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

I came here to talk about the wonders this book has done for me as a new comedian. Then I spotted the only ‘2 star’ review (certainly at the time I wrote this) and I felt the need to point out two things. Firstly, Adam Bloom makes it very clear in the bio and on the back cover that it’s an advanced book and also mentions that the 17 chapters on writing will be beneficial to newbies. This made it pretty clear to me that he won’t be teaching the basics about persona. Secondly, despite him saying all that, I found the entire book extremely helpful. So, everything I gained from the other chapters - including the one on persona - was a huge bonus. The exceptional thing about ‘Finding Your Comic Genius’ is that it’s advanced and yet digestible for comedians at all levels. As for the review I set out to write, I’ll just say ‘See above’. NOTE: I’ve just seen that they’ve deleted it. They must’ve read my review

The best book on stand-up comedy I've ever read. I am a comedian who has been going for about five years and after reading the book I'm feeling more creatively inspired and driven now than any other time since I started. It's not only motivational, but the book crystalises concepts, ideas and processes I was dimly conscious of yet never had the vocabulary for until now - in such a wonderful way. It's so helpful to finally be able to label and define these lesser talked about techniques. I look forward to 'virtual comedy' and 'bridging' becoming as part of a stand-up's everyday parlance as 'tag' and 'topper' and I've already found myself thinking in cubes, boom mics, seesaws and balloons! At my gig yesterday, I implemented as many of the theories and ideas as possible and already felt myself having gone up several levels but failed to do a few others and I walked away thinking 'that could have gone better and I know why'. That's thanks to this book. What an incredibly valuable thing. After briefly wondering whether I should keep it a secret, I have been recommending it to anyone who will listen, including a comic last night who had been having a bad run of gigs and couldn't work out why. After regurgitating lots of the advice - I ended up telling him it would be easier for him to just buy a copy. I'm sure I'm going to be having plenty of similar conversations for the rest of my career.

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.

Adam's book is about writing in your voice, making a good joke great (and then greater), and, most importantly, performing stand up - a practical guide to boosting your creative output and finding your own comic genius. The chapters on style, persona, and status empower you with the tools to control how you are perceived by the audience and explain how that affects the success of a joke. No other available text on stand up explores this so clearly and practically. "The structure of magic" would've been a great title for this text, because Adam gifted us with a vocabulary for ideas and strategies developed instinctively by experienced comedians, decades of trial and error distilled into a checklist of ways to improve your material and presentation. The price of this book doesn't even begin to scratch the heights of the the value it provides. His insight on how to harness the room’s energy to your advantage is proof that he's been in the trenches and knows what he's talking about. I couldn't recommend this more. As a new comic trying to find my way, I am extremely grateful for this contribution to my journey! Buy this book, you won't regret it!

Not for the absolute beginner, some very useful tips to beef up your comedy and comedy writing. A game changer.

I got this book pretty early on after its release, heard about ComCom pod, but have known about Adam Bloom for years. He has a fantastic reputation for being a joke technician and this book excels in that field in so many more ways than I expected. It just gives fantastic tips, pointers and a throughline of his philosophy on comedy that it is essential reading for anyone who wants to perform stand-up. I would love to use the cliche "I couldn't put this book down" but that would be a lie. I left it aside frequently and took in a few chapters at a time which is why it has taken months to finish but the ideal way to do it. Props needs to particularly go to the bonus final chapter about corporates which aren't something comics necessarily want to do but the advice and professionalism on how to approach them shows that they can be feasible. I plan to go through the book a second time later with a pen scrawling notes into the book to reinforce the learning side.

It seems like Adam Bloom has spent his entire life writing this book and turns out he pretty much has! There is a reason Ricky Gervais and Jim F’n Jefferies think Adam’s the goat! I have read every book, watched ever video, doc, film you name it about the craft of stand-up under the sun and until the day I found this book it all seemed so un achievable and hard to figure out. This book hand on heart is the key that finally unlocked the door for me! Unlike others it dives so deep and explains it all so well, I don’t leave home without it. It inspired me so much even I hunted Adam down and begged him to let me jump on and already sold out masterclass (almost kinda stalker-ish) apologies Adam! lol But 100% the best thing I’ve done for my journey into the world of comedy!! Him and his book have lit a fire inside me to chase this life long dream with insane enthusiasm. I can’t begin to explain how good the book is and how well it explains ever minute detail of comedy. If you are new to stand-up like me then why the F..k do you not already have this book?? Saying that there isn’t a comic I have met that doesn’t know this book or have a copy in the UK! Even If you are a pro (as some of my friends are) then I challenge you to read this and if you don’t learn something new or gain some sort of new wisdom from Adam then let me know and I’ll give you your money back that’s how much I believe in it !! It’s just that good and I believe this is the holy grail, the bible shall we say on stand up comedy!! Thank you Señor Bloom you are a legend and deserve all the success in the world! 👏🏽👏🏽🎤🫳🏼

Simply put, one of the best books available about stand-up comedy. Very good practical advice and examples from a performance and writing point of view. Great if you’re thinking of doing standup or are a fan of standup comedy…but truly invaluable if you are already a gigging standup comedian, regardless of years/where you are on the ladder. Gets straight to the point in every chapter. The chapters on persona, status and style being the highlights for me personally. What will the highlights be for you? Well, buy it and find out.

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

A must read for comics of any level

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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