I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons
Ratings29
Average rating4.1
15
Ratings29
Average rating4.1
New York Times bestselling author, superstar comedian, and Hollywood box office star Kevin Hart turns his immense talent to the written word in this “hilarious but also heartfelt” (Elle) memoir on survival, success, and the importance of believing in yourself. The question you’re probably asking yourself right now is: What does Kevin Hart have that a book also has? According to the three people who have seen Kevin Hart and a book in the same room, the answer is clear: A book is compact. Kevin Hart is compact. A book has a spine that holds it together. Kevin Hart has a spine that holds him together. A book has a beginning. Kevin Hart’s life uniquely qualifies him to write this book by also having a beginning. It begins in North Philadelphia. He was born an accident, unwanted by his parents. His father was a drug addict who was in and out of jail. His brother was a crack dealer and petty thief. And his mother was overwhelmingly strict, beating him with belts, frying pans, and his own toys. The odds, in short, were stacked against our young hero. But Kevin Hart, like Ernest Hemingway, J.K. Rowling, and Chocolate Droppa before him, was able to defy the odds and turn it around. In his literary debut, he takes us on a journey through what his life was, what it is today, and how he’s overcome each challenge to become the man he is today. And that man happens to be the biggest comedian in the world, with tours that sell out football stadiums and films that have collectively grossed over $3.5 billion. He achieved this not just through hard work, determination, and talent. “Hart is an incredibly magnetic storyteller, on the page as he is onstage, and that’s what shines through [in this] genial, entertaining guide to a life in comedy” (Kirkus Reviews).
Reviews with the most likes.
Admittedly, I don't have the best sense of humor but there were several times that I burst out laughing. This memoir has given me a different perspective of Kevin Hart. I understand his drive and motivation, now. I was one of those people who felt I was seeing too much of Kevin. But I get it, why work so hard to stop. That the difference between success and mega success. One must keep on going.
I am glad that there was so much transparency in this memoir. I had questions about the demise of his marriage and also about the start of his relationship with his current wife. Kevin left no rock unturned. He provided a good overview of the aspects of his life that made him the person he is, today.
I would recommend this book. Great job, Kevin.
P.S. Big plus for narrating the book, yourself.
You'll want to listen to the audio of this one. I like Kevin Hart's standup special on Netflix, that's about the only opinion I had of him. He seems cool. So why do I always go into these things expecting that comedians' books are going to be like their standup? This was not that, but I still really enjoyed listening to it - dude has a good story to tell and it was told well, and listening to this book was like sitting down with a friend while they tell you all the crazy stuff that's been going on since you last saw each other. There's a lot of growth, a lot of humor, and some surprisingly serious advice for those who'd want to take this as self-help (though, as he says in one of the last chapters, why on earth would you take his advice when there are way smarter people to listen to, including — probably — you the reader). It was good.
Fantastic. Honest, humbling, entertaining, motivational, inspiring and (no surprise) funny, “I Can't Make This Up” is an excellent memoir that stacks up with some the best memoirs from modern day comedians. Kevin Hart isn't afraid to be confrontational about himself and it's really refreshing. He proudly accepts his weaknesses, learns from his many mistakes and ultimately he becomes a stronger individual because of them. It's great to see how his humbling and difficult past has positively impacted him to make massive successes within his career. Also one other thing, I have zero idea why the book's cover has a bunch of puppies on it...? It's cute regardless!
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