How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying Hardcover – 8 May 2014
by Carol Leifer (Author)
Part memoir, part guide to life, and all incredibly funny,How to Succeed in Business without Really Crying is a book by a woman-and for women-who are driven, determined, and definitely not afraid to lean in. Carol Leifer is lucky to have had a long career in comedy, from 1970s stand-up to behind the scenes at Seinfeldto Academy Awards writer and beyond-but she knows better than anyone that success is more than luck. With hilarious anecdotes drawing from her tenure at Saturday Night Live, her work co creating The Ellen Show, and her enduring friendships with fellow comedians like Larry David, Leifer presents tried-and-true tips and tricks for getting ahead, finding your way, and opening doors-even if you have to use a sledgehammer.
Product details
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Quirk Books (8 May 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 159474677X
ISBN-13: 978-1594746772
Product Dimensions: 13.6 x 2.3 x 19.8 cm
Average Customer Review: Be the first to review this item
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,432,171 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Review
“An amusing, amiable read.” –“Kirkus Reviews”” ” “A remarkable memoir that’s packed with anecdotes, advice and humor, all while maintaining a high level of dignity and self-awareness.”–Steve Martin “The only thing more impressive than
Carol’s success is how she has retained and polished all the lessons she’s learned along the way. And the fact that she has decided to throw them your way for just a few bucks is such a ridiculously good opportunity for you, I can hardly believe it! If you don’t buy this right now you’ve got to be a total schmuck.”–Jerry Seinfeld “When I was 17, I read a profile of Carol Leifer. Since then, I wanted to be her. I still want to be her.”–Sarah Silverman “They don’t make people funnier or more clever than Carol Leifer. She’s insightful, big-hearted, and a brilliant writer.”–J. J. Abrams
“Carol’s about to lay it all out for you, so pay attention, baby.”–Whoopi Goldberg “The best memoir of the year (not written by the victim of a horrible crime).”–Judd Apatow “Listen up to every word, because if Carol can’t help you, nobody can.”–Jimmy Kimmel “Carol has seen it all and done it all–and lucky for us, she was taking notes.”–Bill Maher
“Carol Leifer is funny, really funny.”–Chris Rock “To survive in life, you need a major trust fund and/or a sugar daddy. Carol has neither, but she’s still managed to come out way ahead. Here’s how she did it, and how you can, too.”–Joan Rivers. “Funny and sage. A great read. I even loved the parts that weren’t about me.”–Paul Reiser “Carol’s gift is that she sees ordinary, everyday things in a very funny way. She’s made other comics say, Why didn’t I think of that?”–Jay Leno “I was sad when I finished this book. I don’t know if it’s because I didn’t want it to end, or because I’m just sad in general.” –Larry David “Carol is relentless, and an entrepreneur to the core.
About the Author
Carol Leiferis a three-time Emmy nominee for her writing on such shows asSeinfeld,Saturday Night Live,The Larry Sanders Show, and the Academy Awards telecast. She most recently wrote an episode of the smash ABC hitModern Family. As a stand-up comedian, she has performed throughout the country, including over 25 appearances onLate Night with David Lettermanand appearances with Jerry Seinfeld and Frank Sinatra.
Easy read – funny – informative 30 Jun. 2014
By ERB – Published on Amazon.com
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
I’ve bought several books about business in the past year or so and frankly, have not completed any of them. But I read through this book in less than a week (despite a busy schedule).
Not only is it funny but it has some interesting historical commentary on the business of comedy – specifically stand up comedy. She was part of a group of up and coming comedians from the 80s who went on to much success in their careers — people like Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David and Paul Riser. She also was a co-creater of The Ellen Show which starred Ellen DeGeneres.
As a previous human resources professional I found her advice would be of great help to anyone starting out in business, especially young graduates. Too often they are not told what is proper and accepted behavior and dress for interviews and she hits those spot on.
She also gives good advice for those who want to get into the business of writing for television.
All in all, I enjoyed her book.