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Demetri Martin
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This Is a Book Hardcover – April 25, 2011

by Demetri Martin (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 451 ratings
Goodreads Choice Award nominee
See all formats and editions
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From the renowned comedian, creator, star and executive producer/multiple title-holder of Comedy Central's Important Things with Demetri Martin comes a bold, original, and rectangular kind of humor book.

Demetri's first literary foray features longer-form essays and conceptual pieces (such as Protagonists' Hospital, a melodrama about the clinic doctors who treat only the flesh wounds and minor head scratches of Hollywood action heroes), as well as his trademark charts, doodles, drawings, one-liners, and lists (i.e., the world views of optimists, pessimists and contortionists), Martin's material is varied, but his unique voice and brilliant mind will keep readers in stitches from beginning to end.
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  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Grand Central Publishing
  4. Publication date
    April 25, 2011
  5. Dimensions
    5.75 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0446539708
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0446539708
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this collection of essays, musings, and drawings, Comedy Central host Martin (Important Things with Demetri Martin) gently skewers contemporary social trends, conventions, and insecurities, taking on topics from social hotlines to family and relationships. With a gift for describing awkward situations, Martin challenges readers to recognize the human need for connection and recognition. The theme is seen in a panel in which a limousine displaying two flags on its hood is labeled "important"; another displaying seven flags is "very important." He also answers the big questions with essays like "Who I Am" in which he declares: "I am bravery. I am courage. I am valor. I am daring. I am holding a thesaurus." Throughout, Martin jokes in many guises, silly one moment, barbed the next, and he achieves a satirical brilliance that moves easily among surprising topics, like philosophy, to easy targets, like healthy lifestyles. (Apr.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Review

"This book embodies the essence of Demetri's comedy to perfection, which is a good thing since he wrote it. Silly but incredibly smart, it's exactly what puts me in awe of his work."
-Will Ferrell

"When I first saw Important Things With Demetri Martin, I said to myself, "this is the funniest thing ever." I was wrong. This Is A Book is better." -Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers: The Story of Success

"This book is so funny I forgot to laugh. I know that sounds like a childish criticism, but I mean it literally: This book is so funny, I forgot a whole bunch of things--who I am, what I stand for, large chunks of my childhood, my sense of equilibrium, how to fall asleep, and when I'm supposed to laugh at things."-Chuck Klosterman

"Demetri Martin has a very funny and original mind. If I could draw a graph explaining how funny and original he is, I would. But I don't do that. Demetri does that."-Conan O'Brien

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing; 1st edition (April 25, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0446539708
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0446539708
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 451 ratings

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Demetri Martin

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
451 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book humorous and entertaining. They describe it as a fantastic, easy read that never tires them. Readers praise the author's intelligence, creativity, and unique writing style. The stories are mixed with quizzes, cartoon illustrations, and creative elements like palindromes. Overall, they find the writing quality great and easy to understand. Customers find the book uplifting and thought-provoking, a great way to lighten the mood.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
HumorReadabilityIntelligenceStory lengthCreativityWriting qualityUplifting
97 customers mention "Humor"85 positive12 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it engaging, with witty writing and comic musings on different ideas from various eras. The book is described as entertaining, with funny drawings and charts that bring laughter or smiles. Readers appreciate the author's quirky, brilliant, and observant style.

"...Plus there are funny drawings and charts included. So, to sum up, this is a very funny book and you should read it." Read more

"...a comedy standup; it's a book of creative writing and comic musings of different ideas spanning a myriad of eras from the past to future...." Read more

"...It's very name gives a clue of the witty, clever, creative character of its author...." Read more

"Everything in this book was creative, intelligent, and funny...." Read more

60 customers mention "Readability"60 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and engaging. They enjoy reading it, finding it a page-turner with an odd sense of humor.

