It isn’t easy being a comic. First of all, it’s extremely hard to be funny. It either comes to you or it doesn’t. You have to have a certain rhythm and syncopation in order to deliver the lines in a way that is humorous, and you have to do it in a way that sounds natural. Furthermore, being funny intentionally is a very fragile thing; you never know what will work and what won’t. Comic JT Habersaat has put together an oral history of the comic business, entitled Doing Time.  

Habersaat, in the creation of his book, talked to all walks of comedic life. From road veterans such as Patton Oswalt, Neil Hamburger, Doug Stanhope, and Bobcat Goldthwait, to young names in comedy, from stand-up veterans to writers and producers, Habersaat covers it all. Furthermore, he was able to talk to them in a way where they weren’t “on,” so the book reads very straightforward and informative, resulting in a book that is quite sobering and honest in its approach. 

Of course, there are anecdotes to show the absurdity of it all. From the regular hassle of hecklers in rough and shady clubs, to the occasional hotel murder next door and an impassioned flight from the scene of the crime, there are plenty of stories to make you smile, wince, or say OMG. Television is the big inspiration here; whether its older comics inspired by stand-up routines on late shows like Johnny Carson or David Letterman, to the younger generation finding inspiration in the standup of cable channels HBO and Comedy Central.  

What makes Doing Time a rewarding read is that it will serve as an introduction to comedians you might not otherwise know. This reviewer hasn’t kept up with modern comedians, so reading about such names as Eddie Pepitone, Maria Bamford, Kyle Kinane, and David Gborie sent me to YouTube, and now I have new comedians to follow and appreciate. This form of introduction, along with the honest and illuminating conversations about their lives, really serves the reader in a most informative way. 

Doing Time really is a wonderful book. It would be a good guide for those interested in pursing a career as a stand-up comic, as it doesn’t glorify the profession nor does it discourage. Instead, it’s an honest look—both good and bad—at what it means to tell jokes for a living.

Purchase: Amazon

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