Yeah, I Said It

by Wanda Sykes

Yeah, I Said It
...about President George W. "Sometimes I feel like we're trapped on a bad reality show. He's not really a president. He's a construction worker. If he gets reelected, he gets a million dollars and we get screwed." Michael "He still hasn't molested as many boys as the Catholic Church." "It's nobody's business to tell another woman what to do with her body. Let's leave that up to Joan and Melissa Rivers."
Imbued with her razor-sharp voice, sidesplitting candor, and her trademark brand of comedy, the essays in Yeah, I Said It showcase Wanda at her uproarious, uncensored best.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Comedy, Memoir, Biography, Celebrity, Autobiography

247 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2004

About the author

Wanda Sykes is an acclaimed American stand-up comedian, actress, and writer known for her sharp wit, fearless comedy, and groundbreaking presence in entertainment. She first gained prominence as a writer for The Chris Rock Show, earning a Primetime Emmy Award in 1999. Celebrated for her candid humor and social commentary, she has since starred in numerous popular series, including Curb Your Enthusiasm, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Black-ish, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Since 2021, she has co-starred in the Netflix sitcom The Upshaws and also appeared in The Good Fight and The Other Two.
Sykes has built a diverse film career with roles in Monster-in-Law, Evan Almighty, and License to Wed, and has voiced characters in animated hits such as Over the Hedge, Rio, Ice Age, and UglyDolls. Her comedy specials, including Sick & Tired and I’ma Be Me, showcase her bold perspective on politics, race, and identity.
Openly lesbian since 2008, Sykes is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. She was the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ+ entertainer to headline the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. A breast cancer survivor and outspoken activist, she continues to use her platform for advocacy. In 2022, she co-hosted the Academy Awards and was praised for her stance on accountability in the entertainment industry. Through her comedy, activism, and candid voice, Sykes remains a powerful and trailblazing figure in American culture.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like a transcript of a stand-up routine you might hear by Sykes, which is awesome if you think she's hilarious. Which I do. She comes across as very feministy, but not wretchidly, lack-of-humorously-so (Sorry, I'm just saying..). Example:

One show, I did a benefit for a feminist organziation....So it's all feminsts. Gloria Steinem is sitting right up front. I walked out and said, "Look here, I can't stay around here too long with you broads because I gotta get home and cook my man a nice hot dinner. Plus, he likes his blow job by nine forty-five." I though it was funny. They didn't. They didn't find anything funny. I thought, Oh Lord, I made these women mad. I stepped over the line. I continued. "Ladies, calm down. I'm just joking. He likes a blow job anytime."

Hahaha. <3

Oh, and this book was written before she "outed" herself. Which is obvious as she keeps referring to her marriage to a man/relationships with men, etc. Which is fine, it's not like I expected a bunch of hints about her at-the-time-secret-gayness. (Other than her chapter about gay marriage in which she expresses exactly my thoughts on the subject, basically: WHY DO YOU CARE if gay people get married, straight people? How does it affect you?). I was just like, okay, enough with the heterosexual nonsense. I'm just saying. She should write another book. A GAYER book. I'm reading a lot of gay books lately, hm. It's been pretty faaabulous.

[Christina/ The Blog for Teachers, Readers, & Life! · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars There were definitely some funny jokes, but some went too far in my opinion. Fair warning, Wanda tends to use a great deal of profanity and that has not changed over the years.
I enjoy her more recent public performances better. I think she is funniest as a physical comedian and this does not translate in her book.

[Kaylah Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I’m reviewing is Yeah, I Said It by Wanda Sykes. Its both a fiction and non fiction book about finding the humor in life, and not taking things so seriously.

Yeah, I Said It is a book made up of many stories about anything and everything. From homeland security, same sex marriage, and war issues to voice messages, personalized tags, and Prince. The stories all have one thing in common though, they’re ridiculously funny. One of my favorite stories was a very short one about marriage terms and how they’re deceiving. Like how wedlock sounds like incarceration, marriage is almost like mirage, how “your better” half assumes you’re the messed up one, and ball and chain which pretty much speaks for itself. Another one of my favorite stories was about the space programs. It talks about how Bush wants to spend 12 billion dollars on building a permanent moonbase by 2020, and how it’s the smartest thing he has proposed. Because by then we’ll need another place to live due to pollution, lowered emission standards, drilling, and the fact that we piss off every other country. It also talks about how NASA is welfare for nerds because they’re way too smart to work anywhere else, and how only twenty percent of Americans have passports so why are we messing around in space.