"...It was fun from beginning to end. This is the kind of book that will either grab your funny bone or it won't...." Read more

"This is one of the most brilliant, intelligent, and hilarious books I've read in a while. It shows Demetri's myriad creative talents...." Read more

"...If you're looking for some light, fast and delightfully clever reading, pick up a copy of This is a Book." Read more

"...Fantastic read!" Read more

20 customers mention "Intelligence"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book clever and funny. They appreciate the imaginative aspects and goofiness, finding it a quick read with great palindromes.

"...so rarely find--one chock-a-block full of smart silliness and intellectual goofiness...." Read more

"This is one of the most brilliant, intelligent, and hilarious books I've read in a while. It shows Demetri's myriad creative talents...." Read more

"...It's very name gives a clue of the witty, clever, creative character of its author...." Read more

"...back to the book... DM is off the charts clever, but it doesnt always make it to funny. His graphs and drawings are his most solid work...." Read more

16 customers mention "Story length"12 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the short stories and quips in the book. They appreciate the mix of short stories, quizzes, and cartoon illustrations that make it entertaining.

"...All of his stories were so clever, and his "jokes" are even better than jokes, they're like cocaine for the brain...." Read more

"...Generally speaking the stories were humorous, but not funny...." Read more

"...This is not a story. I had to be in the right 'state of mind' to read and enjoy the book...." Read more

"...Short one paged stories for the most part. Great book to give to people you don't really know well." Read more

14 customers mention "Creativity"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's creativity. They describe the author as creative, unique, and quirky.

"...It's very name gives a clue of the witty, clever, creative character of its author...." Read more

"...His graphs and drawings are his most solid work. Unique and simple and provide lol's -- that's hard to do in today's age... but things like the..." Read more

"Everything in this book was creative, intelligent, and funny...." Read more

"...-DEMETRI MARTIN IS AWESOME! Cons: -As much as I love Demetri Martin, this book didn't really teach me anything." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it easy to read, with a unique and simple style that provides laughs. The author uses a variety of writing mediums.

"...Don't think of it like a comedy standup; it's a book of creative writing and comic musings of different ideas spanning a myriad of eras from the..." Read more

"...His graphs and drawings are his most solid work. Unique and simple and provide lol's -- that's hard to do in today's age... but things like the..." Read more

"...With that being said, here's my eval on the book: Easy read. Best if you already like Demetri martin and understand his sense of humor...." Read more

"...Demetri doesn't simply give you one story, but he uses many different writing mediums (essays, quizes, short stories, drawings) in order to deliver..." Read more

9 customers mention "Uplifting"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book uplifting, funny, and thought-provoking. They say it's well-written, poignant, and interesting. The book is a great way to lighten the mood and makes them feel connected to the author.

"...Some may even take the form of a short play! It's uplifting, funny, even dramatic and thought-provoking...." Read more

"...It's a great way to lighten the mood. I am black with shoes also, but I am also dusty with shoes...." Read more

"...There is also a personal touch to the book that makes you feel connected to him, and you feel that he delivers his material with...love...." Read more

"...cerebral wheels to turn before delivery; but altogether a sweet treat for the brain from beginning to end...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Jennifer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Smart Silliness. Loved It!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very silly and funny book. I loved it. This is the kind of book I'm always looking for but so rarely find--one chock-a-block full of smart silliness and intellectual goofiness. (It gave me the same joy as reading Woody Allen's Without Feathers or Side Effects.) It was love at first browse.

    I first saw the book at an airport book store. I thought to myself "Demetri Martin. Is that the guy from The Daily Show?" I picked up the book to see if it was (it was) and started paging through. From the very first page of the introduction called "How To Read This Book," I was hooked:

    If you're reading this sentence then you've pretty much got it. Good job. Just keep going the way you are.

    Flipping to the next page, I started reading the first essay called "Announcements."

    Thank you for coming to the show. Before tonight's performance begins there are a few announcements. Please pay attention.

