Finding Your Comic Genius: An in-depth guide to the art of stand-up comedy

First of all I'd like to make it clear I don't know Mr. Bloom from Adam. (Don't worry, I thought of that line BEFORE I started reading this book). I've actually been a fan of Adam's work for quite some time although, as a Brit living in the US, I don't have quite as much access to his work as I'd like. I was well aware of his reputation amongst his peers as being the comedian's comedian, especially when it comes to writing, and was really excited to hear about his book. I wasn't disappointed. This tome is densely packed with incredible insights into the art of writing comedy, the art of developing a persona to deliver that comedy and the art of creating the comedy to be be delivered. Whether you are a comedy geek like myself, a budding or experienced writer, or even someone looking for an edge in the corporate world of presentations, you will find fantastic advice in this book. I was aware of some of the concepts (although some of them I hadn't managed to quantify), but Adam has packed every page with his wisdom and perceptiveness. From seesaws and tenting to balls, cubes and lemoning - not to mention boom mics and word smuggling! It's all clearly laid out here in a clear and humourous way. While I have read it from cover to cover already, it will definitely need some further study. There is also homework in various chapters focused on developing some of the ideas. Many discussion about stand-up have an air of "don't do this!", but I found this book to be full of optimism and encouragement. Highly recommended.

I absolutely loved Adam's book but I've been doing standup for a living for 36 years. As incredibly well written and practical as this book is, I would recommend it to intermediate and advanced comedians who make a living at standup before I'd recommend it to beginners or amateurs who are just starting out. In other words: Yes, green belts in karate can benefit from some of the lessons needed to earn a fourth-degree black belt but it's best if they at least earn their first-degree black belt first. But beginners should probably give it a shot anyway because if they are able to wrap their heads around some of Adam's advice, it will prevent them from developing a lot of bad habits in their early years.

I am ao excited to find a book at discusses the 2.0 level of comedy for writers. It's a very in the weeds book so I can see if you aren't at that level the book might not hit for you but there's lots of beginning comedy books but a total lack of I am a successful comic I need to hit the next level books. This fills that niche. Adam's enthusiasm for comedy, comedians and the art is clear and it's a great read. I highly suggest you get it and if you're the kind of comic that thinks you're above working on your craft - just get the book and don't tell anyone. :)

"Finding Your Comic Genius" by Adam Bloom is a total gem for anyone who wants to get funny or funnier. It's like having a chat with a witty friend who knows all about making people laugh. Bloom mixes stories from his life with super easy tips, so you're not just reading - you're actually learning to crack jokes and lighten up. It's not all theory; it's fun and practical. If you're even a bit curious about comedy, this book is a no-brainer. It's a short, sweet guide that's all about finding the funny in everyday life. Two thumbs up for Adam Bloom!

This new book by UK comic Adam Bloom is fantastic. Its sweet-spot audience is probably comics who’ve been in a few years, but there’s so much great stuff on the craft of writing and performing comedy, that anyone would benefit—grizzled veteran standup and comedy fan lurker alike. I’ve read dozens of books about the art of standup, but this one shot straight to the top of the ranks. I’ve recommended and gifted this book widely to my comedian friends, and fellow comedy-junkies. Highly recommend!

As a comedian who started in sketch/improv, I found I was feeling around in the dark when I started standup. This book is already getting me results as I work out my material on stage and I would recommend it as a companion whether you're hitting your first open mic or continuing your years-on standup journey.

Adam Bloom is an authority at being funny in front of an audience. The book is a must buy if you spend thankless hours crafting jokes in order to make people laugh. If you're not a big reader, then don't worry, loaded in the pages are a bunch of very cool cartoons.

Finding Your Comic Genius is supposed to be about editing your jokes so they become the best they can be. Unfortunately, Mr. Bloom didn't heed his own advice. This book is 300 pages and could easily have been 200 pages and it still would have been much too long. His monotonous rhetoric saying the same thing over-and-over perhaps in different words (sometimes) reminds me of taking an essay test in school where even though I didn't know the answer, I could write a bunch of gibberish in multiple paragraphs and maybe get 7 points out of 10 when I didn't have a clue because I was a good writer. Between his 'ballon pops' and 'word smuggling' and other favorite phrases of his that I guess he developed and thinks they're creative makes these 300 pages read like 3000 pages. It's really hard to get through, and I have read a couple of other books on standup that were far more informative and interesting and might I add—helpful. His first chapter was the 'seesaw theory' and I found some reasoning in that and thought this book could be valuable, as it was recommended by a local comedian where I live who won the best local comic of the year for the publication I often write for. To be honest, I still haven't finished it and I have skipped around a bit to see if anything is enlightening, but it's not very helpful and I have done standup and I have written about standup in my local scene. Not wanting to pop anyone's balloon, but I think you're wasting your money if you purchase this book. And if someone gives it to you as a present, you might think of it as this joke Mr. Bloom referred to in his book by Rita Rudner. "I could never kill. If I don't like someone, I just crochet them something horrible." In other words, they're not your friend.

This book is absolutely incredible. The level of depth and detail that is put into explaining the ins and outs of writing and performing stand up comedy is astounding. And what a steal? I would happily pay 50x more and still owe Adam a kidney

n "Finding Your Comic Genius," readers are treated to a masterclass in the art of stand-up comedy by one of the UK's finest comedic talents. This book is a treasure trove of insights, observations, and experiences from the top of the comedy world, offering a comprehensive guide to the craft from someone who truly knows their stuff. From the very first page, it's clear that this isn't your average how-to guide. The author's ability to deconstruct, analyze, and explain the intricate nuances of joke writing is nothing short of remarkable. With a blend of humour, intelligence, and razor-sharp wit, they take readers on a journey from the basics to the advanced techniques, building a solid foundation for anyone looking to break into the world of comedy. What sets this book apart is its practical approach to comedy. It's not just theory; it's a hands-on instruction manual for aspiring comedians, filled with actionable advice and real-world examples. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to hone your skills or a complete novice eager to dip your toes into the world of stand-up, there's something here for everyone. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of "Finding Your Comic Genius" is its accessibility. Despite tackling complex topics like joke structure and delivery, the author manages to make it all seem effortless, breaking down the barriers to understanding with wit and charm. It's like having a comedy mentor right there with you, guiding you every step of the way. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the art of stand-up comedy. Insightful, funny, and clever, it's like a roadmap template for comedy success, offering invaluable guidance for seasoned pros and novices alike. Whether you're looking to make audiences laugh or simply gain a deeper appreciation for the craft, this book is a must-read. Quite simply outstanding.

An essential handbook on standup comedy. You enjoy reading, you learn, you improve and it encourages you to keep working harder and better. A must read for comedy lovers.

One of the most helpful books about comedy, Adams analytical approach to jokes is unparalleled and the use of metaphors make it easy to diget. I can't recommend this read enough.

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