I Can't Make This Up

By: Neil Strauss - contributor, Kevin Hart

Narrated by: Kevin Hart

Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

Superstar comedian and Hollywood box-office star Kevin Hart turns his immense talent to the written word by writing some words. Some of those words include: the, a, for, above, and even even. Put them together and you have the funniest, most heartfelt, and most inspirational memoir on survival, success, and the importance of believing in yourself since Old Yeller.

It begins in North Philadelphia. He was born an accident, unwanted by his parents. His father was a drug addict who was in and out of jail. His brother was a crack dealer and petty thief. And his mother was overwhelmingly strict, beating him with belts, frying pans, and his own toys.

The odds, in short, were stacked against our young hero, just like the odds that are stacked against the release of a new book in this era of social media (where Hart has a following of over 100 million, by the way).

But Kevin Hart, like Ernest Hemingway, J.K. Rowling, and Chocolate Droppa before him, was able to defy the odds and turn it around. In his literary debut, he takes the listener on a journey through what his life was, what it is today, and how he's overcome each challenge to become the man he is today.

And that man happens to be the biggest comedian in the world, with tours that sell out football stadiums and films that have collectively grossed over $3.5 billion.

He achieved this not just through hard work, determination, and talent: It was through his unique way of looking at the world. Because just like a book has chapters, Hart sees life as a collection of chapters that each person gets to write for himself or herself.

"Not only do you get to choose how you interpret each chapter, but your interpretation writes the next chapter," he says. "So why not choose the interpretation that serves your life the best?"

©2017 Kevin Hart (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

I never give anything 5 stars but in this case...

I have never been so upset about finishing a book because I simply did not want it to end. truly a must read! I could relate to this book on so many levels and I think the advice he gives and the lessons he shares definitely gives you something to think about. Not to mention he's one the best comedians amongst us so listening to his book (or reading it as books are traditionally intended for) was just like seeing him in concert for his stand up shows. I never thought a comedian would be able to give me so much insight on parenting, relationships, life goals and so much more. I think he could help bring positivity out of the most negative person if they read it with an open mind. I'd recommend listening to it on audible so you don't have to use your Kevin Hart voice in your head lol. This man had me dying laughing while driving, at work, doing house chores and everything else. I finished this 11 hour book in like 5 days and probably would've took much longer if I had to actually read it... that is all 😊

59 people found this helpful

Worth listening to

This book was one of the more meaningful books I got this year. While being funny, Kevin actually gives quite a few good advice during the book.
Presentation is hilarious and manages to sound natural and connected to the listener throughout the book.
Highly recommended.

12 people found this helpful

Best Audiobook I Ever Listened To

I am so glad that I listened to this book!

I have been an audible subscriber since 2011 and I generally stay in the personal development/self help categories, but I am a Kevin Hart fan and figured this would be a hilarious experience. It was, and you will laugh from beginning to end with this book. What I was not expecting was to receive so many practical lessons and success principles that were on par with the best books in the personal development industry. Most people don't know the process that Mr. Hart went through to get to the top. Like he states in the book he's an overnight success 16 years in the making! You will definitely want to listen to this book multiple times. I highly recommend it. Not only is it entertaining but you WILL be motivated to step your game up in whatever arena you have chosen to play in. GET THIS AUDIOBOOK!!!

240 people found this helpful

Foul mouth; Good Heart. smart, funny,, insightful

As a post middle-aged white guy of comparatively gentle upbringing , it took me to just a little bit to get past all the vulgarity to appreciate how well Kevin Hart conveys where he came from and where he's coming from. He shares all and bares all his own mistakes and self-defeating behaviors and attitudes, hard Lessons Learned and the value of sheer determination and persistence. We see Kevin Hart grow up and grow in the course of this book, which he narrates in admirable fashion himself.
hHeartfelt, heart written , t heart spoken, it's a pleasure to share his bumpy ride to the top of his game. Hart is smarter law enough to learn from his mistakes and hopes that we might as well. A worthwhile listen and wise word among the obscenities.

174 people found this helpful

very entertaining

this book can only be read by K. Hart. without his style it would not be as entertaining as it was. k. Hart, a true entertainer. Also, on a side note, did he really do a reading of William Shakespeare's greatest hits? I mean really, did he? Is it funny? because if it is, I am go get that. But if it ain't I may still get it to hear how horrible it was and laugh at it anyway. Either way, it was interesting to see at the end of the book, he read and performed other stuff. Kudos Kevin, keep bringing it.

17 people found this helpful

Fantastic life lessons but for adult audiences

Overall it is a great story with numerous life lessons on hard work, perseverance, sacrifice. Be warned that Kevin Hart is colorfully expressive with his choice of words.

Also be warned that I listened to this at the gym and almost dropped a dumbbell on my head from laughing so hard. So please be safe when listening to this audiobook because I would have sued the author for comic endangerment if that dumbbell had crushed my forehead. Great book and a great reading performance.

43 people found this helpful

I Feel Sorry For His Readers

Before I got this, I was mildly amused by Kevin Hart. I'd seen him in some TV spots and liked his energy but didn't really find him rip-roaring funny. I knew little about his background and expected to learn about that through this book. But this audio book gave me so much more.

On one level I did learn about his background, starting with his childhood and how he developed an approach and attitude toward life that helped him through his struggles into adulthood.

