You're Not Doing It Right

Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death, and Other Humiliations

By: Michael Ian Black

Narrated by: Michael Ian Black

Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

"You’re not doing it right."

Michael Ian Black has been hearing these five words all his life. And now—on the eve of his 40th birthday—he is finally beginning to wonder why. As a husband and father living in the suburbs, Michael asks the question so many of us ask ourselves at one point or another: How did I end up here? (And also: If fat Kevin Federline succumbs to his own wasted potential, what does that mean for the rest of us?)

The answers to these questions, and others that you probably would have never thought to ask, are painstakingly detailed in You’re Not Doing It Right, Michael Ian Black’s debut memoir. Darkly humorous and told with raw honesty, Michael takes on his childhood, his marriage, his children, and his career with unexpected candor and deadpan wit in this funny-because-it's-true essay collection. He shares the neuroses that have plagued him since childhood and how they shaped him into the man he is today. Stories include: How his lesbian feminist mother raised him to be a tough but sensitive New Seventies Man like Alan Alda; how his camp girlfriend dumped him for a guy nicknamed Taco; how he backed into marrying his wife by breaking up with her first; how he is completely undone by hearing a Creed song on the radio on the eve of becoming a father; and how he learned to use Santa Claus as a "bad cop" threat to control his kids year 'round.

From the comedian who brought you Stella and The State, Michael Ian Black says the kinds of things you’re afraid to admit. Here he is: naked, exposed, a little chilly, and understandably shriveled.

©2012 Michael Ian Black (P)2012 Random House, Inc.

enable him

high rating to help his ego, it's what he would want but don't tell him.

Hilarious and insightful

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, because of Black's humorous and often moving descriptions of marriage and early parenthood. Very much enjoyed Black's narration.

Dry humor paired with frank, personal stories

What does Michael Ian Black bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Michael's narration fits his dry, irreverent sense of humor. I know some listeners complained that he seemed monotoned, but I feel like they may not have been as familiar with his comedic style prior to listening.

Any additional comments?

I thought he did a great job of discussing (rather frankly) struggles in his marriage and as a parent while bringing his particular flavor of humor and sarcasm.

Good writing, but strangely bland performance

What did you like best about You're Not Doing It Right? What did you like least?

The writing is, as one would expect from a comedy writer, quite funny. What was strange though is that even though it is the author (comedian Michael Ian Black) who is narrating the story, he reads it in a very monotonous way. What's more is that I am a fan of his standup, but I think he didn't bring very much of his standup personality to the reading of the book. If he had been a bit more engaging in the (...his) story I would have given this 4-5 stars.

Honest, funny and worth using a precious credit

Any additional comments?

I love his dry, honest humor. If you are married, with children, you will understand every moment of this book. His voice is great and only he could read his stories to you. I cannot emphasize how much I connected to his total honesty. Some might not find this book funny, but think its so much better than just " funny". It's deeper and more raw. i had no idea what to expect, but I loved it.

I’ve listened to this six times

This is my favorite audiobook. Great writing, great delivery. There are funny moments and emotional moments. A perfect blend. I had never heard of Michael Ian Black before downloading this book, but now I listen to every one of his books on audio. Count me a fan.

Poignant and Hilarious

My first read of a MIB book, but not my last. I didn't expect the writing to be so sharp, and consistently funny. I'll surely spin this again soon.

He still won't acknowledge me on twitter

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It was good but I feel like Billy Joel could have summed it up in 3.5 minutes or so. Either way, the book caught me entirely off guard with the raw sentimental tone it lingers in for the majority of the work., and yet the humor felt so familiar and resonated in some unused and I groomed region within awkward 20-something body. I guess it gave me some concept of mediocrity to examine and look forward to. Black affirms that its gonna be alright. Even though he won't a knowledge me on twitter.

@gymclasstryhard

What was one of the most memorable moments of You're Not Doing It Right?

Crushing around in a BMW reluctantly purchased, blasting music with the windows down - but not really "because instead of blasting he listens a 1/8th volume level and instead of music he's listening to NPR"

Which scene was your favorite?

"A Blow Job is when you blow in someone's ear"

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

Fu*k this guy. He won't even follow me on Twitter

Unexpected!

I saw this recommended at another site & thought I'd try it, although the only thing I knew about this guy was the snarky comments on the VH1 series. I really enjoyed listening to this - the unexpected honesty, humor, and insights he shares about marriage, having & raising children. Just - not what I was expecting at all!

F**king Hysterical and Utterly Accurate

Would you consider the audio edition of You're Not Doing It Right to be better than the print version?

Yes! Which does not fit with my generally nostalgic-for-print personality, but Black's tone of voice/inflection/etc absolutely made this book for me. I laughed out loud at least an average of once per 3 minutes.

What other book might you compare You're Not Doing It Right to and why?

It had a David Sedaris feel in my opinion... but I hesitate to make a direct comparison between books.

Which character – as performed by Michael Ian Black – was your favorite?

Himself... or Martha.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh laugh laugh. I would find it hard to believe that someone wasn't entertained by this book.

Any additional comments?

I'm a newly wed in my twenties, and both Martha and Michael had so many things about them that reminded me of either myself or my husband that there was no way for me to not love this book.