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I Am NOT Fine, Thanks
'How are you?'
How am I? How am I? How do you think I am? I know in the Before Times the tradition was to reply, 'I'm fine, thanks.' Then you would ask how they were, and they would reply, 'I'm fine, thanks.' And then we would all get on with our lives. But I can't play my part in that pantomime anymore. I cannot say, 'I am fine, thanks,' because-spoilers-I am not fine, thanks.
What do you get when a housebound comedian is left with no option but to make comedy using only a rampant washing machine, a lot of Vaseline (it's for the pipes-no not that pipe), a roast chook and an unused exercise bike to keep him company? You get I Am NOT Fine, Thanks.
From prime ministers who don't hold a hose to billionaires who think they're astronauts to people who think lizards are ruling the country and that thermometers are wiping your memory, it's abundantly clear that the world is going to hell.
In I Am NOT Fine, Thanks Wil Anderson uses his iconic dry humour to soothe the sting of the last few years-laughter is the best medicine, after all (or is it apple cider vinegar?). Part memoir, part manifesto and all comedy, this is a book that will both make your every frustration feel heard and show you that there is plenty to hope for.
How am I? How am I? How do you think I am? I know in the Before Times the tradition was to reply, 'I'm fine, thanks.' Then you would ask how they were, and they would reply, 'I'm fine, thanks.' And then we would all get on with our lives. But I can't play my part in that pantomime anymore. I cannot say, 'I am fine, thanks,' because-spoilers-I am not fine, thanks.
What do you get when a housebound comedian is left with no option but to make comedy using only a rampant washing machine, a lot of Vaseline (it's for the pipes-no not that pipe), a roast chook and an unused exercise bike to keep him company? You get I Am NOT Fine, Thanks.
From prime ministers who don't hold a hose to billionaires who think they're astronauts to people who think lizards are ruling the country and that thermometers are wiping your memory, it's abundantly clear that the world is going to hell.
In I Am NOT Fine, Thanks Wil Anderson uses his iconic dry humour to soothe the sting of the last few years-laughter is the best medicine, after all (or is it apple cider vinegar?). Part memoir, part manifesto and all comedy, this is a book that will both make your every frustration feel heard and show you that there is plenty to hope for.
Audiobook
First published November 1, 2022
48 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Wil Anderson
3 books21 followersWilliam James "Wil" Anderson is an Australian comedian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
November 13, 2022
There are two things you need to know about this book:
1. It is very funny. Wil is a fantastic comedian, he’s clever and insightful and his material is always brilliantly crafted. I had a great time listening to the audiobook.
2. It is not a memoir. The marketing of this book has been pretty misleading, leaning hard on the lockdown-memoir angle, when in fact it compiles the material from Wil’s last few touring shows, mostly 2022’s Wilogical (which is based heavily around his lockdown experience) and 2019’s Wil-Informed. They’re both great shows, probably among his best – but if you’re a fan of his live stand-up and listen to TOFOP, don’t go in expecting a whole lot of new material. (On the other hand, if you’re a fan of his life stand-up and listen to TOFOP, you’re going to have a good time regardless, so no worries there!)
I Am NOT Fine, Thanks is a super entertaining read, I just think the marketing isn’t doing it any favours by trying to push it into a different genre. It's not a memoir— but it is filled with sharp, hilarious observations from one of Australia's best working comics about coping with isolation, fighting the rising tide of misinformation and science denialism, a move to the country that landed Wil in Australia's anti-vax capital at the start of a global pandemic, and how we're at our best when we're able to work together as a community.
1. It is very funny. Wil is a fantastic comedian, he’s clever and insightful and his material is always brilliantly crafted. I had a great time listening to the audiobook.
2. It is not a memoir. The marketing of this book has been pretty misleading, leaning hard on the lockdown-memoir angle, when in fact it compiles the material from Wil’s last few touring shows, mostly 2022’s Wilogical (which is based heavily around his lockdown experience) and 2019’s Wil-Informed. They’re both great shows, probably among his best – but if you’re a fan of his live stand-up and listen to TOFOP, don’t go in expecting a whole lot of new material. (On the other hand, if you’re a fan of his life stand-up and listen to TOFOP, you’re going to have a good time regardless, so no worries there!)
