Joan River's best work

Joan River's was like fine wine, she got better with age! I loved this book (and Joan) she was an icon for so many years I felt like I grew up with her. I will miss Joan's books coming out!

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Joan saying it as she sees it

funny, harsh and sometimes a tad offensive but what do you expect.. It's Joan rivers telling it as she sees it..

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Hilarious, and equally offensive to everyone

Joan with her usual wit and charm. Each day of the year is given an entry with a story, opinion piece or just a ramble on her daily life. It’s been a pleasure to live a year as Joan. I wish she could have kept going!

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As acerbic as ever, but very US-Centric

Can we talk? Okay, when you buy a Joan Rivers book you have a pretty good idea of what you're in for; Outrageous statements, cutting put-downs and close-to-the-knuckle humour that is always skirting the edge of acceptability. And Ms Rivers does not disappoint.

That said, you need to be aware of a few things if you're considering buying this title.

1. Joan Rivers has always defined herself by three aspects; She's a woman, she's a Jew, and she is a New Yorker (capitalisation intentional) and through her years in the business she has focussed her act primarily on these 3 demographics. Consequently she makes a number of references to Americans in the public eye who many Europeans have never heard of, and therefore the ensuing vitriol and punchline falls flat. Imagine Al Murray doing a show in the US and making jokes about Ant and Dec, it just wouldn't work. Same thing with Joan.

2. Comedy has come a long way since the 80s and most comedians would agree that to stay edgy and current they often find themselves skirting the ragged edges of what is seen as acceptable. (UK's Frankie Boyle being a prime example) For me there are still some taboo subjects and so I found it hard to listen to Joan when she pokes fun at Anne Frank, Stephen Hawking, or the victims of serial killers.

3. The title is a misnomer, this is not a diary in any sense of the word. It is instead a series of Joan's stage topics, written in a diarist format. There's no insight into her life, her friends or the daily challenges of staying in the public eye as you reach your 60s.

That said I'll admit there were several places where I laughed out loud (once on the London Underground and boy did that get looks) and I am sure I will be peppering my party conversations with Joan's one-liners for years to come.

And as Joan herself says, "Why the hell not? I don't need 'em anymore!"

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7 people found this helpful

What a DIVA!

God, I miss Joan's humour, this diary is hilarious and so near to the knuckle they are bleeding! Great memories of a great comedic talent. Brilliant!

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2 people found this helpful

gotta love Joan<br />

a funny witty and interesting listen. if you like Joan this will be for you

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Joan at her best - god bless her x

Nothing - love her.
Typically Joan rivers unfiltered, no subject off limits and other celebs need to duck from all the shots taken - hilarious xx

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A pleasant remnant of Joan

Stumbling across this piece has been a trip down memory lane long overdue. The late Ms Rivers never fails to deliver her iconic comedy through the stories of her day to day life. The only issues would be that some of the jokes are reused from existing performances of hers, but honestly, what's she gonna do? If she comes back to haunt me then I'd count that as a bonus (I speak as someone who never got to meet Joan in person). So who's really laughing, Ghost of Comedy Past?

With that said, her interweaving narrative never fails to highlight various aspects and intersections of society which I have especially noticed in this audiobook reading that she has also done in previous acts. Connecting stories with jokes leaving you laughing long after she can say the following date and 'Dear Diary'.

All in all, a hidden blessing for those who grew to adore Joan Rivers and her work longing for more content after her untimely departure. Her narration is a strong point which ultimately completes this audiobook and truly wouldn't be the same without her.

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Brilliantly funny

So funny just love her laughed my head of. Joan sadly missed rest in peace

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1 person found this helpful

Hilarious!

Absolutely loved it. Non stop laughs. I did play it at 1.2 speed though. Miss you Joan!

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