To me the book was interesting and entertaining. Interesting because it talked about different views on practically everything, and entertaining because it was hilariously funny, just like her stand up. The scenes and characters were not that vivid because the stories were very short, one or two pages at most, but the ideas were clear. Wanda though, the narrator and main character was easy to visualize throughout the book. Mostly because of the many opinions Wanda gave. Wanda gave many opinions, as the book was mostly based on opinions. I agreed with a lot of them for the simple fact they were liberal and not too far fetched. The book despite its humor actually taught me some things though. It taught me about show business, the war, and just life in general, and how to brush the small stuff off.

I would recommend this book to a mature reader, with an open mind who is ready to laugh. If you liked any of the Ellen Degeneres’ books you’ll like this. They’re similar but Wanda’s is the R version compared to Ellen’s PG13. I would also reccomend it to anyone who like her stand up routines. It’s not a good book for young kids because of the foul and suggestive language. I would recommend it for girls rather than guys. For the simple fact the book has quite a few stories about guys being womanizers, liars, and cheaters.

Overall I give the book four out of five stars. It was an easy, enjoyable read that is sure to make anyone laugh out loud. It’s a very fun book, but also discusses issues that make you think. Yeah, I Said It is a great book that helps you to find the humor in life.

[NEMO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanda rocks ass. you know, i just read what i could of Ellen DeGenere's bk,( forget the title, and forget the bk...)and it simply wasn't funny. reading Wanda directly after, well...really no comparison. the main difference is: she, Wanda, is FUNNY. (sorry, Ellen...but different strokes. and i was shocked i say shocked to read that people didn't think margaret cho is funny! these people must be dead. a looong time.
even if you're dead u know her and she's funny! so, maybe if u r still dead since the 14th century and non reincarnated, to you she isn't funny. ok.)
A wonderful book to read, as i did, after a long day's work and you just need to curl up with a girlfriend who makes you laugh, and relax.
Enjoy.
"APPROVAL RATING--During the early part of his term Bush enjoyed a 70% approval rating. the majority of us were satisfied with the job that he was doing. which makes sense to me, because he pretty much did everything i expected him to do. the economy is in the toilet. we're at war and everything's on fire. he's met all my expectations. he's right on target in my book.
we have such low expectations of the president. we let Bush get away with stuff, lying and poor grammar. i think there are quite a few Americans who just feel like no matter what he does we gotta get behind him. you don't pick on the slow kid.you don't do that. you don't boo at the Special Olympics. it's not nice. they're all winners. it's like when you don't say anything when the retarded kid eats his ice cream with a fork. you just let them enjoy their ice cream."

[Amber Narvaez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! Sykes is so funny, and so blunt. I relate with this book a lot. If you spend a lot of time criticizing society and the people, and things in your surroundings, this is definitely a book for you. The sarcasm and straightforwardness is the highlight of the book. The topics that Sykes talks about are things you see on a daily basis, but nobody ever has the nerve to actually say out loud. She talks about all the things from president Bush to obesity and famous rappers. You might even be surprised with some of the things she says; they kind of catch you off guard at times, and they would definitely offend some people with strong personalities. I enjoy the "smart-ass" remarks that she has, because as I read it it made me think of things that I have thought about and said the same things. I think it is the vulgarity in the book that made me enjoy it even more, because it is how I would say these things.

[Mark Desrosiers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Sylvia, I now possess an autographed photo of Wanda Sykes. It reads as follows: "Mark, don't blame the alcohol! [heart shape] Wanda" This was a reference to her recent appearance on Jay Leno during which she berated the media for honoring boy-hunting congressman Mark Foley's booze escape clause (you remember Foleygate, don't you?). "Mark Foley is giving alcohol a bad name!" she said.

Anyway, I've had a maddening crush on Wanda Sykes ever since I saw her amazing performance in Pootie Tang. Even when she does her hair up all crimpy and posh, or when she wanders around the set of the awful Monster in Law with drink in hand, my eyes well up with tears of laughter and devotion.

This book is very funny. It isn't the usual stand-up transcript like you got with Rock This! or Sein-Language -- Wanda includes lots of sidesplitting original written material here. Including an eloquent defense of the fake orgasm from a basic time-management perspective.

[Malika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny. You hear her voice saying all of it, which makes it even funnier.



Be careful about reading this book in public, I think it's inspired a poster of me somewhere in my City.

"The CRAZY Lady of xxxxxTown!"

Because I kept laughing out loud.



I laughed at the Hairdressers. I smacked the table at Starbucks. I snorted in the Library. I hooted while sitting at Sonic downing a burger. (oh by the way, there is a rather hilarious bit on McDonald's in the book)



Its not a book I would have traditionally chosen, but it was featured in a "Comedic" books display at the library. I was hooked just by reading the opening ( her first bit about writing a book...pretty darn funny)!



Just be warned, this is NOT an Autobiography. It's a book of comedic bits. So if reading 2-4 paragraph snippets is not your thing, you may want to skip it.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had bought this at a used book sale a few months ago, and grabbed it for something lighthearted as a needed pick me up last week. What I didn't realize when I bought the book is that it was written 13 years ago, so before Wanda Sykes, whom I will always have a soft spot for, as a fellow Arundel High School alumnus, was openly gay, and when The Apprentice was actually a hit show/ Donald Trump was not a world leader (vomit, seriously, vomit), and when it was still not considered completely politically incorrect to use the word retarded. So reading the book was very weird, in a time warp-y sort of way. Adding to that bizarre backdrop, is that Sykes didn't actually write much about her life in this book- I was thinking it would be more memoir, and less chunks of stand up routines. Alas, it was mostly her random ramblings on various topics, that would have been timely in 2004, but today seem just so, so wrong and strange, and not really that funny. That said, the last two chapters did make me laugh out loud a couple of times, so I can't say I hated the book- it was just a very strange read, overall. Now I have to find out if she's written anything else, so I feel like I'm giving her a fair shot as a writer, since I love her as a comic. Only two stars for this one, though, perhaps if I'd read it a decade ago, it would have been a higher rating.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah, I Said It

I Picked Up This Book Because: I am a fan of the author’s comedy.

Media Type: Digital
Source: Scribd
Dates Read: 11/21/20 - 12/1220
Stars: 3


The Story:

I’m sure if I had read this when it was published in 2004 it would have been a 5 star gut buster, however, this book has not aged well in the 16 years since publication. That being said it was still funny. Some of the things she presented observations on, especially with politics, have not changed and that is laughable and sad. Some of the things she spoke of are no longer acceptable in our changing society and that happens with this kind of book. Comics speak on the taboo/controversial so it’s not out of the realm of what the book could be today.

So all that is to say I had some laughs, I cringed a little and I didn’t hate it.

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This woman is so, so funny. What's best about her is that she doesn't (always) rely on base humor to be funny. She uses wit and sarcasm to comment on everything from politics to gender roles and social graces. I don't think you'd need to know who she is to appreciate her book of short observations, which proved to be a highly entertaining and fast read. Maybe most impressive is the fact that, even while so many of the jokes (see: Bush) were dated, they held up. I caught myself laughing out loud time and again at not only what she said, but how she said it (if you've seen her on tv, etc, you will be able to "read" her delivery) Wish she had another!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Wanda. This book read exactly like she does her standup. Normally I wouldn't give this kind of book 4 stars but I laughed so many times & finished in 2 sittings.

This is from 2004 & yet still relevant; she talks about what it's like with a moron in the White House-little did we all know what 2016 would bring. She suggests a trap door under the voting booth-you vote for an idiot & down ya go!

When she said her mother used to play dead just to get her to shut up as a little kid...hilarious.

[eRin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanda Sykes can walk into a room and I'd fall over laughing. I think she is the best female comic around; actually the best comic period. This book is very Wanda--I could hear her voice in my head as I read it. I saw her on tour around the time this book was released and her act had many of the same jokes and it took me back. She talks about everything from George Bush to children to being a celebrity. I laughed the whole way through. Hilarious stuff.

[Jess Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book. Wanda Sykes is a funny woman. This book would be great bathroom reading.... each essay is very short and to the point, and it's a very easy read. This makes me want to find out more about Wanda Sykes. Also, this book was published before she came out, so it's very interesting in that way- she talks about men throughout the book, not about women. All in all a funny, enjoyable reading experience.

