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Believer Books of Advice
Care to Make Love in That Gross Little Space Between Cars?: A Believer Book of Advice
The Believer magazine presents a compendium of advice from producers, writers, and actors of The Daily Show , Saturday Night Live , Parks and Recreation , Late Show with David Letterman , The Hangover, and The Colbert Report , along with other musicians, cartoonists, New Yorker writers, and those similarly unqualified to offer guidance.
Here Amy Sedaris describes the perfect murder for unwanted hermit crabs—you will need a piece of meat and a brick. Simon Rich explains how to avoid being found dead in your underwear by firemen—buy some long johns. Zach Galifianakis provides insight into how he changed his name without a social security card—he just started calling himself Adam Zapple, and it stuck. Bob Saget finally illuminates what “friends with benefits” really means—a nonsexual relationship wherein your ex makes monetary deposits into your bank account.
Contributors
Rob Baedeker, Anne Beatts, Elizabeth Beckwith, Jerri Blank, Roz Chast, Louis C.K., Mike Doughty, Dave Eggers, Rich Fulcher, Zach Galifianakis, Dan Guterman, Anthony Jeselnik, Julie Klausner, Lisa Lampanelli, Nick Hornby, Sam Lipsyte, Liam Lynch, Merrill Markoe, Rose McGowan, Misc. Canadian rock musicians, Laraine Newman, The Pleasure Syndicate, Bob Powers, Simon Rich, Bob Saget, George Saunders, Kristen Schaal, Paul Scheer, Amy Sedaris, Allison Silverman, Paul Simms, Brendon Small, Jerry Stahl, Scott Thompson, Fred Willard, Cintra Wilson, Weird Al Yankovic, and Alan Zweibel
Here Amy Sedaris describes the perfect murder for unwanted hermit crabs—you will need a piece of meat and a brick. Simon Rich explains how to avoid being found dead in your underwear by firemen—buy some long johns. Zach Galifianakis provides insight into how he changed his name without a social security card—he just started calling himself Adam Zapple, and it stuck. Bob Saget finally illuminates what “friends with benefits” really means—a nonsexual relationship wherein your ex makes monetary deposits into your bank account.
Contributors
Rob Baedeker, Anne Beatts, Elizabeth Beckwith, Jerri Blank, Roz Chast, Louis C.K., Mike Doughty, Dave Eggers, Rich Fulcher, Zach Galifianakis, Dan Guterman, Anthony Jeselnik, Julie Klausner, Lisa Lampanelli, Nick Hornby, Sam Lipsyte, Liam Lynch, Merrill Markoe, Rose McGowan, Misc. Canadian rock musicians, Laraine Newman, The Pleasure Syndicate, Bob Powers, Simon Rich, Bob Saget, George Saunders, Kristen Schaal, Paul Scheer, Amy Sedaris, Allison Silverman, Paul Simms, Brendon Small, Jerry Stahl, Scott Thompson, Fred Willard, Cintra Wilson, Weird Al Yankovic, and Alan Zweibel
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 22, 2012
Given the list of names involved in the writing of this book, I expected something funnier. Which is not to say that the book is not funny, it is. But it is funny in a brief, easily forgotten, throw-away kind of mild wit. I had hoped for more biting, insightful humor and instead, this book is just a collection of bad advice. Even then, the biggest disappointment is that the clear potential for some really funny comedy is easily seen, just inadequately deliver upon.
Save your money and get the next Uncle John's Bathroom Reader instead.
Save your money and get the next Uncle John's Bathroom Reader instead.
June 12, 2012
It's almost as if every one of these talented comics got together and agreed to compare their turds.
April 18, 2022
Just...no. This book is a series of farcical advice columns, and even the ones from the talented comics whose work I usually enjoy aren't great. More frequent are the ones that just insult and abuse the questioners in ways that aren't remotely funny. I don't get the appeal.
May 27, 2023
This book was so disappointing that I skipped probably half of it throughout my time with it. Ugh so cringy. Also cringy is the part where Louis C.K. talks about his dick to women seeking advice. This book did not hold up well.
June 6, 2018
funny but not awesome I would have liked the book better if the comedian read their own replies.
December 2, 2021
Super dumb and then Louis C.K. shows up so this was a quick nope.
