Thinking About It Only Makes It Worse

By: David Mitchell

Narrated by: David Mitchell

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Why is every film or tv programme a sequel or a remake? 

Why are people so f***ing hung up about swearing? 

Why do the asterisks in that sentence make it okay? 

Why do so many people want to stop other people doing things, and how can they be stopped from stopping them? 

These and many other questions trouble David Mitchell. Join him on a tour of the absurdities of modern life - from Ryanair to Richard III, Downton Abbey to phone etiquette, UKIP to hot dogs made of cats. Funny, provocative and shot through with refreshing amounts of common sense, Thinking About It Only Makes It Worse celebrates and commiserates on the state of things in our not entirely glorious modern world.

Photo Credit: Chris Floyd, Camera Press London

©2015 David Mitchell (P)2019 Audible, Ltd

Good Book: Wrong Milieu

Although I am a huge fan of David Mitchell, this book is not for me. It is brilliant commentary on a social zeitgeist that is not my own. As an american, much of the poignancy of the articles is lost in the Atlantic, I will continue to buy David Mitchell stuff because most of his angry logic transcends politics. This book is a collection of political commentary op/ed Mitchell has written over many years.

Literally had to pull over to roadside

To avoid driving into a tree because I couldn’t see where I was headed... since I laughed so hard. Maybe not for everyone but I loved it.

Not your mom’s watery 2% satire. Full-fat sardonic brutality.

My biggest take-always from this were that I’m offended by all the wrong things, and the British monarchy is more useful than most Americans think. I don’t know what to do with this information.

If you’re fully satisfied with the things from which you derive your offense and prefer not to audit them, I do not recommend that you read this book. For everyone else, it’s a witty, insightful romp through the socio-political issues of the last decade that will leave you with things to think about. Thanks a lot for that, David Mitchell.

Excellent, if UK-focused

A wonderful writer and excellent narration, but the content may sometimes be a bit too UK-specific for audiences abroad.

Misleading description!

Don't be fooled by the description! Although Mr. Mitchell is very funny, his subject matter is mostly focused on British politics and political figures and what I can only assume are very public issues with BBC. Snorefest! I think England is a wonderful place and I've enjoyed trips there but I don't have a clue what this fellow is running on about or who. I'm sure these topics are interesting for folks that live there and follow British current events but I live in America. We have plenty of our own political fun to follow here and I don't want to read/listen to a book about any of that either. Nothing in the description leads one to know they are about to hear a guy on a political soap box. It was a daily deal but I am disappointed. Maybe that's why it's on sale. I'm going to return it on principal but thought I would give other potential buyers a heads up!

Just deeply funny while simultaneously so sadly true

I just loved this book, I laughed out loud and so long I missed a few funny bits that came right behind. Doesn’t matter if you don’t know politicians or footballers mentioned there are interchangeable sorts in US and you will identify the types

a great book

but I didn't really care much for one of the chapters, because who really cares about British politics anywayq.

BEST TO BE BRITISH

A very funny book, But is very dated. Also, about 25% of the comedy will be lost if you are not British. If you like Mitchell, you will revel in his hard edger cutting wit. The reviews on this book are spot on & some people just got lost in the humour being so UK biased, much of which is dated political satire, but if you are willing to accept 75% funny then a good book. His other book is way funnier, try that one first.

great humor about politics, stupidity,and politics

there I said politics three times! this book is written with British politics in mind but applies to just about any political structure anywhere. it also talks a lot about the economy social weirdness and the human condition.

there is a fair amount of foul language in this book so listen to beware but I loved it.

Hilarious

I couldn’t stop laughing. I love Mitchell’s voice and his witty remarks. I downloaded all his books. Love them

Brilliant! Made me look forward to my daily commute

So funny it made me laugh out loud on several occasions. I think this man could talk about anything and make it amusing.
A pleasure to listen to his narration.
This is my first time listening to this author, and I’m getting ready to buy another of his books.

Interesting but rather dated content

The author makes clear from the beginning that this is a compilation of columns from many years ago. Although the content is humourous, some of the context is lost through the passage of time.

Basically I laughed on the tube. A lot

The main downside to this book is that I basically went around smirking for several days while commuting. Some of articles could have been grouped together better, but if you find David Mitchell funny (both on panel shows or on Peep Show) then this book - and Mitchell's performance of it) will have you stitches.

Very witty

Some people are intelligent, some people are funny. David Mitchell is one of those rare people who manages to be both. There’s a little too much politics and finance is some sections (namely the politics and finance sections, to be fair), but on the whole the spread of topics covered is well considered and expertly delivered.

Honestly, I am jealous of his skill and talent!

I like David Mitchell, but not this much.

The delivery was flat, monotone and the content not very engaging. When you throw in his Brexit diatribe and New Labour insights it all sounded like an entitled student complaining that the world doesn't agree with him and what idiots they must all be. Not worth it, sorry.

Great book, well read and very funny

I didn't know too much about David Mitchell before reading / listening to this book. But he seems very smart and quick witted. He reads well and keeps you engaged. Laughed out loud several times and will look out for more from him.

Classic wit from much loved Brit

David Mitchell does what he does best, satiricising (yes that’s a new word) the news of the day - often last decade - reminding you that while in politics the names sometimes change (or don’t) the stories pretty much remain the same.

what is the point of asking for a headline!!!!!!@

A very funny easy listen easy to start and stop and pick up again, when you just want to listen to a funny rant on the news before brexit.

Couldn’t bring myself to finish it

As a fan of David Mitchell I was looking forward to this and it started well. As he descended into politics and economics you began to realize he doesn’t have a great grasp of complex issues and eventually came across as a sanctimonious ranter. Shame.

Not as dated as I could justifiably have assumed.

I agree with too much of what Mitchell says to comment on the bits where I do not.

Needed two more chapters.