Cannonball Read IV: Seriously...I’m Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres

By HelloKatieO | Books | September 11, 2012 |

By HelloKatieO | Books | September 11, 2012 |

I like reading books by female comedians. I’d probably like reading books by male comedians, but I just haven’t gotten around to it. I’ve recently enjoyed Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Tina Fey’s Bossypants, and Chelsea Handler’s My Horizontal Life. Unfortunately, Ellen’s Seriously…I’m Kidding was the worst of the bunch. Through no fault of her own, really.

Ellen’s book was what you expect from a female comedian: a series of essays that feels like a long comedy set. The short essays ranged from 1 to 5 or 6 pages, and they were structured like traditional stand up. She even warmed up the audience in the introduction. And the book was hilarious. Honestly, truly, laugh out loud funny. It was like hanging out with Ellen for an hour. And I love Ellen.

But Mindy Kaling and Tina Fey’s recent literary ventures made me want…more. I think if I go back to Ellen’s previous books, I’ll probably find more. Even though the book was ostensibly about Ellen’s life, it didn’t feel personal or intimate. I didn’t feel like I was getting a true look at what Ellen’s life is like, albeit with a humorous bent. I’ve come to expect a book that’s both hilarious, and poignant, and speaks to the trials and tribulations of growing up funny, smart, successful and female. But this book was just funny.

Although the asides about her domestic life with Portia were amazingly cute.

For more of hellokatieo’s reviews, check out her blog, Book It.

This review is part of the volunteer Cannonball Read IV. Read all about it.

(Note: Any revenue generated from purchases made through the amazon.com affiliate links in this review will be donated in entirety to the American Cancer Society.)