I read this on my kindle. Kevin Hart writes of his life and lessons he has learned along the way. He grew up on Pennsylvania with a single mother and mostly absent father. His mother was strict with him to keep him out of trouble. He found in his late teens he could make people laugh. He decided he wanted to make a career out of being a stand up comic. This is his book of the ups and a lot of downs he endured along the way. He writes of the lessons he learned over the years.


This feedback is late because the copy would not download to my kindle. I ended up buying a copy from Amazon.

I enjoyed reading this memoir. While I like Kevin Hart's standup/acting, I didn't know anything about him. I found his writing to be honest and funny. I ended up listening to it from audible and I loved him reading it. He sort of made fun of himself throughout which made it enjoyable as well. I have already recommended this to some friends.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons by Kevin Hart. Kevin Hart is known for his hilarious ranting and his extreme expressions. His memoir shows all that is funny about Kevin Hart and also the serious side of his life and how he became the energetic comedian he is today. Photos are scattered throughout the book, including pictures of Kevin throughout his life and a family picture with his mother and brother. The three of them resemble each other so much that it surprised me. I especially enjoyed his acknowledgments which contain some hilarity of their own. Even his disclaimer is funny. 5 stars for a memoir that opened my eyes to the real Kevin Hart!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for voluntary consideration.

This was a great book. It was purchased for our library.

Almost everyone knows Kevin Hart's name by now, but that wasn't always the case. In his memoir, he tells the story of how he became an "overnight success that was only sixteen years in the making"–from a shoe salesman whose biggest dream was to become a Nike rep to a world-famous comedian. It wasn't always a smooth, upward trajectory and there were many lessons to learn along the way.

I don't follow Kevin Hart's career closely, but he's one of those comedians that makes me start laughing the moment they appear because I know it's about to get hilarious! This book will be most interesting for Kevin Hart fans and those who are interested in the lives of stand-up comedians, but his insightful advice is relevant to anyone seeking success. At 400 pages, it was denser than most celebrity memoirs I've read. Hart outlines every pivotal step of his career and the teachable moments he encountered along the way. There are funny parts, but it's more serious than I expected. As a warning, he gets a little personal sometimes and there were parts that were a little TMI for my tastes. My favorite part was Kevin's positive attitude. He says one of the traits that served him best was the ability to "shoulder shrug"– being able to see the big picture and not hold on to any negative emotions.

"Growing up, the best thing I ever had was nothing." I grew up with a strict mom and no freedom, so the parts about his childhood resonated with me the most. I would've found these sections very reassuring as a teenager! His mother was a strict disciplinarian who was determined to not repeat her earlier parenting mistakes. She developed a regimented schedule that made it impossible for young Kevin to find trouble. His dad was an unpredictable man who struggled with drug addiction. He was always putting Kevin and his brother into dangerous situations. One of my favorite parts was when Kevin had to choose between the "comfortable dictatorship" of his Mom's home or "uncomfortable anarchy" at his Dad's home. It wasn't always easy to see at the time, but the trials of his childhood helped him develop a strong work ethic: "It turns out that the things I hated most as a child are the same things that serve me the most as an adult."

Kevin admits that his comedy material wasn't always ready for the big-time. It took a lot of practice and studying of other comedians to refine his act. He had the key realization that "an entertainer makes you laugh, but an artist makes you understand." To fully grow as an artist, he had to stop hiding behind the character of "Lil’ Kev the Bastard" and develop his own voice. He also emphasizes the importance of constantly learning and remaining ready for anything, so you can seize all the opportunities that come your way. There are so many instances in his career where the big jobs fizzled, but the least exciting offers and meetings propelled him further into success. He reiterates how important it is to treat others with kindness because no one finds success alone. In a creative field, it's not always going to be applause and accolades. After he finally experienced some mild success, he also got to experience becoming box-office poison. He recounts many of the low points and how he learned to overcome knee-jerk defensiveness to handle unsupportive friends and family, difficult crowds, and rejection more effectively.

