Ellen DeGeneres published her first book of comic essays, the #1 bestselling My Point...and I Do Have One, way back in 1996. Not one to res...
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Mar 09, 2010
Myra
rated it: 
I got this book for my birthday, along with DeGeneres' other book, and I jumped right into it. Here's a big surprise - I LOVED IT! Ellen DeGeneres is so talented and funny. Each chapter is in no way tied to the others, so it's not like readers are taking in an on-going story. DeGeneres rambles her way through the point that she is trying to make, and her ramblings only add to the humor. The chapter titled "A Scientific Treatise Regarding a Matter of Great Entomological Concern to All of
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Jan 16, 2012
Tea Time
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From my blog
If you are a fan of Ellen your expectations will be met, no surprises, with Ellen, what you see is what you get. Ellen is silly and you enjoy laughing at her and with her. At times I rolled my eyes, laughed out loud, giggled to myself and said what the hell is she saying, oh right, ok that is so Ellen why did I fall that crap, lol.
Hands down my favourite chapter was Working it Out, about parallel parking, exercise, specifically her personal trainer. He tri More...
If you are a fan of Ellen your expectations will be met, no surprises, with Ellen, what you see is what you get. Ellen is silly and you enjoy laughing at her and with her. At times I rolled my eyes, laughed out loud, giggled to myself and said what the hell is she saying, oh right, ok that is so Ellen why did I fall that crap, lol.
Hands down my favourite chapter was Working it Out, about parallel parking, exercise, specifically her personal trainer. He tri More...
Oct 19, 2011
Kristilyn
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 18, 2011
J
rated it: 
(FROM JACKET)Ellen DeGeneres published her first book of comic essays, the #1 bestselling "My point...and I Do Have One", way back in 1996. Not one to rest on her laurels, the witty star of stage and screen has since dedicated her life to writing a hilarious new book. That book is this book.
After years of painstaking, round-the-clock research, surviving on a mere twenty minutes of sleep a night, and collaborating with lexicographers, plumbers, and mathematicians, DeGeneres has More...
After years of painstaking, round-the-clock research, surviving on a mere twenty minutes of sleep a night, and collaborating with lexicographers, plumbers, and mathematicians, DeGeneres has More...
Feb 10, 2011
ErinReadsTooMuch
rated it:
I think I went into this book with high expectations because I love Ellen and think she's hilarious. And I did laugh, so mission accomplished. The forward I think is the funniest part of the book, though. For the first half of the book, the chapters are sort of nonsensical stories that are pretty random, and I didn't find particularly funny. For those kinds of stories, John Stewart's "Naked Pictures of Famous People" was much more ridiculous and hilarious. The second half of the b
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May 18, 2010
Bunny
rated it:
I think I expected too much from this book.
I love Ellen DeGeneres to death. I think she's extremely funny, and just a great human being in general. I was a fan long before she got a talk show, and when I used to work nights, I would stay awake til 10:00am just so I could watch her show each day.
But dear god, this book is just horrendous. It's like I know the humor is there, I hear that she's making jokes, but the joke-to-brain connection isn't happening. I chuckled twice More...
I love Ellen DeGeneres to death. I think she's extremely funny, and just a great human being in general. I was a fan long before she got a talk show, and when I used to work nights, I would stay awake til 10:00am just so I could watch her show each day.
But dear god, this book is just horrendous. It's like I know the humor is there, I hear that she's making jokes, but the joke-to-brain connection isn't happening. I chuckled twice More...
Nov 28, 2011
Jessicaejag
rated it:
I am a fan of Ellen Degeneres BUT because this book was written 2003 I didnt expect too much. I am happy to say that I was pleasantly "suprised" (I knew it would be good even though the jokes werent up to date). I especially liked the part about skinny swedish legs and her wishing she was born in Sweden "like everyone else" Haha Sweden is as big as a flypoop next to America! I live in Sweden and I contantly wish I had been born in the US! She also said all Swedes eat healthy
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Sep 10, 2011
Brittany
rated it: 
Ellen D! This woman represents sincerity, loyalty, and everything else that is good in the world. That is why it pains me to say: hopefully Ellen does not write anything else. The majority of this tiny book of short essays made me blush from the level of cheesiness.
*However, I did l.o.l. in “This is how we live” when Ellen pontificates about the utility of things like Go-Gurt (“Was there a big mobility problem with yogurt before? How time-consuming was it, really? ‘…Hi Tom…Oh, I’ More...
*However, I did l.o.l. in “This is how we live” when Ellen pontificates about the utility of things like Go-Gurt (“Was there a big mobility problem with yogurt before? How time-consuming was it, really? ‘…Hi Tom…Oh, I’ More...
Apr 18, 2011
Judy
rated it:
First I have to say that I love Ellen DeGeneres, but I found this book to be just okay. While her rambling comic essays in many instances made me smile--such as her thoughts on the advantages of living in prison--I felt through much of the book that she was trying too hard for laughs. The second half of the book seemed to be more in her talk-show style and I enjoyed that portion of the book very much. Until it came to the end, and, obviously, she found it hard to end the book. Would I read a
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Dec 07, 2011
Nikki
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Listening to this one in audio form certainly made it more entertaining than reading, if Ellen's recent book is any indication. However, it was the same format as her newest--random things compiled into a short book. This book actually contained more personal information but it was limited. It had moments of humor but largely I was disappointed. I think Ellen is best in a performance, be it stand up or on her show. I'm a big fan of Ellen but not much of one when it comes to her books.
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Nov 12, 2011
Ria
rated it:
I really wanted to love it, Ellen had been the guru personality for quite a while now and, influenced by the media, I decided I want to like her.
The funny thing is... the book is overrated. Even though it did make me laugh 2 or 3 times while walking around the city with headphones in (and startling the strangers passing by), that was pretty much it. I don't know what I expected, hadn't even seen any of her shows, so since I had no expectations I can't say I am disappointed, but the th More...
The funny thing is... the book is overrated. Even though it did make me laugh 2 or 3 times while walking around the city with headphones in (and startling the strangers passing by), that was pretty much it. I don't know what I expected, hadn't even seen any of her shows, so since I had no expectations I can't say I am disappointed, but the th More...
Jan 17, 2012
Shannon
rated it:
Hm, I guess I never reviewed this. I did read it, probably a year ago. I must have forgotten about it, as it wasn't very good/funny. The writing is about a 5th grade level, which is fine, really, it's Ellen DeGeneres, I wasn't expecting masterful literary stylings. The problem is it isn't funny. And I think Ellen is a truly funny person, I enjoy watching her be funny. Outloud. In book form, it just doesn't work. This might work as an audiobook, of her reading it, but even then I have my doubts.
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Jul 18, 2011
Allie
rated it:
If you love Ellen, you will enjoy this book. Her sense of humor is prevalent throughout. She talks straight to the reader and frequently sidetracks with random thoughts.
The first part of the book started off strong for me. She tells "stories" from her life with ridiculous scenarios. She also offers her opinions and advice on topics we can all relate to.
The second part of the book for me became less interesting. It seemed to lose its focus and rambled a bit.
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The first part of the book started off strong for me. She tells "stories" from her life with ridiculous scenarios. She also offers her opinions and advice on topics we can all relate to.
The second part of the book for me became less interesting. It seemed to lose its focus and rambled a bit.
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Aug 03, 2010
Ted
rated it:
I listened to this book as read by Ellen herself.
It reminded me a bit of a Bill Bryson book I had recently read, I'm a Stranger Here Myself. Like Stranger, The Funny Thing Is... is full of comical anecdotes of more or less everyday occurrences. Ellen is a little less whiny than Bryson, and a little more comedic. Still, while I found more than less of her stories pretty amusing, I found the book float by past me without any serious consideration.
I'd recommend you pick up t More...
It reminded me a bit of a Bill Bryson book I had recently read, I'm a Stranger Here Myself. Like Stranger, The Funny Thing Is... is full of comical anecdotes of more or less everyday occurrences. Ellen is a little less whiny than Bryson, and a little more comedic. Still, while I found more than less of her stories pretty amusing, I found the book float by past me without any serious consideration.
I'd recommend you pick up t More...
Jan 02, 2012
Amanda
rated it:
I love Ellen. This book is sort of a rambling commentary of different things that just pop into Ellen's head. And having her read it to you makes it that much more like you are having a random funny conversation with her. And her deadpan delivery is perfect. The beginning was a little slow but I really loved her take on call-waiting and especially the news. Since I work in the business I had to listen to that part twice because I was laughing so hard over how true her thoughts were the first tim
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Sep 27, 2010
Chris
rated it:
Ellen once again takes you into her world of oddities and off-wall thinking. The story concepts are great and some of her new jokes are great but the book, overall, lacks the punch from her first book. The humor level is not has high as the comedy material she threw at you in reading"..my point, and I do have one." Many times in the book I felt that she was trying to hard to get a laugh out of the reader or just pulling at random topics to make funny. The book still made me laugh and i
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Jul 30, 2009
Tortla
rated it:
Ellen DeGeneres has a very distinct voice. I'm just not sure that it translates well into book form. I mean, the essay-chapters were amusing (like, chortle-inducing) and occasionally insightful. But the rambling and the unrelenting "funny" (which wasn't *always* funny) was kind of tiring. Not *bad* but not great and definitely not must-own/must-read literature. I can imagine it being a very good book-on-tape, because then you'd actually hear Ellen DeGeneres saying it and it wouldn't be
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Dec 09, 2011
Emily
rated it:
I want to get to Ellen's newest book "Seriously... I'm Kidding" but it was recommended I read her earlier books first. I listened to this book expecting it to be about her life, but instead was a collection of essays - some sincere, some fantastical - but all amusing. However, I wanted more "meat."
As I've mentioned before, the only way I do memoirs is listening to the author him/herself telling the story. It adds so much to the story. I'm looking forward to readin More...
As I've mentioned before, the only way I do memoirs is listening to the author him/herself telling the story. It adds so much to the story. I'm looking forward to readin More...
Jul 29, 2007
Sara
rated it:
I realize that Ellen has a terrible new line of greeting cards out right now in all the drugstores, all of which feature really unattractive cartoon drawings of her own head, but even that can't stop me from liking this funny audio book. I really liked disk four. That is the final disk. Three was also pretty good. This is actually funny and kind of strange in parts, like, one strange part is when Ellen starts describing her childhood for a long time and it's so weird and intricate including
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Jan 14, 2012
Wendolyn
rated it:
I find Ellen's humor to be too silly for me at times, and taken too far. The book has its silly times, but Ellen is also insightful and her determination can lead to making a humorous point even better. I appreciate her covering topics others may not think or dare to cover.
A sample of what I enjoyed:
Yogurt - p. 60
Toilet paper - p. 62
Businesses with poor services / products - p. 88
"No problem" - p. 89 (This saying is a pet peeve of mine!)
Salad d More...
A sample of what I enjoyed:
Yogurt - p. 60
Toilet paper - p. 62
Businesses with poor services / products - p. 88
"No problem" - p. 89 (This saying is a pet peeve of mine!)
Salad d More...
Jul 25, 2011
2004- This book of essays ranging from ""Terrible Fashion Trends"" to ""Why Being In Prison Wouldn't Be So Bad"" show why Ellen's humor has succeeded in making her a great comedian with a hit talk show. Many times during reading, I felt myself chuckle or say out loud ""Yes!"" I even read some passages aloud to family members. While you might not come away with any deep insights, it's a light and charming comedy read, perfect for the bea
Aug 30, 2009
Robin
rated it:
It hurts to give Ellen only 2 stars. The difference between performing stand-up and reading it is in the audience. And Ellen, who we know is brilliant and funny, just sounds a litle "is this thing on?" without an audience response. Much of this material is in her comedy act and plays better that way ("back to the happy place" and "that reminds me of Gloria Estefan."). It may also read well, but as an audio book, it tries too hard.
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Nov 17, 2011
Mical
rated it:
Actually listened to this book while working, which is the reason I give it four stars . . . not for literary merit (obviously), but for the "easy on the ears and mind while working" factor. High entertainment, but not so high you can't concentrate on what's at hand. Good for a few chuckles and lightheartedness. Kind, classy humor. Like having a best friend who tells solid jokes and you leave feeling better.
Jul 13, 2009
Amy
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As funny as she is on TV, this was a yawn. Not good, since I listened to it while driving. I think I laughed out loud once or twice - very disappointing. She is so much better when she has people to play off, and I felt like there was very little sense of comic timing as she read, which is strange, because on TV she is a master. Maybe lack of facial expressions were a problem for an audio book too.
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Jun 16, 2011
Jenifer
rated it:
Audio. Coming off a "Bossypants" high, it probably wasn't fair to read Ellen so soon. I still love her. I love her voice and her personality and of course, I love that she read her own book, but it was just a little too rambly and ADD for me. A little too mainstreamand safe. Of course, it was written in 2004, so it may be just a little, outdated? Does comedy become outdated? Hmmmmm.
Mar 23, 2010
BarkLessWagMore
rated it:
I went into this mistakenly thinking it was a biography but what it amounts to is stand-up comedy in the written form. While bits of it were cute most of the book wasn't particularly funny and it often seemed to just ramble on. I did learn that Ellen eats veal (ugh, but I think she's veg now) and that she grew up poor but that's about as deep as it gets. Overall a real bummer.
Apr 16, 2009
Lisa
rated it:
Oh Ellen. I like you, I really do. But you are NOT funny. And your book is HORRIBLE. Stick to interviews and take out all the rest of the crap in your show, cause if its materials like this....HOW did she get people's choice award five years in a row?!?!?! WHo ARE these people. I cant get through one audio cd. Its painful. Id rather fall asleep behind the wheel.
Apr 13, 2011
Kelsey
rated it:
The Funny Thing Is... by Ellen Degeneres
The reason I love this book so much is Ellen speaks the truth. Everything she writes about in her book has happened to everyone. She takes real life experiences and makes them hysterical. I have never in my life laughed so much while reading a book, this is definitely a book to read, you won't want to ever put it down.
The reason I love this book so much is Ellen speaks the truth. Everything she writes about in her book has happened to everyone. She takes real life experiences and makes them hysterical. I have never in my life laughed so much while reading a book, this is definitely a book to read, you won't want to ever put it down.
Feb 25, 2011
Grace
rated it:
Ellen, we love Ellen. This book is funny, I giggled aloud a few times, however it gets to be a bit much. She is a comedian so of course this is what one would expect when they pick up the book, but it is just so densely packed with jokes and has little substance. It's a great light read, and of course a good pick-me-up if that's what you're looking for!
