The F Word: How to Survive Your Family

by Louie Anderson

In an entertaining and poignant memoir, the best-selling author of Dear Dad combines personal reminiscences with inspirational advice on how to deal with poor family dynamics, examining his own dysfunctional upbringing, his relationships with his many siblings, and how he learned to make peace with the past. 100,000 first printing.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Memoir, Comedian, Comedy, Family

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Louie Perry Anderson (1953-2022) is an American stand-up comedian, actor and television host. Anderson created the cartoon series Life with Louie, has written three books, and was the initial host of the second revival of the game show Family Feud, from 1999 to 2002.

Growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, Louie Anderson was the second-youngest of 11 children in his family. He went to Johnson Senior High.

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

made me laugh and cry at the same time...

[Susan Kosel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny, very sad and very true!

[Linds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anderson is a great comedian, but this book isn't funny nor insightful.

[Tim Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shares funny but true situations that many people can relate to, including me. It made me realize a lot of things that has been deep within my thoughts.

[Nicole Denekamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read that everyone can relate to in some way.

[Carlisdania Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet and endearing first person narrative on surviving a difficult childhood. I loved the cute family survival tips, so many of them are actually really practical and helpful like #10 about managing your feelings at family functions. “Always keep an eye on your emotional fuel tank… leave enough gas to get home safely. You can do this by exiting at a time you’ve previously decided on. If the party is from three to six, arrive at three-thirty and leave at five. You don’t want to be the first to show up or the last to go.”

Also great sections about dealing with becoming a celebrity and dealing with money and family.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

C; Not bad. Borrowed from a friend. Louie has a nice way of writing and sharing his family stories. He also relates them to the rest of the world with plenty of humor tossed in. An easy book to pick up off and on when you have a few minutes.

[Ellyn Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny tidbits about family life with personal anecdotes were great to read. A very healthy attitude about his childhood, and reflection on how that has tied into who became as an adult, and a popular comedian. Can’t wait to read his other books. He writes well.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good... humorous and helpful...

[Sandy Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought-provoking while being funny. But isn't that the definition of Louie Anderson?

[Sara Goldenberg · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess I should have known going in that it was about his family. I'm not that interested in them.

[Jennifer Stroud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comic relief about family relationships. Smart, funny, delightful.

[Bev Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Louie

This is an awesome book. Louie Anderson was very talented and very insiteful . Louie was a very intelligent man.

[Mediaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this after Louie Anderson died and was somewhat disappointed because there's not much about himself in this book. It's mostly negative stories of his ten siblings and his parents, most of which aren't very funny or even interesting. It's actually all pretty sad.

There are a few pages on his career, like being on the Tonight Show, but not much. He alludes to a gambling problem, having to pay back taxes, and being blackmailed by someone, but no details. He also seems to have no personal life, with no mention of girlfriends or if he was gay.

There's little inspirational about it. He talks about suicidal thoughts. Then gives 49 family survival tips, but most are either obvious or sad. At the end of the book there's a depressing chapter about him going home for Christmas but avoiding family.

I'm not sure if his other book about his abusive alcoholic dad is any better, but I have no interest after reading this. Louie's obituaries failed to include some of the very sad references made in this book. It's better to remember him as a self-effacing comedian and not the moody sad sack in this book.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times thought provoking, at times old material

Many of the things in this book have been covered in his acts or in other books of his. I was, however, extremely surprised at the depth of some portions of this book. There were long periods of time when Louie would get very deep and philosophical and I would question if I had accidentally picked up a psychology textbook or something.

There were some lines of thinking that made me put down the book and think deeply about the circumstances of my own life and contemplate how they played out and what significance they may have had in the person I am today.

[Judi Edwards · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this book. It was kind of depressing and analyzing.

[Cameron Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.2 - 2.3x

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

"How to survive your family" is the rest of the title. 49 family survivor tips, for those who need them.

[JulaPDX · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book of his that I've read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was fortunate to see his act in Vegas several years ago, and it was fantastic. His books really moved me.