You Couldn't Make It Up...!

***Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
A laugh out loud commentary about the year 2020. This could not be more spot on.

Generally Amusing.....
Generally amusing collection of unpublished letters to The Daily Telegraph. A real mixed bag of opinions on anything and everything. Lighthearted readings, meanderings and musings.

This was genuinely hilarious. I expected it to be entertaining but there were some pages that made me call my friends because I had to read it out to them over the sound of my own laughter.

An absolute delight and a shining light on a year that seems to lack things to laugh at.

You Couldn't Make It Up...! is a collection of some of the unpublished letters written to The Daily Telegraph in a year of unprecedented upheaval. There's the funny, the irreverent and the intriguing, all of which did not make the cut and appear in the paper, but I'm so glad they have been put together here as it's a fascinating insight into human nature, British humour, first world problems and our stoicism despite adversity. Providing witty and interesting perspectives of the prominent events of 2020, this is a great read and a book you can easily dip in and out of.

I found myself laughing out loud many times. From COVID-19 to the Royal Family, the entertainment industry to politics, these short, snappy opinions and sharp observations are enjoyable and highly entertaining. The letter writers are from all over England and broach both serious and flippant topics throughout the anthology. This is a captivating book of amuse-bouches for the mind and a welcome escape from our current problems. Many thanks to Aurum for an ARC.

Brits have such a great sense of humor. I absolutely loved it and it was everything I needed. I laughed out loud so many times. I need this book in physical copy. I need more of books like this.

The editor of this collection notes that we have been living through unusual times. However no matter how hard things are or perhaps because they are difficult, people keep writing in to their newspapers. In this book, many of the letters received by the Daily Telegraph are published.

Following the introduction, topics include Family trials and tribulations, A year in politics, That’s entertainment, Trials, tries and celebrations, Home thoughts on abroad, Boldly going nowhere, Long to reign over us, Use and abuse of language and Dear Daily Telegraph.

The letters in this book can be read in any order and dipped into whenever the mood strikes. Some are very witty while others reflect current realities with a more subtle humor. All can be enjoyed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this engaging collection. All opinions are my own.

If you want to understand the British psyche and what makes our people tick then simply read the letter pages of The Daily Telegraph.
There have been many volumes of letters on all sorts of subjects that have previously been published - and here is another wonderful anthology of those that were not actually published in the newspaper.

Every subject you can think of is covered - serious and frivolous, and what shines through is the wit, intellect and sense of humour of most of the writers.

This is a wonderful book to dip into if you want to take your mind off the problems of the world today.

Great entertainment and highly recommended.

I would (and have) wholeheartedly recommend this book! Whilst not written to be humorous as it is just a selection of people's letters into the telegraph, the observations people have made had me chuckling to myself throughout the duration of the book. It covers subjects from Covid to politicians to entertainment and so on and the writers are from a variety of ages and localities. There are some genuinely funny lines in here which I hope I'll one day find myself in a situation to use. Although it's written so you can pick it up and put it down, I read it all in one sitting, chuckling to myself at one end of the sofa whilst my husband was asking what I was laughing at. I will be looking out for more in the series

As a bookseller, I have seen books from this series of Unpublished Letters to the Daily Telegraph fly off the shelves every December. I am sure this edition will be no exception.
With 2020 being a year like no other, we are treated to humorous musings on such topics as Politics, the Royals and the trials and tribulations of handwashing and lockdown.
You Couldn't Make It Up...! Will be a dose of much needed witticism to find under this years Christmas Tree.

Such an insight into the minds of the British Public on a number of relevant topics. From the hilariously funny to the downright strange you can see why these letters just had to be published.
Another huge success in this series and a quick, funny read for these current times

This is an uncanny insight to the psyche of the everyday British humour. Our dry wit and cynicism showing through often, I found this book to be a laugh-out-loud occasion and shared many an excerpt with my friends who would find it equally humorous.

Thank you for the opportunity to read it in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A book even a Yank can enjoy! While it may not pack quite as big a punch I still thoroughly enjoyed reading these letters to the Telegraph. Definitely needed a laugh while enduring 2020, this book provided a much needed respite. Touches on every subject you can imagine. Some funny, some spot on truth! All enjoyable!
Thanks Netgalley and Aurum for providing me with a complimentary copy. I voluntarily chose to review it. I also voluntarily chose to enjoy it!

A great collection of letters sent to the Daily Telegraph throughout the course of this tumultuous year. Realistic and fun to read!

I loved this book, need a paper copy to leave on the coffee table for those moments you just need a laugh. Brits have a great sense of humour. Have and will recommend this.

This is such a funny insightful book that really helps to sum up what we've been through in the last number of months. There are letters from the start of the year and it is really interesting to read where we've come from and remember some of the funny news in some wonderful satire. There were many times reading this I laughed out loud. This would be perfect as a Christmas gift for many different people within your life.

On another note entirely, unlike my regular reviews of theological and art books, here's a funny one. Moore picks up the musings of Brits on lockdown, facing challenges, or just thinking about life in general. Utterly human and hilarious - the smiles you get from reading will keep you going when you're filling grim.

Recommended.

Such a fun read. Reading this makes one realise that no matter where in the world one lives, people, their reactions and habits are the same for many situations. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

This was such an enjoyable, funny read. This book highlights that most of us have more similarities than differences. I’m so happy someone decided to publish it. I loved laughing at some of these letters.

Very funny book. The things people do not write, lol. Good for some laughs during these trying times. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

From questioning a band’s name (based on the age of its members that includes Phil Collins, shouldn’t Genesis be renamed Exodus?) to negotiating with the Grim Reaper for an extra year (because “2020 will be a write-off”), there is something in You Couldn’t Make It Up...! for every taste.

Here is your chance to revisit the start of the pandemic before it all reoccurs again in real life in 2021.
“In the latest bout of coronavirus-inspired panic-buying, I’ve resorted to using lettuce leaves as an alternative to loo paper. Is this just the tip of the iceberg?”

Or you can use religious philosophy to explain the weirdness of 2020. Note to Americans, substitute ‘the election’ for Brexit in the quote below to achieve the same feeling as our British friends.
“It is said that those whom God wishes to destroy, he first drives insane. After Brexit and now the lockdown, I fear that I may be at the top of His list.“

Finally, try to find the glass half full (or at least not completely empty).
“Shops are being cleared of store-cupboard essentials, as people prepare to hunker down. I always knew we non-traveling, pasta-loving introverts would inherit the earth.“
“At last I have discovered one positive aspect resulting from this crisis. I am far better-looking when wearing a face mask.“

Many of us have more leisure time right now. If the cloudy skies of Winter and an absence of holiday social gatherings have made you a bit melancholy, You Couldn’t Make It Up...! is a good antidote. It will make you smile, giggle, and occasionally guffaw. 5 stars!

Thanks to Quarto, White Lion, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.