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Do You Mind If I Cancel?: (Things That Still Annoy Me) Hardcover – October 22, 2019
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The Instant New York Times Bestseller
"From “Family Guy” to his own Instagram account, Janetti has been behind some of his generation’s greatest comedy. This book of essays is no exception."
― The New York Times
Fans of David Sedaris, Jenny Lawson, and Tina Fey… meet your new friend Gary Janetti.
Gary Janetti, the writer and producer for some of the most popular television comedies of all time, and creator of one of the most wickedly funny Instagram accounts there is, now turns his skills to the page in a hilarious, and poignant book chronicling the pains and indignities of everyday life.
Gary spends his twenties in New York, dreaming of starring on soap operas while in reality working at a hotel where he lusts after an unattainable colleague and battles a bellman who despises it when people actually use a bell to call him. He chronicles the torture of finding a job before the internet when you had to talk on the phone all the time, and fantasizes, as we all do, about who to tell off when he finally wins an Oscar. As Gary himself says, “These are essays from my childhood and young adulthood about things that still annoy me.”
Original, brazen, and laugh out loud funny, Do You Mind If I Cancel? is something not to be missed.
- Print length176 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherFlatiron Books
- Publication dateOctober 22, 2019
- Dimensions5.68 x 0.84 x 8.64 inches
- ISBN-101250225825
- ISBN-13978-1250225825
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Gary Janetti's book is so rolling-on-the-floor funny, so brilliantly observant, and so full of heart, I'm sure a jealous Prince George will decree that Gary be locked up in the Tower of London.”
― Kevin Kwan, New York Times bestselling author of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy
“It’s no surprise that Gary Janetti's book is laugh-out-loud funny. It is just as cutting, wild, and droll as I hoped.”
― Taylor Jenkins Reid, New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones and the Six
“Do You Mind If I Cancel? is hilarious. Gary Janetti makes waiting tables at Bennigan's sound like one of Dante's circles of hell. It's one of the funniest stories I've ever read. Thank you, Gary Janetti, for making me fall in love with cruise ship puppeteers, and for giving Judith Light her goddam due.”
― Helen Ellis, New York Times bestselling author of American Housewife and Southern Lady Code
“The writing of Gary Janetti, whether televised or tweeted, is famously incisive and sharp-tongued. What a revelation it was, therefore, to discover in these revealing personal essays an artist of great tenderness and vulnerability. And he's still funny as hell.”
― Armistead Maupin, New York Times bestselling author of The Tales of the City
“Almost as soon as I began to read Gary Janetti’s Do You Mind If I Cancel?, I found myself feeling the way I felt when I first encountered Fran Lebowitz and David Rakoff: laughing and wanting to shout out the best bits to whoever else was in the room, even if no one else was there. This crazy quilt of memoir, cultural history, one-liners aplenty, and periodic arias of hopefulness, frustration, and brashly rude rage, is a work of intertwined great humor and great feeling. I’ve already lost my copy, snatched up by its next eager reader.”
― Benjamin Dreyer, New York Times bestselling author of Dreyer's English
“Gary Janetti, the voice behind some of TV's funniest comedies and a social media force (as Gary himself might say, you really should know this), finally takes center stage with this collection of raw, acerbic, and unflinchingly honest essays. As soon as I finished this book, I started all over again -- that's how much I never wanted it to end.”
― Steven Rowley, bestselling author of Lily and The Octopus and The Editor
“This witty set of essays is the perfect gift.”
― Parade
“Razor-sharp and sure to catch you cackling.”
― People Magazine
“These essays explore his dreams of becoming a soap star, the struggle of lusting after an unattainable coworker, and daydreams of fabulous success and the revenge it would allow are sure to satisfy Janetti's army of fans and enlist more than a few new recruits.”
― Town & Country
“There are sections in Gary Janetti’s book that are so funny, one needs to put the book down and just laugh out loud. This is particularly embarrassing on the subway, but it is good advertising for the book... Do You Mind If I Cancel? is packed with funny lines, wistful memories, and the kinds of coming of age experiences we all have.”
― The New York Journal of Books
“A memoir that manages to be both intimate and imbued with the punishing wit he brings to his Instagram.”
― InStyle
“Do You Mind If I Cancel? is a coming-of-age story unlike any we’ve read before.”