    Flash photography is not permitted at any time during the show. Also, there is no recording of any kind allowed during the show. This includes both audio and video recording, as well as sketching, journaling, documenting, making mental notes, reminiscing, reviewing, or remembering anything at all with your mind. Any recording devices that we find will be taken away from you and juggled recklessly by the clown you see standing near the left exit.

    Too well trained by Mr. Jenners to buy the book for full price from an airport bookstore (sorry, Mr. Martin), I waited until I got home and ordered it from Amazon. It was fun from beginning to end. This is the kind of book that will either grab your funny bone or it won't. So, to give you a better idea of the kind things you'll find inside, here are a few excerpts.

    From "Palindroms For Specific Occasions" (Seriously, how can you not love a book that includes five full pages of palindromes?)

    GENTLY INFORMING A DJ THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SOUND SYSTEM: No music is, um, on.

    THE HEAD BAKER AT A BAKERY INSTRUCTING A NEW EMPLOYEE ABOUT HOW TO DEAL WITH CUSTOMERS AND THEN SUDDENLY NOTICING WHAT THE NEW BAKER HAS MADE: Snub no man. Nice cinnamon buns!

    A GUY EXPLAINING TO HIS FRIEND HOW HE FEELS ABOUT OPERAS AS HE ACCIDENTALLY RUNS INTO A BEEHIVE: See, bro, operas are poor--Bees!

    From Honors & Awards (for Which I Would Qualify)

    National Champion at being the ex-boyfriend who is most consistently awkward around his ex-girlfriend and/or anyone who is even a casual acquaintance of hers.

    A scholarship awards to Greek Americans who have done very little for the Greek American community but definitely look Greek American, no matter what outfit they are wearing.

    Top 40 people under 40 who live in my apartment building

    Award for Perfect Attendance on Earth for Whole Life So Far

    Nobel Prize for Chemistry with Very Cute Women Who Turn Out To Already Have Boyfriends

    I could sit here and type excerpts that cracked me up all night long but that would be silly. Hopefully, you've gotten a feel for the book. (You could also watch him on The Daily Show or his stand-up comedy act.) But let me just share a few of the essay titles with you: Optimist, Pessimist, Contortionist; Frustrating Uses of Etc.; A Capella Group Freak Accidents; Confessions of a White Guy with Dreadlocks; Excerpts from My Often-True Autobiography. Plus there are funny drawings and charts included.

    So, to sum up, this is a very funny book and you should read it.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Jaydoggy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliiant and funny.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of the most brilliant, intelligent, and hilarious books I've read in a while. It shows Demetri's myriad creative talents. This is not something to read if you're just looking for a quick, cheap laugh. This makes you think and put the pieces together at times. The palindromes along with the massive poem were astounding. His art and drawings made me laugh each time.

    Fans may be caught off guard by some material in here. Don't think of it like a comedy standup; it's a book of creative writing and comic musings of different ideas spanning a myriad of eras from the past to future. Some of them are only one line, others are stories that take several pages. Some may even take the form of a short play!

    It's uplifting, funny, even dramatic and thought-provoking. It's not your standard comedy book. It's something fresh and different, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone.
    25 people found this helpful
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  • Margaret C. Barno
    4.0 out of 5 stars It's laugh out-loud funny
    Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    If you've ever watched "Comedy Central" or a segment of it, "Important Things with Demetri Martin", you already have a hint of the zany humor you'll enjoy if you read this book. It's very name gives a clue of the witty, clever, creative character of its author.

    Who could envision a 1995 Yale graduate who, while attending law school, served as an intern at Domestic Policy Council during the Clinton administration, would drop out following completion of his second year, to become a comedian extraordinaire? Politics does have some aspects that beg to be incorporated into a comedy routine.

    Martin's work is unique, unexpected and laugh-out-loud funny. The book is a compilation of two or three sentence ditties: " We were seeing less of each other...
    we were in quick sand!" to longer, more thought provoking and philosophically challenging ones.

    I attempted to analyze what it was that made the myriad of selections so extraordinarily funny. After all, I don't usually wipe my eyes because I've been laughing so hard.