March 30, 2018
I was drawn to Care to Make Love in That Gross Little Space Between Cars? Because of both its alluring title, and because I have read the book written before it, You’re A Horrible Person, But I Like You. I found that book while vacantly browsing amazon for books I could find interesting. When I stumbled upon, You’re A Horrible Person, But I Like You, I found out that it was “frequently bought together” with this book, so I decided to go for the two-fer.
This book, like its predecessor, is a miscellaneous compilation of emailings between a comedian or renowned “funny person,” and an everyday human being. Some of these comedians included, but aren't limited to: Kristen Schaal, Bob Powers, Amy Sedaris, Liam Lynch, Simon Rich, Mike Doughty, and Bob Saget.
I really liked a lot about this book. I especially liked that Zach Galifianakis was in this book, as he was also in the last one. I appreciate chapters written by Judd Apatow, Patton Oswalt, Kristen Schaal, Louis CK, Zach Galifianakis, The Pleasure Syndicate, and Weird Al Yankovic. My favorite joke that I came across was a joke by Zach Galifianakis, who has been mentioned too often already, in which he suggested that someone named Ralph Fine, instead of changing his first name, should change his name to “Ralph Finesse.” I don't necessarily know why this joke appeals to me so much, but apparently while reading I dog-eared this page just so I could come back and read it.
I didn't dislike much about this book. It was well-written, and consisted of a variety of different styles of comedy, but I just think there could have been a better lineup of comedians in this book than there was. I think if you got a chapter with Bill Burr, or someone of his caliber, it would really spice it up. Maybe some Chris Rock or Jack Black could really kick it up a notch. Other than the choice of comedians, I think Care to Make Love in That Gross Little Space Between Cars? was great!
This book, like its predecessor, is a miscellaneous compilation of emailings between a comedian or renowned “funny person,” and an everyday human being. Some of these comedians included, but aren't limited to: Kristen Schaal, Bob Powers, Amy Sedaris, Liam Lynch, Simon Rich, Mike Doughty, and Bob Saget.
I really liked a lot about this book. I especially liked that Zach Galifianakis was in this book, as he was also in the last one. I appreciate chapters written by Judd Apatow, Patton Oswalt, Kristen Schaal, Louis CK, Zach Galifianakis, The Pleasure Syndicate, and Weird Al Yankovic. My favorite joke that I came across was a joke by Zach Galifianakis, who has been mentioned too often already, in which he suggested that someone named Ralph Fine, instead of changing his first name, should change his name to “Ralph Finesse.” I don't necessarily know why this joke appeals to me so much, but apparently while reading I dog-eared this page just so I could come back and read it.
I didn't dislike much about this book. It was well-written, and consisted of a variety of different styles of comedy, but I just think there could have been a better lineup of comedians in this book than there was. I think if you got a chapter with Bill Burr, or someone of his caliber, it would really spice it up. Maybe some Chris Rock or Jack Black could really kick it up a notch. Other than the choice of comedians, I think Care to Make Love in That Gross Little Space Between Cars? was great!
April 7, 2019
This basically was a book of written-out crowdwork, which I didn’t really think about when I grabbed it. I’m not hugely fond of crowdwork to begin with when it’s live, and it turns out it really doesn’t work for me when written down, even with comedians/writers whose work I otherwise enjoy. Good to learn, I guess!
I did have some genuine chuckles at moments while reading this and found a few people whose work I might want to check out outside of this format, but all in all, this book was not for me.
I did have some genuine chuckles at moments while reading this and found a few people whose work I might want to check out outside of this format, but all in all, this book was not for me.
December 4, 2017
As expected some of this was funny and some was not. I am very glad that I listened to it rather than read it myself, though, as I'm sure having the stars read their answers to these strange questions was much funnier than it would have been otherwise.
March 28, 2021
There is an impressive array of comedic talent here. Fred Willard and Weird All are two that jumped out to me. The setup of jokey advice requests followed by generally demeaning and crude responses is just mostly not funny.
September 20, 2022
This book is a collection of “advice” from a cadre of many of the most intelligent humorists in the modern world of publishing and entertainment. It is fun and hilarious for readers to partake of this volume.
November 15, 2022
I stumbled upon this book while searching for books authored by Weird Al.
It’s a fun little compilation of questions and answers with comedians and comedy writers. Some were funny, some weren’t. Overall an enjoyable read.
Exposed me to a few comedy writers that I hadn’t known by name before.
It’s a fun little compilation of questions and answers with comedians and comedy writers. Some were funny, some weren’t. Overall an enjoyable read.
Exposed me to a few comedy writers that I hadn’t known by name before.
December 11, 2023
Yeah, I couldn't finish this. Even the folks that I liked were hamstrung by the format, which forced a sneering, sarcastic tone that was deeply grating. The worst of these were just gross.
Only 11 years old and this came off as super dated. Were we all such snide a-holes back then?
Only 11 years old and this came off as super dated. Were we all such snide a-holes back then?
April 1, 2018
turns out humorous fake advice columns are funny in a magazine but not over an entire book.
April 14, 2018
ugh, I'm not going to sit through any more childish twaddle on the off chance there's something funny buried in here
January 31, 2021
The cool kids ask questions and give snarky advice . . .
October 13, 2021
super disappointing
May 18, 2022
Why isn’t this funny? Four speakers and nearly 20 minutes in, I still hadn’t laughed out loud nor even cracked a smile over any of this lameness.
May 27, 2022
some of these are pretty funny but doing a bunch of them back is kinda not fun. They get old pretty fast.
February 26, 2023
George Saunders and Fred Willard’s sections are the only redeeming ones.
December 20, 2020
Too long for what it is and boring despite its contributors. I basically lost interest in the first quarter of the book but tried to persevere anyway. Also disappointed that the contributors did not read their answers for the audiobook
April 29, 2013
Many humorists and comics contribute to the advice column in the Believer magazine, from which these bits of advice have been extracted.
Among the advice-givers are Lisa Lampanelli, Laraine Newman, Bob Saget, Amy Sedaris, and Weird Al Yankovic.
Supposedly the questions are all legitimate ones sent to the Believer magazine, but some of them do seem like setups for a comedian's punch line, like "I'm a full-time carpenter. Any chance I might be the Messiah?" Brendon Small handles that one with the suggestion that the questioner try working a miracle. Could happen.
I think Sedaris handled the question of how to handle hermit crabs quite deftly, involving the use of a sexual crab decoy and a large brick. Effective, but more weird than funny!
In her answer to a question about Jesus as pure hype, Lampanelli manages to offend not only all Bible-believers, but also African-Americans, Jews, and fans of Rosie O'Donnell, Lady Gaga, and Kanye West. All in one paragraph!
I like the way Newman used a question about zebra camouflage as an occasion to ruminate on the nature of human evil, where Ted Bundy and Richard Ramirez were bestowed with good looks by their creator.
Now thanks to Sedaris, I know what "skin fold cheese" is--thanks, I needed that, Amy. Especially your tips for using that "cheese" as a condiment!
Among the advice-givers are Lisa Lampanelli, Laraine Newman, Bob Saget, Amy Sedaris, and Weird Al Yankovic.
Supposedly the questions are all legitimate ones sent to the Believer magazine, but some of them do seem like setups for a comedian's punch line, like "I'm a full-time carpenter. Any chance I might be the Messiah?" Brendon Small handles that one with the suggestion that the questioner try working a miracle. Could happen.
I think Sedaris handled the question of how to handle hermit crabs quite deftly, involving the use of a sexual crab decoy and a large brick. Effective, but more weird than funny!
In her answer to a question about Jesus as pure hype, Lampanelli manages to offend not only all Bible-believers, but also African-Americans, Jews, and fans of Rosie O'Donnell, Lady Gaga, and Kanye West. All in one paragraph!
I like the way Newman used a question about zebra camouflage as an occasion to ruminate on the nature of human evil, where Ted Bundy and Richard Ramirez were bestowed with good looks by their creator.
Now thanks to Sedaris, I know what "skin fold cheese" is--thanks, I needed that, Amy. Especially your tips for using that "cheese" as a condiment!
February 2, 2013
I had high hopes for this book. Sadly, I couldn't come close to finishing it. Perhaps because I am unfamiliar with the magazine, The Believer, and its column, Sedaratives? I understand that this book spoofs Dear Abby style advice columns which I think has great potential especially when paired with contemporary comedians. BUT...the advice seekers' problems aren't believable enough to make the ludicrous advice seem ironic enough...at least to me.
