What do you think?
Rate this book
A Funny Life
The Sunday Times top 10 bestseller.
Laugh along with Michael McIntyre as he lifts the curtain on his life in his revealing autobiography.
Michael’s first book ended with his big break at the 2006 Royal Variety Performance. Waking up the next morning in the tiny rented flat he shared with his wife Kitty and their one-year-old son, he was beyond excited about the new glamorous world of show business. Unfortunately, he was also clueless . . .
In A Funny Life, Michael honestly and hilariously shares the highs and the lows of his rise to the top and desperate attempts to stay there. It’s all here, from his disastrous panel show appearances to his hit TV shows, from mistakenly thinking he’d be a good chat show host and talent judge, to finding fame and fortune beyond his wildest dreams and becoming the biggest-selling comedian in the world. Along the way he opens his man drawer, narrowly avoids disaster when his trousers fall down in front of three policemen and learns the hard way why he should always listen to his wife.
Michael has had a silly life, a stressful life, sometimes a moving and touching life, but always A Funny Life .
Laugh along with Michael McIntyre as he lifts the curtain on his life in his revealing autobiography.
Michael’s first book ended with his big break at the 2006 Royal Variety Performance. Waking up the next morning in the tiny rented flat he shared with his wife Kitty and their one-year-old son, he was beyond excited about the new glamorous world of show business. Unfortunately, he was also clueless . . .
In A Funny Life, Michael honestly and hilariously shares the highs and the lows of his rise to the top and desperate attempts to stay there. It’s all here, from his disastrous panel show appearances to his hit TV shows, from mistakenly thinking he’d be a good chat show host and talent judge, to finding fame and fortune beyond his wildest dreams and becoming the biggest-selling comedian in the world. Along the way he opens his man drawer, narrowly avoids disaster when his trousers fall down in front of three policemen and learns the hard way why he should always listen to his wife.
Michael has had a silly life, a stressful life, sometimes a moving and touching life, but always A Funny Life .
Paperback
Published June 9, 2022
144 people are currently reading
1033 people want to read
About the author
Michael McIntyre
30 books66 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
January 29, 2022
Michael McIntyre is a very funny comedian when he is on form, and here he informs us how he came to attain his superstardom in his profession, going from a married man with a young child with debts of £30 000 to what he spells out in detail is his huge wealth today, transforming his and his family's life. It has certainly not been the easiest of journeys, his luck beginning to turn with an appearance at the Royal Variety Show, and even then it was not instant. Instrumental in his rise where he wins a BAFTA, making huge DVD sales, selling out arenas, is his larger than life manager, Addison Cresswell. Keeping up his morale when things hit rock bottom, receiving poor reviews, or when he is struggling with his self esteem, or making big errors, like his poor performances on panel shows, is his 'wingman', fellow comedian Paul Tonkinson.
It is clear that McIntyre is a man who is in his element when everything revolves around him, when there are others in the limelight, he is self aware enough to know that he does not do as well. He is an obsessive character, his ambition spurring him on to greater and greater heights, as with his runaway Saturday night success with Michael McIntyre's Big Show. This leaves him with little time or inclination for other activities, such as reading. I might be wrong, but in my opinion he now appears to have plateaued in his career, I am not a fan of his show, The Wheel, where to me it feels as if he is coasting on past glories. I suppose there is nowhere much to go when you have reached his levels of success. I would recommend this memoir to fans of the comedian.
It is clear that McIntyre is a man who is in his element when everything revolves around him, when there are others in the limelight, he is self aware enough to know that he does not do as well. He is an obsessive character, his ambition spurring him on to greater and greater heights, as with his runaway Saturday night success with Michael McIntyre's Big Show. This leaves him with little time or inclination for other activities, such as reading. I might be wrong, but in my opinion he now appears to have plateaued in his career, I am not a fan of his show, The Wheel, where to me it feels as if he is coasting on past glories. I suppose there is nowhere much to go when you have reached his levels of success. I would recommend this memoir to fans of the comedian.
November 29, 2021
3.5 stars
Okay, to make things clear. Michael McIntyre is a great comedian. As a matter of fact, he is one of my favorite comedians of all time. Honestly, when I need a good laugh, he is my go to comedian.
