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I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons Paperback – May 8, 2018
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The question you’re probably asking yourself right now is: What does Kevin Hart have that a book also has?
According to the three people who have seen Kevin Hart and a book in the same room, the answer is clear:
A book is compact. Kevin Hart is compact.
A book has a spine that holds it together. Kevin Hart has a spine that holds him together.
A book has a beginning. Kevin Hart’s life uniquely qualifies him to write this book by also having a beginning.
It begins in North Philadelphia. He was born an accident, unwanted by his parents. His father was a drug addict who was in and out of jail. His brother was a crack dealer and petty thief. And his mother was overwhelmingly strict, beating him with belts, frying pans, and his own toys.
The odds, in short, were stacked against our young hero. But Kevin Hart, like Ernest Hemingway, J.K. Rowling, and Chocolate Droppa before him, was able to defy the odds and turn it around. In his literary debut, he takes us on a journey through what his life was, what it is today, and how he’s overcome each challenge to become the man he is today.
And that man happens to be the biggest comedian in the world, with tours that sell out football stadiums and films that have collectively grossed over $3.5 billion.
He achieved this not just through hard work, determination, and talent. “Hart is an incredibly magnetic storyteller, on the page as he is onstage, and that’s what shines through [in this] genial, entertaining guide to a life in comedy” (Kirkus Reviews).
- Print length400 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateMay 8, 2018
- Dimensions5.5 x 1 x 8.38 inches
- ISBN-109781501155574
- ISBN-13978-1501155574
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Hart is an incredibly magnetic storyteller, on the page as he is onstage, and that’s what shines through…a genial, entertaining guide to a life in comedy.” ― Kirkus Reviews
"Hilarious but also heartfelt." ― Elle Magazine
About the Author
Neil Strauss is an award-winning Rolling Stone editor, New York Times columnist, and writer/cowriter of eight New York Times bestselling books including The Game and The Truth.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
This introduction is mandatory.
That means you have to read it.
You can’t just skip ahead to the sex scenes.
Because in order to get the most out of this book, there are three important words you’re going to need to know and understand.
The first word is: “Huh?”
It’s pronounced short and sharp, as if someone just hit you in the stomach. Typically, it’s spoken while pulling your neck back, raising your eyebrows, and quickly scanning the room to make sure everything looks normal and you’re not in some weird-ass dream.
The dictionary definition of the word is: “Did you just say what I think you said? Because it literally makes no sense and my mind can’t process it right now, so I’m going to have to ask you to repeat it.” It’s the kind of thing you might say when your dad comes home bleeding and tells you that someone hacked him up with an axe.
(This really happened, people. I can’t make this up.)
The second word is: “What?”
This is pronounced with a silent “t,” and it generally follows a few seconds after a Huh. It’s spoken with your mouth contorted into a look of disgust and your forehead creased, while looking at someone like they’re batshit crazy.
It is short for: “What the hell did you just say? Because I only asked you to repeat the crazy shit you just said, and now you’re adding some even crazier shit on top of it. My ears can’t believe what they’re hearing right now.”
It’s the kind of thing you might say when your dad, whose head is busted open and wrapped in a blood-soaked towel, assures you that he’s fine and doesn’t need to go to the hospital and just wants to lie down for a little bit.
The third word is: “Okay.”
It’s spoken with a shoulder shrug, a side-to-side shake of the head, and a roll of the eyes. It means: “I can’t even begin to fathom your reality, but I’ve decided to just accept it and move on.”
It’s what you say when a Huh and a What have gotten you nowhere, and you’re starting to think that maybe you actually are stuck in a dream and shouldn’t eat pizza before bedtime anymore. Like when your dad tells you that the reason someone hacked him up with an axe was because he was jealous of his skills as a refrigerator repairman.
This all may seem unbelievable to anyone who hasn’t met my father, but this is the honest-to-God truth. In life, you can choose to cry about the bullshit that happens to you or you can choose to laugh about it.
I chose laughter.
These are the stories behind the jokes, and a few lessons I’ve figured out about life, success, family, and relationships along the way.
Actually, I’m still working on the relationships part, but the rest I got down.
Product details
- ASIN : 1501155571
- Publisher : 37 Ink; Reprint edition (May 8, 2018)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 400 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9781501155574
- ISBN-13 : 978-1501155574
- Item Weight : 11.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 1 x 8.38 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #19,991 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #81 in Rich & Famous Biographies
- #186 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies
- #721 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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About the authors
A former New York Times cultural critic and Rolling Stone contributing editor, Neil Strauss is the author of ten New York Times bestselling books, including The Truth, The Game, Rules of the Game, Emergency, and Everyone Loves You When You're Dead. He is also the coauthor of the New York Times bestsellers The Creative Act with Rick Rubin, I Can't Make This Up with Kevin Hart, The Dirt with Mötley Crüe, How to Make Love Like a Porn Star with Jenna Jameson, and The Long Hard Road Out of Hell with Marilyn Manson. His serial podcast To Live & Die in LA reached number one on the iTunes charts, and was named by the Associated Press as the best podcast of the year.
Kevin Hart, Actor / Comedian / Author / Investor / CEO
Emmy nominated producer, Kevin Hart was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he launched his career as a comedian during an amateur night at a local comedy club. Over the years Hart has become Hollywood’s box office powerhouse, opening ten films at number one at the box office with $4.23 billion revenue at the global box office. Hart can most recently be seen in his newest stand-up special, “Zero Fu**ks Given,” which quickly became Netflix's biggest stand-up special of 2020. Hart is currently in production on his new Netflix drama series, “True Story,” which he is starring in opposite Wesley Snipes and also producing through his Hartbeat Productions.
In 2020 Hart starred in “Die Hart,” the first production of its kind, created through his digital network, Laugh Out Loud, and Executive Produced through his production company, Hartbeat Productions. He recently wrapped production filming Sony’s action-comedy, The Man From Toronto, which he is starring in alongside Woody Harrelson and Kaley Cuoco. Hart can next be seen in his new film, Fatherhood, a movie which he is staring in and also producing through his Hartbeat Productions. Based on the best-selling book, Two Kisses for Maddy, Fatherhood tells the story of a single dad navigating parenthood after his wife unexpectedly dies a day after giving birth. In December 2019, Hart’s Emmy nominated Docu-series, “Don’t F**k This Up,” was released on Netflix. The intimate and honest 6-part series follows Hart’s life over the previous year, giving viewers an inside look to the events that shaped his life. Hart’s other recent box-office credits include Jumanji: The Next Level, which crossed $800 million in global revenue, The Secret Life of Pets 2, and The Upside. In 2018, Hart co-wrote, produced, and starred in Universal’s Night School, all under Hartbeat Productions. In 2017, Hart starred in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, his highest grossing movie to date. Hart’s previous credits include: Central Intelligence, The Secret Life of Pets, and the Ride Along films.
Hart’s last global live standup comedy tour was “The Irresponsible Tour,” which was also released as an original Netflix standup special in April 2019. Additionally, his 2017 standup tour, “What Now,” grossed over $100 million worldwide and culminated in a performance to a sold-out crowd at Philadelphia’s NFL stadium.
Kevin’s memoir, I Can’t Make This Up, debuted at number one on The New York Times Best Sellers List and remained on the Top 10 Nonfiction Hardcover Bestsellers List for ten weeks straight. Hart’s first Audible original, “The Decision,” was nominated for an Audie award for “Best Original Audiobook in 2021.” On June 1, 2021 Hart will release his first middle school reader “Marcus Makes a Movie” for Random House publishing.
Hart’s digital network, the Laugh Out Loud Network, serves as a platform for emerging comedians and is home to two premium series which both feature Kevin – “What the Fit?” and “Cold as Balls.”
In the audio space, Hart can be heard bi-weekly on his radio talk show, “Straight From the Hart,” which airs on Sirius XM’s Laugh Out Loud Radio (channel 96). In 2019, “Straight From The Hart” became available on Pandora and now ranks as the #1 podcast across all genres. Hart can also be heard on his weekly Sirius podcast, “Comedy Gold Minds.”
Kevin’s brand partnerships include Fabletics Men, Chase J.P Morgan, Hydrow, Brüush, Tommy John and Therabody.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book easy to read and well-written. They appreciate the humor and wisdom that blends together, making serious topics funny. The book teaches valuable life lessons and gives smart advice. Readers appreciate the honest and frank storytelling. They find the author honest and humble, touching on all emotions from happy to sad.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book easy to read and well-written. They find the story engaging and enriching. The message is clear and simple, and can change their lives.
"Outstanding read. Combines the humor of Hart with fast paced insights on how he made it big...." Read more
"...about his progress is not only motivating, but as a black man, extremely enriching. We are watching a man in the midst of building a legacy...." Read more
"Good read and easy to follow. I love his positively, humor and honesty. I enjoyed reading about his early life and his success." Read more
"...And finally, the story: thorough, interesting, free of indulgent self-flattery, brutally honest, raw..." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They appreciate how Hart blends humor with wisdom, making serious topics entertaining. The book is described as a fast-paced read with humorous stories and advice.
"Outstanding read. Combines the humor of Hart with fast paced insights on how he made it big...." Read more
"...From the first page to the last, this book is pure entertainment. One of the most vivid books I've ever read...." Read more
"Good read and easy to follow. I love his positively, humor and honesty. I enjoyed reading about his early life and his success." Read more
"...inspiring, and it may or may not go without saying: hysterically funny despite consistently challenging--even devastatiing--life..." Read more
Customers find the book inspiring and entertaining. They say it teaches life lessons and provides insights and advice. Readers mention it's a great example for anyone challenging themselves to succeed.
"...Whether you are a fan of Kevin Hart or not, there's valuable lessons that can be taken away from him in this book. One being his perspective on life...." Read more
"Good read and easy to follow. I love his positively, humor and honesty. I enjoyed reading about his early life and his success." Read more
"...accepting his downfalls, righting his wrongs, transforming his approach to relationships and life, and moving forward with his "grind" with..." Read more
"...for a read that will make you laugh, reflect, and motivate you to keep going in life, I Can’t Make This Up is a must-read." Read more
Customers appreciate the stories and candor about Kevin Hart's life. They find the memoir serious and amazing, with direct to the point writing and a dramatic plot. Readers enjoy reading about his early life and success.
"...One of the most vivid books I've ever read. Each chapter felt like I was watching a movie and knew exactly what was happening, as if I was there...." Read more
"...I love his positively, humor and honesty. I enjoyed reading about his early life and his success." Read more
"...The chapters: numerous but short, direct to the point and plot, and complementary to the story as a whole...." Read more
"...His storytelling is engaging, often hilarious, but also deeply insightful...." Read more
Customers find the book honest and funny. They say the author is humble, walks the reader through his mistakes, injects wisdom, and provides advice. The honesty, humor, and humility are real, portraying a sense of being human with real hardships.
"Good read and easy to follow. I love his positively, humor and honesty. I enjoyed reading about his early life and his success." Read more
"...story: thorough, interesting, free of indulgent self-flattery, brutally honest, raw..." Read more
"...His authenticity and honesty shine through, making this book feel like a conversation with a friend rather than just another memoir...." Read more
"...He is very honest about the hell he even put people through just to make sure he did what he wanted and aimed to do...." Read more
Customers find the book touching on various emotions from happy to sad. They say it makes them laugh and cry, with relatable stories told in a humorous way. The book is passionate, inspiring, poignant, and heartfelt, with a powerful life message.
"DANG! This book is HILARIOUS! It makes you cry, laugh, cry some more and BAWL your eyes out w laughter!..." Read more
"...Funny, insightful, will make you laugh one million and cry the next. It really is a funny road map for life...." Read more
"...I enjoyed the heart and soul this book has." Read more
"...inspirational and heart - felt" Read more
Customers appreciate Kevin Hart's tenacity, persistence, and positive outlook on life. They find the book inspiring and encouraging to keep pushing through difficult times. The author provides a solid foundation for never giving up, showing moments of weakness and poor decisions.
"...uses his experiences to offer valuable life lessons on perseverance, resilience, and the importance of family...." Read more
"...This book will show you all good things to come with time, it shows times of weakness, strength, poor decision making over and over again...." Read more
"...and the thing I most appreciated about Hart's book is the message of resiliency in the face of struggle that Hart conveys through his story...." Read more
"...Kevin has some good lessons about being kind, likeable, having patience, and working hard." Read more
Customers appreciate the book. They find it relatable and inspiring, with a raw look at the life of a talented performer. The book provides an insightful look into his foundation and character.
"Great look into the foundation of Kevin Hart. Couldn't put it down, he keeps it fast moving and motivating. I would highly reccomend!" Read more
"...'s a lot of practical advice about the entertainment, business, talent management, resilience, focus, self development, and relationships...." Read more
"...I am a fan of Kevin Hart and this book shows a different side of him you don’t see in his movies all the time...." Read more
"...This book was so much fun and it gave me a better insight on the man and his back ground." Read more
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Hilarious, Heartfelt, and Full of Wisdom
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2025Outstanding read. Combines the humor of Hart with fast paced insights on how he made it big. A lot to be learned in this bio that anyone looking to get ahead can use. Almost a hands on how to make it guide!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2017I rarely write reviews, but I felt I had to for this book. So, where to begin? Anytime you read an autobiography or memoir, it's hard to know what to expect. Especially if the book claims to offer life advice. As someone who enjoys biographies, I must say only some of them do a great job painting a clear picture of the life being accounted for. With that said, this book is absolutely amazing. From the first page to the last, this book is pure entertainment. One of the most vivid books I've ever read. Each chapter felt like I was watching a movie and knew exactly what was happening, as if I was there. Calling this book just a comedic read would be an insult. Kevin Hart's level of introspection is highly palpable as he lays out all of his good, and bad life decisions, and the thought process behind them. Whether you are a fan of Kevin Hart or not, there's valuable lessons that can be taken away from him in this book. One being his perspective on life. Kevin Hart epitomizes the benefits of CHOOSING, to have a positive attitude. Or "shoulder shrugging" unfortunate events, as he would say. His outlook on life is incredibly inspiring. More so after learning about how dysfunctional some of the people in his family were and along with his upbringing. The love he has for his mother is beautiful, while his relationship with his father during his childhood is interesting to say the least. Another being his work ethic. My goodness. The attrition from grinding out your dreams and goals, year after year, with very little progress, and many setbacks, would wear down and break most people. The amount of time and dedication he put in is commendable. Especially with all the adversity he was dealing with in his personal life. This man is far from an over night success. And you can see it in how well he's been able to maximize his window of opportunity. Reading about his progress is not only motivating, but as a black man, extremely enriching. We are watching a man in the midst of building a legacy. This book gave me great insight on the man, as well as things to contemplate in my own life. And some good laughs (of course). I'd give this book 6 stars if I could (maybe Kevin Hart will read this and make his own reading app that allows 6 stars lol). I wouldn't put it past him.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024Good read and easy to follow. I love his positively, humor and honesty. I enjoyed reading about his early life and his success.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2017I love memoirs. I read them. I write them. If I had to choose a single genre of literature to read for the rest of my life, memoirs would be it. So I had high expectations of this work because I expected (and was correct in thinking) that Kevin Hart has a hell of a story to tell. But I also care about the technicalities of writing because a good story can go terribly wrong if it is disorganized, under-thought, poorly written, rushed, you name it. I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons delivered on every level for me. First, I LOVE the unconventionality of the book. The disclaimer: hilarious and simultaneous perfectly legal and binding. Who knew such a routine blurb could be so fun to read!? (Kevin knew.) The hilarious chapter headings: again, so fun and innovative. They completely echo the run-on hashtag trend that Kevin Hart himself started. The chapters: numerous but short, direct to the point and plot, and complementary to the story as a whole. And finally, the story: thorough, interesting, free of indulgent self-flattery, brutally honest, raw (by "raw" I mean without frivolous embellishment--what you see is what you get), inspiring, and it may or may not go without saying: hysterically funny despite consistently challenging--even devastatiing--life circumstances. I particularly applaud Mr. Hart on putting into words his introspective learning process of mending old relationships and being successful in new ones. The example he sets in accepting his downfalls, righting his wrongs, transforming his approach to relationships and life, and moving forward with his "grind" with life lessons in tow is commendable. Thank you, Kevin Heart, for endeavoring to write this book. More than anything, you have demonstrated that we are all human: subject to unexpected challenges and capable of great triumph as well as moral defeat. And irrespective of the cards we are dealt or the circumstances that result from our own doing, we have the power to redirect our course and aspire to heights heretofore unnavigated. Bravo!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2024I bought this book for my son who's in custody and he just loves it he reads a page a day trying to spare it out it was very funny to him
- Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2024I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons by Kevin Hart is a perfect mix of humor and life lessons. Kevin Hart shares his journey from a rough childhood to becoming one of the most successful comedians and actors in the world. His storytelling is engaging, often hilarious, but also deeply insightful. Hart doesn’t shy away from the challenges he faced and uses his experiences to offer valuable life lessons on perseverance, resilience, and the importance of family.
What I loved most is how Hart blends humor with wisdom, making serious topics like failure and success both entertaining and inspiring. His authenticity and honesty shine through, making this book feel like a conversation with a friend rather than just another memoir.
If you’re looking for a read that will make you laugh, reflect, and motivate you to keep going in life, I Can’t Make This Up is a must-read.
5.0 out of 5 starsI Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons by Kevin Hart is a perfect mix of humor and life lessons. Kevin Hart shares his journey from a rough childhood to becoming one of the most successful comedians and actors in the world. His storytelling is engaging, often hilarious, but also deeply insightful. Hart doesn’t shy away from the challenges he faced and uses his experiences to offer valuable life lessons on perseverance, resilience, and the importance of family.Hilarious, Heartfelt, and Full of Wisdom
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2024
What I loved most is how Hart blends humor with wisdom, making serious topics like failure and success both entertaining and inspiring. His authenticity and honesty shine through, making this book feel like a conversation with a friend rather than just another memoir.
If you’re looking for a read that will make you laugh, reflect, and motivate you to keep going in life, I Can’t Make This Up is a must-read.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2024I enjoyed reading this book so much. It's telling his story but in his way and voice that just keeps the laughs coming. You will take the journey through his life and realize his struggles and "laugh at his pain". I loved the titles, the experiences, the lessons learned. Kudos to Kevin Hart; where he came from, where he's at, and where he continues to grow!!
Top reviews from other countries
- Paul D.Reviewed in Canada on May 27, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite autobiographical books
I absolutely loved this book, it is raw, written with humor, and you learn a lot of good life lessons from Kevin. I couldnt put it down. I bought a few books as gifts as it is such a good read.
- Hugo Angel SolisReviewed in Mexico on October 8, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!!!! You most have this at home
You can actually hear Kevin's voice while you read, I really recommend it
- HodinituReviewed in Germany on September 10, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Book!
This Book is brilliant!
So much to learn and.
Hart's sense of humor is unmistakeable.
- BillysciabreReviewed in Italy on January 29, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars It’s like an audiobook but you read it
The book is incredible. I loved the story and, most of all, I truly felt the voice of Kevin in my ears during the whole book. That was hilarious and amazing.
It was like having him next to me talking. I’d buy it again and again
-
SylvieReviewed in Spain on February 19, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Encantador
Mi hijo lo quería, le ha encantado. Muy motivador.