I Am NOT Fine, Thanks is a super entertaining read, I just think the marketing isn’t doing it any favours by trying to push it into a different genre. It's not a memoir— but it is filled with sharp, hilarious observations from one of Australia's best working comics about coping with isolation, fighting the rising tide of misinformation and science denialism, a move to the country that landed Wil in Australia's anti-vax capital at the start of a global pandemic, and how we're at our best when we're able to work together as a community.
December 11, 2022
I remember when Sir Humphrey (Yes Minister - The Moral Dimension - 1982) uttered a phrase I will always cherish: ‘A cynic, is what an idealist calls a realist.’ And that is exactly what Wil Anderson is : a realist. Thank goodness!
This book is a realist’s view of what we’ve been through in the past few years and Anderson chose to ride it all out in the hippie haven of the Northern Rivers, the stoner capital of NSW.
Surrounded by whacko ideas, he artfully pulls them all apart in this entertaining read.
This book is a realist’s view of what we’ve been through in the past few years and Anderson chose to ride it all out in the hippie haven of the Northern Rivers, the stoner capital of NSW.
Surrounded by whacko ideas, he artfully pulls them all apart in this entertaining read.
December 17, 2022
As someone who listens to his podcasts a lot of this was familiar, with bits I’ve heard him do before (and better- it took about half the book before Wil finally started reading naturally) but this was a lot of fun and the parts that were new were fantastic.
January 13, 2023
This is a lot of fun. It's thoroughly self-indulgent, but when you're as entertaining as Wil Anderson, you get to take a self-indulgent soap box once in a while.
It is not, however, a memoir, which is how it has been marketed. It is, rather, a smash-up of several of his recent shows. As someone who's not super into memoir reading, this wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but I could imagine that there would be readers who felt that it wasn't what they thought they were buying.
Still, if you want a fun distraction that you can dip in and out of, you can't go wrong with this. Works very well in audio.
It is not, however, a memoir, which is how it has been marketed. It is, rather, a smash-up of several of his recent shows. As someone who's not super into memoir reading, this wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but I could imagine that there would be readers who felt that it wasn't what they thought they were buying.
Still, if you want a fun distraction that you can dip in and out of, you can't go wrong with this. Works very well in audio.
December 23, 2022
Where to start…okay so I’m a fan of Wil. Is that obvious? I read his book. I am a fan of his comedy. But this book wasn’t particularly good, or interesting, or informative, or funny. It had some funny bits in it, but maybe not quite enough to justify the 6 hour investment. It’s pretty much a mildly amusing (in parts) rant about billionaires and climate change and the pandemic and how Wil thinks the world should be - from his POV, which I’m not sure he’s really thought through properly. 1 star is generous. I have no idea how other people have rated this a 4. See his comedy, skip the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
An entertaining, extended version of Wil's 2022 show Wilogical done in a short essay format. If you love Wil or struggled with the anti-vax mindset during covid lockdowns you'll probably enjoy this.
April 28, 2023
He’s not fine because of, well climate change: floods and fires, loss of habitat and native animals. Add in COVID. It’s a humorous read as you’d expect from a comedian- I read this in bed at night and had to suppress laughter many times so I didn’t wake my partner. Especially the bits about Mullumbimby. I lived up there for a year.
Many lines on climate change ring true. This one dismissing the deniers of climate change, who claimed the horrid bushfires that burnt much of our state were caused by arsonists. You know, the line the Liberal govt and the PM who left for Hawaii when the fires were taking off:
Of course, the fires and the floods were caused by arsonists: they just wear suits and work for the fossil fuel companies.
Many lines on climate change ring true. This one dismissing the deniers of climate change, who claimed the horrid bushfires that burnt much of our state were caused by arsonists. You know, the line the Liberal govt and the PM who left for Hawaii when the fires were taking off:
Of course, the fires and the floods were caused by arsonists: they just wear suits and work for the fossil fuel companies.
