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.

"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!

I've been a working comic for a number of years now, and am humbled by the sheer amount of insight this book has to offer. It's thoughtful and nuanced with every aspect of the craft and art of stand-up that's covered. Adam has done us all a great service! 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.

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.

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!

I just bought this book about 3 weeks ago or so because I randomly stumbled upon Adam's Instagram account and saw him promoting it. I figured if Jim Jefferies (one of my favorite comedians) writes such a glowing recommendation, it must be good! I've been very busy the last few weeks and have only had time to read the first couple of chapters so far and skimmed other parts but I have LOVED what I've read so far! I can tell it is going to be extremely helpful for me! (Will update review once I have finished reading it!)If you see this Adam, thank you!

Adam does a wonderful job extracting the technical nuances of this creative process. Highly recommend to anyone who’s already in stand up comedy or thinking of starting. Fans of the craft will enjoy the look behind the curtain. Accompanied by some fun illustrations as well.

Adam Bloom writes clearly and insightfully about joke writing concepts that no other books have covered. Like many a comedy nerd, who has read most of the books about stand-up comedy, I love to know how a joke works rather than just knowing that it works.What I like best about this book is that there are so many great nuggets of comic wisdom that I can apply to my writing for presentations and articles. My favourites are the seesaw, flow, and the triple punches. As a writer first and performer second, he knows what he is talking about having written for many established comedians who take the credit and pass off his work as their own. Isn’t there a name for that?I would have liked the difference between persona and style of comedy to have been more fully explained as it seems to be crucial to finding your comic genius and having a strong idea of who you are as joke writer. Is being playful part of a persona or a style of comedy or both? I would like to have seen a comprehensive list of the different types of personas as well as more three word examples of popular comedians and how their material fits their persona. I was expecting this as I was reading the chapter and was disappointed when I got to the end.This book shows you how to go about getting constructive alignment with a and it makes you realize that this is very difficult. It is no wonder so few comedians have achieved it. The only ones who have done so seem to embody a well-known comic archetype. For example, Jack Dee is a crank. Milton Jones is a weirdo. Jimmy Carr is a jerk. Patton Oswalt is a nerd. Woody Allen is a neurotic. Rodney Dangerfield is a loser. Jerry Seinfeld is a know-it-all (and so many others).I would like to have heard Adam’s view on what he would tweak in his persona, comedy style, status, and material to get to his next level of success as a performer and how his persona connects with a comic archetype: his comic character on stage. When he says that his persona is intense and over-confident, but really vulnerable and child-like, that sounds like the tough archetype (without the leather jacket) where the hard facade masks a soft child within. Like Andrew Dice Clay. In this book and on podcasts, he comes across as a nerd with the level of analysis, detail and interest in an obscure thing (joke structure) and because I think he feels marginalized by the television industry - which is a classic nerd trait. He may well write best for some archetypes more than others because he has a strong idea of who they are.For the price of this book, you get Adam Bloom’s joke writing knowledge based on his life’s work without having to hire him to tweak your jokes.

Aiuta alla grande , fa capire molte cose

As a comedian this is a great read. It will help you understand some of the things you do instinctively and if you practice some of the methods, will help you to improve what you've already written...

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.

That's all I have to say.