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Before & Laughter
- Narrated by: Jimmy Carr
- Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
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Publisher's Summary
Self-help meets memoir in this deeply insightful, fascinating and entertaining audiobook about happiness by one of the country's most treasured comedians.
A memoir and self-help manual by one of the country's most treasured comedians - for anyone who feels stuck in a rut but doesn't have the tools or self-belief to shake things up
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 book 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 book.
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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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- Anonymous User
- 12-12-2021
Life changing
The matter of fact, with the political auto correct switched off approach that Jimmy shares his story has helped me see where I have been going wrong in life. Authentically life changing.
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- Anonymous User
- 11-12-2021
Best Audio Book Ever!
I loved the audio book and it should be one of your top sellers as it is amazing and a great story that I could listen to over and over again!!!! Thank you soooo much for letting me see this book Jimmy is amazing!!! Thanks again.
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- Theres
- 11-12-2021
I never thought I'd be taking life advice from him
Jimmy Carr, you are an absolute class act to the comedy scene and your stoic (yet comedic) interpretations have certainly left an impression on me!
There is so much layering in this book depending on the amount of self awareness you have (or don't have), you will need to listen to it a few times to really wring the knowledge and wisdom it has to offer.
Narrated by Jimmy, the delivery and ability to engage with the listener is fantastic.
Thumbs up my review and follow my trail for more recommended (or not recommended) reads :)
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- Carol
- 28-01-2022
Only for those with a Thick Skin
Be warned! Lots of foul language. Not for the Easily Offended!
What do you expect when you buy a Jimmy Carr book? However Jimmy's life story and his take on the art of comedy made an interesting and entertaining read.
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- Anonymous User
- 06-03-2022
Great!
I thoroughly enjoyed this light hearted insight into Jimmy's life. Well written and well read.
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- Amazon Customer
- 14-04-2022
A very insightful and enjoyable lesson.
Clever, philosophical and a most enjoyable lesson, Jimmy Carr at his best. I highly recommend it
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- Anonymous User
- 02-08-2022
Inspiring, wise and funny.
Jimmy delivers on the funny as expected, but he also provided great words of wisdom, made me pause and think, and inspired me to focus on what will make me happy and that it’s never too late. Highly recommend.
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- Anonymous User
- 01-10-2022
Jamaica
Good book, well delivered with a few good jokes in between. Jimmy highlights that life is too short to not have a laugh along the way.
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- Anonymous User
- 01-01-2023
entertaining, informative and inspiring
Awesome book. A different side of Jimmy. And I learnt a tip that I have now used in joke writing, so just that that alone was worth it. Will not be asking for a refund when I'm 102.
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- Anonymous User
- 23-01-2023
Brilliant insight
Jimmy has a very entertaining way of talking about the important life stuff. Good work Jimmy
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