[Review] Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan

Dad is Fat

In Dad is Fat, stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan, who’s best known for his legendary riffs on Hot Pockets, bacon, manatees, and McDonald's, expresses all the joys and horrors of life with five young children—everything from cousins ("celebrities for little kids") to toddlers’ communication skills (“they always sound like they have traveled by horseback for hours to deliver important news”), to the eating habits of four year olds (“there is no difference between a four year old eating a taco and throwing a taco on the floor”). Reminiscent of Bill Cosby’sFatherhood, Dad is Fat is sharply observed, explosively funny, and a cry for help from a man who has realized he and his wife are outnumbered in their own home.

review

Ever since I heard Jim Gaffigan's "Hot Pocket" set, I always think of it when I see hot pockets in the store. That's how addictive and memorable Jim Gaffigan is. The thing about him is that he doesn't repeat anything and does his own thing. Lives in NYC in two bedroom apartment? Why not! Oh and with 5 small children? Well, guess that will do. 

Dad Is Fat is filled with short, two-minute sets in which Jim tells us about his crazy life. Even though I don't have kids myself, I still found it very entertaining and relateable. I have tons of favorites but one of the ones that really made me laugh like crazy is the chapter called "Oh My God, You're Pregnant"? 

We say "Congratulations" when we see a pregnant woman, but there is usually an element of scandal associated with it. Pregnant women are either too young or too old, or it's too soon after anther pregnancy, or she's going to get in trouble at work. She's too poor, too rich, too successful, too skinny, too fat, too crazy, too busy, too single, too married, too too.

There's really tons of funny moments that made me laugh out loud and I really enjoyed it. One minor thing why this wasn't my favorite book is constant repeat that he has five kids and always likes to eat. Although it's all true, I would have liked to listen to broader aspects of his life. It might not be a big deal to some people and I still really enjoyed the book and recommend it!

I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review..  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255