• Nice Try

  • Stories of Best Intentions and Mixed Results
  • By: Josh Gondelman
  • Narrated by: Josh Gondelman
  • Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (174 ratings)

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Nice Try  By  cover art

Nice Try

By: Josh Gondelman
Narrated by: Josh Gondelman
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Publisher's summary

Emmy-Award winning writer and comedian Josh Gondelman’s collection of personal stories of best intentions and mixed results.

Josh Gondelman knows a thing or two about trying - and failing. The Emmy Award-winning stand-up comic - dubbed a “pathological sweetheart” by the New York Observer - is known throughout the industry as one of comedy’s true “nice guys.” Not surprisingly, he’s endured his share of last-place finishes. But he keeps on bouncing back.

In this collection of hilarious and poignant essays (including his acclaimed New York Times piece “What if I Bombed at My Own Wedding?”), Josh celebrates a life of good intentions - and mixed results. His true tales of romantic calamities, professional misfortunes, and eventual triumphs reinforce the notion: we get out of the world what we put into it. Whether he’s adopting a dog from a suspicious stranger, mitigating a disastrous road trip, or trying MDMA for the first (and only) time, Josh only wants the best for everyone - even as his attempts to do the right thing occasionally implode.

Full of the warm and relatable humor that’s made him a favorite on the comedy club circuit, Nice Try solidifies Josh Gondelman’s reputation as not just a good guy, but a skilled observer of the human condition.

©2019 Josh Gondelman (P)2019 HarperAudio

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What listeners say about Nice Try

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

this book is so nice!

nice try is laugh out loud funny, and thoughtful. josh gondelman's reading is really wonderful.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Genuine + Hilarious

Aurhor Josh Gondelman is proof that you can be nerdy, adorable and hilarious all at once. His memoir is sweet and to the point, and particularly engaging since I attended the same college where I witnessed his early standup routines. Highly recommend, especially for when onenneeds some lightness amongst the challenging reality of the world.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A sweet, funny, and relatable memoir

Whether or not you're already familiar with Gondelman's stand-up comedy or tv writing, you'll probably enjoy this lovely and fun book. The humor and stories and self-deprecating and relatable, with observations that are funny and spot-on. The overall vibe is just a friendly, warm read from a wonderful human being. Gondelman's background as a performer makes hearing Nice Try in his voice a great experience as well.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Not just a super funny guy

Josh Gondelman made me laugh, think, and feel better about myself all in one book

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Lovely and Hilarious st

Delightful, poignant, insightful, and laugh out loud at times. I only wish it was longer.

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An honest, real, and humorous story

Thank you to the author for this enjoyable and relatable book. I enjoyed this tremendously, the author/narrator was was so likable, and has a unique style of humor that is just the right balance of vulnerability , edginess and social consciousness. I would recommend this to everyone, it’s was utterly enjoyable!

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Loved it.

I trusted the reviews on this one, particularly the ones which said these were funny stories which were also human and relatable. Adult subject matter in many of the chapters, and not for shock laughs, but because those are the issues of an adult life. So glad I stumbled onto this as it was well worth a credit and my listening time. Mr. Gondelman, may you continue to succeed.

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Just Delightful!

This book is hilarious and heartfelt through and through. This is a sincere nice guy, not a "nice guy" and it comes across genuine, relatable, and occasionally thought provoking.

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1 person found this helpful

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A Lot of Laughter and Fun!!

Great story! Great Narrator! I listened greedily and hope for more books from this author.

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Great writing!

This book was funny, warm and honest. Although I am a generation older than Josh, his story kept me interested as he told the story of his life experience. And there were plenty of moments where I LOL’d. Well done!

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1 person found this helpful