The United States of Laughter: One Comedian’s Journey Through All 50 States Paperback – September 19, 2017
by Andrew Tarvin (Author)
At the age of 31, Andrew Tarvin made the very practical decision to rid himself of most of his belongings, leave his Midtown apartment in NYC, and travel the country out of two carry-on bags. In 12 months, he traveled 92,358 miles, did 215 events, and spoke or performed in all 50 states (yes, even Wyoming).
Along the way, he collected 50 stories from 50 states. Stories of adventure, like fending off a bear in Alaska, stories of deliciousness, like eating a Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo Burrito in Montana, and stories of people, like meeting his newest fan in Pringle, South Dakota, population: 112.
Through his journey, he discovered that, despite what we may see on the news or read on the internet, there is one thing that unites all Americans: laughter. As he traveled around the country, he found connection through comedy and realized we are all more alike than we are different, no matter what state we call home
PRAISE FOR THE UNITED STATES OF LAUGHTER
“In this amazing, amusing book, Andrew Tarvin goes looking for laughs in all the right places, specifically every one of these now not so United States. But through his journey, he shares how we are still a country bound together by people who can take a joke as well as make one, including, of course, our comedic, peripatetic author who does so from sea to shining sea and also in New Jersey.”
-Bob Mankoff, Cartoon & Humor Editor at Esquire
“The world beyond your hometown doorstep is often a hilarious and amazing place. This book will take you there. Read it, laugh out load, be inspired and get to know your hilarious guide, Andrew Tarvin (now known in some states as Drupac), as he takes you on a journey to unite America in copious amounts of comedy and laughter. You’ll be glad you did.”
-David Nihill, Author of Do You Talk Funny
“These side-splitting stories capture the life of a traveler perfectly. From the moments that go so right to the experiences that go so very wrong, The United States of Laughter is both ridiculous and insightful. And, if you’re like me, it will have you laughing in your middle seat while on your flight from Prague to JFK.”
-Whitney Tressel, fellow nomad and National Geographic Photography Trip Leader
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A Mark Twain experience.”
“A narrative style reminiscent of Bill Bryson.”
“Unlike like any other travel log you’ve ever read before.”
-Readers
“In this amazing, amusing book, Andrew Tarvin goes looking for laughs in all the right places, specifically every one of these now not so United States. But through his journey, he shares how we are still a country bound together by people who can take a joke as well as make one, including, of course, our comedic, peripatetic author who does so from sea to shining sea and also in New Jersey.”
-Bob Mankoff, Cartoon & Humor Editor at Esquire
“The world beyond your hometown doorstep is often a hilarious and amazing place. This book will take you there. Read it, laugh out load, be inspired and get to know your hilarious guide, Andrew Tarvin (now known in some states as Drupac), as he takes you on a journey to unite America in copious amounts of comedy and laughter. You’ll be glad you did.”
-David Nihill, Author of Do You Talk Funny
About the Author
Andrew Tarvin is the world’s first humor engineer. He has performed in over 1,000 shows, delivered more than 500 talks, and has spoken or performed in all 50 states, 18 countries, and 1 Planet (Earth). He is the author of 5 books, including this one. He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, FastCompany, and Inc. His TEDx talk on humor at work has been more than 150,000 views. To learn more, visit http://andrewtarvin.com
Product details
- Paperback: 232 pages
- Publisher: CSz Insights (September 19, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0999381903
- ISBN-13: 978-0999381908
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
- Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars 51 customer reviews
- Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #930,478 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Share in the author’s journey as he travels from one state to another, both literally and figuratively
September 25, 2017
Verified Purchase
If you have something you’d like to do but thought it might be a bit crazy, Drew Tarvin just may give you the inspiration you need to get out of your comfort zone. He set a goal to travel to all 50 United States in one year, performing and experiencing life in one form or another in each. He takes the reader along on his journey from the beginning where he exits his New York City apartment and begins his nomadic explorations. We get the good, the bad, the uncomfortable, and everything in between as Tarvin shares a wide range of moments and experiences, thoughtfully and humorously reflecting on them as he progresses in his journey – from brief but memorable conversations with strangers to selected outings and unplanned detours, in addition to the challenges of travel and problem-solving necessitated by circumstances and human error. We see the witty, punny, inner workings of the author’s mind as he shares self-discoveries and insights on his quest from one state to another, both literally and figuratively. I highly recommend this book which will make you think, feel, contemplate, smile, and — of course – laugh!