― The TODAY Show
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Flatiron Books (October 22, 2019)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 176 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250225825
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250225825
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.68 x 0.84 x 8.64 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #733,385 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #669 in Celebrity & Popular Culture Humor (Books)
- #1,365 in Travel Writing Reference
- #1,480 in Humor Essays (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book humorous and easy to read. They appreciate the author's insights and relatability. The stories are described as beautiful, enjoyable, and epic.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They appreciate the non-linear structure that keeps each chapter fresh. The writing is described as fine and the book is recommended.
"...An entertaining, fast and moving read." Read more
"...This is a quick read, and a really funny one. Several times I was laughing out loud at Gary Janetti's memoir told through stories...." Read more
"Loved all of his books! Must reads." Read more
"...even though much of that material was relatable, it was also totally unremarkable & uninteresting. And worse for a comedy writer, unfunny...." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the essays funny and heartfelt, with witty descriptions and observations. The book is described as lighthearted and sweet, while still touching on heartfelt subjects.
"...This is a quick read, and a really funny one. Several times I was laughing out loud at Gary Janetti's memoir told through stories...." Read more
"...Janetti's descriptions and observations are funny, and you can see why he has found success in comedy TV writing...." Read more
"...These essays are funny and heartfelt--I particularly remember his essay about the magical power we assign to a slip of paper when it has the phone..." Read more
"...It's full of funny observations about everyday life. The author has a great sense of humor, and I found myself laughing out loud several times while..." Read more
Customers find the book insightful, relatable, and inspiring. They describe it as a nice collection of positive essays on life growing up gay in the 80s. The book is described as humorous, honest, and poignant.
"...and unlike some of the other “celebrity diary” type books, Gary’s carries meaning and a great message that is relevant to everyone starting off,..." Read more
"Nice collection of positive essays on life growing up gay in the 80s. Shoulder pads. Neon. The whole crazy thing." Read more
"Loved this book. Funny, insightful, and easy to get into. Got this for a long flight and didn’t put it down." Read more
"Fantastic book! Inspiring for writers. Thank you, Gary!" Read more
Customers enjoy the book's storytelling. They find the stories relatable and enjoyable to read. The author is good at telling stories, according to customers.
"...Gahhh.To end on a happy note, the One Life to Live story is epic, mostly because that was my favorite soap opera, next to General..." Read more
"Nice lighthearted book and Gary is very good at telling stories. Can't help feel something was missing though, maybe it was too short?" Read more
"Easy read, enjoyable autobiography. Makes me want to know more about Gary’s life. Family book club read during 2020 quarantine." Read more
"...collection of essays is so perfect - funny, introspective, and oh so relatable to my life in New York! Please write another one, Gary!" Read more
Customers enjoy the book's heartfelt content. They find it sweet, funny, and a must-read.
"...These essays are funny and heartfelt--I particularly remember his essay about the magical power we assign to a slip of paper when it has the phone..." Read more
"Quick and enjoyable read while also an honest reflection of emotions in finding one's true self...." Read more
"...So sweet, funny, heartfelt- you must read!" Read more
"...Lots of fun, light-hearted, and still heart-felt subjects" Read more
Reviews with images
so funny!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2019This is a portrait of a young man struggling to know himself and be himself (and also be fabulous), long before he actually became the big success that Gary Janetti is. It's also a picture of growing up gay that I recognize very well, being a gay man who also grew up in the 1970s and 1980s. I laughed hard, underlined a lot brilliant lines, and also remembered pain that I have gotten over but haven't forgotten. The book is the story of a survivor who doesn't downplay what it was like to be gay long before marriage equality and positive television role models, and when AIDS was a killer lurking around every corner (one that the non-gay world didn't much care about.) What I most liked was how the author captured the gay-adjacent pop cultural space of our childhoods -- Susan Lucci and Carol Burnett, Steven Carrington and Maude. An entertaining, fast and moving read.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2020I first heard about this book on one of my favorite podcasts, BitchSesh. They were raving about it and some of the quips had me laughing so I had to get it, and Casey/Danielle were not wrong. This is a quick read, and a really funny one. Several times I was laughing out loud at Gary Janetti's memoir told through stories. There were several that resonated with me, and the one that sticks out the most is the letter he wrote to his younger self. If only we knew that half of the stuff we worried about would turn out to be no big deal, how freeing would that be? The line that gets me tearing up every time I think about it? "Hug your dogs while you still have them." Gahhh.
