Good for Gaffigan fans - better for expecting dads

Would you consider the audio edition of Dad Is Fat to be better than the print version?

Yes. Gaffigan edits a lot of the passages to be unique to the audio book, and his voices are a big part of his standup routine. I would have been reading in his voice anyway, so why not cut out the middleman?

If you’ve listened to books by Jim Gaffigan before, how does this one compare?

I haven't listened to a book, but I've listened to his stand-up. This sounds a lot like his stand-up, but at times, it's pretty obvious that he's trying to read word-for-word.

What about Jim Gaffigan’s performance did you like?

His voices and his audiobook-only quips.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It's almost 6 hours long. I've got things to do.

Any additional comments?

The book is really great, but I feel like there are a couple of things Gaffigan fans should know before they start listening/reading:

1 - This is a book about being a dad. I know that seems obvious, but if you aren't a dad, or aren't thinking of becoming a dad, then you might not really like this book. If you're a college kid that likes jokes about Hot Pockets, you might be able to skip this one. There are a few chuckles in here, but you won't identify with them.

2 - There's a rhythm to this book that is a little jarring in an audiobook format. Each chapter ends with a joke, which is usually a callback from earlier in the chapter - and then the next chapter just starts. The chapters are very short, and the result is a very jarring transition between chapters. There were times when I would look up to read a street sign, and all of a sudden, Jim Gaffigan was talking about something completely different, and I barely had time to digest what he just started talking about 3 minutes ago. The book took a lot more focus than a normal book.

3 - This isn't 6 hours of standup. It's Jim Gaffigan reading a book by Jim Gaffigan. A lot of the joke delivery might seem off, especially when he recycles a joke from one of his shows (that happens a few times).

4 - If you DON'T have kids, expect to be a little baby-crazy by the end of this book. Speaking from personal experience, I had to be talked down from the baby-ledge by my girlfriend after reading this. Luckily, I recovered, and I'm still happily babyless.

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Time Flies While Listening!

I have really been enjoying listening to audiobooks lately - they are really a lot of fun - both to listen to with headphones, over the car speakers, and even while folding laundry. Gaffigan’s first book - a collection of autobiographical essays - makes for highly entertaining listening. In fact, I hazard to guess that this audio version is even more humorous than its printed counterpart. Gaffigan himself reads it aloud - using his talents to augment the timing, the different voices and tones. Even more impressive, it is the type of audiobook that is easy to listen to multiple times. It’s a genuinely funny book, filled with Gaffigan’s obvious love for his family.

The books flows smoothly (though I must admit that I was forced to hit the repeat button a few times to recapture moments that I had laughed over!). And though parents will probably identify with this more than non-parents, it also gives a delightful insight into Gaffigan’s life off-stage/screen. I hope that this talented - and hilarious - man decides to publish more in the future (and narrates them, too - it would be impossible to imagine anyone else reading this aloud!). I know I will certainly be keeping an eye out for his name in print in the future!

13 people found this helpful

This is probably better if you have kids...

...but I don't, so it just seemed like a long list of all the reasons why I don't. And an homage to his wife, who is apparently perfect. There were a few lines that made me smile (not so much laugh out loud though), but overall I expected something funnier from Gaffigan as I'm a big fan of his comedy.

9 people found this helpful

Dad Is Funny

Dad is fat is a pleasant listen. If you know Gaffigan’s work, you know what to expect. If you don’t like his humor or his voice, don’t bother. If you are unfamiliar with Gaffigan, he is a clean comic and this book is pretty much only about his family. If you don’t find humor in the small parts of family life, don’t bother. I like observational humor about families and the inside out look and this book hit a nice space. Clearly Gaffigan is happy and happy to share with us what’s going on and how crazy a large family is.

Gaffigan’s delivery is (this is not a criticism) flat just like his standup. Maybe it’s a bit nasal or whiny. It works for him (and me.) The book is 5.5 hours long so not too short. It is good for a drive – I could easily listen to a bit on my drive in.

I’m giving it fours because, while it is good and funny and I will buy his other products, it is not to the level of Tina Fey, Nora Ephron, Dan Savage or David Sedaris. I’m looking forward to the books to follow as the kids grow up. Growing up doesn’t sound like it is ever going to be a problem for Gaffigan and I, for one, and pretty happy about that.

6 people found this helpful

for parents, after the first one is born

Pretty funny riff, primarily on life as a parent. While the pace of jokes is not quite equivalent to stand up, this is a pretty funny book.

12 people found this helpful

Not for Gaffigan Fans

Would you try another book from Jim Gaffigan and/or Jim Gaffigan?

Not a book. Audio standup? Always yes.

What did you like best about this story?

Funny stories about parenting--and that is it!

What didn’t you like about Jim Gaffigan’s performance?

POOR and disappointing performance from a man who knows how to engage an audience. There were audible stumbles very very frequently, and the jokes were entirely recycled from his standup--and without the comedic delivery. At the beginning of the audiobook he jokes that he needed to write a book to afford a bigger house ASAP, and I think he was telling the truth. This is an extremely rushed product from one of my favorite comedians. Such a disappointment.

Was Dad Is Fat worth the listening time?

Only because I had 15 hours to kill on a long drive. Otherwise no.

Any additional comments?

You will likely enjoy this book much more as a parent who doesn't know what to expect from gaffigan's comedy, and no prior knowledge of his standup.

25 people found this helpful

Sometimes You Gotta Laugh!

What did you love best about Dad Is Fat?

If you've ever heard an audiobook read by the author, especially one about their own life, it can sometimes seem annoying. Like they're trying to make you think what they think is the right way - the normal way. Jim Gaffigan doesn't do that. All he does is tell you about himself, and, maybe, some others like him, and I love that! His imperfections and all are personal, informative, and funny - True Gaffigan!

The other great thing is he reads his book just like his act only slightly quieter and calmer which makes it enjoyable listening to it on my commute. I'm sure the drivers next to me think I'm crazy cracking up laughing in my car at such calm words.

Any additional comments?

I'm not a parent, and I still found this hilarious and calming!

19 people found this helpful

Kids Under The Age of 10? This Will Make You Howl

I've loved Jim Gaffigan for years. I bought this book for my Dad for Father's Day last year. Unfortunately I believe he was offended by the title and never read the contents since he thought I was calling him fat by giving him this book. I should have purchased the book for me. I have 4 kids under 8 years and was wiping tears away reading the book's introduction it was that funny to read the roles they play. Jim's delivery and honesty, coupled with his descriptions, voices, and material, is really so wonderful and hilarious. This is one funny book, yet it's different from his stand-up, and the listener will be laughing with reminders as babies cry in the night.

3 people found this helpful

Solid, predictable humor

Observational parenting humor that doesn't break new ground. The book is funny enough but he does recycle material from his stand-up act and if you are not a parent the material probably won't resonate with you as well.

I was happy that he actually read the book instead of performing it in his comedic persona. I don't think the onstage delivery would stand up over 6 hours.

He wanders frequently between humor and reflection so sometimes you are expecting a punchline until you realize that he's just talking and not delivering a joke. The reflections are rather banal (the term "MILF" bothers him because it's not respectful of motherhood. Really? That point needed to be made in a book called "Dad is Fat"?) and tend to slow down the pacing.

It could have been better if he edited it down to the really funny content, but it's still very enjoyable.

3 people found this helpful

Fine but forgettable

What would have made Dad Is Fat better?

More original jokes. This is all very well-worn territory. As other reviewers have said, people who already like Gaffigan's material will probably be disappointed and find little original material in here.

I have enjoyed Gaffigan talking about his personal life and upbringing on various other podcasts, but this didn't bring anything new to the plate. As a New Yorker I was most interested in the details about raising five children in Manhattan (five kids in a fifth floor walkup?!) but otherwise this was really quite bland and flat. Part of why I listened to this is that I've seen Gaffigan pushing a stroller in the East Village and I was curious about his urban parenting challenges ... and the book did paint a vivid picture in that regard.

Would you ever listen to anything by Jim Gaffigan again?

Yes, but only if it was trying more explicitly to be ha-ha funny throughout.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Narration itself was fine, although lack of variety in tone did cause me to 'tune out' a bit during less interesting parts.

What character would you cut from Dad Is Fat?

n/a

Any additional comments?

Glad it wasn't any longer. Nuggets of original insight or 'laugh-out-loud funny' were spread far too thinly. I'm not sure the world needed another personal narrative of 'aren't kids funny and challenging?' parenthood from a stand-up comedian.

11 people found this helpful