16 Jun Book Review of Be Funny or Die: How Comedy Works and Why It Matters
Be Funny or Die: How Comedy Works and Why It Matters – A Reflective Dive into Humor’s Anatomy
When I stumbled upon Be Funny or Die: How Comedy Works and Why It Matters by the ever-intriguing [insert author’s name], I was instantly drawn in. As someone who prides myself on my comedic flair (if I do say so myself), the promise of uncovering the mechanics of humor was tantalizing. After all, who wouldn’t want to elevate their ability to deliver a punchline? However, what I found was a mixed bag that left me contemplating what “funny” really means.
The overarching theme of the book revolves around the complex relationship between comedy, humanity, and evolutionary biology. The assertion that "unlike drama or ballet… you know when you’ve made comedy: it’s when people laugh" sets the stage for an exploration that dives deep into how laughter is intertwined with our identity, social structures, and survival instinct. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that despite the intriguing framework, this book didn’t quite hit the comedic sweet spot I was hoping for.
Perhaps it was my own lack of familiarity with many references in the book—more British than American, and veering towards the obscure—that created a disconnect. While I can quote The Office and laugh at Nate Bargatze’s deadpan humor, much of the discussion felt distant. For those venturing into comedy, especially if one is looking to pen a script or do stand-up, the book might serve as a useful, albeit long-winded, resource.
At 364 pages and 57 chapters, the pacing felt off. To be honest, I’d be lying if I said that the chapters on evolutionary theories and safety in humor didn’t make me a bit restless. The core ideas—expectation, surprise, and relief—were repeated ad nauseam, leading to skimming rather than savoring. However, I found some treasure in sections that dissected character development, which my husband might find beneficial as he tinkers with his own comedic animations.
A few quotes lingered with me, not just for their insightful content but for their resonance with my appreciation of laughter as a bond within communities. “Comedy is always the art of reading the room,” and “we laugh more readily and more often when we are in company” struck a chord. These observations validate the essence of shared humor, which is what unites us in laughter and perhaps what makes us human.
In conclusion, I reckon this book caters to a niche audience—those who not only revel in comedy but also wish to dissect its fabric. If you’re deeply entrenched in the world of jokes and scripts, you might find value here. But if you’re a casual humorist like me, there’s a chance you might tire before reaching the punchline. As I close this chapter (pun intended), I’m left with a sense of awe for the complexity of laughter and a reminder that perhaps the best jokes are those we share without needing an analysis. If that resonates with you, maybe give it a go—but brace for the lengthy ride!
Discover more about Be Funny or Die: How Comedy Works and Why It Matters on GoodReads >>