On another level though, I heard some profound life lessons, so valuable that I played the book back and forth several times so I could transcribe what he said (I guess I could have just bought a paper copy of his book.)

On still another level I gained a respect and appreciation for him, as a human for putting his life out to the public with all of its blemishes to show that the ugliness in life is often as important as victories when working toward our goals.

And finally, I was surprised I laughed out loud at several parts because rather than just reading his book, he added commentary that showcased his quick wit and high-speed mind, giving the listeners insights into the full-package which is Kevin. And that's why I feel sorry for people who only read his book because they will miss out on these commentaries that allowed me an even deeper view into his mind and character.

I enjoyed this book so much that I was disappointed it ended after only 90+ chapters.

6 people found this helpful

Strong start

Being a fan of Kevin Hart’s stand up and movies, I was definitely excited about this one. The book started off strong with hilarious, endearing and sometimes bittersweet childhood and coming of age stories that incorporated life lessons. But, those stories were brief compared to the remainder of the book which recounted what seemed like drawn-out details about his adulthood and start of his career. Overall, worth the listen but can seem long winded with the 98ish chapters!

19 people found this helpful

Funny AND Oddly Inspiring...!

So sue me. He had me when he put a puppy on his head!
I love memoirs but am really not into the celebrity stuff, couldn't get into "Yes, Please". But this was much different, certainly much funnier. It's a leisurely stroll through a life where there were choices to be made, desperate situations to be lived through. From a dad who B&Es to steal money AND cook grits, to a tiny mom who'll whup you with a belt for setting all the clocks in the home two hours ahead (There are good reasons for the whole clock thing), to a loving brother who won't fight your battles for you but will teach you how not to be bullied or be a bully, to a girlfriend/wife who is absolutely positive you're cheating (and you most likely are...) Hart's family is most memorable.
And through it all is his stand-up narration/delivery, complete with laughter, perfectly timed hems and haws, and rabbit hole-like digressions galore. It all made me smile, laugh, or spew coffee from my mouth every now and then. Can't help it, the guy knows how to deliver a laugh (By the way, it's pretty interesting when he's barely learning the actual art and craft of comedy).
Inspiring the way he learns to listen to his gut, the way he puts together bands of struggling people, the way he gets himself out of financial ruin... several times. And a few times, the memoir was downright touching as it's actually written with love.
Not what I expected (expected a lot of shallowness, actually) but definitely enjoyed!

143 people found this helpful

Hidden Gem

Under Kevin's comedic humor were life lessons to be learned for everyone in all walks of life. I loved it and have nothing but utmost respect for him as a man and a comedy legend. This is truly a rare find for me in a book.

25 people found this helpful

Half and half

The first half was excellent. Punchy, interesting and brilliantly performed as well as being extremely funny. The second half felt difficult to digest. It read in repeated patterns like.. "I did this, and then this and I learnt that we should all do this" which if you're looking to read this book in an advisory capacity will work well. I just wanted to be entertained. Perhaps the clue was in the title!

13 people found this helpful

Surprisingly inspirational

I feel like this audiobook had everything it was very funny (as expected) and moving in places and eye opening with inspirational deep meanings throughout also got me through my night shifts with ease!

24 people found this helpful

Epic

I could not stop listening to this book. Amazing book filled with some nuggets of wisdom.

46 people found this helpful

Basically an 11hr standup

Amazing book, amazing performance by Kevin Hart himself, was just like watching an 11hr standup show.

42 people found this helpful

What a great read

I really loved this book, there were some fun, some hard, and emotional stories that he spoke about. Very motivational, this guy deserves every bit of success he's had and will have.

10 people found this helpful

The best audiobook I have ready!

What did you like most about I Can't Make This Up?

I love his delivery! The whole audiobook keeps you engaged from start to finish. Have been following Kevin Hart from start to finish and always rooting for him, so glad to see he has released a book about his life but was even more glad to know it is him throughout the whole audiobook

What other book might you compare I Can't Make This Up to, and why?

I am a Digital Marketing Executive by career and listen to A LOT of business and marketing audiobooks, the only person I can compare to this book is Gary Vaynerchuk #AskGaryVee

What about Kevin Hart’s performance did you like?

I loved how honest he was! He says things that we are scared to admit but makes it seem so normal.

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

When he talks about performance that it starts of slow and it builds up, I am a music producer and DJ when I was younger and knew the exact feeling but once your deep in the performance it just flows.

Any additional comments?

Was waiting for this audiobook for ages! So happy that it lived up to expectations

14 people found this helpful

awesome

awesome!!full of laughs and positivity luv u Kevin by far the funniest man on the planet

7 people found this helpful

Great listen.

this book was a lot of fun to listen too..kevin tells a great story... very interesting..and some good life lessons..really enjoyed it...

1 person found this helpful

Hilarious!!!

I love Kevin Hart!

I started reading his book before I went to see him on his tour in August. I was around 100 pages in, then seen Kevin, then put the book on hold for a while.

I then decided to listen to the rest of the book on audio. It was the best thing I ever did!

I was laughing so much! Absolutely brilliant!

1 person found this helpful

Lol or Lal? It's definitely Lal

Laugh and learn, most definitely. This is halirious and helpful, haliriously helpful!

Typical Kevin Hart humour in the form of a self help book. He teaches a lot but the most prominent thing is resilience. If you don't know what your are doing with your life. Listen to this, you must.

6 people found this helpful