Happiness Isn't Funny: True Stories of a Road Comic

by Gabriel Rutledge, Dana Sitar (Foreword), Fedora Monkey Studio (Illustrator)

Follow comedian Gabriel Rutledge on an occasionally-uncomfortable, always-funny look at the life of a modern road comic as he continues his climb toward the middle of the pack.Equal parts incisive and intimate, Rutledge relates—in hilarious detail—the challenges and struggles of raising a family and pursuing a comedy career, all while battling the horrors of the comedy condo, the slow death of performing to a captive nursing home audience, and the nightmare of air travel with a fellow comedian who just can’t pick up on social cues.With his customary wit and searing honesty, Rutledge—2004 winner of the Seattle International Comedy Competition—pulls back the curtain on his life, his family, his art, and probably more about his bathroom habits than he should.Sometimes laughter hurts, but then again, happiness isn’t funny.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

164 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2014

Reviews

[Mark Fallon]

Best book by a stand-up comic I saw at a hotel bar at the Lake of the Ozarks while attending a conference run by the postal service.

[Paul]

real, relatable, and funny

I love this guy’s comedy, and I thoroughly enjoyed his no-holds-barred account of a year on the road as a standup comic. I didn’t learn any big life lessons, but I laughed enough to make my airplane seat neighbor give me stink-eye. Five stars for that.

[Tom Jolly]

Considering the idea behind the book, I enjoyed it way too much. Rutledge puts together a series of entries like a diary over a period of a year as he goes from gig to gig or deals with family life. Sometimes it’s philosophical, or thoughtful, or deep, or just acerbic views of reality, but it’s almost always funny, even when it gets a bit dark inside.

What’s incredible is that it doesn’t just put out a series of unconnected daily entries between two covers; there’s an arc of an interesting story that delves into his personal doubts, concerns for his family, and the constant thread of trying to succeed so that he can give his family the support it needs. And there’s the tension of a possible third child. So in a weirdly fulfilling way, the story arc is better than a lot of novels I’ve read, even though it’s kind of an accident. I loved it.

And it’s funny. You should read this.

[Frederic]

Gabriel Rutledge is funny, smart and unlike many comics who write books, an excellent writer. He started a one year road diary in February 2010. The book describes his many gigs that year, from triumphant to tragic, as well as his home life and observations. The book is touching and sad in places but also very funny. Highly recommended to comics and civilians alike. See him perform if you can. He is great on stage.

[JKC]

This was an amusing and interesting read which really did give a lot of insight - in fact, I would say the most I've ever found - about the real life of the "road comic" - the ones who do the daily shows, road trips, hotels, away from home and family, and not a very high income. I appreciated R's honesty about his ups and downs, his bouts with depression and doubt, as well as his joys. Relateable.

[Jennifer Erwin]

I needed a book written by a comedian for my reading challenge and I found this on Kindle Unlimited. It was ok, not really my cup of tea. I did find it interesting in a behind the scenes kind of way to see what road comics go through.

[Kristi]

such a great book!!!!!

[Shane]

I became a fan of Gabriel Rutledge from video clips I saw of him on Facebook. Then last year my wife and I went to see him live in Raliegh on New Years Eve. He really is hilarious and it was awesome to meet him in person. I read this book to my wife and we would just be laying in bed laughing our asses off. We were really sad that it eventually had to end.

But this is more than a funny book. I think it achieves exactly what the author set out to do. It gives non-comedians a glimpse into what it's like to be a "road comic", one of the "little guys", and no that's not a penis joke, Mr. Rutledge assured us in the book that he is of average size according to a Google search. By the time the book was over I felt like we had lived next door to his family for a year.

My favorite line from the book "... giant-cocked imbecile who accidently pets rabbits to death." We laughed hysterically for about 5 minutes and then brought it up at least once a day for the next 2 or 3 days.

[Randy Strattman]

I saw Gabriel about a month ago in Albany NY (yes on comp tickets) and was blown away. I've seen some of is reels and always enjoyed them. After the best show in a mall next a food court near an airport, Gabriel was doing a meet and greet / merch sale. My wife and I thanked him for his show got a photo and she picked up one of his shirts (shes a crazy cat lady so I knew I was done for with your shirt) and I picked up your book. After reading it and seeing how honest it was, I can say any time he comes back to albany I'll make sure to get tickets. His book made me laugh and gain a new understanding for what comedians endure to make us laugh and smile. Thank you Gabriel for bring joy my life.

[Jillianlfisher]

This book reads like a journal because it is and it’s done well. It’s dood to even read just a couple pages a day. It even took some of the stress off my own life and help me revel in somebody else’s. Gabe does a great job of peeling back some of the layers of what it’s like to be a comedian on the road. I love his candid stories; some which are concerning and others, which are funny, but he is genuinely authentic and revealing the underpinnings of his life. Also, you should absolutely go see him live if you get the chance.

[Stacie Haden]

I'm a fan of the comedian, Gabriel Rutledge! I bought this at his show and chatted with him for a hot minute. I see a comedian about once a month and I consider him my favorite. I don't think I ever stopped laughing at his show and I could hear his voice in the writing of this book. When he comes to your town, go see him!

[Michele]

I did not know this book existed until I saw Gabriel Rutledge do a live comedy show and got to meet him afterwards. I realize I am reading this 12 years after it was written, and a lot has changed, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think he is an underrated comedian who deserves a lot more recognition.

[Paul Farahvar]

Great book from a great underrated comedian. Highly recommend.

[Kimberly]

Happiness isn't funny... but neither is the mildly depressing life of a road comic. There were enough funny one-liners that overall I enjoyed it, but mostly I was left with a weird sort of guilt as though I had been committing animal cruelty by going to see stand-up comedy.