Damn Right I'm From Cleveland: Your Guide to Makin' It in America's 47th Biggest City

by Mike Polk Jr.

Comedian Mike Polk Jr. has received more than 50 million views on YouTube alone for his witty Internet videos ("Hastily Made Tourism Video," "Cleveland Browns: Factory of Sadness," and others). Now he delivers the same wicked sense of humor in a book.

This hilarious rustbelt satire lampoons Cleveland's quirks, including our boundless obsession with crappy sports teams, the nonstop quest to reinvent our civic image, and a grab-bag collection of odd local celebrities.

Polk tackles such timely topics as: Great Places to Take a Dump Downtown . . . Riding the RTA: A Fascinating Cultural Experience . . . A Cleveland Enemies Hall of Fame . . . A Comparison of Three Area Gentlemen's Clubs . . . A Fabulous Remake of Cleveland's Own Flag . . . and much more.

Full color photos throughout.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction

124 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2012

Reviews

[April Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very tongue in cheek "travelers guide" for Cleveland, really meant for the residents already here and familiar with this city's quirks and foibles. The author, a comedian who is known for his Hastily Made Tourism Video and Factory of Sadness video on YouTube, this time decides to write a book, complete with a lot of pictures and graphics, detailing Cleveland lowlights. He includes information on low moments in Cleveland sports (the funniest segment; he has his friends recreate the scenes), cheap dating tips, local bars and more. It's a quick read and pretty funny, and most Northeast Ohioans will nod and chuckle at the satire. Fair warning - keep this out of the hands of the kiddies. The humor is very adult (and at times a bit sophomoric).

[Megan Millisor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike Polk, Jr. gives an honest and amusing portrayal of Cleveland. Not everything in his book shines the best light on the "CleveLAND That I Love", but no major American city is 100% pure and beautiful. Clevelanders take pride in what we have and are the firsts to make fun of our shortcomings. "Damn Right..." is the perfect Clevelander companion. Highly entertaining and easily read in one sitting. I think this book would be a great hit at any dinner party as well as a great gift to any fellow Cleveland lover.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ah, lowbrow humor some of which is fun. Some of it is funny, but some of the attempts at humor are a bit strained. If you are not from Cleveland, it won't mean much. Ah, not really worth the money. Takes about 37 minutes to read.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be the funniest book I have ever read. I could not stop laughing. You will appreciate this "maybe" if you have spent a considerable time in Cleveland, but pretty much only if you were born and raised in Cleveland. Truly a gem!

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this within about an hour. It is both funny, and mocking of Cleveland in only a way that a born and bread Cleveland can pull off. Perfect for those that take their love for this city with questionable water not too seriously.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing. quick read.

[Dodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this in less than an hour. It has a couple of funny sentences....

[Tim Timberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it says it is. If you like Mike Polk, you'll like this book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

You definitely have to be a Clevelander, or someone who has spent a good deal of time in this fair city, to appreciate the humor in this book. If I had never been to Cleveland, Polk does not make a case for ever visiting here. His view of Cleveland in this book makes the city look like one big garbage dump, when only parts of the city are like this.

The parts of the book I liked best were those dealing with the dire history of sports in Cleveland, and the comparison of our 2 beloved brown mustards. The title of the book suggests Polk is going to defend Cleveland from anyone who would dare to make negative comments, but instead turns out to be its biggest critic. Again, only to be appreciated by Clevelanders. God forbid anyone from Pittsburgh gets their hands on this book - it will only give them more ammunition for when the Steelers beat the Browns once again. Thanks for lovingly pointing out all of Cleveland's charming flaws, Mike Polk Jr.

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book in a store in downtown Cleveland after I picked it up and shortly experienced the highest laughter-to-time-spent-standing-and-reading ratio I have ever experienced. A must read for anyone familiar with the city and with a decent tolerance for vulgarity. Mike is the kind of guy you want to like, and the hilariously sarcastic and upbeat tone through which his personality is exhibited never waivers or goes over the top. Well done. I loved his fake note from the Cleveland Tourism Board, the section on Parma girls, and advice about where to go in Cleveland on a cheap date (including Edgewater Beach bingo). And the picture of his OBF as Jordan jumping over an apathetic five-year-old "Ehlo" was just perfect. I only wish it were longer.

Originally read in September 2013, lent to a friend, and read again upon its return in July 2014.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Self deprecating humor about the city we love and the sports teams who break our hearts will ring true and familiar to Cleveland locals. Polk's particular blend is enjoyable, but predictable. His most original moments are recreating images of biggest Cleveland sports fails with his friends and suggesting new Great Lakes Beer titles. Including more specifically inside jokes, rather than rehashing the same top 10 material any local would offer up at a night out at the bar. Polk repeatedly asserts that this book is not a serious effort, and I would agree. It would probably be fun to flip through at your favorite local dive bar. Meh.

[Randall Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike Polk has a very sarcastic and witty sense of humor that some people may not enjoy. However, I am not one of those people. I think he is hysterical and this book had me cracking up. It is so random, so you don't know what's coming next. Being from northeast Ohio, I felt right at home each time he mentioned the Browns. I liked how he compared his relationship to the team as being like a brotherly relationship. He was able to pick on them, but if someone from Indiana did he would knock them out. Polk also went to Kent State, and was there when I was, which is when I first heard of his comedy. This book was great, and those familiar with Polk's humor will find it funny as well.

[Tim Serdynski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everytime I visit my fam in Cleveland, I end up viewing a Mike Polk youtube marathon and I've come to love his sense of humor. I just ordered his Live CD and this book from his website and couldn't put it down. I don't LIVE in Cleveland, but am familiar with many of the things he lovingly pokes fun of. Even if you aren't from the area though, ya still GET the jokes...it's just hilarious.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as funny as his "Hastily-Made Cleveland Tourism Videos," but it has its moments, many of them one-liners only really funny to other Clevelanders. Wish he'd have shared the book with a few other comics--the good/bad joke ratio might be higher. But not bad.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have spent any time in Cleveland, you will appreciate this book! Mike Polk is a very sarcastic comedian who is spot-on with many of his observations about the City. My favorite parts were probably his Guide to Cleveland Girls & RTA Protocol sections. This book would make a great gift.

[Meredith]

CANNOT WAIT.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious. You've got to be from NE Ohio to appreciate it, but it had my mom,my stepdad and I all cracking up.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny book, especially if you're from Cleveland

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious. A must-read for anyone who lives or lived in Cleveland. Laughed out loud numerous times.

[Damian Serbu · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're from Cleveland, this is an entertaining read. A couple real lol moments. Still, it's straight guy humor - no that there's anything wrong with that. ;) Just not always my cup of tea.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only complaint is that I went through the book so quickly. A ton of fun to read and spot on. He's just as funny live too. There's a funny YouTube video of when he delivered the book to people.

[patti_markwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, but there sure are a lot of mistakes. Did the publisher not have anyone proof it?!