His jokes are great, because he doesn't need much swearing etc. to make people laugh. His comedy is relatable for the daily life. This all makes him a great comedian.
However, in book format, everything didn't feel as good. Yes, there where his funny and witty jokes that made me laugh. It had it's good moments.
If anything, I recommend the audiobook. Listening to it with McIntyrw himself as a narrator made it an enjoyable read. Actually, it was great listening to it while cooking, doing laundry and dishes. Perfect background sound to make the day more enjoyable.
In the end, not the best autobiograph I listend to. However, it's NOT BAD by any mean! It's worth a read (or listen) if you are a Michael McIntyre fan!
I just personally prefer McIntyre on the stage or at an interview. There is where is talent shines the most. Not between the pages of a book!
Okay, to make things clear. Michael McIntyre is a great comedian. As a matter of fact, he is one of my favorite comedians of all time. Honestly, when I need a good laugh, he is my go to comedian.
His jokes are great, because he doesn't need much swearing etc. to make people laugh. His comedy is relatable for the daily life. This all makes him a great comedian.
However, in book format, everything didn't feel as good. Yes, there where his funny and witty jokes that made me laugh. It had it's good moments.
If anything, I recommend the audiobook. Listening to it with McIntyrw himself as a narrator made it an enjoyable read. Actually, it was great listening to it while cooking, doing laundry and dishes. Perfect background sound to make the day more enjoyable.
In the end, not the best autobiograph I listend to. However, it's NOT BAD by any mean! It's worth a read (or listen) if you are a Michael McIntyre fan!
I just personally prefer McIntyre on the stage or at an interview. There is where is talent shines the most. Not between the pages of a book!
January 8, 2022
4.5⭐️ I laughed out loud on a number of occasions while listening to this. The extra half a star is for Addison and the ending of the book 🥰
May 23, 2022
Although I am aware of Michael McIntyre, his huge popularity making him hard to miss, I have never seen his record-breaking comedy DVD's, or various TV projects. I have seen him on something, perhaps The Graham Norton Show. Prior to reading this book I watched a few of his clips on YouTube, and liked them well enough. I know he is a comedian that people either seem to love or hate, something he talks about in this book. It was actually one of the parts I liked the most, where he discussed that period where he hadn't found his audience yet, or perhaps they hadn't found him. In the days before people know what to expect, when people know whether they want to seek you out or avoid you, performing can be a mixed bag. Not everyone will like you, and they don't have to, but performing to people who don't get it is tough.
Something I found interesting is that, while Michael McIntyre has of course achieved a lot, and I don't want to undermine his hard work, so much seemed to happen and grow because of his manager, Addison Cresswell. Addison, for me, was the real star of this book, the most vibrant and fascinating person described. He seemed to be the force that made it all finally happen, who knew when to push and where to aim. What risks to take and what ones to sidestep.
As I finished this book I don't feel like I know Michael himself anywhere near as well as you would expect after closing an autobiography. Perhaps he covered all this in his earlier one, though he says at the start that you don't need to have read that to read this. I know that he loves his wife, his children, and puts hours into his comedy. That's nice of course, but I feel like I already knew that... There were things I would have loved more on -- surely more goes into the making of a TV show than was discussed? Or is he in a position where he doesn't need to worry about anything other than hosting? He failed at panel shows -- but I think he only did two or three. Did he not think actually prepping and practicing might be worth his time, rather than just abandoning them? He discusses these charity concerts/galas in a throwaway sentence -- I would have loved to know more about that process. What charities, how much do they raise, at what point do you know you are established enough to carry such a show? Do you suggest it, or does a charity approach you? Is there additional pressure to do justice to your cause?
I had more questions, though I won't list them all. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a nice read, though with the exception of Addison, I never really felt like there was much effort to dive beneath the surface.
Something I found interesting is that, while Michael McIntyre has of course achieved a lot, and I don't want to undermine his hard work, so much seemed to happen and grow because of his manager, Addison Cresswell. Addison, for me, was the real star of this book, the most vibrant and fascinating person described. He seemed to be the force that made it all finally happen, who knew when to push and where to aim. What risks to take and what ones to sidestep.
