One thing I love about comedy is the books. Reading timely comedy books always gives me that
creative urge I need — it keeps me sharp and inspired. The truth is, we can dive into a book at any
time, but as comedians, we’re always on the go. Physical books can feel limiting when you’re bouncing
from open mics to gigs to writing sessions. And since writing is something we have to do every day (or
at least should be doing), reading usually ends up on the back burner. We tell ourselves we’ll get to it
“later.” But here’s the thing — the best comedians are also the best readers. They study the craft. They
feed their minds. That’s why I started using Audible. Now, don’t get me wrong — YouTube is still one of
the greatest comedy classrooms out there. You can learn so much just by watching sets and
interviews. But YouTube can only take you so far. Audible goes deeper. It gives you full access to the
minds of some of the funniest and smartest comics ever to do it. I recommend listening to every
stand-up comedy audiobook you can find — and not just once. Listen to each one at least ten times.
That’s how you truly let the lessons sink in. Every time you re-listen, you catch something new — a
hidden gem that didn’t hit the first time around. One of the best books I’ve listened to this year is Maria
Bamford’s “You Are (A Comedy) Special: A Simple 15-Step Self-Help Guide to Forcibly Force Yourself
to Write and Perform a Full Hour of Stand-Up Comedy.” I listen to it while driving. It’s hilarious, brutally
honest, and full of real advice that will save you time, frustration, and self-doubt. That’s what books are
for — to guide you, to recharge you, and to remind you why you do this. So yeah, picking up a physical
book can be hard when life’s moving fast. But plug in those headphones, hit play on an audiobook, and
keep growing in your comedy journey. Because the more you listen, the more you learn — and the
sharper your punchlines get.
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