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10th out of 45 books
—
6 voters
Impractical Jokes
'A diabolical ping-pong game of prank and counter-prank across the generations. Hilarious and warm-hearted, Impractical Jokes is both a comic evocation of the Australian larrikin spirit and an ode to a loving father. Don't just read the jacket blurb - buy it!' - Shaun Micallef
In 1986, Charlie Pickering's dad, Ron, was pushed into a pool by his best friend, Richard. What fo...more
In 1986, Charlie Pickering's dad, Ron, was pushed into a pool by his best friend, Richard. What fo...more
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
August 2010
by Allen & Unwin
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This book surprised me as it was much more heartfelt than I anticipated. Laugh out loud funny at times, it's the story of a war raged between two friends as they try to top their jokes upon one another - proving that age and maturity do not have to go hand in hand. In the end, though, it is a story about a family that is shaped by, and bonded through, humour. The final page also gives a touching account of the bond between Pickering and his father. It may be bordering on cynicism to suggest that...more
I read this book for an assignment. We were aloud to read any non-fiction book we wanted. I liked the informality of the book. I think that comes from it simply being a stand up act written down, the fact that it's purpose was just to make you laugh not for you to cry, feel like a lesser person, tell you someone amazing survival against the odds or to tell you how easy your life is to someone elses.
This the kind of book that you only get in non-fiction. A string of related stories that you would...more
This the kind of book that you only get in non-fiction. A string of related stories that you would...more
Author Charlie Pickering describes 10 years of his childhood in which his dad Ron waged a tit-for-tat war of pranks and practical jokes on his best friend, Richard. From a water pistol ambush in a 5-star restaurant, the pranks escalate out of control to a point where they come within a hair’s breadth of blowing up the whole neighbourhood! An hilarious account of Charlie’s childhood and his relationship with his dad, who actively included him in all his shenanigans. In the end, Charlie realises t...more
Jun 12, 2012
Shelleyrae at Book'd Out
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Shelves:
provided-by-publisher,
aussie-author
Stand up comedian and television host Charlie Pickering recounts the hilarious protracted war of practical jokes and oneupmanship between his father and his best friend, Richard, in the light and funny memoir. It began with a playful nudge that saw Charlie's dad, Ronald, land fully dressed in the backyard swimming pool. Revenge was carefully plotted until the opportunity presented itself to soak Richard in a restaurant using water guns. The two grown men, one a respected pharmacist, the other a...more
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I'm not sure what I expected from this book, but it certainly surpassed any criteria for humourous reading that I might have had. The love that Charlie has for his family - dad especially - shines throughout this hilarious recount. I can certainly see why. Life in the Pickering household must certainly have been fun with all that comic and unpredictable mad-hattery being concocted behind closed doors. This book is laugh out loud funny so grab some tissues and strap yourself in for a treat. Some...more
I really enjoyed reading this book. I have seen Charlie Pickering on 'The Project' but not seen a lot of his work as a comedian.
This book was a surprise in that it was more than just a comedian telling stories and actually let you into the Pickering family. Having read about the family I would have loved to have been part of it during my childhood.
Charlie tells the story with humour (at times it is laugh out loud) and also with great feeling. You get to the end and you want it to continue. You...more
This book was a surprise in that it was more than just a comedian telling stories and actually let you into the Pickering family. Having read about the family I would have loved to have been part of it during my childhood.
Charlie tells the story with humour (at times it is laugh out loud) and also with great feeling. You get to the end and you want it to continue. You...more
Awesomely funny. More like a lot of mini-stories, not really your typical beginning-problem-climax-solution-end kind of book but that doesn't bother you when reading this hilarious book. Its very very funny and enjoyable and you can't help but love the characters and their personalities and the funny situations they find themselves in. A light,easy, very fun read.
I read until I cried, Charlie brings growing up in the 1970's to life and for those of us who grew up in the same era can relate so well to the situations. I have passed this book onto others and we all have our favourite parts but agree on one thing this book puts a smile on your face.
What happens when you put two stubborn men together! Heehee. This was a nice easy read. Lots of humour. The pranks got more and more grandiose! I needed to know how it all ended :) Recommend to people who like Charlie Pickering.
I have never laughed so loudly or do hard as I did when reading this book. I was often in tears and my family thought I had gone mad...... until they also read it - then they understood!
Lightweight but warm and very funny description of author's family, through the medium of his father's practical-joke 'war' with a good friend. A lovely short read.
A hilarious and charming book. Very short and sweet. I was laughing out loud. I think it would appeal to fans of the movie The Castle.
I loved this book and I loved Charlie Pickering, I normally don't read books like this but I found this one very funny and something I would definitely read again.
While I'm not necessarily a fan of Charlie Pickering's comedy, this book is an absolutely hilarious read. A very loose biography of his father, this book recounts the many hilarious exploits he got up to in the pursuit of comedy. Some of the pranks were so grandiose in their execution, I started to wonder if they were all true.
Regardless, this book is well worth a read. It's short, and straight to the laughs.
Regardless, this book is well worth a read. It's short, and straight to the laughs.
I thought this book was really funny. It would stall on places with long winded explanations on things like guns and grass matting but overall a great read and highly recommend it especially if you like laughing till you cry.
I loved the stories about Charlies' family. I found it a real 'laugh out loud' book - which could be somewhat inconvient at times.
I was reading this at 2am in the morning, constantly disturbing my sleeping husband by laughing out loud/.
oh. my. gosh.
All I can say is: don't read this on a bus/in a waiting room/in public places. You will look really silly sitting there laughing like a crazy person.
All I can say is: don't read this on a bus/in a waiting room/in public places. You will look really silly sitting there laughing like a crazy person.
hilariously funny! if you want a laugh...this is the book for you!
May 30, 2013
Chuk E.
marked it as to-read
May 28, 2013
Greg
added it
May 28, 2013
Ryan R.
marked it as to-read
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