As I finished this book I don't feel like I know Michael himself anywhere near as well as you would expect after closing an autobiography. Perhaps he covered all this in his earlier one, though he says at the start that you don't need to have read that to read this. I know that he loves his wife, his children, and puts hours into his comedy. That's nice of course, but I feel like I already knew that... There were things I would have loved more on -- surely more goes into the making of a TV show than was discussed? Or is he in a position where he doesn't need to worry about anything other than hosting? He failed at panel shows -- but I think he only did two or three. Did he not think actually prepping and practicing might be worth his time, rather than just abandoning them? He discusses these charity concerts/galas in a throwaway sentence -- I would have loved to know more about that process. What charities, how much do they raise, at what point do you know you are established enough to carry such a show? Do you suggest it, or does a charity approach you? Is there additional pressure to do justice to your cause?
I had more questions, though I won't list them all. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a nice read, though with the exception of Addison, I never really felt like there was much effort to dive beneath the surface.
January 24, 2022
This book proved to be exactly what I hoped it would be. Light, entertaining, funny and written so I could actually imagine Michael McIntyre talking to me. It was never going to be an in-depth biography but I did learn things about him along the way. The book is full of stories that will make you laugh out loud and other times when he is semi serious talking about his relationship with his agent Addison Cresswell.
I had previously read his other book which was written in a similar vein and this one follows on with the next part of his career. Although I find Michael McIntyre rather a visual comedian with his constant leaping around the stage this book still succeeded in giving me the impression he was talking directly to me.
Lots of funny anecdotes that made me laugh out loud and a pleasant way to spend a few hours reading.
I had previously read his other book which was written in a similar vein and this one follows on with the next part of his career. Although I find Michael McIntyre rather a visual comedian with his constant leaping around the stage this book still succeeded in giving me the impression he was talking directly to me.
Lots of funny anecdotes that made me laugh out loud and a pleasant way to spend a few hours reading.
November 14, 2021
Even better than Life and Laughing (which I adored)!! I can't count how many times I giggled and belly laughed throughout this book!
Being such a huge fan of Michael over the years it was wonderful to see behind the curtain of his famous jokes, amazing performances and shows that I love so much.
Also brought a few tears to my eyes at times.
He deserves every bit of success that he worked so hard for and it was fab to hear more of his story!
Being such a huge fan of Michael over the years it was wonderful to see behind the curtain of his famous jokes, amazing performances and shows that I love so much.
Also brought a few tears to my eyes at times.
He deserves every bit of success that he worked so hard for and it was fab to hear more of his story!
November 4, 2021
Michael McIntyre is on his usual form in this memoir!
I absolutely love his standup, so there is no surprise in my having immensely enjoyed this. I really love the way he sees the humour in many things that to most people are just every-day occurences!
PS the fact that he kept going off on tangents while trying to read his own audiobook was brilliant!
I absolutely love his standup, so there is no surprise in my having immensely enjoyed this. I really love the way he sees the humour in many things that to most people are just every-day occurences!
PS the fact that he kept going off on tangents while trying to read his own audiobook was brilliant!
January 14, 2023
Michael McIntyre has cleverly incorporated some of his best jokes into this poignant and amusing autobiography. This book has everything. It’s sad, it’s thoughtful but most of all, it’s hilarious from start to finish! I wasn’t sure what to expect but this book has been a joy to read! I would 100% recommend!
March 27, 2023
I read his previous autobiography many years ago and this follows on from 2006 and goes up to when he won a BAFTA in 2017. I listened to the audio version, narrated by Michael and I'm so glad I chose this format over the print. He is brilliant at narrating, using different voices for impersonating people, and it really feels as though he is sitting with you chatting, as now and again he interrupts the narrative with off the cuff remarks and asides.
It is extremely funny, as you would imagine but also poignant at times, especially when he talks about his professional relationship with Addison his agent, who built up his career. He also recounts the highs and lows of his career (including the disappointment when his chat show bombed) with honesty and humour. There are so many anecdotes and stories but also private details of his earlier debt, the problems encountered with moving house and more. His love for his family comes through clearly as well as the friendships and support he has received from the teams he works with.
I definitely recommend the audio book to get the best experience.
