer and producer. I did not know him before but I really enjoyed reading his book.There are stories mostly from his childhood and youth spent in NYC and they are very interesting and often witty. I intend to read his other books very soon.
April 27, 2022
Book: 4/5
Audiobook: 5/5
Audiobook: 5/5
July 16, 2022
3.75/5
Enjoyable! A light, refreshing read; I liked his first book, Do You Mind if I Cancel?, even more; but this was almost as good as I expected it to be.
Enjoyable! A light, refreshing read; I liked his first book, Do You Mind if I Cancel?, even more; but this was almost as good as I expected it to be.
January 19, 2023
This collections of short and (generally) sweet memories from Janetti will resonate with a lot of gay men of a certain age. His recollections of being inept at sports, obsessed with popular culture, and often the odd man out are both hilarious and touching. A good book to use as an antidote to the stress-inducing times we live in today.
May 14, 2023
Very David Sedaris-y but in a way I liked. Enjoyed the ones about piano lessons and destination weddings.
November 29, 2023
I love Gary Janetti so much - what a treat to have this collection of short stories to read right around the holidays. Funny, sweet, sarcastic, and charming.
July 14, 2022
I listened to this read by Gary himself. It’s light, quick and funny. Definitely a good change from my usual “thriller” reads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 682 reviews