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Before & Laughter
- Narrated by: Jimmy Carr
- Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Entertainment & Celebrities
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Summary
Cheaper than Scientology, quicker than therapy and much less boring than church - this is the hugely funny and insightful book about happiness by top comedian Jimmy Carr, and anyone feeling stuck in a rut should devour it.
In his mid-20s, Jimmy was bored, boring, unfulfilled and underachieving. He wasn't exactly depressed, but he was very sad. Think of a baby owl whose mum has recently died in a windmill accident. He was that sad. This audiobook tells the story of how Jimmy turned it around and got happy, through the redemptive power of dick jokes.
Written to take advantage of the brief window between the end of lockdown and Jimmy getting cancelled for saying something unforgivable to Lorraine Kelly, this book is as timely as it is unnecessary.
Because you might be interested in Jimmy's life but he's damn sure you're a lot more interested in your own, Before & Laughter is about both of you. But mainly him. It tells the story of Jimmy's life - the transformation from white-collar corporate drone to fake-toothed donkey-laugh plastic-haired comedy mannequin - while also explaining how to turn your own life around and become the you you've always dreamt of being.
Before & Laughter contains the answers to all the big questions in life, questions like:
- What's the secret to happiness?
- Is Jimmy wearing a wig?
- What happened with that tax thing?
- What's the meaning of life?
- Is Jimmy's laugh real?
- Can those teeth bite through vibranium?
And for listeners in the West Country: yes, there are pictures (actually, sorry, there are no pictures, but there's a book about a hungry caterpillar you'll love).
Because it's Jimmy Carr - recently scientifically proved to be the funniest comedian in the UK - there are jokes, jokes and more jokes throughout. If laughter really was the best medicine, the NHS would be handing out this book in Nightingale Hospitals.
Fascinating, thoughtful and insightful - are all words that appear in the audiobook.
Critic reviews
"Very, very funny - a great read." (Gary Davies, The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show)
"Riveting." (Daily Mail)
"An utterly sincere guide for people to achieve bigger things in life." (Guardian)
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What listeners say about Before & Laughter
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Vasanti Maharaj
- 16-02-22
Help your self book
Respect. I have a new appreciation for Jimmy Carr's dark humour now. His advice is pretty sound and delivered in a manner that isn't too preachy. The jokes and wordplay also are a welcomed break. Good mix of scientific fact and opinion that does make you think and take a good look at your life. Great book for teenagers to listen to before going off to Uni.
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- Doug Scheiber
- 16-10-21
didn't realize what I was getting into
I expected a more autobiographical story from the soothing voice of Mr.Carr and, after adjusting expectations, have found it insightful and focusing. Glad I bought it.
2 people found this helpful
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- sean scott
- 08-12-21
big surprise
Love his comedy,it's dark and a bit mean at times and was surprised how positive and honest this book was.
lots of life skills and tips here delivered with wink and a smile
1 person found this helpful
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- David Liss
- 05-12-21
Great life advice from a funny man!
I really enjoyed this book. the advice, the quotes, the presentation and the thoughtful yet humourous way of presenting information and advice.
1 person found this helpful
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- Jean-Paul
- 23-11-21
Learn and Laugh
To be honest I was expecting normal Jimmy Carr comedy a few stories intertwined with a lot of jokes. But Mr Carr was honest, insightful, and funny. He holds no punches about his path in life and how he got to where he is. Though his methods are not for everyone it really talked to me at the moment. I hope y'all enjoy it as much as I did.
1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 04-08-22
I bought a book by Jimmy Carr
I did not know that this was a self-help book. I bought a book because Jimmy Carr is a great comedian and i wanted to laugh. And I did! I also learned a few things and damn if it didn’t help me with a couple of things I’m dealing with right now. Mr. Carr, please write more books.
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- D. Stephens
- 01-08-22
Even better the 2nd time through
Jimmy delivers advice the same way he delivers one liners, fast and furious. The first time through I most definitely missed a few here and there but that made this a great 2nd read and my go-to on-in-the-background listen.
Whether you're a fan or not it's a great listen, Jimmy is a good egg.
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- DDub
- 29-07-22
So much more than I'd expected!
I loved this book. I retired from the Army 7 years ago. Then I went into the government. I quit that job last year to pursue standup full time because I was MISERABLE. I have never been happier. I didn't know that Jimmy had a similar experience (albeit when he was younger). This book was incredibly inspiring, funny, and chock full of great advice for comedians and non-comedians alike. I cannot recommend it enough!
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- Vina
- 28-07-22
B4 and Laughter
A biographical self-help book written and performed by a standup comedian who writes a book that is not all about him.. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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- Matthew
- 13-07-22
Great life advice amidst a comedy menagerie
Definitely helps to have the audio version of this book and to have already been a fan of Jimmy Carr from watching YouTube clips of his stand-up and BBC shows, like “8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown”.
And, although it’s a bit hard to recall or implement all of the life advice/lessons, they’re definitely jammed packed and told in ways that are relatable, inspiring, and “sticky”…
Well done.
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- Jason klemme
- 05-07-22
Such a Delight
It's like sex but better, theres no disappointment after.
Well done Jimmy, big fan! -Jason K.