A delightful and insightful debut book exploring the transformative power of humor and laughter ... A practical guide to using humor as a tool for emotional resilience and human connection ... In a world that often feels too serious, Duffy’s book reminds readers of the importance of laughter, not as an escape but as a powerful force for growth, empathy, and joy.
Comedy is as essential to a healthy and happy life as diet and exercise, according to this illuminating debut from comedian Duffy ... Duffy is a wry and funny narrator, but his best insights arrive when he sets aside his need to land a punch line and compassionately and insightfully unpacks how humor functions in deeper and more unexpected ways, such as helping to endure challenges like bullying, grief, and suffering. This will entertain and enlighten aspiring comedians and regular folks alike.
Duffy cheerfully itemizes some of the many ways in which being able to call on a sense of humor greases the wheels of social interaction in ordinary times and makes life more bearable in the challenging ones, including times of illness, grief, and social oppression ... While most readers won’t find much new or surprising information here, Duffy’s down-to-earth presentation offers useful reminders about the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and above all, not taking oneself too seriously. He also, wisely, recognizes that humor is not always a force for good, and devotes a chapter to avoiding using humor to bully, hog attention, or insult oneself ... A genial, gentle reminder not to take life quite so seriously.
