You're Not Doing It Right

Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death, and Other Humiliations

By: Michael Ian Black

Narrated by: Michael Ian Black

"You’re not doing it right."

Michael Ian Black has been hearing these five words all his life. And now—on the eve of his 40th birthday—he is finally beginning to wonder why. As a husband and father living in the suburbs, Michael asks the question so many of us ask ourselves at one point or another: How did I end up here? (And also: If fat Kevin Federline succumbs to his own wasted potential, what does that mean for the rest of us?)

The answers to these questions, and others that you probably would have never thought to ask, are painstakingly detailed in You’re Not Doing It Right, Michael Ian Black’s debut memoir. Darkly humorous and told with raw honesty, Michael takes on his childhood, his marriage, his children, and his career with unexpected candor and deadpan wit in this funny-because-it's-true essay collection. He shares the neuroses that have plagued him since childhood and how they shaped him into the man he is today. Stories include: How his lesbian feminist mother raised him to be a tough but sensitive New Seventies Man like Alan Alda; how his camp girlfriend dumped him for a guy nicknamed Taco; how he backed into marrying his wife by breaking up with her first; how he is completely undone by hearing a Creed song on the radio on the eve of becoming a father; and how he learned to use Santa Claus as a "bad cop" threat to control his kids year 'round.

From the comedian who brought you Stella and The State, Michael Ian Black says the kinds of things you’re afraid to admit. Here he is: naked, exposed, a little chilly, and understandably shriveled.

©2012 Michael Ian Black (P)2012 Random House, Inc.

A thoughtful and honest look at marriage and parenting.

Beautifully written- both funny and heartbreaking. Truly made me feel less alone in navigating all of this. Also wow did that last chapter break me 😭.

Can't wait for his next book.

If you could sum up You're Not Doing It Right in three words, what would they be?

I actually had never heard of Michael Ian Black but had just finished Tina Fey's Bossy Pants and was looking for another easy/funny listen. I wasn't disappointed! If you're a male age 35-50 this book will really speak to you, but anyone with a sense of humor will like it.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Steve Jobs biography.

What about Michael Ian Black’s performance did you like?

Told in the authors own words - very funny delivery!

Perfect!

A funny man with sweet and funny stories as a son, husband and father and the ups and downs of all!

Funny, Heartfelt, and Honest

I've always been a fan of Michael Ian Black, ever since I first discovered him as a member of the hilarious comedy trio "Stella". I expected this book to be very shticky, over-the-top, and silly; much like his comedy -- and it definitely has these elements. However it's also brutally honest and a gives you look into his personal life and marriage. I was not expecting such honesty and openness, but I loved his stories/advice and found it all fascinating.

Michael gives a great read/performance, and this book definitely has some solid laugh out loud moments (for me atleast). Highly recommend this book. And if you like this book you should check out his podcast "Mike and Tom Eat Snacks".

Powerful. laughed, cried, and learned

A Great book.
We anticipated constant sarcasm and silly anecdotes, which we love. Yes, the book is full of Black’s wit and masterful sardonic commentary. But also, he has eloquently written one of the most honest autobiographies filled with humanity and humility.
Entertaining, and substantive.

Surprisingly poignant

I loved this book. I expected it to be funny; I did not expect it to be thought-provoking (really!) and poignant. Michael Ian Black writes from the heart and will make you laugh about a range of topics, from marriage & family to pop culture and religion. Highly recommended.

Love this book

I love the way Michael Ian Black can make you cry and laugh at the same time. The story is told in such a playful and descriptive way that I can completely relate to. I also love that he is real about his own esteem growing up. Wonderful book.

Brilliant

Loved it. Couldn't stop listening until I finished and listen again. Bought the next book. Dry wit with real issues.

Driving and laughing

This book ranges from thoroughly entertaining to laughing-alone-in-my-car funny, and prior to listening to it I would not have called myself a fan of Michael Ian Black. Now I am. I'm 41, and could identify in some way with just about every single topic he touched on in this book. It was funny. Excellent narration in just the right voice. Bottom line, I loved it. Oh, and did I mention it was funny?

Meh.

What three words best describe Michael Ian Black’s performance?

Notably unremarkable; fairly slow; somewhat deliberate. Found myself speeding up the delivery to keep things interesting.