January 3, 2023
Good book to kick off the New Year, not exactly what I expected, but I would say the humour running throughout comes to the head in Will Anderson's voice, and his distinct style of humour. It contains some good serious issues and points, and it's nice to hear that someone who is so funny and famous didn't just fly through the last couple of pandemic years no worries, it want just me who struggled. But even this is still viewed through a comedic eye.
If you like Will Anderson in either tv or live, I feel you will appreciate this book.
If you like Will Anderson in either tv or live, I feel you will appreciate this book.
September 30, 2023
One for non Wil fans. Found I knew his beats and punchlines so it was a bit predictable given how well I know much of his material. Not that the material isn’t great, I just didn’t need to read it.
February 3, 2023
I consumed this via audiobook and what a treat this was! The author and narrator Wil Anderson really came into his delivery approximately 50% of the way through the book. Stick it out, it's worth it. If I read this traditionally, I would assume the first half would of been even better as I would have naturally paced the jokes in my head (he seems a bit rushed sometimes).
If you know and love the comic, a well known face throughout Australia due to the Melbourne Comedy Festival and the ABC's Gruen (previously known as The Gruen Transfer), you will most certainly love this book. There are a few repeat jokes if you know his work, but I didn't mind this at all.
A refreshing and funny take on the Corona Virus, our environmental impact on the world, climate change, vaccines, smoking weed and of course apple cider vinegar... all from a regular bloke who lives in Mullumbimby and gets paid to make people laugh. Job well done!
If you know and love the comic, a well known face throughout Australia due to the Melbourne Comedy Festival and the ABC's Gruen (previously known as The Gruen Transfer), you will most certainly love this book. There are a few repeat jokes if you know his work, but I didn't mind this at all.
A refreshing and funny take on the Corona Virus, our environmental impact on the world, climate change, vaccines, smoking weed and of course apple cider vinegar... all from a regular bloke who lives in Mullumbimby and gets paid to make people laugh. Job well done!
December 6, 2023
Funny, poignant, political.
This is definitely one for those on the left side of the political spectrum who have a firm belief in science, medicine and the experts. It wasn't quite as funny as I expected but instead what I got was a great insight to how the pandemic affected one man and his career and at large the way he lives his life. Wil Anderson is on point with this book. I read this book in less than 24 hours and almost couldn't put it down except that I had to sleep. I also unfortunately googled echidna penises. Thanks for that Wil.
This is definitely one for those on the left side of the political spectrum who have a firm belief in science, medicine and the experts. It wasn't quite as funny as I expected but instead what I got was a great insight to how the pandemic affected one man and his career and at large the way he lives his life. Wil Anderson is on point with this book. I read this book in less than 24 hours and almost couldn't put it down except that I had to sleep. I also unfortunately googled echidna penises. Thanks for that Wil.
January 20, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book - which I read somewhat passively at first, as my fiancée listened to it as an audiobook during a recent South Australian road trip. I'd always considered myself not a fan of Wil Anderson, but this book has gone some way to changing that opinion. It is funny, honest, and timely.
February 1, 2023
Probably Wil's best book. I feel like he is older now, more articulate and better able to organise his thoughts. There are some great running gags here (wood piles, apple cider vinegar, there are others, I wasn't taking notes while I was reading) as well as some great one liners. "Today's weather, all of it. We recommend you take an umbrella, a fire extinguisher and a cricket bat." An enjoyable read and some stuff to think about.
November 21, 2022
Very entertaining read. It's like listening to 6 hours of hilarious, insightful and well crafted stand up.
February 4, 2023
This book is more than fine, thanks.
February 10, 2023
Laughed out loud many times.
April 20, 2023
One star for each time it made me laugh out loud
December 6, 2022
Entertaining.
February 4, 2023
i am not fine thanks!!!!
May 15, 2023
Got a bit monotonous. Nice in small doses
January 24, 2023
Wil Anderson is one of the most popular, successful comedians in Australia.
He's the host of multiple panel shows, has one or two podcasts etc. He's a busy guy.
I watch his shows, occasionally listen to the podcast and watch his stand-up gigs, so I'm pretty familiar with his rants, views, and issues.
This book is about the last few years when the pandemic entered our lives.
Wil's humour is observational and he sure enjoys a pun or two. (so do I).
If you're an anti-vaxxer, climate change denier, a believer in crystals, and naturopathy, then you'll be highly annoyed with his diatribes. As I hold the same opinions as him, I was amused, even though there was yet another case of preaching to the converted.
But hey, it was a quick entertaining read, or better said listen, and it was great to have it narrated by Wil himself.
He's the host of multiple panel shows, has one or two podcasts etc. He's a busy guy.
I watch his shows, occasionally listen to the podcast and watch his stand-up gigs, so I'm pretty familiar with his rants, views, and issues.
This book is about the last few years when the pandemic entered our lives.
Wil's humour is observational and he sure enjoys a pun or two. (so do I).
If you're an anti-vaxxer, climate change denier, a believer in crystals, and naturopathy, then you'll be highly annoyed with his diatribes. As I hold the same opinions as him, I was amused, even though there was yet another case of preaching to the converted.
But hey, it was a quick entertaining read, or better said listen, and it was great to have it narrated by Wil himself.
November 22, 2022
Much if this book I caught at Wil’s show at the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Does that mean I didn’t appreciate listening to it in my car whilst out on the road for my job? Or reading the book when I wasn’t behind the wheel?
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Fuck no.
Sorry for the swearing, I’ve been listening to Wil Anderson a lot lately and it’s made me a little more sweary. Or less inhibited. You pick.
Swearing aside, Wil combines his masterful comic genius with a more serious side. An insight into how the Pandemic messed with us all. And while I listened along I couldn’t help but miss the breakfast radio mornings on JJJ and MMM. The audiobook was much like those mornings - slapping the steering wheel while PMSL. Even if I’d heard a lot of the material before.
If you missed his show this year because he missed a week of the festival - read the book. Or listen to the audio. You’ll get the gist. Even if you’re only laughing to yourself and not with a room full of strangers.
Probs be a cheaper night out too!
Does that mean I didn’t appreciate listening to it in my car whilst out on the road for my job? Or reading the book when I wasn’t behind the wheel?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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.
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.
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Fuck no.
Sorry for the swearing, I’ve been listening to Wil Anderson a lot lately and it’s made me a little more sweary. Or less inhibited. You pick.
Swearing aside, Wil combines his masterful comic genius with a more serious side. An insight into how the Pandemic messed with us all. And while I listened along I couldn’t help but miss the breakfast radio mornings on JJJ and MMM. The audiobook was much like those mornings - slapping the steering wheel while PMSL. Even if I’d heard a lot of the material before.
If you missed his show this year because he missed a week of the festival - read the book. Or listen to the audio. You’ll get the gist. Even if you’re only laughing to yourself and not with a room full of strangers.
Probs be a cheaper night out too!
Read
March 30, 2023It's not quite fair to rate this production as a book. It feels like materials for a stand up comedy show which I don't have time to watch but I can listen to while driving.
Also, it's mostly about Wil Anderson's time spent during the 2 years of Covid pandemic, which, in Australia, started with a world class bush fire, and ended with a one-in-a-lifetime flood event that happened twice a month. Actually, the floods are still an ongoing issue in 2023, moving from one part of the country to another, so we are NOT fine, thanks.
The major themes of the jokes are pandemic conspiracy and climate change deniers.
Also, it's mostly about Wil Anderson's time spent during the 2 years of Covid pandemic, which, in Australia, started with a world class bush fire, and ended with a one-in-a-lifetime flood event that happened twice a month. Actually, the floods are still an ongoing issue in 2023, moving from one part of the country to another, so we are NOT fine, thanks.
The major themes of the jokes are pandemic conspiracy and climate change deniers.
December 7, 2022
I love Wil Anderson and enjoyed this book. But, if you have seen his most recent shows, none of this book will be new. I also listened to the audio book at it wasn’t nearly as smooth as just watching him deliver at the show. But love that he’s getting his material out there through every medium. Would have appreciated an editor to strip back some repetitive jokes that didn’t translate for emphasis as well as they would on stage. If you can get wickets to Wilogical, go to that instead (or as well)!
November 16, 2023
I think I missed the mark with this one unfortunately. I should've read it during COVID, as this is a central theme throughout the book, regularly returning to the title of "I am NOT fine, thanks".
It discusses all the problems from Wil's point of view, his take on the world, and I didn't feel connected to little tid bits and rambles about certain concerns.
I enjoy Wil's comedy and there were a few funny lines in there, but overall I really struggled to connect or follow the book.
It discusses all the problems from Wil's point of view, his take on the world, and I didn't feel connected to little tid bits and rambles about certain concerns.
I enjoy Wil's comedy and there were a few funny lines in there, but overall I really struggled to connect or follow the book.
April 7, 2023
I consumed most of this in a day. It was hilarious. I assume if the audiobook is read by Wil Anderson, it is even funnier, but I read this.
I've read other reviews saying it's been marketed incorrectly as a memoir when it's actually bits of his comedy. I wasn't too fussed - Wil is a comedian and he probably does comedy sketches better than he writes memoir and I don't really care that I didn't get to read about Wil musing about his time in kindergarten or whatever.
This does have a fair bit about Covid and Wil's time in Covid which is from where he draws his comedy. In fact there's a whole few chapters at the beginning and I realised he'd only just got vaccinated. Everyone else says "I got the vax". No, Wil can draw that out for chapters. It isn't boring but it's an adventure.
Wil obviously has certain opinions on things - it won't be for people who don't agree and get easily offended by those who disagree with them.
He gets into some pretty funny situations and I loved to read stuff like about how he dealt with his bad back, or his general technical incapacity. Washing machines, recording equipment.
Hey, I had an incident like that, once at uni and we had to record ourselves doing a video presentation as an assignment and we ended up videoing the carpet on the floor. You could still hear our audio presentation over it and we ended up thinking that the floor was more interesting than our faces so we submitted it anyway. So I very much empathised with Wil's plight.
The wood pile and the echidna story were fantastic too.
Sometimes, it's great to know someone on TV is a normal person. Because as Wil makes his views known about billionaires and their unreal lives, some people also think TV people are out of touch and question whether they really are real or maybe they are just on screen and don't have real lives and what the heck do they know about "real people" and this book reminds us that they are normal people who have problems ... and do weird things to attempt to solve those problems!
I've read other reviews saying it's been marketed incorrectly as a memoir when it's actually bits of his comedy. I wasn't too fussed - Wil is a comedian and he probably does comedy sketches better than he writes memoir and I don't really care that I didn't get to read about Wil musing about his time in kindergarten or whatever.
This does have a fair bit about Covid and Wil's time in Covid which is from where he draws his comedy. In fact there's a whole few chapters at the beginning and I realised he'd only just got vaccinated. Everyone else says "I got the vax". No, Wil can draw that out for chapters. It isn't boring but it's an adventure.
Wil obviously has certain opinions on things - it won't be for people who don't agree and get easily offended by those who disagree with them.
He gets into some pretty funny situations and I loved to read stuff like about how he dealt with his bad back, or his general technical incapacity. Washing machines, recording equipment.
Hey, I had an incident like that, once at uni and we had to record ourselves doing a video presentation as an assignment and we ended up videoing the carpet on the floor. You could still hear our audio presentation over it and we ended up thinking that the floor was more interesting than our faces so we submitted it anyway. So I very much empathised with Wil's plight.
The wood pile and the echidna story were fantastic too.
Sometimes, it's great to know someone on TV is a normal person. Because as Wil makes his views known about billionaires and their unreal lives, some people also think TV people are out of touch and question whether they really are real or maybe they are just on screen and don't have real lives and what the heck do they know about "real people" and this book reminds us that they are normal people who have problems ... and do weird things to attempt to solve those problems!
May 30, 2024
Because I am so familiar with Wil's material it was a little strange to hear him read his own jokes instead of saying them naturally. It must have felt strange to read and record his audiobook, reciting jokes without an audience to respond.
Wil's book focuses on the mental struggles of going through covid. It's something we all can relate to, but it can be somewhat exhausting to hear about it again especially when so many have published books during this time.
I loved the story about the echidna discovery in his yard, it really resonated with me. I can relate to the loneliness and hopelessness felt in isolation.
I love Wil! Always have. When I was a young teen I used to listen to him on triple J with Adam Spencer, then watched him on Glass House, Good News Week, I've watched his stand up and love his quick wit on Gruen. I fricken love Wilosophy!
Wil gives me solace and relatability when it comes to my own social and political views. His logic is sound and reasonable; especially the frustration with extremist anti-vaxxers and the climate change deniers. Wil discusses the conscious choice he made to not have children, he is open about using weed medicinally for his pain management.
Wil feels like a childhood friend. I can't wait to see what he does next.
I've just moved to Wagga, hopefully he's not too scared to visit one more time, even if it might be the last haha.
Wil's book focuses on the mental struggles of going through covid. It's something we all can relate to, but it can be somewhat exhausting to hear about it again especially when so many have published books during this time.
I loved the story about the echidna discovery in his yard, it really resonated with me. I can relate to the loneliness and hopelessness felt in isolation.
I love Wil! Always have. When I was a young teen I used to listen to him on triple J with Adam Spencer, then watched him on Glass House, Good News Week, I've watched his stand up and love his quick wit on Gruen. I fricken love Wilosophy!
Wil gives me solace and relatability when it comes to my own social and political views. His logic is sound and reasonable; especially the frustration with extremist anti-vaxxers and the climate change deniers. Wil discusses the conscious choice he made to not have children, he is open about using weed medicinally for his pain management.
Wil feels like a childhood friend. I can't wait to see what he does next.
I've just moved to Wagga, hopefully he's not too scared to visit one more time, even if it might be the last haha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2024
With the cancellation of most of his live work during the early COVID years, Australian comedian and media personality Wil Anderson retreated to the new age town of Mullumbimby where he realised his attitudes to mask wearing, vaccinations, and science in general did not mesh with the locals. Here he deconstructs and analyses the comments, criticisms, and beliefs he encountered before he expands his spray to encompass climate deniers, politicians, billionaires, cryptocurrency enthusiasts, and general conspiracy theorists. Along the way he shares relatable self-deprecating personal stories and experiences—he’s around 50 now and grappling with chronic health issues, so he does make more of a distinction between himself and “the young people”!
I’m guessing if you agree with Wil’s views like I do, you’ll find this mostly fun and entertaining—and if you don’t, you definitely won’t. I’ve always found Wil’s humour smart and insightful so I enjoyed this defence of science and his rebuttal of anti-expertise. Wil narrates the audio in his trademark rapid machine-gun style. Again, if you agree with him, you’ll find his narration funny—and if you don’t, I’m guessing you’ll experience it as more of a barrage!
I’m guessing if you agree with Wil’s views like I do, you’ll find this mostly fun and entertaining—and if you don’t, you definitely won’t. I’ve always found Wil’s humour smart and insightful so I enjoyed this defence of science and his rebuttal of anti-expertise. Wil narrates the audio in his trademark rapid machine-gun style. Again, if you agree with him, you’ll find his narration funny—and if you don’t, I’m guessing you’ll experience it as more of a barrage!
April 11, 2023
Wil Anderson telling you how he really feels. Especially about apple cider vinegar. No, its not a cook book. Nor is it a memoir. It is a contemplation of how life is not fine, that we are not always ok, and that sometimes we need to take a more real approach when we’re asked, “how are you?”. It’s clear he wasn’t fond of the COVID years, in fact there is a certain level of outrage towards them; this book captures those very things Wil observed that he need to share with the world. The pain and pressure of isolation, both physical and mental at the same time as he moved to a part of Australia known as the anti-vax capital seemed ironic but was a lived experience for him. Known for being well-informed, knowledgeable and articulate, the impact of fake news and misinformation was stressful and frustrating. He’s not fine, he’s not okay, he doesn’t like how the world is turning out. And he is not afraid to tell us, even with a joke or two for good measure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews