Book: You’re Not Doing It Right by Michael Ian Black
Reviewed by: Joe T.
**Signed copies of this book are now available!**
Like many people my age, I discovered Michael Ian Black during his time on the MTV sketch comedy show, The State. It’s still, to this day, one of my major touchstones for comedy and I’ve followed all the cast members’ careers throughout the years since. With Michael Ian Black, it was Viva Variety, Sierra Mist commercials, Wet Hot American Summer, the television show Ed (highly underrated and richly deserving of a DVD release), and much, much more, so I leaped at the chance to read his new book You’re Not Doing It Right.
I’m not so sure what I expected from the book. Maybe something along the lines of Tina Fey’s Bossypants or Simon Pegg’s Nerd Do Well, or any one of the many comedy books that come out each year: good, funny reads, yet slightly empty of calories. Yeah, that’s pretty much what I was expecting. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
You’re Not Doing It Right is funny. Not laugh out loud funny, but funny nevertheless. But more importantly, it is touching. A couple of times whilst reading it I may have even teared up. But that could have been allergies. For all intents and purposes, it is the story of Michael Ian Black meeting his wife, having children, and basically becoming an adult. It skips through time, covering his childhood raised by his mom and her girlfriend, his first attempts at acting and the progression of his career, and the ins and outs of his relationships. In its touching honesty, it reminds me of a way less sad and maybe even happy version of Rob Sheffield’s memoir Love Is A Mix Tape.
I loved this book. I’ve passed it on to friends singing its praises. I would love to see a Woody Allen-esque film made from it. So, if you read only one Michael Ian Black book this year, read You’re Not Doing It Right.
~Michael Ian Black will speak & sign You’re Not Doing It Right here at BookPeople on Monday, March 5, 7p.
BookPeople 
He was so funny on different shows, will have to check out the book !
I’ll be in a plane to San Diego this afternoon. With my Kindle Fire. And I’m HOPING this book is available for download, because it sounds like exactly the kind of writing I enjoy!
As a freelance writer by profession, I enjoy quirky, interesting, thoughtful books. Thanks for the suggestion!
🙂
I already knew I’m not doing it right and I demonstrate that every day without fail…over and over and over almost like I have no ability to learn and yet I possess college degrees….it’s very strange….so here’s what I need: a used copy…not highlighted please! with a title like this: “How To Do One Thing Right Enough To Win Approved From The Free Federation Of Feminist Thinkers Or Die Trying….For The Compleat Idiot”…with illustrations please…” send me some prayer too…please….it’s funny…but not to me….
Congrats for being Freshly Pressed! Go Austin!!!
Sounds like a good read!
I know what you mean about normal comedy books. I started Tina Fey’s and I love her… but you are right.
Ooh congratulations on getting Freshly Pressed! I came across you before about Josh Ritter 🙂
I am so uncool that I have no idea who he is, possibly because I am in bed by 8. Nonetheless, I now want to read it- thanks!
I’ll have to add this to my GoodReads queue. I wouldn’t have come across it otherwise.
This is great to know. I’ve loved Michael Ian Black ever since I discovered Wet Hot American Summer and Stella, so I’ve been somewhat eager to read his new book but also very hesitant. Knowing that it’s not just another cliche comedian’s book makes me happy to hear. Thanks for the insight!
This encouraged me to get a copy of the book 🙂
it was so gigantic (at least) for me, what an inspired book?
-thank u-
I loved him in the VH1 “I Love the 80s” series. Such great, understated humor.
Wasn’t he in the Kids in the Hall?
I also felt like _Bossy Pants_ was lacking– I was so disappointed after reading all the great reviews!
I agree with your comment on Fey’s book. If you’re looking to another deep comedy book, check out Tracy Morgan’s “I am the New Black”.
I’m looking for Michael Ian Black’s now on your recommendation. Don’t forget his work in STELLA – the show and the special
Haha, I love the title! If that’s an indication of the book, I’ll have to pick it up!
Wow, I love Michael Ian Black. I’m a huge Stella fan and I was just wondering about whether to read his book.
Now I clearly have to.
Gr8 book review ….Thanks for sharing 😀 Cheers
And please check out my latest post on LOVE – http://raajtram.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/let-the-time-decide/ and even my new PhotoBlog – http://raajclicks.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/oh-i-love-my-laptop/
Reblogged this on Social Literary.
Makes me want to read it. I wouldn’t have expected MIB to tear me up!
Nice blog… It’s funny)
Awesome! Something do read during the northwest spring.
Thanks for the review. I haven’t heard of him and probably wouldn’t just pick up this book on my own, but the review makes it sound good enough that I just might. I also like the chance to learn about BookPeople and what you’re doing. Congrats on being FP!
That man has a lot of demons that none of us will probably ever know. Saw him do standup last year. Much different on stage than he is on TV talking about Pop Culture in 15 second intervals. A lot better.
This is AWESOME! I can’t wait to buy the book!!!! 🙂
great review..i like this book!
I know it’s gonna be hard to read this book for me as my english isn;t perfect but i think I’ll give it a shot !
I loved him in Wet Hot American Summer.
This blog content is awsum!!!
Love iiiiiiiiiiiiiit…
COOL !!!
Nice blog its funny
good content
I’m so glad I happened upon this post, I picked this book up yesterday and now cant wait to read it !
I’ll have to check the book out. Always been a fan. Nice review.
I, too, “discovered” Michael Ian Black from “The State” (favorite skit: 240 dollars worth of pudding) and I completely agree that “Ed” IS deserving of a DVD release!!! I loved that show and love Michael Ian Black. I can’t wait to read this book!
Oh boy… another book to add to my long list of books-I-need-to-read-soon list!
I’ll always remember him as Phil Stubbs from Ed 🙂
I guess I’ll have to pick up this book to find out what I’m not doing right! I’m pretty sure the answer might be “everything.”
very nice blog. thank you
I was in doubt weater to buy this book or not, but now I’m sure, thanks 🙂 Good post!
Waiting for mine to arrive. Simon Peg’s book is good, but as you say, there are too few funny books. Just the odd one kicking. Have you looked at Malice in Blunderland by Jonny Gibbings yet? So outrageously funny and dark. A new benchmark.
very very nice and beautiful blog
Love Michael Ian Black – so excited that he’s got another book out!
Is it as good as his first book My Custom Van? I thought that book was great
Great review! I’m in the middle of reading this book and I can’t put it down. I do like the combination of humor and the darker sides. I, too, found myself a little misty in some parts (could also be allergies). I went to Michael Ian Black’s reading in NYC last week and it was great to hear him read passages in his deadpan delivery. Hearing him read aloud made some of the more serious passages sound funny.
Nice review! I was a big fan of Ed and his character in particular, though sadly I never got to see the final season through and The State never aired here but I will try and find some to watch all the same.
This sounds like a book worth reading and I will definitely be looking for a copy.
Cheers!
🙂
Encouraging!!!!!!!
The first time I ever saw MIB was on those VH1 “I Love the [insert decade here]” specials. I remember thinking, wow, this dude is really funny. Then I saw him in Wet Hot American Summer, which is so awesome. I didn’t know he had written a book at all and after reading your post, I’m eager to read. Thanks!
I do not appreciate Mr. Black’s style of comedy (and didn’t like Ed much) but I am glad to hear he is having success as a writer. I always think it is helpful for entertainers to branch out into different fields. If I come across this book in the library I will definitely check it out.