Member Reviews
We're All in This Together...: So Make Some Room was a great read by Tom Papa. This book has thirty-seven short essays that tckle universal American topics; Love for Your First Car (“To Buy or Lease”), The Truth about Personal Hygiene (“How You Know When It’s Time to Go”), Date Nights (“Will You Go Out with Me?”), Unfamiliar Hotel Rooms (“Why Nothing Works”), Pets (“Cats–Ancient Menace”), Drinking (“There’s no Cure for a Hangover”), and Ducking your Family, even Though you Love Them (“The Lesson of Mark Twain’s Cigars”). I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
I had never heard of Tom Pappa before this book. I am so grateful to receive a copy of this one and be introduced. I loved his antics throughout this story. It was haha funny at times and other times had me laughing out loud.
A quick, fun read for anytime that you need a laugh or something different.
We’re All In This Together: So Make Some Room is a compilation of Tom Papa’s unfiltered thoughts. Spanning from pure absurdity to true romanticism, Papa relays life lessons he has gathered thus far.
If I am being honest, prior to reading/ listening to this book, I had never heard of Tom Papa. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed his humor. He is perfect for fans of clean comedy.
This was a quick, entertaining read/ listen. I personally preferred the audiobook as it is narrated by Tom himself, but both formats were great.
Special thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press, and Tom Papa for allowing me to read and listen to this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
I read the audiobook version of this novel, read by the author. The anecdotes were at times, amusing but not side-stitchingly funny. Amusing collection though, when in the mood for lighter fare
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Delightful Collection of Humorous Observations
4 out of 5 stars
I recently had the pleasure of diving into the audiobook We’re All In This Together by the talented comedian Tom Papa. As a long-time fan of his stand-up, I was thrilled to embark on this comedic journey. Similar to his previous works (one of which I reviewed, Your Dad Stole My Rake), this book is a delightful collection of things that bother him as he goes through life, interspersed with his signature observational humor.
However, I must admit that I didn’t laugh as uproariously as I usually do during Papa’s stand-up routines. There’s a subtle difference in delivery between his live performances and the audiobook format, and the absence of a live audience’s laughter might contribute to this disparity. Nevertheless, this doesn’t take away from the book’s humor; rather, it transforms it into a written, extended version of his stand-up that allows for more introspection and reflection.
Despite the slight difference in comedic impact (and don’t get me wrong, I was still laughing), We’re All In This Together remains an enjoyable experience. Papa’s knack for finding hilarity in life’s mundane aspects shines through every chapter. His sharp wit and relatable anecdotes bring a smile to the listener’s face, even if the laughter doesn’t quite reach its usual peak.
On the whole, I found “We’re All In This Together” to be a delightful addition to Tom Papa’s repertoire. Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly recommend this audiobook to fans of Papa’s work and anyone seeking a dose of laughter and light-heartedness. I eagerly anticipate his future releases and look forward to immersing myself in more of Tom Papa’s comedic brilliance.
We're All In This Together seems part motivational, part observation, and part, do people really do that?
The book contains short essays on life, love, bugs, and family. Each piece is independent of the others, so read one, laugh, and go fold the laundry. I did the audiobook and I am pretty sure that is the way you should go with this one. Tom reads it to you so it is almost like his stand-up routine (which I highly recommend to you).
Here is a great life lesson I picked up from the book (this is not a quote from the book), Don't take things too seriously, just listen, laugh, and enjoy. .
Overall this was a fun book that felt more like a conversation than a book. It was a bit all over the place and definitely something I'd need to be in the mood for, but for the right time and person, it's a winner.
Thank you for access to this ARC!
A collection of humorous essays, this was a quick and funny read.
While this book was not laugh out loud funny, it was an enjoyable little break for my brain.
Relevant and relatable this read in one sitting book is one I would recommend when you're having a rough day and want to relax with a book that will put a smile on your face.
I received this book free from the publisher through netgalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a collection of hilarious essays written and delivered by Tom Papa, and listening to it is like listening to one of his stand up shows. His observations on life are often spot on and laugh out loud funny. I loved the one about cats changing your passwords, and buying things on amazon when you aren't looking. I was crying I was laughing so hard because I honestly feel that way sometimes.
I love Tom Papa and his mostly clean humor. He shows us how ridiculous life can be even in simple situations. I must have looked like a fool listening to this smiling until my face hurt and laughing out loud and wiping my eyes
TLDR: Gen X, straight, Italian David Sedaris
This was, to the best of my knowledge, my first Tom Papa experience. It was a delight, and over too soon. I now plan on glomming on to everything of his I can. The topics range from straight comedy to autobiography to what could almost be motivational speech. I was either nodding my head along or laughing throughout the entire book. It's always a bonus when comedians crack themselves up, and I could hear laughter in Tom's voice several times.
I don't know what else to say. If you think you would like it, give it a listen. I would like to thank Macmillan Audio for allowing me to experience this NetGalley audiobook. Five (5) stars.
Always funny, I enjoyed this latest collection of essays by comedian Tom Papa.
Papa has a way of getting to the heart of real people, trying as hard as we can to get through this messy life. His humor is thoroughly relatable, laugh out loud funny, and self-deprecating enough to hit the perfect balance of interest and reality. The section about choosing wine was my favorite, so honest and real.
I listened to this as an audiobook with the author narrating. This allows the listener to hear his inflection and the emphasis he puts on various things, which makes the book even more funny overall.
If you're looking for a light, enjoyable, humorous collection of essays, then look no further because Tom Papa always delivers.
I received this book as an ARC thanks to Netgalley....i had a hard time with it and ultimately DNF'd. I usually prefer audiobooks read by the author but i couldn't get past his staccato way of talking. I also felt that the funny essays weren't that funny and the heartwarming "life lessons" didn't do it for me, either. I didn't hate it; it just wasn't for me.
3.5 enjoyable stars, rounded up to 4
“We belong to something greater – an ongoing story that has been written throughout time and has now been handed off to us. Whether we like it or not, we’re all in this together.”
We’re All in this Together is a collection of essays, most entertaining and/or thought provoking. Papa’s humor is generally subtle, not ROFL. (Rolling on the Floor Laughing.) He picks everyday things and expounds. “And where have all the electric can openers gone? There was a time when they were on every counter, now it’s been decided, without a single meeting, that the handheld works just fine and the counter space should be used for the latest air fryer they say we can’t live without.”
I enjoyed what Tom said about beer. “Beer is your unpretentious friend. Beer blends in. Beer doesn’t impose. Beer is comfortable on a back porch.” Contrasting the light and entertaining, I like that he speaks his mind about serious stuff. “People who don’t laugh go to war with themselves, with their neighbors, with their enemies, because they lack a release valve.” He also mentions, “I never saw Trump laugh once.”
Tom’s voice is warm and welcoming. I’m glad he accompanied me on many dog walks. He’s easy to understand and the audiobook is like listening to an entertaining friend.
Tom throws in his thoughts about current events and serious stuff. “As institutions change, human rights are challenged or taken away, and digital isolation cuts us off from one another, we need to find new ways to connect.” We’re All in this Together can help us do that. (I also think it would be an excellent road trip book for a couple. While generally clean, some of the material is not suitable for elementary school children.)
“To laugh at oneself is to protect oneself and at least make survival more enjoyable.” Thanks, Mr. Papa, Netgalley, and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and some laughs.
A fun, easy listen with some heart to it. Tom Papa is not one of my favorite comedians, but he has an everyday observation style that is charming. This book got me to laugh a few times, but I had even more wry grins on my face.
OMG! This is my current favorite comedian! I first saw his stand-up shows on TV and laughed so hard. Next I read his books including We’re All in This Together. After hearing Tom Papa read this book on audio, I love his audiobook even more than his print book. But both are a delight and highly recommended, though. More Tom Papa, please.
Brunello and Bathing Suits……
Book Information
Tom Papa's upcoming book "We're All in This Together...So Make Some Room" is set to release on June 6, 2023. The 256-page book is accompanied by a 7-hour and 10-minute audio version, which the author himself narrates. With extensive experience in film, television, and radio, Tom Papa is a renowned comedian who is also a regular performer on the popular radio show, Live From Here, and serves as its head writer. I had the privilege of receiving an advance reader's copy of this book from Macmillan Audio for review purposes, and I'm grateful for the opportunity.
Summary
Tom Papa is a master of observational humor and this book presents a collection of thirty-seven short essays that tackle a diverse range of universal American topics. With his signature blend of humor and insight, Papa's essays are sure to delight readers seeking a lighthearted and relatable read.
My Thoughts
In We're All In This Together, Tom Papa delivers a powerful message that it's the little moments in life that matter most. With wit and wisdom, he reminds us to find joy in the everyday, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the human experience.
Papa's writing is both relatable and approachable, making his observations feel like your own. What sets Papa apart from other comedians is his kindness and love for humanity, which shines through in his humor. He has a unique talent for making his personal experiences feel universal. Whether he is talking about parenting, marriage, families, first cars, or kids in dress clothes, he will have you laughing, regardless of your background.
Papa's easy-going and cheerful insights on the modern human condition cover a wide range of topics. His stories are engaging and heartfelt, told in his unique style, and delivered with a calm and genuine tone. What's more, Papa doesn't resort to crude humor or foul language to get his point across.
Tom Papa's performance of his book in audio format is truly exceptional. With his distinct voice and natural delivery, Papa brings his essays to life in a way that no one else could. His timing and intonation are spot-on, and he infuses each piece with just the right amount of humor and warmth. Listening to him read his own work is a delight, and it's clear that he has a deep connection to the material. Papa's performance is a testament to his talent as both a writer and a performer, and it's an experience that should not be missed.
Recommendation
"We're All In This Together" is a great example of Tom Papa's talent as a storyteller. With vivid clarity, he paints touching vignettes from his past and present life, leaving readers with a smile on their faces and a newfound appreciation for life's little quirks. If you're looking for a funny and uplifting read, this book is guaranteed to make you happy. Highly Recommended.
Rating
4 Very Funny Stars
📚Synopsis:
A collection of short essays / stories about the author’s thoughts and memories on life lessons, the wonder and absurdity of the human race, and how the greatest plan really is simply to try and live YOUR version of the best life.
✍️ My Thoughts…
About The Narration:
Sit back and enjoy the show, listening to this comedian read about his own childhood and observations of the world is an engaging experience.
About The Book:
This collection of essays is more heartfelt reflections on life with observational humour than laugh-out-loud stand-up (but you will probably still laugh out loud). His writing style is timely and relatable covering topics such as should you lease or buy a car, and memorable sleepovers at grandma’s place. His thoughts and perspectives may dip into a few controversial topics, but I found they were more about giving pause to consider points-of-view and to remember we’re all just trying to live in this world together. I enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone who likes slice-of-life essays / memoirs.
💕You might like this book if:
🔹 you enjoy essays about childhood and family life
🔹 you enjoy comedians who can find humour in everyday activities
🔹 sometimes you just like to know that you’re not the only one going through life’s crazy adventures
I like a memoir, whether I know the author or not, so when I was offered this in ebook to read and review, I accepted, but quickly realized I’d rather hear the audio narration of Tom Papa himself. This did not disappoint. His cadence was great. His delivery calm and genuine. He isn’t crude and doesn’t scream like some comedians, so I appreciated that. His stories were interesting and heartfelt, talking about his grandparents and breaking out of his small town and his love of Christmas. I’ve never really watched any of his standup- and he has more of a “feel good vibe” than straight comedy- but I’ll definitely look him up now and I think this is a great set of stories that pretty much anyone would enjoy. Definitely recommend.
HILARIOUS! Tom Papa is seriously one of the best. A must read. I really want to listen to this story since tom narrated the book. Read this book! Tommy Salami
I absolutely love listening to @tompapa or reading #TomPapa. He is a comedian full of funny stories and hilarious observations! I loved the stories in a previous book as well called #youredoingGreatandotherReasonstoStayAlive. A lot of stories make me laugh out loud in reminiscence since my life mostly has been Philly and the Jersey Shore and Tom Papa is from NJ. Aside from reminiscing, his chapters and advice to children about finding a small space in your home that the big people can’t get into, about how all kids want to get away from their parents and that’s the REAL reason we don’t let them work for money, and his uncanny way of taking everyday situations illustrates to us how ALIKE we all are. In a world and society bent on isolating and polarizing, along comes Tom Papa reminding us of just how much of life is a Shared Experience, and that also, give yourself a break - we all screw up! For these reasons Tom Papa doesn’t just make me smile, reminisce, and laugh out loud, but he makes my heart feel warm and fuzzy towards our shared humanity, and that’s just PRICELESS!!! Many thanks to the author, @netgalley, and @macmillan.audio for allowing me an audio arc of this book! I highly recommend this book or audio. (Reading him in print will also emit some belly laughs) so check this out asap!!! #wereallinThisTogether