To end on a happy note, the One Life to Live story is epic, mostly because that was my favorite soap opera, next to General Hospital, so I knew everything he was referring to. Also to have a whole story dedicated to Patti LuPone? Amazing. Go get this book, it was just what I needed, and hopefully you will enjoy it too.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024Loved all of his books! Must reads.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2022The book needs a tremendous amount of editing. I don't mind run-on sentences, but missing commas make them almost unreadable. A lot of text - entire paragraphs at times - is in parentheses when it doesn't need to be. Some essays are just poorly organized and don't flow well. The book was suggested by Amazon after I finished a book by David Sedaris, with whom Gary Janetti has a lot in common: Humorous gay men figuring themselves out and finding their creativity, much of it in the backdrop of New York City. Janetti's descriptions and observations are funny, and you can see why he has found success in comedy TV writing. However, his essays don't have as much meat on the bone, story-wise, as Sedaris. I've heard Janetti on podcasts and he's a very funny guy. It's a shame that even his strongest essays are marred by poor editing.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2024i rarely leave reviews but i had to stop halfway thru the book to say how much i’m enjoying this
if Stewie (from Family Guy) write a book— this would be it
i rarely leave reviews but i had to stop halfway thru the book to say how much i’m enjoying this
if Stewie (from Family Guy) write a book— this would be it
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2019I read this in one day--the author writes essays about hoping to meet Patty Lupone; working at Bennigan's, at a Waldbaum's, at a hotel in New York City; coming out at college; leading teenagers on a bike tour of Europe; watching and obsessing over television shows; being an outsider while dreaming of being an insider. All along we know that eventually he makes it as a writer and producer of very successful shows, but we see him as he struggles with his identity, his desire for friendship and love, and his belief that there is something greater out there for him. These essays are funny and heartfelt--I particularly remember his essay about the magical power we assign to a slip of paper when it has the phone number of someone who has shown interest in us (of course at a time when we did not have a phone attached to us at all times). HIs allusions to Knot's Landing, Dynasty, soap operas, and the 80s and 90s in general all rang a familiar bell.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2019First and foremost, I love Gary. I found him through Brad's social media many, many years ago. Him and I would be friends in real life if we ever met. I was SO excited to see he had a book coming out so I pre-ordered it. Confession, I had never pre-ordered anything in my life.
This was a breezy read, which I laughed out loud and it pulled at my heart strings at the end. Gary wrote this book as if you are in his head. Reflecting back on times in his life. This book is written exactly how the human brain thinks: ramblings and exaggerating, creating something out of nothing.
I was slightly disappointed in the overall content of the book, I think it missed the mark and what readers would expect from him. So I deducted one star.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2020Gary is everything!!! Love this book, such a fun read and unlike some of the other “celebrity diary” type books, Gary’s carries meaning and a great message that is relevant to everyone starting off, going through it or looking back on their own story of growth and figuring out “what do i want to be when i grow up”. If you don’t already, once you finish Gary’s book, go follow his life on Brads Instagram. So excited for their show!!!
Top reviews from other countries
StevenReviewed in Canada on September 14, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book!
Funny, touching, insightful
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Luis Alberto Barroeta de la FuenteReviewed in Mexico on April 28, 20205.0 out of 5 stars Muy buen libro 👌🏻
Es una libro muy bueno. Bastante entretenido y te saca de la realidad en la que estés para transportarte a la del libro. Sentía que estaba conversando con Gary, literalmente (pun intended haha 😅)
Lo recomiendo ampliamente
Petrarch'sGirlReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 7, 20205.0 out of 5 stars Delightful
This is a pricey book for such a short one - but I'm glad I made the investment. The stories and quips in it made me laugh out loud which is such a rarity with books. Gary's life stories really do make for a hilarious read!
DorotheaReviewed in Germany on December 25, 20195.0 out of 5 stars Funny and smart.
I enjoyed this book lot and laughed a lot. His language is fresh and interesting. I want more.
One person found this helpfulReport
DWReviewed in Australia on October 15, 20225.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Fun, clever, easy to read. Highly recommend.








