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Creepiosity: A Hilarious Guide to the Unintentionally Creepy
In his hilarious yet disturbing (because it's so true) book Creepiosity: A Hilarious Guide to the Unintentionally Creepy, comedy writer David Bickel presents readers with 100 of the most unsettling everyday things, such as grown men in Boy Scout uniforms, old ladies with really long hair, fish with people faces, lifelike baby dolls, and much more.
Bickel infuses each subject with comedic insight into what exactly makes it creepy and provides an appropriately hilarious photo to help illustrate his point. And since not all creepiness is created equal, Bickel has invented an unnecessarily complex mathematical formula (or Creepiosity Index, if you will) to quantify each unsettling item's relative creepiness. (Band-Aids that were once affixed to someone's body but now aren't: 7.454.)
However, Bickel also acknowledges that creepiness, universal as it may be, is far from absolute. To that end, he invites readers to assign their own Creepiosity number to these and other curiosities via a companion Web site. (For example, what's more disturbing, hairless cats or Dick Cheney smiling? You decide!)
Bickel infuses each subject with comedic insight into what exactly makes it creepy and provides an appropriately hilarious photo to help illustrate his point. And since not all creepiness is created equal, Bickel has invented an unnecessarily complex mathematical formula (or Creepiosity Index, if you will) to quantify each unsettling item's relative creepiness. (Band-Aids that were once affixed to someone's body but now aren't: 7.454.)
However, Bickel also acknowledges that creepiness, universal as it may be, is far from absolute. To that end, he invites readers to assign their own Creepiosity number to these and other curiosities via a companion Web site. (For example, what's more disturbing, hairless cats or Dick Cheney smiling? You decide!)
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 21, 2012
This is the stupidest "book" I've picked up in awhile. Instead of being funny it has that snide hipster snarkiness that tries to pass for humour on websites and college newspapers.
It's Xenophobic (foreign old ladies are the first entry), disrespectful (all religions are the second or third entry) and just plain gross.
Id give it zero stars if I could. Thankfully it was free for Kindle.
It's Xenophobic (foreign old ladies are the first entry), disrespectful (all religions are the second or third entry) and just plain gross.
Id give it zero stars if I could. Thankfully it was free for Kindle.
February 2, 2015
Truly hilarious. Some things the author deems creepy are a reach, but about 98% are not.
March 28, 2015
Intriguing title. Intriguing premise. These are some things that David Bickel finds creepy - albeit they are unintentionally creepy. So ghosts, demons, vampires - that sort of thing is out.
I did find a few of these funny and I did agree with some of these. Especially Disneyland's "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln". When he compared that with Westworld, I had to laugh out loud. Also true to the mark was his assessment of Glinda the Good Witch and and Hairless Cats.
Of course, I had to disagree with the statement that People Who Drive Really Old Cars are creepy. That's probably because as I write this, I've got a 1920's car in my driveway and a 1930's car in my garage, all ready to be driven at a moment's notice. I did find that the things that applied to me are not in the least bit creepy but other people's hobbies can definitely be creepy.
That being said, I started looking around my house for the items that are unintentionally creepy. I found a ram skull that came from a long deceased junkyard guard sheep. Okay, that creeped out a house guest who didn't want to be in the same room with it and it did give me nightmares for a month. What else? The forgotten Christmas decoration in the window (or is that just cute?), a stack of never watched VHS tapes in the original packaging (creepy, or just the mark of a hoarder?), animal habitats in the dining room (believe it or not, this actually bothers some people).
So, although the book was cute and easy to read, the real charm comes in looking around your own living room, realizing that you are the reason these books are written.
I did find a few of these funny and I did agree with some of these. Especially Disneyland's "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln". When he compared that with Westworld, I had to laugh out loud. Also true to the mark was his assessment of Glinda the Good Witch and and Hairless Cats.
