If you know anything about Ellen DeGeneres, you know not to expect a typical celebrity memoir from the comedian and talk show host. Her latest book, Seriously … I'm Kidding, instead offers an autobiographical look at her life through witty commentary based on her observations of everyday life.
There's no juicy gossip, but that doesn't mean DeGeneres isn't open and honest when discussing her love life, career or other personal details in the book. She is, as always, upbeat and optimistic even while showcasing her well-known sarcastic side.
Seriously … I'm Kidding was published in 2011, and a lot has happened in her life since her last book was released in 2003. She got married to actress Portia de Rossi, and she became an American Idol judge for the ninth season of the show. The book discusses both of these things in detail, as well as providing anecdotal thoughts about whatever is on her mind. These even include her tips on how to become a billionaire, which is far more simple than one might think. You simply make a lot of money and don't spend it, DeGeneres explains.
Instead of deep stories and a run-down of her personal history, Seriously … I'm Kidding is a hodgepodge of comedic monologues typical of DeGeneres's stand-up work. Some are more internal and would only work in print, like the chapter "For The Children" which directs those with audiobooks to download several coloring pages that accompany the audio files. Most, however, are similar to what one would expect during a stand-up show by one of the most authentic voices in comedy today.
DeGeneres is probably best known for her work on her talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and her two television series Ellen and The Ellen Show. She has won 12 Emmys, in addition to numerous awards for her charity work. She has also hosted the Academy Awards.
DeGeneres is known as an engaging speaker and began her career as a stand-up comedian, so it's only natural she's provides the voice for the audiobook version of this book as well.
"I love Ellen D. If you don't, skip this book. If you do, it will not disappoint you, except when it ends. Ellen is one of the funniest people I have ever heard. The way she naturally thinks and speaks is her humor. I was thoroughly entertained and left my car happy and laughing every time. Sometimes I just sat in my car to hear more. Then I bought another of her books..."
— Sally (5 out of 5 stars)
“Generes’ amiably oddball riffs on everything from kale to catwalks to Jesus will make fans smile.”
— People“Whatever the topic, DeGeneres’ compulsively readable style will appeal to fans old and new.”
— Publishers Weekly“This hodgepodge…displays throughout the author’s gift for capturing the absurd hilarity of internal monologue…DeGeneres’ trademark wit and openness shine through.”
— Kirkus Reviews" funny.... but kind of pointless, in my opinion. "
— Janelle, 2/19/2014" Let me start by saying I love Ellen Degeneres and usually think she's hilarous....but not in a book. There were a few times I laughed out loud reading this book...but only a few times in over 200 pages. Her humor just isn't as funny reading it from a book. I tried to imagine her voice while reading the book and that helped a little. The book was an easy read though and I easily finished it but not sure I would really recommend it. I was going to buy this book for my kindle but then decided to check it out from the library due to the mixed reviews. Now I'm glad I didn't buy it! "
— Lacey, 2/15/2014" Sometimes its not as much about the book, the content, but the writer. Ellen is one hell of an inspiring person, the one who could cheer and perk you up in your best days and that is what this book does. Some really good stuff and laughs and reduceds everyday tensions to get you to be more positive about life. I loved this book. "
— Zonaira, 1/29/2014" So funny you embarrass yourself laughing out loud. "
— Karen, 1/16/2014" Hilarious material from the funniest woman in America. Some of it is taken from her talk show, but it is still funny. "
— Joshua, 1/12/2014" Funny. Worth listening to the audio book driving to and from work. Not especially memorable though. "
— Chilly, 1/12/2014" Ellen has always been able to make me suddenly burst into a fit of giggles! She is able to perform the same justice in this hilariously funny novel as well! "
— Breanna, 1/10/2014" I like Ellen DeGeneres and was excited to see that this audiobook was available from the library. I must admit I had laugh out loud moments while listening to this. However, most of the book was just stream of consciousness. There's a whole chapter just of Ellen thinking about stuff at the beach. Yes, it was funny, but I was looking for more. The ultimate message of the book was to be happy and to make a difference. That's great! I can get behind that...of course, that could be said in five words. Ultimately, I was just glad that I didn't purchase this book, even though it was fun. "
— Janel, 1/9/2014" I giggled.. a lot. "
— Ashley, 12/29/2013" Good book, but not a page-turner. Some nuggets of "wisdom" to be found between pages of lightness. "
— Dawn, 11/19/2013" L-oh-mother f'ing-L! I love her, this book is funny af. "
— Jordana, 11/3/2013Ellen DeGeneres is a beloved stand-up comedian, television host, bestselling author, and actress. She hosts the syndicated talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and was also a judge on American Idol in its ninth season in 2009. She has hosted both the Academy Awards and the Primetime Emmys. As a film actress, she starred in Mr. Wrong, appeared in EDtv and The Love Letter, and provided the voice of Dory in the Disney-Pixar animated film Finding Nemo, for which she awarded a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress, the first and only time a voice acting won a Saturn Award. She also starred in two television sitcoms, Ellen from 1994 to 1998 and The Ellen Show from 2001 to 2002. She has won twelve Emmys and numerous awards for her work and charitable efforts.