It is extremely funny, as you would imagine but also poignant at times, especially when he talks about his professional relationship with Addison his agent, who built up his career. He also recounts the highs and lows of his career (including the disappointment when his chat show bombed) with honesty and humour. There are so many anecdotes and stories but also private details of his earlier debt, the problems encountered with moving house and more. His love for his family comes through clearly as well as the friendships and support he has received from the teams he works with.
I definitely recommend the audio book to get the best experience.
December 14, 2021
Just finished listening to Michael McIntyre’s latest autobiography on Audible. It’s brilliant! I’d say better than reading it as he narrates it. Regardless, it’s a very well written memoir; funny, of course, but also very poignant in places too. I’m by no means a super fan but I really enjoyed listening to how he rose from nothing to such highly acclaimed comedy stardom, fortune and fame. If you enjoy autobiographies, it’s a really good one!
February 19, 2022
Reflections and lessons learned:
“The trend was more and more for comedians to have a central theme running through their show - an insightful, informal narrative with a sprinkling of jokes… I just wanted to make people laugh as hard as possible, and as long as possible…my theme was comedy itself”
I’m a fan of stand up comedians in terms of the art and the personalities involved, so when I’m in an autobiography mood I’m always happy to read tales and anecdotes from/of this type of performer. I bought the first autobiography in print years ago, but the over-saturation of McIntyre made it find its way to the back of the shelves and then into loft boxes fairly quickly. He’s not a comedian that I’d beg, borrow or steal for a ticket to see now (having paid for an arena ticket back in the day), but I wouldn’t turn the tv over if he’s on… I might not watch him on you tube though… having said all this though I did enjoy this take on the rise from jobbing comedy circuit comedian to award winning television host - in many ways he’s bucked the trend in stand up for being a genuinely happy, and a fan himself, but quite middle class performer, and whilst he may not be for everyone at least he’s able to be true to himself, which comes shining through in this lovely book
“The trend was more and more for comedians to have a central theme running through their show - an insightful, informal narrative with a sprinkling of jokes… I just wanted to make people laugh as hard as possible, and as long as possible…my theme was comedy itself”
I’m a fan of stand up comedians in terms of the art and the personalities involved, so when I’m in an autobiography mood I’m always happy to read tales and anecdotes from/of this type of performer. I bought the first autobiography in print years ago, but the over-saturation of McIntyre made it find its way to the back of the shelves and then into loft boxes fairly quickly. He’s not a comedian that I’d beg, borrow or steal for a ticket to see now (having paid for an arena ticket back in the day), but I wouldn’t turn the tv over if he’s on… I might not watch him on you tube though… having said all this though I did enjoy this take on the rise from jobbing comedy circuit comedian to award winning television host - in many ways he’s bucked the trend in stand up for being a genuinely happy, and a fan himself, but quite middle class performer, and whilst he may not be for everyone at least he’s able to be true to himself, which comes shining through in this lovely book
July 27, 2024
Firstly, I will never give a direct rating to an autobiography and it is someone's personal writing (but goodreads makes me so please ignore that!) 🥰 I really wanted a nice light audiobook to listen to whilst I was doing my diamond art and this was most definitely the book for me! 😍 it highlights how difficult the comedy circuit is, even for someone who is now as successful as Michael is and highlighted so much of his life that we don't know about! I loved that it was narrated by Michael, making it even more appropriate and his voices were so good! 😍 I would recommend this for anyone who wants a quick easy audiobook and who loves Michael! ❤
September 6, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this!
I downloaded this as an audible book (which McIntyre narrated himself) and found it to be a really enjoyable experience where the comedic timing shone through!
I recommend! :)
I downloaded this as an audible book (which McIntyre narrated himself) and found it to be a really enjoyable experience where the comedic timing shone through!
I recommend! :)
November 6, 2021
Like most people in the country, I absolutely adore Michael McIntyre - I’m sure there are some people who don’t, but I haven’t met them and I don’t wish to. Looking back at this work, I’m fairly sure I’ve watched everything he’s done, have all his DVDs and have read all his books (all 2 of them!)
Not to sound like an old woman but I’m not a fan of comedians who swear and joke about crude things just to get laughs. I prefer these kind of anecdotal jokes that Michael does because they’re easy to identify with. They also bring back good memories. Every time a new DVD was released, I would get it as a Christmas present and me and my late father would settle down and watch it before we’d even sat down for breakfast, crying with laughter within the first five minutes.
What I like about Michael’s books, especially this one, is how honest he is. Becoming a success in any profession, let alone something as difficult as showbiz, is full of highs and a lot of lows, and he doesn’t ignore these. He is honest about how difficult his journey has been and how many knocks he has taken.
There is a lot of name dropping and….boasting? No, not boasting, that sounds negative and I don’t mean it like that. There’s a lot of elaborating what he’s achieved and what that has bought him in terms of money and possessions. And for most people that would really irk me, but for Michael, I’m really happy for him. It’s clear this is what he’s always wanted and worked hard for, and I’m so glad he’s managed to make a success out of what he loves, and why shouldn’t you celebrate the gains that come with that?
Overall, whilst it is fundamentally a memoir written by a comedian and made to be funny, it is also such a lovely story about overcoming hardships and triumphing in your most wanted dreams. I read his first book in less than a day, and I’ve done the exact same thing with this one. I eagerly await the third years to come.
Not to sound like an old woman but I’m not a fan of comedians who swear and joke about crude things just to get laughs. I prefer these kind of anecdotal jokes that Michael does because they’re easy to identify with. They also bring back good memories. Every time a new DVD was released, I would get it as a Christmas present and me and my late father would settle down and watch it before we’d even sat down for breakfast, crying with laughter within the first five minutes.
What I like about Michael’s books, especially this one, is how honest he is. Becoming a success in any profession, let alone something as difficult as showbiz, is full of highs and a lot of lows, and he doesn’t ignore these. He is honest about how difficult his journey has been and how many knocks he has taken.
There is a lot of name dropping and….boasting? No, not boasting, that sounds negative and I don’t mean it like that. There’s a lot of elaborating what he’s achieved and what that has bought him in terms of money and possessions. And for most people that would really irk me, but for Michael, I’m really happy for him. It’s clear this is what he’s always wanted and worked hard for, and I’m so glad he’s managed to make a success out of what he loves, and why shouldn’t you celebrate the gains that come with that?
Overall, whilst it is fundamentally a memoir written by a comedian and made to be funny, it is also such a lovely story about overcoming hardships and triumphing in your most wanted dreams. I read his first book in less than a day, and I’ve done the exact same thing with this one. I eagerly await the third years to come.
September 30, 2023
2.5/3
Different to what I usually read!
Different to what I usually read!
October 22, 2021
Norges komediekonge! Fun to see Bergen get a mention.
December 17, 2021
Unfortunately the more I read the less I liked him. Felt like a humble brag the whole way through. I was disappointed
March 11, 2022
I’m currently making my way through all of Britian’s celeb-memoirs it seems😅 It’s great listening on audible.
This basically recounts his journey from being broke to becoming the most popular comedian in the country. Not as funny as his shows, but it’s lighthearted and it does have some good bits. I know I would never enjoy these autobiographies as much if I didn’t listen to them, though. MM’s narration is wonderful, it really is. I loved how he broke the ‘4th audiobook wall’ (I’m just gonna call it that) throughout the book, telling the listener about his narrating voice and and the process behind it.
I don’t watch a lot of comedy these days and I truly cannot stand what many people seem to love, but he’s an exception. If I ever need a laugh, he’s my go-to on YouTube. Check out the videos where he steals food from people’s houses and serves it back to them, it’s a blast.
This basically recounts his journey from being broke to becoming the most popular comedian in the country. Not as funny as his shows, but it’s lighthearted and it does have some good bits. I know I would never enjoy these autobiographies as much if I didn’t listen to them, though. MM’s narration is wonderful, it really is. I loved how he broke the ‘4th audiobook wall’ (I’m just gonna call it that) throughout the book, telling the listener about his narrating voice and and the process behind it.
I don’t watch a lot of comedy these days and I truly cannot stand what many people seem to love, but he’s an exception. If I ever need a laugh, he’s my go-to on YouTube. Check out the videos where he steals food from people’s houses and serves it back to them, it’s a blast.
