Happyslapped by a Jellyfish: The words of Karl Pilkington

People say that when you buy someone a present, you should buy them something they wouldn't buy for themselves. The first time I experienced this was when my Auntie Nora gave me a T-shirt for my eighth birthday with a black-and-white image of her face on the front of it." (pg. 137)

A very funny book, but probably only if you're already a fan of Karl. Dedicated fans will also have heard some of Karl's anecdotes in this book before, but there is still plenty to enjoy. The title comes from one new anecdote on page 128, where Karl is stung by 'some yob fish' from 'the rough part of the sea' in the Caribbean, and for me it is these animal-based stories which are the most amusing. It also seems like Karl acts as a magnet for other weird folk show more who he encounters on his travels, and he is surrounded by friends and family whose lives he remarks on in his inimitable style. For example, whilst on holiday in Madeira:

"Suzanne's [his girlfriend's] mam was having a go at her dad cos he didn't have a shirt on. She said he looks a mess and is embarrassed to be seen with him. It's their ruby anniversary tomorrow." (pg. 153)

Non-fans should listen to the podcasts or watch An Idiot Abroad before reading this. This is because when you read it with Karl's distinctive voice in your head, it makes it even funnier." show less

I, like a lot of people, know Karl Pilkington as the reluctant traveller from the television programme An Idiot Abroad. When I saw this online at a very good price, I simply had to pick it up. I love Karl’s one liners and the way he summarises what everyone is thinking brilliantly. This book is a collection of diary entries and summaries from trips Karl has done with his family, mates and school chums. There’s also cartoons and comic strips drawn by Karl and a few attempts at poetry, but it’s the stories where Karl’s talent really shines.

Or should that be bad luck? Karl seems to be fraught with it on his travels. There’s the solidified toilet in Ibiza, the time he accidently got high on hash chocolate, getting stung by a show more jellyfish in the Caribbean and the maze like hotel in Tunisia. No wonder the poor guy isn’t keen on doing any more travel!

The book is written just how Karl speaks ‘me mam and dad run a butty shop’ etc. (My mother and father have a sandwich shop, not anything involving butts) but I found it easy to follow along, perhaps because I know some English people who use the same colloquialisms! Once you get into the rhythm, it’s like Karl is telling you the tale. The book made me laugh at loud at many points through Karl’s ‘state everyone’s thoughts out loud’ and preference for McDonald’s, even in Brussels.

My only disappointment was this was a very fast read – it’s a smaller format book and Karl’s tales of unintentional woe (like telling the police about a crime, going to bed, and then being woken by the police) addictive. It’s interesting that Karl states he will never, ever go to Australia (not for any original reason – just the bugs, spiders, snakes) but then he did for An Idiot Abroad.

If you like your humour deadpan and stating the obvious, this is the book for you as a light read. Guaranteed to put you off your holiday if you’re dreaming of one!

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com show less

First Read: *****

Second Read: ***
Aww... that was disappointing. First go round this was one of the funniest things i've ever read but comedy can date quickly and this one did.
I mean a few low chuckles here and there and a couple of really good bits the school trip and hospital visit still great. However overall it doesn't stand up very well.

A funny collection of short pieces about the travels of Karl Pilkington. There are diaries and dreadful little poems, cartoons and 'true stories', photos and storyboards, all riddled with the unique Pilkington brand of madness. Whether it's New York or the Lake District, this reads very much like a child's 'What I did on my holidays', full of what he had for tea and bizarre observations about what he's seen and done. At first I could almost hear Stephen Merchant reading it, as he does in the 'Karl's Diary' segment of the wonderful Ricky Gervais Show! I wouldn't read it again, and I certainly wouldn't have paid the cover price of £8.99 because it's very short, but it was a nice bit of fun for my week off...

Another great insight into the mind of Karl Pilkington. He seems to have grown up as an old man, already set in his ways and liking things done a certain way. His views on the world, what he thinks we need and don't need, are sometimes quite agreeable. "Why would we move to Mars since it's smaller than Earth?"

As always; a great, fun read. :)

Simple in concept, but precious few other books have caused me to literally laugh out loud so frequently.

This book is probably only funny if you are a fan of "An Idiot Abroad". I found the BBC television series to be a delight and the book was no different. Karl tells of his and his girlfriend, Suzanne's various travels and the mishaps along the way. Karl has a bizarre outlook on life and shares his insights into places, food, culture, and other travelers.