Of course, I had to disagree with the statement that People Who Drive Really Old Cars are creepy. That's probably because as I write this, I've got a 1920's car in my driveway and a 1930's car in my garage, all ready to be driven at a moment's notice. I did find that the things that applied to me are not in the least bit creepy but other people's hobbies can definitely be creepy.
That being said, I started looking around my house for the items that are unintentionally creepy. I found a ram skull that came from a long deceased junkyard guard sheep. Okay, that creeped out a house guest who didn't want to be in the same room with it and it did give me nightmares for a month. What else? The forgotten Christmas decoration in the window (or is that just cute?), a stack of never watched VHS tapes in the original packaging (creepy, or just the mark of a hoarder?), animal habitats in the dining room (believe it or not, this actually bothers some people).
So, although the book was cute and easy to read, the real charm comes in looking around your own living room, realizing that you are the reason these books are written.
August 12, 2011
If you are looking for literary genius, try a different aisle. If you want to be changed by what you've read, you will be disappointed. If you are looking for an easy book with very little reading, perhaps with a commentary on how creepy it is when squirrels stare at you, this book hits the nail on the head. I don't know that I would buy it, but I certainly enjoyed the 20 minutes it took to read it cover to cover in the Barnes and Noble cafe.
January 22, 2017
This book was a mixed bag for me. I love the liminal spaces that popped up in this book.
At other times this book got extra with the edgy~~~ and try-hard humour. YAWN.
At other times this book got extra with the edgy~~~ and try-hard humour. YAWN.
April 21, 2013
I picked this book up from a shelf at the public library because of the creepy hairless cat on the cover, and as I read each entry, I couldn't help but laugh. There was a lot of nodding in agreement as I made my way through the book. I could not agree more that things like lifelike baby dolls, unstuffed Build-A-Bear skins, and Precious Moments are indeed way creepy. Be warned: the snark factor is high in this book, so if you are easily offended, this book is not for you.
September 15, 2012
Did not like the author's style of writing, and ultimately, found the premise idiotic. What is 'creepy' is so variable; one person's creepy is another person's "That's so awesome!". Mostly, he and I did not agree on our creepy, and I spent most of the book thinking: "Really? THAT makes your list? Come'on...."
September 15, 2010
Some are stupid... but some are so true it cracks me up!!
February 7, 2011
5 stars for what it is, a funny chuckle of a bathroom book that pokes fun at creepy things. Lighthearted and silly.
January 24, 2020
This is a laugh-out-loud book! Wonderful humor! And so true!
August 8, 2019
That guy's creepy. That house looks sinister. Man, that's a really creepy doll. Chances are you've heard some variation of those sentences at some point. Why? Because creepiness is everywhere. According to David Bickel's book on the subject, Creepiosity, it is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as something that produces "...a sensation of uneasiness of fear." However, the word is used in a plethora of situations simply because what someone finds frightening is probably someone else's hobby. For example, I once went to a really fancy toy store. They sold huge doll houses and tons of miniature stuff to put inside them (and by tons I mean everything from furniture, musical instruments, and pets to food, wall decorations, and people). All of it was ludicrously expensive. I asked a guy what kind of kids came in looking for diminutive replicas of French bread and flugelhorns. He told me that stuff was for adults. Creepiosity level: 9.59
You can read Gabino's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Gabino's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
August 13, 2010
There is no doubt, our society is filled with unintentionally creepy sights. From old men who obsess over model trains to children on leashes, the author does make some pointed observations of the world around him.
However, his running commentary on each subject leaves a lot to be desired. The author writes in a breathless style that smacks of trying too hard; he reminds you a bit of the desperate-to-be-noticed class clown. It occurred to me that this book would be better had the author simply collected pictures of various “creepy” objects without attempting to caption them.
However, his running commentary on each subject leaves a lot to be desired. The author writes in a breathless style that smacks of trying too hard; he reminds you a bit of the desperate-to-be-noticed class clown. It occurred to me that this book would be better had the author simply collected pictures of various “creepy” objects without attempting to caption them.
June 29, 2014
This little book is one man's idea of what is unintentionally creepy and some of it is right on the mark........little kids with old-people names like Gertrude and Harold.....Bruce Jenner's face after plastic surgery......men with obviously dyed hair.......children's beauty pageants. All very strange. Others are not so creepy ....Necco Wafers or guys without sideburns. There is enough here for a good laugh at the lunch table. It is kinda' fun and is one of those books to keep in the car to read while stuck in traffic.
June 20, 2010
Some of them were absolutely hysterical and true, while others just seemed kind of weak. Seriously? Guys with beards but no mustaches? And THAT creeps you out? How about 500 pound women wearing Tweety shirts and spandex leggings? THAT creeps me out.
August 9, 2016
Funnier than I expected.
September 5, 2017
I laughed out loud until I nearly choked. This is a perfect quick antidote to a bad day.
June 18, 2019
Based on the cover and description, I was expecting lots of pictures of "Unintentionally Creepy" things. What this book is, however, is mostly descriptions of 'creepy' things, each illustrated with a random picture that may or may not have anything to do with the 'creepy' thing in question. This book is just an excuse for a white man to needlessly complain about and make fun of everything.
I am not a man, and it was very clear this book was written for a raunchy male audience. Male facial hair takes several spots (beard with no mustache, no sideburns, incomplete shave), as well as urinals and references to testicles.
This book was also filled with offensive humor, including but not limited to fat jokes, multiple uses of the word "retarded", and calling white boys who act black "wiggers".
He makes many complaints of dated pop culture references and celebrities I've never heard of. It also did not age well - published five years before Caitlyn Jenner came out, he makes fun of her "looking female".
The title held a lot of potential to be "Hilarious", as promised, but it was squandered on this piece of trash.
I am not a man, and it was very clear this book was written for a raunchy male audience. Male facial hair takes several spots (beard with no mustache, no sideburns, incomplete shave), as well as urinals and references to testicles.
This book was also filled with offensive humor, including but not limited to fat jokes, multiple uses of the word "retarded", and calling white boys who act black "wiggers".
He makes many complaints of dated pop culture references and celebrities I've never heard of. It also did not age well - published five years before Caitlyn Jenner came out, he makes fun of her "looking female".
The title held a lot of potential to be "Hilarious", as promised, but it was squandered on this piece of trash.
January 19, 2018
What to say about a book filled with "creepy" things and then rates their Creepiosity quotient?
Was everything in it creepy? No, only a few; but everyone's opinion varies as to what gives them the willies. Some of the suggested ickies are: monocles, kiddie beauty pageants and Colonial Williamsburg. Are some things universally skin-crawling? (Spoiler: the author seems to think clowns are.) Want to figure the creepiosity index of your cringe-worthy items? There is a simple formula that you can use. You'll have to read the book to get it.
Overall, it was a bit of an interesting read. Just don't read it on your lunch break, you might get too creeped out to finish your meal!
Was everything in it creepy? No, only a few; but everyone's opinion varies as to what gives them the willies. Some of the suggested ickies are: monocles, kiddie beauty pageants and Colonial Williamsburg. Are some things universally skin-crawling? (Spoiler: the author seems to think clowns are.) Want to figure the creepiosity index of your cringe-worthy items? There is a simple formula that you can use. You'll have to read the book to get it.
Overall, it was a bit of an interesting read. Just don't read it on your lunch break, you might get too creeped out to finish your meal!
August 23, 2023
I don't know if I can really say I "read" this book when I mostly just looked at the chapters. The only time I went on to read why something was claimed to be creepy was when I had no idea what the author was referring to. I think a lot of these references are made for older people who were kids in the 80s, which is fine, but there's no relevant pictures to show what he's actually talking about. Example: He says a man's eyebrows are creepy, but instead of a picture of the man himself there is instead a picture of a caterpillar.