March 7, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Michael’s book. I’m a huge fan anyway and was fascinated reading about his road to success as well as gaining an insight into Michael, the family man. All the way through I could hear his voice, hear him telling his hilarious stories. Found myself chuckling at his anecdotes and observations on life. I love how he’s so open and honest about his almost crippling lack of self confidence and his fragility. I adore him and believe he may be my fave stand up comic of all time.
January 30, 2023
Dette er den morsomste boka jeg noen gang har lest! Jeg fant den på Spotify, og har hørt den på toget. Jeg må virkelig få tak i den første bok!
January 15, 2024
A nice easy read to start the year with this book. Michael McIntyre is a great storyteller and I could actually hear his voice in my head telling the tales, as I read. This just added to the comedy. Maybe I should have got the audio book! If you are a fan of comedy or of MM I’d definitely recommend this book.
November 29, 2021
Loved his first book and loved this one.
September 24, 2022
A touching and humbling story about Michael McIntyre’s rise to fame as a comedian. An absolute joy to read and just what I needed right now.
December 21, 2021
Not as good as his previous book but he’s still a funny man
December 15, 2021
In my opinion Michael McIntyre is one of the funniest comedians on the planet. His humour is based on real life and by the end of a show my face hurts from laughing so much.
This is his second autobiography and picks up right where the first ended. We've seen his beginnings and his struggles to become noticed and now we get the story of his rise to fame and fortune.
When you see a comedian appear on panel shows and getting their own dvds you assume that their life and career must be one big high. Here we see that that isn't always the case. Michael is plagued by self doubt and despite becoming famous didn't have the success that you'd expect. Of course as we've seen things turn out great for him but there was a learning curve for him to see what worked and what didn't and as big as the highs were some of the lows shattered his confidence.
One thing that is very apparent throughout the entire book is how important his manager, Addison Cresswell was to his career. No matter the situation he was there supporting and believing in him. He pushed Michael further and higher than he believed he could go and the love and appreciation Michael felt for him is very apparent.
There's also the birth of his two sons and his incredibly supportive wife as they go from crippling debt to struggling to get on the property ladder as well as hilarious anicdotes about past neighbours and such along the way.
I read this in two days. It was a wonderful and heartwarming story and as someone who loves to see the inner workings of how things are put together and how people get to where they are now I absolutely loved it.
This is his second autobiography and picks up right where the first ended. We've seen his beginnings and his struggles to become noticed and now we get the story of his rise to fame and fortune.
When you see a comedian appear on panel shows and getting their own dvds you assume that their life and career must be one big high. Here we see that that isn't always the case. Michael is plagued by self doubt and despite becoming famous didn't have the success that you'd expect. Of course as we've seen things turn out great for him but there was a learning curve for him to see what worked and what didn't and as big as the highs were some of the lows shattered his confidence.
One thing that is very apparent throughout the entire book is how important his manager, Addison Cresswell was to his career. No matter the situation he was there supporting and believing in him. He pushed Michael further and higher than he believed he could go and the love and appreciation Michael felt for him is very apparent.
There's also the birth of his two sons and his incredibly supportive wife as they go from crippling debt to struggling to get on the property ladder as well as hilarious anicdotes about past neighbours and such along the way.
I read this in two days. It was a wonderful and heartwarming story and as someone who loves to see the inner workings of how things are put together and how people get to where they are now I absolutely loved it.
February 19, 2022
Michael McIntyre is easily one of my favourite comedians, pop him on the telly and I'm guaranteed to be in tears of laughter within seconds. His audiobook, A Funny Life, is the perfect light, warm and funny read to get you through a dark wintery patch and honestly feels like you're just sitting down for a chat with an old friend.
Michael narrates his audiobook which added so much to the fun of it, as he goes off on mini little tangents through out. There's also little sections where he suggests you google something or watch something on YouTube which adds to the engagement.
Michael shares all aspects of his life from silly but cute little anecdotes about Kitty, Lucas & Oscar (his wife and 2 kids) to his heartbreak at the loss of his friend and mentor Addison Cresswell and really lets you see the highs and lows he's experienced over the last few years.
This book took off from his first, Life & Laughing, but can be enjoyed as a stand alone as in true McIntyre fashion he makes sure you dive head first into all the fun and belly-aching laughter without feeling in the slightest bit lost.
Michael narrates his audiobook which added so much to the fun of it, as he goes off on mini little tangents through out. There's also little sections where he suggests you google something or watch something on YouTube which adds to the engagement.
Michael shares all aspects of his life from silly but cute little anecdotes about Kitty, Lucas & Oscar (his wife and 2 kids) to his heartbreak at the loss of his friend and mentor Addison Cresswell and really lets you see the highs and lows he's experienced over the last few years.
This book took off from his first, Life & Laughing, but can be enjoyed as a stand alone as in true McIntyre fashion he makes sure you dive head first into all the fun and belly-aching laughter without feeling in the slightest bit lost.
February 17, 2022
Firstly, I feel that if you are going to give this book a shot, you must do the audiobook road. There is just something about Michael reading the book that makes it so much better. If you have seen his shows then while listening you can just imagine him doing his thing with his head bobbing.
What I loved was that Michael was honest about everything. From the highs to his lows. I enjoyed reading that in his early days how they struggled. The stress of paying everything. The misses he had before he became an overnight success, which in fact took 6 years to happen.
That alone gives one hope. Hope that you should just keep on fighting for your dreams even when you feel like giving up.
The book had some very funny moments. Chapter 4 and 18 my favourite ones. The way he spoke of Johannesburg just had me smile, being just 1h30min drive away from me.
There are sad moments too and some really embarrassing ones. But it just makes the success he is having so much sweeter
If you love his show. Then go out and get the book.
I give A Funny Life
★★★★ out of 5 stars
What I loved was that Michael was honest about everything. From the highs to his lows. I enjoyed reading that in his early days how they struggled. The stress of paying everything. The misses he had before he became an overnight success, which in fact took 6 years to happen.
That alone gives one hope. Hope that you should just keep on fighting for your dreams even when you feel like giving up.
The book had some very funny moments. Chapter 4 and 18 my favourite ones. The way he spoke of Johannesburg just had me smile, being just 1h30min drive away from me.
There are sad moments too and some really embarrassing ones. But it just makes the success he is having so much sweeter
If you love his show. Then go out and get the book.
I give A Funny Life
★★★★ out of 5 stars
September 10, 2022
Having read Michael's first autobiog & really enjoyed it, I wasn't so sure how he'd approach this sequel - seeing as the first book ended on a high as he finally finds well-deserved fame.
So I was so pleased to see that this book finds Michael striving for new goals, and is still every bit as entertaining as he finds the road to continued success can still be filled with pitfalls, as well as rewards.
We see how he and wife cope with starting a family and moving up the property ladder - all delivered with Michael's unique brand of wit and wonder.
Without revealing any spoilers, there's room for pathos too - plus some embarrassing missteps as Michael looks to build on his success, and how he develops new ideas.
It all made for a very enjoyable read, with Michael coming across as likeable, honest, hard-working and just someone who doesn't take life too seriously.
If you liked the first book, you'll definitely love this too - life, love and laughs with Britain's best-loved comedian.
So I was so pleased to see that this book finds Michael striving for new goals, and is still every bit as entertaining as he finds the road to continued success can still be filled with pitfalls, as well as rewards.
We see how he and wife cope with starting a family and moving up the property ladder - all delivered with Michael's unique brand of wit and wonder.
Without revealing any spoilers, there's room for pathos too - plus some embarrassing missteps as Michael looks to build on his success, and how he develops new ideas.
It all made for a very enjoyable read, with Michael coming across as likeable, honest, hard-working and just someone who doesn't take life too seriously.
If you liked the first book, you'll definitely love this too - life, love and laughs with Britain's best-loved comedian.
December 25, 2022
An entertaining biography but a bit repetitive! I like Michael McIntyre's ability to make people laugh without necessarily assassinating people's character or swearing all over the place and he pulls it off in this book too. However, if you want laughs I'd watch his comedy instead or perhaps listen to the audio book. From a biography perspective, it was interesting to see his rise in showbiz and especially learn about his relationship with his agent, but I felt the book turned into a bit of a cycle of "my agent pushed me to do this new thing, I was uncomfortable but did it anyway, it went great and I made a lot of money then bought xyz with it and won this award". Not sad I bought it but can't give it more than a 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews