The Funny Thing Is...

Rating:
Summary: Irony in Humor
Review: Make no mistake about it; I love the Ellen DeGeneres half hour sitand the talk show. It's hilarious! This book had the same kind of conversational humor that she does on her show. I cracked up over her depictions of what we need in life and what's unnecessary (I'm with you on that moving sidewalk in the airport, what's that about?) There were many circumstances where I had to rub my forehead or look at my shoes in an attempt to not burst out laughing and look like another nutcase on the street. But sometimes she just flat out lied to the point where I was wondering "Is this a joke or is she serious or is this just a really bad story?" The whole chapter on her father could've been cut out altogether because it was a bunch of gibberish. Speaking of gibberish, that bonus chapter was dumb. I liked it when she took real events and made them funny, not when she just lied for old time's sake. Overall, a very entertaining read and I can't wait to rewind to the first book!

Rating:
Summary: The funny thing is...it was pretty good. (audio version)
Review: Unfortunately, this book started out strong, then faded off near the end. The last chapter or so did not fulfil the promise of the earlier chapters.

It may have been a rehash of older material - I can't comment on that for certain - but there were parts where I did laugh, and laugh loudly. Good comedy can be enjoyed on repeat visits.

I was especially glad, however, that I chose the audio version of this book over the print edition. The author (naturally) had just the right pace, inflection, and tone to enhance the story. I don't know if my own reading would have had the same comic delivery and timing.

Ths book is not great literature, but was a worthy listen during my commute. It didn't require much concentration, but provided a welcome change from the talk radio guys.

Rating:
Summary: INTERACTIVE comedy
Review: I read a review a lady wrote saying that when she tried reading "The Funny Thing Is" to herself, it wasn't funny. HOWEVER, when she read it out loud with her brother, they were exploding with laughter!

In the review, she said that she came to realise that Ellen's humour is meant for "stand-up".

I want to say I AGREE! And mayhaps just add on a little to that.

When I PURCHASED (with limited funds since I'm a student now) and listened to her new book on cd, I was sooo disappointed. I always think everything she does is roll-on-the-floor, milk-squirting-out-of-yer-nose funny!

THEN, after reading this interview, I realised when Ellen read her book on the tape, she had no LIVE audience to INTERACT with and syncronise a rhythm!


Her humour, I realised, is very interactive.

It's a very precise, delicate and INTIMATE relationship she has with the audience...and artful sense of TIMING...because she is really so in the moment with her audience...she senses with precision when they're ready for the rest of the story.

Telling a story is a very tricky business, especially in our fast-paced society. Most folks don't seem to have time to listen to anything so time-consuming as a story.

Ellen's humour is very stream-of-consciousness, with many asides, twists, turns and tangents (which i LOVE, by the way!)> She's a story-teller, when it comes down to it. And she's really learned to harmonize with the audience and deliver her message with humour and wit (also an ingenius way to keep the attention of her "readers") and a profoundly graceful sense of timing!

BRAVO to Ellen and story tellers everywhere!

Rating:
Summary: Jellin With Ellen....
Review: This review refers to THE FUNNY THING IS...by Ellen Degeneres

The Funny Thing Is...that I'm not sure why everyone did not find this fabulous take on the everyday situations that life doles out to us, as well written, witty and uplifting as I did. On every page, Ellen Degeneres finds the humor, and gives incredibly funny solutions to dealing with all those little annoying, tedious and embarrassing events. Now the solutions may not be realistic...but we sure wish they were!

Ellen kept me great company, while sitting and waiting in various places. I took her with me all the time. I'm sure I garnered a few stares too, as I chuckled out loud reading about her take on everything from 'That's Why Prison Wouldn't Be So Bad'(where else could you get away from all the responsiblities?) to 'Things That Are Bothering Me This Week", her wonderful account of her tour('Dear Diary'), to 'Clothes I Have Regretted Wearing"(haven't we all seen pictures of ourselves from years ago that make us cringe?) and 'Naming My Book: The Odyssey'.

Her subtle wit sparkles with energy. Her style is down to earth and unpretentious. I felt like I was catching up with an old friend(a very funny old friend!).

I recieved this book as a gift at a very stressful time in my life. I needed a lift, and this book gave it to me. I have not as yet, read her first book, MY POINT...AND I DO HAVE ONE, so this review is not in comparison to that one, but I am now looking foward to reading that one as well.

Just kick back and chill to this very enjoyable read....Laurie