For example..."For ecological purposes, I wear my clothes for three days. Then I flip them inside out and wear them for three more days. Yet, still, I feel as if I'm not getting the full amount of wear out of my clothes. How could I possibly extend this cycle?"
I think Letters from a Nut is much more successful because while the "Nut's" letters of complaint to existing corporations are so ridiculous, the companies' responses are so earnest that you can't help but see the humor.
For example..."For ecological purposes, I wear my clothes for three days. Then I flip them inside out and wear them for three more days. Yet, still, I feel as if I'm not getting the full amount of wear out of my clothes. How could I possibly extend this cycle?"
I think Letters from a Nut is much more successful because while the "Nut's" letters of complaint to existing corporations are so ridiculous, the companies' responses are so earnest that you can't help but see the humor.
June 25, 2012
A collection of reader letter responses with several of my favorites, this was the perfect read for the flight to my vacation destination. I giggled out loud several times, which I think was a little unnerving for fellow plane passengers. It's definitely one of those books. Stay away if you're easily offended.
There was some familiar comedy from Zach Galifianakis and Louis CK, but I was glad to find lots of new comedians and writers to check out from their answers to readers' letters. Although, it's important to note that the reader letters aren't genuinely asking for advice. (At least I hope that's not the case. If so, those readers aren't the smartest.) I also read some of the letters and responses out loud in the rental car. It's good for that too.
There was some familiar comedy from Zach Galifianakis and Louis CK, but I was glad to find lots of new comedians and writers to check out from their answers to readers' letters. Although, it's important to note that the reader letters aren't genuinely asking for advice. (At least I hope that's not the case. If so, those readers aren't the smartest.) I also read some of the letters and responses out loud in the rental car. It's good for that too.
May 6, 2012
I didn't have the highest standards for this because most of the comedians featured are, as one would expect, at their best when able to be seen and/or heard. I normally love Louis C.K. but was disappointed by his section. My favorites were probably Galafinakis,Allison Silverman, Amy Sedaris, and Bob Saget. Another highlight was the response from John Samson of the Weakerthans (one of my favorite bands) which was surprisingly funny while still being sensitive.
It was a nice change of pace after working through Dickens and Wolfe; I literally read it, with some selective skimming, in a couple of hours.
It was a nice change of pace after working through Dickens and Wolfe; I literally read it, with some selective skimming, in a couple of hours.
July 26, 2012
I really enjoyed certain chapters of this book. Mainly the chapters of the writers featured on the front. Louie C.K.'s advice is both hilarious and suitable for this book because he pretty much tells everyone off and points out that no one cares about the readers questions anyways.
What I didn't like was that both the questions and answers were very facetious. Someone writes a ridiculous question and the "famous" person doesn't really answer it, but tries to make a humorous answer by being very random and somewhat clever. This got really old after the first few chapters. I think this book could have benefited from some serious editing.
What I didn't like was that both the questions and answers were very facetious. Someone writes a ridiculous question and the "famous" person doesn't really answer it, but tries to make a humorous answer by being very random and somewhat clever. This got really old after the first few chapters. I think this book could have benefited from some serious editing.
July 24, 2012
If you enjoy outrageous humor, this book will provide you quite a few laughs. The book is a collection of responses to purported reader questions submitted to "The Believer" magazine, with the advisory responses coming from people ranging from Amy Sedaris to Zach Galifianakis.
If you read "National Lampoon" magazine back in the late 1970s or early 1980s and remember what it's letters to the editors were like, you'll have an idea of what this book is like. You could also consider it a mash-up of humor from The New Yorker and the movie "The Hangover."
If you read "National Lampoon" magazine back in the late 1970s or early 1980s and remember what it's letters to the editors were like, you'll have an idea of what this book is like. You could also consider it a mash-up of humor from The New Yorker and the movie "The Hangover."
December 28, 2012
Not my cup of tea. To be honest, I only finished it because I wanted it to count towards my book total for the year (16 is a new record!) and it was an easy read. I started the book three months ago, so it's hard to remember who was good and who was bad, but I didn't find much of it funny. Dave Eggers, Miscellaneous Canadian Rock Musicians, Jerri Blank, and Rose McGowan stuck out to me as the best. I was disappointed that other comedians in this book that I enjoy a lot in other contexts just didn't make me laugh in this setting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews