Tricky times to try to lighten the mood, am I right? As such, I’ve put together a list of books for managing the headline drama. I don't mean to be hyperbolic but it’s feeling…what’s the word? Rampant.
Here then are books to help, each in its own way. These are not classic comedy books, although I did consider Lenny Bruce’s, How to Talk Dirty and Influence People and quickly reconsidered. I wanted references that support comic relief, give us hope and calm us down. Lenny Bruce, not so much.
1. “Talk,” by Alison Wood Brooks. Yes, Alison is the scheduled guest on our upcoming webinar but that’s not why she’s first. It’s because this book is both an intoxicating read and helpful. Alison is a scientist so the book is chock full of data to support all her ideas for how we can experience less stress when talking to each other. I’ve known Alison for years and always leave our time together wondering how she’s raising three children, being in a rock band and oh, yeah, teaching at Harvard Business School. With the artful way she weaves anecdotes with science, she adds accomplished author to her resume. And there’s a whole chapter dedicated to the power of laughter too. L is for Levity!
2. “The Humor Habit,” by Paul Osincup. This guy. I’ve also known him for years and let me just say, he’s really funny. He doesn’t just make suggestions on how to use humor in business to reduce stress - which is in the subtitle of his book! He’s actually witty, does great impressions, has an incredibly generous spirit and works as hard as anyone I have ever met. Practical, fun and full of heart, this is a great read. And follow him on social media to see what I mean about his talent.
3. “Likeable Badass,” by Alison Fragale. I read this one cover to cover and it has absolutely lowered my stress levels. Great tips on how to unabashedly, yet tactfully go after what you want. You may recognize Alison from a recent LOC webinar. We had a fun and candid conversation about women and power and of course, laughter. The most calming suggestion? Be generous. Support each other. There’s enough for everyone.
4. “How to Write a Funny Speech . . .: for a Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Graduation & Every Other Event You Didn't Want to Go to in the First Place” by Carol Leifer. They say that public speaking is one of the most stressful challenges, up there with divorce and moving. Do they say that? I just checked and they do! This book is a welcome roadmap for tackling this ultimate challenge. Carol is an Emmy winner and all around inspiring dynamo, a word I don’t think I’ve used in the 21st C. I’ve done shows with her and laughed out loud and been a witness to her ascension as a comedian and a writer over the years. This book is killing it, so order before it sells out.
5. “Let's Pretend this Never Happened,” by Jenny Lawson. AKA The Bloggess. I’ll be honest I am completely late to the party on this woman and this book. So funny, so honest. I simply had to add one funny book that teaches us absolutely nothing - except the joy of telling the truth at its most absurd. Pour a glass of something and let yourself enjoy this woman’s fabulous brain and fierce courage.