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would've died laughing if I had listened the audiobook. I kept hearing Wanda say certain things throughout the book in her distinctive voice. It was very stream-of-consciousness. Or a comedy show. Very random. I thought it was going to be a memoir/autobiography but it's not really. A few personal anecdotes but mostly just Sykes' opinions on the "hot button" issues of 2003. Amusing but nothing special.

[K Dog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Wanda she is HILARIOUS, this book will have you in tears, laughing your butt off. In the book she comments about dating, politics, work, etc. she has a really funny down to earth perspective on things. If you are having a bad day just flip through this book and it will make you feel better or at least give you a laugh to make you forget about things.

[Daneen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Wanda Sykes is hilarious, so I picked up this book from the library - on a whim. Well, it did not disappoint. It was so funny that I laughed out loud, laughed til I cried, and couldn't put it down. In fact, I read until 3AM and shook the bed with my belly laughs...although my husband, who was trying to sleep, didn't think it so funny. The book reads just like stand-up. I highly recommend.

[Sabur76 · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you've seen Ms. Sykes' stand up routine, I don't really recommend that you buy this book, unless you really, really like her standup. It's basically the text version of her most recent standup. It's got a few additional things that wouldn't have been included in her stage act, but not enough to be worth $14.00. Buy it used or better yet, borrow it from the library.

[Tracy Furr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had read a brief paragraph (about Chelsea Clinton) and laughed out loud hoping the whole book was as funny. Alas it was not. I saw another review say that this was like reading her standup. Which was correct and ok for awhile, but later I realized I'd rather just see her live. The jokes aren't nearly as funny on the page.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant read. I think it will be less enjoyable as it becomes more dated it is not the fault of the author but the problem with humor as time goes by some things that were funny no longer are and some things become funny that were not funny at the time all that being considered this was a fun easy read....

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't often laugh out loud while reading, but some of these passages had me giggling and guffawing late into the night. Sure, the book is vulgar, full of profanity and with some rather dated political humor, but when Wanda hits it, she makes sure to serve it up hot. A fast read that flows like a stand-up routine, this book was a welcome mood-lifter, for sure.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, Wanda said it, so I read it. Well, actually she wrote it,and let's face it, some of this material just ain't making it alone on paper, without full delivery via Queen Wanda's crabby-ass voice. And a few bits are starting to get a little dated (published 2005). But it's still funnier than hell, uncensored, and very Wanda.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book hasnt aged well. Wanda probably wouldn't say some of what she said in this book. I like her but some parts weren't funny but crass or dated as in her comments about gay issues. Also, she lacks the depth and intelligence to be a serious writer. amusing at times but not the great work the celebrity book jacket quotes promise.

[Elke · Rating 4 out of 5]

i laugh out loud when i'm reading this book on the train. this lady cracks me up. i brought the book along to brunch and made my friend read it and she cracked up within a second of reading. this book is like the portable version of comic view.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Wanda Sykes and definitely enjoyed this book--although the only disapointing part was that most of the material in the book is stuff I had already heard on her CDs. She's a funny woman though! Love her!

[Shannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Besides the fact that Wanda Sykes is my favorite comedian, her style of off-the-cuff, dry, and sometimes politically charged humor is hilarious! Even in writing, you can almost hear how she would've delivered the material! Whether on stage or on the page, she's FUNNY!

[Melanee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what I was expecting but it was just like seeing her on stage only you were reading the pages of her sketches instead of listening to her deliver them. Some funny clips but still not sure why she thought she needed to write a book of her comedy sketches...

[Jill Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like I said, not all comedians are funny on paper. Wanda is hilarious. She had me laughing out loud on every other page and I could hear her voice as if she was narrating it. A funny book if you're not too concerned with political correctness.

[Jenny Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for biography or memoir, don’t bother with this book. This is just a transcription of various comedy routines. However, it’s hilariously funny in spots. It helps to watch a clip of her comedy routine first, so that you have her pacing firmly in mind.

[Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and it made me laugh out loud quite a few times! It is outdated now, though. Bush isn't the President, she's lesbian, she's married and she has kids... All subjects that were very contradictory in this book written a decade ago. I can't wait to read her next book!

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her distinctive voice and delivery definitely comes through producing some laugh-out-loud moments. It's hard to fault the book for some of its now-dated material and references but it certainly cut into the humor of some sections.