    Written humor is particularly difficult. Visual and audible comedy utilizes voice tone, silences, timing, even facial expressions that are subliminal factors in comedy routines. In the end I scrapped that idea and just enjoyed the book.

    If you're wondering if Martin made use of his time in DC and included some of the antics that frequent that geographical area in the book, the answer is yes and no. Everyday occurrences that can happen anywhere are fodder for this actor, artist, musician and humorist.

    Perhaps one my favorite vignettes in the book is a completed crossword puzzle comprised of one letter of the alphabet. Subsequent pages follow with across and down clues. What could possibly be funny about finished crossword puzzle? I guess you'll need to read the book to find out! Be sure to have a box of tissues nearby!

    I do hope Martin has many other books waiting to be hatched. He's one of a kind! If you're looking for some light, fast and delightfully clever reading, pick up a copy of
    This is a Book.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • mommabearclare
    5.0 out of 5 stars Comedic literature at its best!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I'm one of those people that fell in love with Demetri from his cancelled show, Important Things, so naturally I thought I would enjoy his book.
    I couldn't even begin to tell you how amazing it was.
    All of his stories were so clever, and his "jokes" are even better than jokes, they're like cocaine for the brain.
    I liked to read this book in his voice as if he was doing a stand up show because I think it makes even more sense that way and I had more fun.
    I'd recommend this for readers of all ages (18 & up) and if it helps this would make a great gift for someone in their early 20s like I am.
    Fantastic read!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Dave Mohammed
    5.0 out of 5 stars So good I read it twice
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Loved it! It was so good I finished it after 2 days into my holiday so had to read it again and it was just as funny the second time round!
    Report
  • Nithya muthuswamy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in India on May 25, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is one amazing book
    Report
  • Jean L
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining
    Reviewed in Canada on October 18, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Bought it has a gift for my boyfriend. My boyfriend never reads but he absolutely loves demetri Martin and my boyfriend read the whole thing.
    Report
  • 朱里九
    5.0 out of 5 stars ずっとくすくす笑いっぱなしでした。
    Reviewed in Japan on November 12, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    （これで分かる人がどれだけいるか。。。）ボキャ天のジャンルで言えば、『インパク知』のジャンルに入る笑いです。

    ディミートリー•マーティンは、アメリカの若手コメディアンで、数年前にアメリカ人の友人から教えてもらい、動画サイトで観たり、ネットで引用を読んだりして、好きになりました。結構ハンサム（私の個人的な感想で言えば、背の高いトムクルーズという感じ）で、知的で、ペン画（これがかなり上手い）を書いたりと、かなりマルチタレントだけど、どこかオタクっぽくて、マッチョではなく、ハイテンションにはほど遠いけれども、いつもくすくす笑わせてくれる感じです。そのDemetri Martinのジョーク本１冊目です。発売を待つことなく予約注文し、彼の存在を教えてくれた友人には誕生日プレゼントとして贈りましたが、３分の２くらい読んだところで本棚に寝かせてありました。最近、イギリス人の友人に２冊目のPoint Your Face At This（こっちはほとんど文字がありません）を借りて読んで楽しかったので、再び本書を引っ張りだして読み終えたので、レビューを書くことにしました。何より、こんなところで再びDemetri Maritinを話題にできるかと思ったらともかくうれしかった。

    えっと、ネイティブでない限り、辞書が必要です。しかも、あまり日常では使わない言葉をたくさん覚えられます。だからあまり学習用には不必要な言葉まで覚えてしまうので、要注意です。（笑）字ばかりのページが数ページ続いたかと思ったら、次は絵や図表だらけの章があったりするので、全部読むことができなくてもそれなりに楽しむことができます。時にはシュールで、時には野暮ったくて、ときにはよく分からないこともありますが、何やら憎めない感じがとても気に入っています。
    Report
  • Eric B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Genius
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Anything this man does is brilliant.
    Report