How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying

By: Carol Leifer

Narrated by: Carol Leifer

For many years, television comedy was an exclusive boys' club - until a brilliant comedian named Carol Leifer came along, blazing a trail for funny women everywhere. From Late Night with David Letterman and Saturday Night Live to Seinfeld, The Ellen Show, and Modern Family, Carol has written for and/or performed on some of the best TV comedies of all time. This hilarious collection of essays charts her extraordinary three-decade journey through show business, illuminating her many triumphs and some missteps along the way - and offering valuable lessons for women and men in any profession. Part memoir, part guide to life, and all incredibly funny, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying offers tips and tricks for getting ahead, finding your way, and opening locked doors - even if you have to use a sledgehammer.

©2014 Carol Leifer (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"An amusing, amiable read. Leifer wants you to love what you do and learn to move on from failures and rejections - and please, always shower before a job interview." ( Kirkus)

Great Pep Talk For People Beginning Their Careers

I'm a retired TV writer and from time to time young people ask me how to get their careers started in entertainment. In the future, I'll refer them to this book.
It's loaded with great advice, much of it good for people beginning any kind of career,all of it illustrated with examples from Ms. Leifer's life.
While I'm sure most people don't need to be reminded to bathe or to show up for job interviews on time, the best advice she gives is to be fearless and relentless.
If you're beginning your career, as my children are, I think you'll get a lot from reading Ms. Leifer's book.

overall, a great story

I really enjoyed the book, and will definitely listen to it again. I only wish she would have let a little more personality shine through....the reading was a bit dry and stiff, but awesome lessons to be learned. I wrote down and will implement her Top Ten, and want to thank Carol for a wonderful educational experience!

Common Sense

I think this book mostly gave advice that was common sense; it wasn't very original. Of the celebrity books that I've read I wouldn't say it was in the worst, but certainly not very highly ranked. It talks a lot about sexism, which after a while just feels like you're beating a dead horse. I don't think it's really worth the credit, but it is a nice easy listen if you're in the mood, the narration makes up a little bit for what it lacks in insight.

Good & somewhat humorous for people new to careers

I'm 50 years old and retired so for me this book wasn't really useful. I did find it entertaining in parts and I particularly enjoyed learning more about Ms. Leifer. I find her to be extremely down-to-earth despite her huge successes. I also appreciate her confidence and tenacity and envy her childhood with affection. If you want to learn more about her and her family or if you're new to a career, you should take the time to listen to this book. Otherwise, like me, you might enjoy it but you might also find parts of it boring.

Great Vehicle for Life Lessons

Nice mixture of stories and lessons about life and work. It moves along quickly and is fun, as well as enlightening. Highly recommended for teens and young adults, too.

Great insights for aspiring comedians

I enjoyed the book tremendously as a fan of standup and all things Seinfeld. Also gave me a window into the business of comedy from the perspective of a female comedian and comedy writer such as Carol. I highly recommend it.

Delightful, funny and full of good advice.

I enjoyed my listen and am contemplating how to invite my teenagers to read it. Carol says it better and is way funnier.

The funniest business book ever!

Would you consider the audio edition of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying to be better than the print version?

You have to get the audible version because Carol's delivery is priceless.

What did you like best about this story?

It was so natural and authentic. Carol has a clear and honest view on life that does not ignore our sensitivity. That and her humor will make you howl in laughter.

Any additional comments?

Be careful to play this in private because you will lose it several times. Carol has a way of surprising you will a perfect observation when you least expect putting you into a surprise laughter that is uncontrollable.

Decent

Quite entertaining, but definitely not a "must read" business book.
I probably won't be spending more money on Carol's publications, but I don't feel cheated on this deal; she does at least make it fun to listen to.

Great And Funny Advice

Where does How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best audiobooks I have read as of late.

What other book might you compare How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying to and why?

Bossypants by Tina Fey. It is that level of greatness.

Which character – as performed by Carol Leifer – was your favorite?

I liked her impression of her father.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The part about Joan Rivers sticking up for her.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book.