While he had high standards for his career, he didn't always live up to those same standards in his personal life. He writes honestly about his most shameful moments: his toxic marriage that became violent and a DUI. He realized that he was repeating his parents' mistakes and exposing his children to some of the same hardships that he and his brother had to live through. Fortunately, he was able to learn from his mistakes and break the cycle.

I got a lot of value out of Kevin's worldview and life advice. After reading his memoir, I would describe Kevin Hart has a hard worker with a positive attitude. His persistence, commitment, and adaptability helped him find success in a competitive field. The tale of his journey to success is a reminder that what may look like a series of consistent successes from a distance is actually a never-ending emotional roller coaster full of ups and downs. I have to end this review with one of my favorite Kevin Hart bits: Ostriches. It cracks me up every time!

I loved this book! It was funny from page one. Kevin Hart is just a wonderful writer as he is a comedian. He has the gift of adjusting his perspective to see the most positive and optimistic side of any situation and make it the most hilarious version possible. Positively motivating! Highly recommend!

Great entertainment.
It really exceded what I expected. Very funny and insightful.

Very funny read. I like heaven Kevin Hart's comedy, and this book helped me know a little bit more about the man he is within the comedy.

Kevin Hart is an award-winning comedian and actor, and it took him only 16 years to become an 'overnight success.' In this inspirational and entertaining memoir - written with Neil Strauss - Hart talks about his life, career, family, and friends - and it's clear that he's a loving son, loyal friend, devoted father, and exceptionally hard worker. Hart is also an honest man and admits that - in his youth - he was a bad husband to his first wife.....and gambled, drank, and splurged too much.

The book, though funny in places, is not chock full of jokes and hilarious bits - just so you know.

Hart was born and raised in North Philadelphia. His dad, nicknamed Spoon, was a drug addict and a 'player' - with girlfriends all over town. Spoon spent four years in prison, after which he split from Kevin's mother for good. Kevin - who says he was 'born with the gift of the shoulder shrug' - accepted the situation, said okay, and got on with his life. In fact, 'the shoulder shrug' helped Kevin get through many low points in his life.

After the split, Kevin and his older brother Kenneth would occasionally see their dad, which led to some of the 'scariest experiences' in Kevin's life. Among other things, Spoon let 8-year-old Kevin drive a motorboat - which he promptly crashed; and sicced a large dog onto the boys after Kenneth beat him at basketball. Spoon also stole from his family. At one point - when the boys were grown - Spoon robbed all the equipment from a barbershop Kenneth was about to open.....AND took his car. In spite of everything, Kevin chose not to get angry, and to appreciate his father.....who could be a very entertaining guy.

The biggest influence in Hart's life was his mother, Nancy. After Kenneth got into trouble with gangs and criminal activity as a teen, Nancy kept Kevin on a very short leash. If he stepped out of line, Kevin got hit with an open hand, fist, belt, shoe, slipper, or even a section of Hot Wheels track - which Nancy kept scattered around the house for convenience. (LOL)

To keep young Kevin occupied, Nancy enrolled him in extracurricular activities like basketball and swim team - which had hours of practice and weekend meets. When Kevin wasn't at school or doing sports, he had to stay with his 'foster grandmother', Ms. Davis.....or tag along with his mother to work, church, shopping, friends' homes, and Bible study. Though he was frustrated at the time, Kevin says all this activity prepared him for his life, which is very busy.

In school, Kevin wanted to be cool and attract girls - which is hard to do when you're short and don't have any money for flashy clothes. So Kevin decided to be funny....and the gals started hanging out with him. Thus, a comedian was born.

After high school Hart spent a short time in community college, then got a job in the sneaker department of City Sports. Kevin would often entertain his colleagues and customers with funny stories and jokes, and eventually started doing stand-up at 'The Laff House Comedy Club'.....using the stage name 'Lil Kev the Bastard.' This was the start of Hart's professional career. Around this time Kevin also met Torrei, the girl he'd be with for the next 12 years.

By the time he was 20, Hart was a regular performer at comedy clubs in Philadelphia - but itched to break into the big time. Invited to tag along by his friend, comedian Keith Robinson, Kevin began going back and forth to New York - 'the comedy capital of the world.' At New York's clubs, Kevin watched, learned, honed his craft....and eventually started performing. When Hart wasn't in New York, he did shows in Philadelphia. Kevin's frequent trips and gigs led to constant fights with Torrei, who continually accused him of cheating.

By the time he was 22, Hart got some movie and television deals, and moved to Hollywood with his girlfriend. Unfortunately, Hart's early opportunities didn't pan out, and he squandered what money he made on jewelry, furniture, and expensive meals. Then, at the age of 23, when Kevin was flat broke, he and Torrei got married - thinking this would improve their relationship. It didn't.

Hart's failed movies and cancelled TV series made him 'Hollywood poison', and the comic was compelled to reinvigorate his stand-up career. So, for the next seven years Kevin traveled all over the country, performing at EVERY comedy club and college he could book. Kevin's plan: to build a fan base so huge that entertainment moguls would HAVE to give him another chance.

To assist with his career, Hart engaged various agents and promotors, and his memoir contains advice about the right (and wrong) people to employ (hint: stay away from aggressive loudmouths and scam artists). In time, Kevin hired an agent named Dave Becky, who's still with him today. Hart also improved his act by doing away with contrived jokes and using his real life for inspiration - like the time he called the cops after Torrei slapped him across the face.....and the police didn't do a thing. In short, Hart learned to make comedy out of his uniqueness and personality.

Hart also surrounded himself with an entourage of fellow comedians and friends, who communally called themselves 'The Plastic Cup Boyz' - for the red cups they drank from. Everyone involved benefitted from the relationship. The chums helped Hart with his act, and Kevin provided jobs and career promotion.

While all this was happening, Kevin and Torrei started a family. Unfortunately, their relationship got more contentious and their fighting escalated. Kevin admits to numerous infidelities and much bad behavior during this period. To add to his woes, Kevin's mother passed away from ovarian cancer. The comic notes: "In my mind, my heart, and my life, she is still completely present to this day - and as wise, compassionate, and stubborn as ever."

When Hart was 30, he finally split from Torrei for good - so the children wouldn't have to see their folks fighting constantly. Around this time Kevin also starred in a hit movie, 'Think Like a Man' - which was a turning point in his career. From this point on Kevin's life was on an upward trajectory - with movies, comedy tours, TV productions, and more. Kevin, who never gets complacent and doesn't know the word 'enough', has even bigger plans for his future - both personal and professional.

To finish up, I'll mention a few bits of the story I found particularly memorable and/or funny:

- Kevin's mother could put 'the fear of God' into anyone.....except his father.

- Hart honed his 'charm' on his minder, Ms. Davis....so she wouldn't tell his mother when he did stuff he shouldn't. Kevin later used this cultivated charm - and winning personality - to get jobs and opportunities.

- When Kevin got fed up with his mother's strict rules he went to live with his dad.....for ONE day. Then he hustled right back home. His mom KNEW that would happen (ha ha ha).

- In middle school, Kevin longed to have pubic hair - which he thought would make girls like him. So Kevin tried everything he could to sprout a bush - including hair oil, shaving cream, fertilizer, and prayers. (The fertilizer really cracks me up.)

- Young Kevin also thought a big weiner would attract the ladies. So he wore his brother's large shoes....hoping the girls would think his pecker matched his feet. LOL

- By the time Kevin was a teen, his mom gave up corporal punishment and switched to verbal reprimands. Nancy knew that - short of stabbing, shooting, or mace-ing Kevin, there was nothing she could do to physically hurt him.

And the best bit of all:

- When he was financially strapped early in his career, Kevin maxed out an American Express card.....and couldn't pay the bill. The company never forgot, and - even when Kevin was a huge success - denied him a card. In the book's acknowledgements, Kevin writes: "American Express, if you're reading this, please run my credit again. I wrote this entire book just to send a message to you: I'm now ready to handle the responsibility of a credit card."

I enjoyed the memoir, which is well-written and includes photos of people in Kevin's life. Highly recommended.

Note: Some of Hart's comedy shows are available on Netflix, in case you're interested. They're really funny!

Thanks to Netgalley, the authors (Kevin Hart and Neil Strauss) and the publsher (Atria/37 INK) for a copy of the book.

I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons

I Picked Up This Book Because: Kevin Hart wrote it. You dog on right I’m going to read it.


This book depicts the beginnings of Kevin Hart. From short kid with zero free time, thanks to his mom’s determination to keep him off the streets, to the superstar funny man we all know and love today. It wasn’t an easy trip and his success didn’t happen overnight but it is so inspiring. Kevin has a drive and determination that so few people have. His ability to shrug off the negative, the rejections, the setbacks have surely served him well.

The book covers his personal life also. From growing up with a semi estranged dad who was on drugs to his mother’s protectiveness to his relationship with his ex-wife and the beginnings of his relationship with his current wife. I love the way he speaks of his children and how he wants them to know that they have because of his hustle and they will need to develop their own once they are adults.

I feel like this book is perfect for anyone who is ready to chase their dream. Who needs motivation and encouragement to keep going even with the plan is not working as you thought it would.

The Random Thoughts:

I would have loved to listen to this in audiobook form. If Kevin narrates it's going to be amazingly funny.

The Score Card:

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4 Stars

Let's start off by saying I absolutely love Kevin Hart. I first saw him when he went to Rutgers for a show and fell in love with his comedy. Since then I've loved watching him blow up. The comedy shows kept getting bigger and all the movies started happening and I was so happy to get so much Kevin.

When I heard he was coming out with a book I was so excited. I'm a huge fan of books by comedians and I could not wait to get my hands on this! I was lucky enough to get an early ebook from Atria and I was over the moon.

I loved this book so much! This isn't just the story of a comedian's rise to fame. It's the story of a man that knows the value of hard work and perseverance. The story of a man that's faced failure at every turn and said, "ok, where do we go now?" Watching his struggles and his setback happen, makes watching his success that much sweeter.

For me, the best parts were the parts about his mother. I loved the way that he reflects back on those tough lessons and the strict upbringing he has and sees it for what it was. Preparation for the real world. You can see a strong, determined, resilient man that was shaped by a mother looking to do the best she could for her son.

This book made me laugh, it made me cry, and I came out of it with a deeper understanding of a man I love supporting.

100% recommend this book! For fans of Kevin, for fans of comedians, for people looking to get into comedy and just for people that are trying, people that are out there working hard trying to reach their goals.

Professional comedian, Kevin Hart, is dropping gems of knowledge like this in a new 99-chapter inspirational memoir. Life lessons are from his parents, school, work, loss, independence, legacy building and more. It really covers every aspect of life. And I am not exaggerating when I tell you I started laughing at page 3 and continued until page 424.

"Yes, I Refer To Myself in the Third Person Again. But That's Only Because It Feels Like I've Lived Three Lives." ~ Ch. 64

I Can't Make This Up is so funny that these essays really cannot be made up. Kevin's family, friends and peers are a colorful cast of characters. The chapter titles are comedy in itself and set the tone for the life lesson to be explained. It even includes the obligatory chapter where celebrities reveal how they sabotaged their own fame and success. Never would I have thought I'd highlight so many passages from a book by a comedian. But alas, I have a slew of bookmarks and a boost of inspiration. Very well done, Kevin Hart!

Happy Pub Week, Kev! I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons is now available. Do I have to spell it out for you, bookhearts? Buy and read it!

LiteraryMarie

What a great book! I loved it. It was hilarious. It was heartfelt. It was emotional. He talked about his family, growing up, and his journey to success. I wasn't sure I would like this book before I started, but I was hooked from the first page. He gave great advice and talked about the lessons he learned along the way. It was fun to learn about his family, as well. His stories about growing up, his parents, his brother and learning to survive life growing up poor, but learning to appreciate the sacrifices his mom made for him. The book is GREAT! It will make you laugh out loud. Really.

Reviewing a memoir is hard because reviewing people is hard. I very much enjoyed learning more about a well respected comic. I think some of the writing was weak in areas and in other places there seemed to be continuity issues. Otherwise, it met my expectations.

i canot open this book, even though i would love to read it because Kevin Hart is one of my favorite.s

I requested a copy of this on a whim and wasn’t expecting much. It’s your basic celebrity memoir with a good amount of life advice mixed in amongst the stories from his childhood and adult life. I wasn’t blown away (celeb memoirs are rarely that exciting) but Hart’s book was raw and honest in a way that a lot of memoirs aren’t. He doesn’t hide his mistakes or low points and bares them to show not only the progress he’s made but the lessons he took from such things. It’s not a standup act in written form, like many books from comedians tend to be. Instead he barges headfirst into the heavy and dark sides of life. His love and respect for his mother and the sacrifices she made for him shines throughout. He was able to speak of his father, his absence, his addictions and his mistakes in a way that didn’t sugarcoat anything but didn’t disrespect his dad at all. It’s a place he definitely had to work toward but its good to see that they appear to be in a good place now.

It’s not a must read for everyone, but definitely enjoyable for fans of Kevin Hart and real looks at the life of a standup comic.

I received a copy of this book in advance in exchange for review.

My apologies; I can't review the book since it's not in kindle format.

Kevin Hart is the man!!! This is a great book. He gives you it straight and with no chaser. I felt like I was at one of him comedy shows. This book gives you the right, the wrong and the indifferent in his life. His relationship with his mother, brother, father, friends, etc. I love the way he gives you another way to look at things that may be going on in one's life. For those looking for a good read, a book that will make you smile, laugh out loud but yet leave you with something to think about after you have finished reading it, this is the book. Continued success Mr. Hart!!!! Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced reading copy of this book in return for my honest review.

This book is laugh out loud funny. Funny man Kevin Hart has much to draw on as he shares tales from his upbringing in an entertaining, inspirational and always humorous fashion making this book a big ball of fun. The book is spread across 99 chapters (yes 99) with some of the craziest chapter titles I’ve ever seen in a book, divided through 16 Life Lessons.

He uses the life lessons to dispense advice and to explore what he has learned and his not always successful way of handling what life throws at you. I think the strength of the book is the advice comes from a place of humble experience. So it’s not, hey I’m the star and I said do this, that and the third and you too will be a success. He is not writing as if he is some self-help guru, he is simply sharing his life and decisions he made at the various forks in the road. You can go left or you can go right. Judging by the success he has attained, Kevin has gone right far more than he has gone left, though he doesn’t shy away from discussing those lefts. The honesty he brings to the failures and the embarrassing moments help give the book it’s solid feel of authenticity and realness. Although he had a less than middle class rearing, with a comical say anything father, and what today would clearly be labeled an abusive mother he succeeded beyond their expectations.

Well in the case of his mother, it could be said because of her, he is a success. She laid a strong foundation and things he hated as a child, he found himself appreciating as an adult. Kevin learned early on that humor was a natural magnet and a way to deescalate conflict. He didn’t grow up dreaming of being a comedian, he kind of fell into it, because he was the fun and funny guy. After testing the stage at an open mic night at the local comedy club he was hooked. He showed an incredible work ethic and perseverance as he kept moving forward and reaching for the comedic title.

He caught some good breaks on his way to becoming an “overnight success” explaining that process, “was only sixteen years in the making.”
Readers will certainly appreciate his grit and endurance and will find his grind inspirational. If you are in a rut while trying to achieve something, it doesn’t have to be a comedy career, it could be anything, I feel adequately safe in saying you will find inspiration in Kevin’s life lessons, which qualifies this book as a success. There is some profane language in these pages that the more squeamish may find objectionable, but don’t let that deter you from appreciating and enjoying what is sure to be a bestseller. Thanks to Atria books and Netgalley for providing this advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review. The book publishes Jun 6, 2017