Will Not Attend: Lively Stories of Detachment and Isolation

Just a delight. Some sentences hit so hard you need to take a break. Be forewarned though: this is a pretty bleak view of people and the world. I wouldn’t call Resnick a misanthrope but he’s in the ballpark. Still there’s a very reasonable man in here brilliantly skewering childhood, families, Disney and more. A must for anyone interested in writing or reading humor and comedy.

Loved the writing style--self-depreciating and wry. Perfect for an unabashed introvert. Sad and aware. Will look out for more stories from Adam Resnick.

I enjoyed it, clever and witty writing, although the reviews that claimed they laughed out loud have me scratching my head, it doesn't really strike me as that type of writing.

I found pets of this book funny but he generally seems mean spirited and bitter. I finished it but won't seek out anything else by him.

Will Not Attend is one of those rare books where you will find yourself quoting lines to your friends. Unlike David Sedaris, where I only chuckled (on the inside), Adam Resnick's stories, made me laugh out loud! From his childhood in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania growing up in a dysfunctional house with five brothers, to his more peaceful but still not perfect life in New York City, Resnick has always marched to the beat of a different drummer. And he does not apologize for it.If you're a fan of his writing, which I am, you will appreciate his dark, self-deprecating humor. I expected stories about his work in the film and television industry yet he completely avoided this material, and I'm glad he did. No one could make every day neurosis' so enjoyable. Whether talking about his childhood, or something that happened a few years ago, his words perfectly capture every moment.On how much he hated school: "From the very first bell of first grade, I considered school nothing more than a hard dozen without the possibility of parole."His opinion of eating fast food: "Only a narcissistic a******* would consider his body a temple."His take on Disney - "A person doesn't "visit" Disney World; Disney World sucks you into its digestive tract like an anaconda swallowing a wild pig."Resnick does not hold back. Funny, yet at times very touching, like when he writes about the birth of his daughter. Smart and entertaining, Will Not Attend, will surely become a classic.

As everyone knows, authentic humor is very difficult to produce. Adam Resnick is my kind of dude; he understands what it is like to not want to mingle with the others in this world of vulgarity and loudness. The director of the classic and understated film, Cabin Boy, this is a true exploration of the inner workings of a overworked brain. Starting this collection with an amazing essay about a world changing experience at a fellow classmates Easter party, Resnick is just warming up in the bullpen as he proceeds to amaze us with his true skills at allowing us to be party to a true comic genius at work! A true outsider in his vision, this collection is an acquired taste in comic reflections and if this is wrong then I am all for it. Laugh out loud funny stuff that is the show of pure wacky eccentricity at its best. Either you will get this or you won't. The stuff that legends are made of!

Resnick’s humor is dark and not very subtle. It’s also not very well modulated. A really good comic masters voice and timing. For Resnick there is generally only one tone—loud, and one point of view—witheringly anti-social. There were a very few really good essays. His encounter with his father over the phone was hilarious and engaging; so was the story about his daughter and the piano. Now I understand where the dark side of Letterman came from. But I can only take Letterman in small doses. Same for this fellow. For the most part he reminds me of the later Larry David. At first the nasty streak is shockingly funny. But the nasty does not wear well. Hate is not a lasting basis for humor. Comedy can have an edge, but love and understanding must play their part. Resnick loses the thread far too often. He doesn’t really like himself very much and it shows. He is at his best when he talks about the few people he loves—his young daughter and his now aged father.

I enjoyed this book. In spite of some of the negative reviews, I took a chance and laughed out loud several times. The best of the tales were the ones about his growing up and his remembrances of his brothers and parents. I am also a committed anti- socializer, so I get it. Last story was amusing but not funny. I loved his Dad and Mom as he portrayed them, and the chaos of growing up with 5 brothers. Wouldn't pay this much again, but would be sure to request it at the library.

Its February so this isn't saying much but this is the funniest book I have read in 2015; and would have won in 2014 if I had gotten to it. Will not attend is Adam Resnick's autobiography; and its writing and extraordinary life tales come close with Clive Jame's May Week was in June territory.. Each chapter is an another extraordinary tale from his perhaps introverted life from a very young age to recent times; each is sharply written from a man used to writing one liners for late night american television. Some of the stories I found myself so happy; and others I was wincing at what was going on and that makes it a great book for me.

Unadulterated, politically-incorrect humour which I recommend if you enjoy a nation who can laugh at themselves and invite you to join them.

He comes across better in his live performances. Not the same in book form.

Great book.Humorously written stories about his life.Sharp,biting wit.This book will not disappoint,especially if you are someone that often finds yourself pissed off about any number of every day life occurences.

Hilarious! And well-written. Do I ever relate!