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steen's review
2.0
I love Ross, but this "memoir" was pretty hard to read. As a fan who listens to his podcast "Straight Talk with Ross," I was expecting "Man Up!" to capture Ross' humour, wit and intelligence, and it did none of that.
The book was too over the top in a lot of ways; too many cliches, too many hyperboles and too much content that just was not interesting (i.e. the Gwyneth Paltrow chapter). Chapter after chapter seemed to dumb down Ross, and was a poor reflection on who he is and what he has accomplished working his way up in life.
The book was too over the top in a lot of ways; too many cliches, too many hyperboles and too much content that just was not interesting (i.e. the Gwyneth Paltrow chapter). Chapter after chapter seemed to dumb down Ross, and was a poor reflection on who he is and what he has accomplished working his way up in life.
dunnadam's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed spending this time with Ross, living in his world. The book is a little out of date, I think the way Ross presents himself now is more three-dimensional than this portrayal. Also it could be argued the book is a name-dropping tell-all that tells nothing.
Still I read it for the fun, light-hearted time you expect with Ross and I got that. I smiled, I laughed, it was a no-pressure good time and I enjoyed it. I left wanting more.
Still I read it for the fun, light-hearted time you expect with Ross and I got that. I smiled, I laughed, it was a no-pressure good time and I enjoyed it. I left wanting more.
yodamom's review
4.0
Ross the Intern, on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno that is how I first became aware of this funny amazing human being. He was this laughing, shining man who almost floated across the stage with enthusiasm. I fell for him and watched for him everynight. He is a talented, a remarkable voice and an excellent interviewer. he is able to get 'stars' to say and do the most 'human' things.
As I read the book I was struck by how difficult his road has been. He was bullied as a child, and tried to fit in, even tried dating women. Of course that was not the way his interests headed. He always stood his ground, when confronted. I was in tears for him several times after reading about the cruelty he endured. He can sex spinach plants ! Now there is a talent few have ! LOL He grew up rural, worked farms and dreamed of more. He left home very young headed for Hollywood where his whole life started to come together.
If you love uplifting stories about underdogs making it you can't beat this book. He is an inspiration and an enjoyable humorist even among the painful bits
As I read the book I was struck by how difficult his road has been. He was bullied as a child, and tried to fit in, even tried dating women. Of course that was not the way his interests headed. He always stood his ground, when confronted. I was in tears for him several times after reading about the cruelty he endured. He can sex spinach plants ! Now there is a talent few have ! LOL He grew up rural, worked farms and dreamed of more. He left home very young headed for Hollywood where his whole life started to come together.
If you love uplifting stories about underdogs making it you can't beat this book. He is an inspiration and an enjoyable humorist even among the painful bits
mhorton510's review
3.0
I enjoy Ross Mathews as a public figure/celebrity, and so his book is entertaining. It's an extremely easy read, but very funny in parts, and very sincere. any person who likes him will enjoy his book.
themadmadmadeline's review
4.0
If I wasn't a big enough Ross Matthews fan before, I'm a crazy-ass fan now. I kept reading excerpts to my mom and laughing out loud. I love Ross' honesty and infectious sense of humor and love of life.
Quick and easy, and highly enjoyable and humorous. Not gonna win any major awards, but Ross has a place in my heart.
Quick and easy, and highly enjoyable and humorous. Not gonna win any major awards, but Ross has a place in my heart.
jacobblank's review
3.0
Ross is a cult favorite for being an unlikely overnight star. His fame comes from his unnervingly sharp ability to make an audience laugh with him instead of at him. One of the most surprising parts about him is that behind his sweet demeanor is a pitch black sense of humor. The latter of which is sadly missing from his first memoir. A reader who is a fan will get the sense that he has held back writing this- both in terms of length and depth.
Where this book succeeds is as a compendium if stories he has referred to on his podcast and Big Brother appearance among others. The shoplifting from Lane Bryant story, the McDonald’s visor story, and how he got his start on Jay Leno’s show.
I can’t imagine the average reader finishing it and not wanting more. Many of the stories are unsatisfyingly unexamined- so many more jokes to make, emotions to uncover, and life philosophies to extoll. These are all things I’m hoping for in the next book and I’m certain he will deliver on. After all, the Ross Mathews who wrote this book has evolved and lived a LOT of life since.
A good read for anyone whose curious or loves memoirs, just don’t expect a knockout.
Where this book succeeds is as a compendium if stories he has referred to on his podcast and Big Brother appearance among others. The shoplifting from Lane Bryant story, the McDonald’s visor story, and how he got his start on Jay Leno’s show.
I can’t imagine the average reader finishing it and not wanting more. Many of the stories are unsatisfyingly unexamined- so many more jokes to make, emotions to uncover, and life philosophies to extoll. These are all things I’m hoping for in the next book and I’m certain he will deliver on. After all, the Ross Mathews who wrote this book has evolved and lived a LOT of life since.
A good read for anyone whose curious or loves memoirs, just don’t expect a knockout.
novelesque_life's review
1.0
DNF - This is a book about Ross Mathews. Ross Mathews is funny and knows a lot of star. I made it through about 2 chapters and then skimmed to the end. It was not humour or writing. If you are fan of Chelsea Handler - which I am not - you might like this book.
salshrem_nardea's review
3.0
To start, I do love Ross Mathews based on his appearances and guest hosting on Chelsea Lately. With that said, having read a couple of Chelsea's books, this does not compare. I feel like he tries a little too hard to be funny and at times the book is boring when it should be a light read.
I enjoyed it at times, the part about how he got famous and his obsession with Gwyneth Paltrow was pretty funny. But I found that I was forcing myself to finish it, and when that happens I know it's not a great book.
Skip this one. Try out Chelsea Handler's books. I will not even allow myself to compare this to my favorite autobiographies- Tina Fey and Mindy Kaling.
I enjoyed it at times, the part about how he got famous and his obsession with Gwyneth Paltrow was pretty funny. But I found that I was forcing myself to finish it, and when that happens I know it's not a great book.
Skip this one. Try out Chelsea Handler's books. I will not even allow myself to compare this to my favorite autobiographies- Tina Fey and Mindy Kaling.