The best books about comedy ever (part 2)

Here we go. The second part of "the best books about comedy ever". Part one is here. This was all inspired by Sam Tallent's Running The Light and, if you've not yet read, be sure to check it out. And, for anyone reading this blog looking to give stand-up comedy a go, there is simply no better book than...

How Did All This Happen? by John Bishop

John Bishop's journey is a must for anyone who needs a little inspiration. After all, part of Bish’s appeal is that he’s the working-class lad done good. He's your funny mate who gave comedy a go and became a household name. From John's start as a pharmaceutical rep to selling out arenas, his story is a testament to perseverance and is peppered with memorable anecdotes and genuine humility, proving that it's never too late to chase your dream. One of John's stories even served as the inspiration for director Bradley Cooper's upcoming movie, Is This Thing On? Once you read the book, you’ll know exactly which bit (we’ll say no more...). Cooper might have moved the story Stateside, but star Will Arnett definitely looks like he's gone for Bish's pristine mop of hair. The buzz on the movie is strong, too; heck, we’d love to see Bish on stage come Oscar night. Proud to call him a friend, and equally as proud to have warmed up for him down the years. Speaking of which...

Fight by Harry Hill

What does it take to walk away from a career you’ve dedicated years to, all for the love of comedy? Many comedians ditch a day job they loathe, but Harry Hill's journey is unique. After years of medical training, he traded the stethoscope the mic, and the world of comedy is all the better for it. Fight is a rollicking ride through one of the most brilliant and singular minds in British comedy; reading it feels like you're sitting with the great man himself at a dinner party, engrossed in his every word. The book is packed with thigh-slapping anecdotes and genuinely helpful insights into the world of stand-up and entertainment. As Hill talks you through his rise from the comedy circuit to the peak of the industry, his story is as inspiring as it is hilarious (the laughs-per-page right is predictably high). Despite his status as a comedy king for over three decades, he maintains a humble perspective, often downplaying his own achievements. This humility, combined with his unparalleled talent, is what makes him a true comedic genius. You’ll also love the behind-the-scenes stories, including the fantastic anecdote about Steve Brown and Simon Cowell from the I Can’t Sing West End collaboration. It's a candid, hilarious, and inspiring book from a comedy legend who shows no signs of slowing down. Here's to the next 30 years! Harry will have had heart attack at the very thought. Does anyone know a doctor?!

Bossypants by Tina Fey

One of the most endearing qualities in a comedian is a strong sense of self-deprecation. Spend time with the likes of Joe Wilkinson, Romesh Ranganathan or Jen Brister, and you'd be forgiven for thinking they were harmless underdogs, not the comedic powerhouses they are. Tina Fey is no different. In her brilliant memoir, she is so masterfully self-effacing that you’ll be practically begging her to do a 20 at The Tommyfield (Ms. Fey—the offer is there). Perhaps few things keep you grounded quite like years spent doing improv. As Fey takes you through her time honing her skills at The Second City and the subsequent grind to catch her break at Saturday Night Live, where she moved from behind to in front of the camera, you'll be practically cheering her on from your couch. The book is packed with hilarious and honest stories, including the now-legendary anecdote about her pal Amy Poehler and Jimmy Fallon. When Fallon complained that something wasn’t "cute" enough during their SNL days, Poehler’s perfect comeback would prove to be the start of a beautiful friendship and a powerful moment in comedic history. In fact, if you have Fey, you have to have...

Yes Please by Amy Poehler

At Always Be Comedy, we always aim to have “Yes Please” energy, and so we really related and warmed to Poehler, whose positivity and tenacity proves infectious. Like Eclair and Hill, this feels like a chat with an old pal, rather than a global icon of comedy. And you’ll love Jon Hamm that little bit more for the anecdote about what happened when Poehler was heavily pregnant while Hamm was a guest host on Saturday Night Live. Poehler became emotional backstage, causing Hamm to take a comedic big swing: "This is a really important show for me. I'm gonna need you to get your s*** together." Poehler laughed so hard she thinks a bit of wee came out. What's not to love? Surely, if we all had better taste, Poehler and Fey would have been the 21st Century’s Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. Just two movies as a double act (Baby Mama and Sisters; neither exactly troubling The Odd Couple, for example) simply doesn't sit right.

We Need To Talk About Kevin Bridges by Kevin Bridges

One of the greatest stand-up comedians of all-time talks you through his formative gigs in the sort of rich, feel-like-you’re-there detail that would cause the great boxing writer Norman Mailer to applaud. We at ABC hope we're not the only people in comedy who wish they could remember the crucial early gigs in the way Kev does. In fact, it’s a shame this is Kevin’s only book about stand-up so far. Come on, big dog—let’s have a sequel! Speaking of which...

Straight Outta Crawley By Romesh Ranganathan

If this book hadn't made the list, we'd have known about it (jokes!). But the truth is, Straight Outta Crawley is a masterclass in comedic vulnerability. At first glance, you might think it's the story of an underachiever, but that's precisely why it works so well: Ranganathan's comedy thrives on self-awareness, self-deprecation and a healthy dose of self-doubt. This book lifts the lid on where that work ethic and relentless drive to improve come from and, while the book is more of an out-and-out autobiography than a deep dive into the craft of stand-up, it’s a terrific read for anyone who wants to understand the person behind the jokes. The glimpses of his comedy career, especially the story of what happened after he won the Leicester Mercury New Comedian Of The Year award, are pure gold. Rom's writing is sharp and engaging, and you'll come away with a whole new appreciation for his mum, Shanti who, as we all know by now, has the heart and soul of a comedian herself. And, for the parents reading this, his children's book Lil' Muffin Drops The Mic is also a must-read. Ranganathan proves he can write just as well for kids as he can for adults.