James Acaster's Classic Scrapes

By: James Acaster

Narrated by: James Acaster

Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

The Sunday Times Best Seller

James Acaster has been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award five times and has appeared on prime-time TV shows like Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and Russell Howard's Stand Up Central.

But behind the fame and critical acclaim is a man perpetually getting into trouble. Whether it's disappointing a skydiving instructor mid-flight, hiding from thugs in a bush wearing a bright red dress, or annoying the Kettering Board Games club, a didgeridoo-playing conspiracy theorist and some bemused Christians, James is always finding new ways to embarrass himself.

Appearing on Josh Widdicombe's radio show to recount these stories, the feature was christened 'James Acaster's classic scrapes'. Here, in his first book, James recounts these tales (including never-before-heard stories) in all their glorious stupidity.

©2017 James Acaster (P)2017 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

Critic reviews

"James Acaster has a brilliant comic mind, crackling with energy every bit as much as his corduroy slacks." (Milton Jones)

"I don't think I've ever read a book that has made me cry with laughter as much as this one. It was very difficult reading it in public as I looked like a madman." (Richard Herring)

Tales worth listening to.

This is a book that I would argue is better listened to rather than read. Part of what makes James Acaster's scrapes so great to experience is the delivery of his memories. He's a great story teller, and while reading this would still be a true laugh, to hear him recount his awkward situation ridden life thus far is certainly the best way to experience them.

Best book in the whole world ever!!

Laughed until I cried.

11 more words to meet requirements of this review. Thank you.

Hilariously Honest and Endearing

I found James’s book after watching his comedy special Repertoire on Netflix and I’m so glad I did. I listened to it over a weekend road trip and was laughing out loud at the situations James found himself in.
As a twenty-something myself, I identified with James at that time in his life when he sought meaning and purpose and decided a good way to find that was by simply saying “yes.” James’s honest telling of his experiences, are framed as mistakes to be avoided. But they clearly shine as endearing examples (however cringe worthy they may be) of someone who isn’t afraid to try, to fail, and to be open to whatever life places in front of them.
There is also a very relatable dichotomy in someone who is too self-conscious to return to a restaurant or use a public toilet, but who will also put themself out there whether it be alone at karaoke, with an egg shaker in hand, or on stage performing comedy.

Bright and enjoyable

A pleasure to listen to. James sees the nuances of his goofy predicaments, and delivered a steady stream of smiles for me. His Northamptonshire accent has a rambling and mumbling lack of pretence, the opposite of the superior attitude of some comics who want you to know how clever they are.

Nothing Short of a Comedic Masterpiece

I already loved James Acaster's work and sense of humor going into reading this, but the insights into his life offered up in this book (and his personality, in how he responded to each occurrence), only served to grow my appreciation of him as a comedian and human overall. Told in a very James way of speaking (obviously, since it is read by the author himself), I couldn't help but snicker, giggle, and chortle out loud through the entire read, inspite of most of it occurring on my public commute to and from work. Very well done indeed. I highly recommend!

I would marry James Acaster so hard

Have had a crush on this man since seeing him at the Edin Fringe festival as an American teen. He is so charming and witty- the best storyteller. I listened to this book with a big dumb smile on my face and many strangers were charmed by how adorable I looked whilst enjoying life and the clever voice in my ears. Which was James Acaster.

Anyways, please listen to the book but don't marry James because I would sincerely like to.

Delightful Comic Shares Humorous Anecdotes

I love James Acaster’s comedy His Netflix series called “Repetoire” is brilliant and groundbreaking. He is truly a unique talent.

I loved listening to all of James stories

James is an awesome storyteller. He finds humor in the simple things in life’s trials & tribulations !

Funny

If you like James Acaster, you will like this. Brightens up any day!!! He does tell the cabbage story though, which I had already heard. But he gives a few extra details and it's nice to hear it again. All of the other tales were new to me and I laughed a lot! I love his stories and it's fun to listen to him narrate them on audible!!

Absolutely hilarious

Fantastic comedy writing and delivery. The book just builds and gets funnier and funnier as it goes along.