Really dumb.
Really dumb.
April 19, 2019
Creepy
Not an interesting book very boring.. Don't waste your money on this, The blurb says it is hilarious, they stretched the truth considerably. Really I can't think of one good point to make on it
Not an interesting book very boring.. Don't waste your money on this, The blurb says it is hilarious, they stretched the truth considerably. Really I can't think of one good point to make on it
March 5, 2021
Wish I could give it zero stars. The "humor" is hipster-esque, ~~~edgy~~~, and try-hard. Most of the entries are offensive, xenophobic, and just plain nonsense.
Also, sphinx cats are adorable. Die mad.
Also, sphinx cats are adorable. Die mad.
June 20, 2017
I was hoping this would be cool. It turned out to be dumb and offensive.
July 1, 2017
Creepy and funny
October 5, 2017
Loved the bald cat on the cover, hated everything else.
May 17, 2018
I have no idea why I continued to read this book. I didn't find it humorous or funny. Actually I found it quite sad that the author was trying so hard to be funny and wasnt. Oh well.
June 12, 2021
“Hilarious.”
July 13, 2023
Weird. Gross. But not necessarily creepy.
I wouldn't recommend, unless you're looking for a quick bathroom read.
I wouldn't recommend, unless you're looking for a quick bathroom read.
December 13, 2014
I get it. Maybe I'm from the author's neighborhood. I'm amazed that I never thought about it before, but yes, some of these, like the beard-no-mustache are creepy. Of course the ratings are important because that will vary for each of us. For example, I would rate old soap with the requisite pubic hair or used band aid, very high - nearly cringe-worthy. Some veer close to gross - but maybe that's just me. Of course dolls that look human and clowns are a little cliched.
David Bickel, interestingly enough was a writer for 9 years for the King of Queens that I always seemed to love more than anyone else.
If nothing else comes from reading the book, I now feel justified by the 9.52 rating that "owning multiple cats" got and can say "I told you so" to a couple of people I know. Also, I'll be thrilled if I can find that perfect 10, the elusive perfect storm of creepiness. And no, I do not waste my time intentionally.
David Bickel, interestingly enough was a writer for 9 years for the King of Queens that I always seemed to love more than anyone else.
If nothing else comes from reading the book, I now feel justified by the 9.52 rating that "owning multiple cats" got and can say "I told you so" to a couple of people I know. Also, I'll be thrilled if I can find that perfect 10, the elusive perfect storm of creepiness. And no, I do not waste my time intentionally.
November 29, 2013
This was a fun book, but it certainly wasn't stellar. Sure, it had some creepy things in it. I got a spot of the chills maybe once or twice...but even that...I generally found myself disagreeing with David Bickel about what is creepy and what is not. Generally, the things he defined as "creepy" were not.
Hairless cats, used band-aids, and grandma candy are not creepy. Sure, they're kinda ugly, really nasty, and taste funny, but they're not creepy.
Animals with human teeth are creepy. Hannibal Lecter is creepy. Opera singers, BINGO zealots, and Popeye the Sailor? Not creepy.
Hairless cats, used band-aids, and grandma candy are not creepy. Sure, they're kinda ugly, really nasty, and taste funny, but they're not creepy.
Animals with human teeth are creepy. Hannibal Lecter is creepy. Opera singers, BINGO zealots, and Popeye the Sailor? Not creepy.
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September 27, 2010I picked this up yesterday at Atomic Books in Baltimore. It was a tough choice but I was sold on these pictures and descriptions of all things not-quite-right, including but not limited to adults with pigtails, inflatable waving guys, guy with backpack walking real fast, etc. Plus it was cheaper than a hardback copy of "Tell-All." I did turn right back around as I was leaving when I discovered they sold Bizarre magazine... You just can't NOT buy Bizarre magazine when given the option.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews