Book Details
- Hardcover: 272 pages
- Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (March 4, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1455599735
- ISBN-13: 978-1455599738
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About the Book
Wherever Chelsea Handler travels, one thing is certain: she always ends up in the land of the ridiculous. Now, in this uproarious collection, she sneaks her sharp wit through airport security and delivers her most absurd and hilarious stories ever.
On safari in Africa, it's anyone's guess as to what's more dangerous: the wildlife or Chelsea. But whether she's fumbling the seduction of a guide by not knowing where tigers live (Asia, duh) or wearing a bathrobe into the bush because her clothes stopped fitting seven margaritas ago, she's always game for the next misadventure.
The situation gets down and dirty as she defiles a kayak in the Bahamas, and outright sweaty as she escapes from a German hospital on crutches. When things get truly scary, like finding herself stuck next to a passenger with bad breath, she knows she can rely on her family to make matters even worse. Thank goodness she has the devoted Chunk by her side-except for the time she loses him in Telluride.
Complete with answers to the most frequently asked traveler's questions, hot travel trips, and travel etiquette, none of which should be believed, UGANDA BE KIDDING ME has Chelsea taking on the world, one laugh-out-loud incident at a time
The Review
As a long time fan of Chelsea Handler, I was excited but apprehensive to hear she had written another book, especially after not especially enjoying her last book (Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang). In her new book “Uganda Be Kidding Me”, Handler delivers a multitude of embarrassing travel stories with her friends, or rather, people who obviously enjoy being punished by being associated with someone as insane and ridiculous as Chelsea Handler.
I consider myself to be as abrasive, rude, and disgusting as Handler so I particularly enjoyed the stories about her losing her bowels in a kayak, urinating in random places across the world, and poking fun at almost everyone she lays eyes on. Also, not being able to function without needing a drink wherever she goes while on vacation, or life in general. I can, however, see how some people would think she takes it over the top. There were some stories that were funnier than others and a few that seemed to drag on forever. It seemed as though half the book covered her safari in Africa. Although I will say I am particularly impressed that she survived multiple destinations on an African safari with her leg in a brace after mangling her ACL.
With that said, I think Uganda is a decent follow-up to what I consider to be her worst book (Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang). I preferred Handler as a comedienne before she was that well known, or had a show on E! (Her show Girls Behaving Badly was waaaaay better than Chelsea Lately). She seemed a bit more genuine back then. There are points in her books, even in Uganda, where she feels it necessary to mention how much money she has (not outright, but there are plenty of implications). The Bentley she drives, the people she has “on staff”, and how she not only bought multiple friends vacations, but also family members houses. NOT saying there’s anything wrong with spending your own money on whatever you want, especially family and friends, but I think it’s safe to assume we all know she makes a lot of money.
Overall I give her props for writing this book; it is difficult to turn funny stories into funny written tales. There is a lot of potential to come off as sounding trite and annoying and while I will admit there are times like that in this book, I think overall, the book is one of her better books and I would recommend it to anyone who has ever traveled, had to publicly urinate or poop when out of options, or anyone who has had too much too drink. Or, anyone with a sense of humor, really.
About the Author
Chelsea Handler has become one of entertainment’s most sought after and versatile rising stars. In July 2007, Chelsea broke into the world of late-night talk shows with her E! Entertainment series, “Chelsea Lately,” airing weeknights at 11:00 p.m. Consistently the network’s highest-rated program, “Chelsea Lately” offers a tongue-in-cheek look at entertainment news, celebrity truths and rumors that just won't die, along with other hot topics of the day. Bringing refreshing new energy to and redefining perceptions of the talk show, “Chelsea Lately” is an authentic and hilarious commentary on the celebrity culture around us. Both Handler and the show have also been recognized as pioneers in late night with the show boasting five female writers to account for half of its writing staff. This is unprecedented in the late night arena that has historically been dominated by male hosts and writers.
In addition to her wildly successful television series, Chelsea is equally well-known as a best-selling author. On March 28, 2010, she achieved a spectacular feat when her three books took the #1, #2, and #3 spots on the New York Times Best Seller list. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang, from Grand Central Publishing, was the #1 nonfiction hardcover; Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea, from Simon Spotlight Entertainment, was the #2 nonfiction paperback; and My Horizontal Life, from Bloomsbury, was the #3 nonfiction paperback. In hardcover, Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea debuted at #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list when it was published in April 2008; and My Horizontal Life has been a bestseller for 80 weeks.
As a testament to her versatility and tireless work ethic, Chelsea’s 21-city comedy tour, also entitled “Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang” and sponsored by Belvedere Vodka, kicked off in March 2010. After tickets sold out immediately, Live Nation added 15 more shows. As one of the nation’s most acclaimed and cutting edge-comedians, Handler delivers a sharp combination of fearless honesty, ironic riffs and self-deprecations with no shortage of material.
With her roots in both stand-up comedy and television, Chelsea was also the star of Oxygen’s “Girls Behaving Badly” (now syndicated in over 90 markets ) for all of its four seasons. She also starred on E! in “The Chelsea Handler Show.” In 2007 – 2008, Chelsea starred with Jenny McCarthy and Leah Remini in the hugely popular MSN online web series “In The Motherhood.”
In March 2009, Chelsea was honored the prestigious Ally for Equality Award by the Human Rights Campaign, recognizing the outstanding efforts of those who dedicate time, energy, spirit and whole-hearted commitment to better the lives of LGBT people. She continues to be an influential and dedicated advocate for the LGBT community.
Handler, who grew up in New Jersey, currently resides in Los Angeles
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