You Can't Joke About That: Why Everything Is Funny, Nothing Is Sacred, and We’re All in This Together

Written by Kat Timpf

Narrated by Kat Timpf

What happens when we can’t joke about some of the most important stuff in life?

In a 2019 study, 40% of people reported censoring themselves out of fear that voicing their views would alienate them from the people they care about most. Those people should probably not read this book in public.

In You Can’t Joke About That, Kat Timpf shows why much of the way we talk about sensitive subjects is wrong. We’ve created all the wrong rules. We push ourselves into unnecessary conflicts when we should feel like we’re all in this together. When someone says “you can’t joke about that,” what they really mean is “this is a subject that makes people sad or angry.”

Hilariously and movingly, Timpf argues that those subjects are actually the most important to joke about. She shows us we can find healing through humor regarding things you probably don't want to bring up in polite conversation, like traumatic break-ups, cancer, being broke, Dave Chappelle, rape jokes, aging, ostomy bags, religion, body image, dead moms, religion, the lab leak theory, transgender swimmers, gushing wounds, campus censorship, and bad Christmas presents.  

This book is Kat Timpf with her hair down, except since hers is mostly extensions, this book is Kat Timpf with her hair out. Listen to it because you want to get to know her better. Listen to it because it’s the best book on free speech and comedy in a generation. Listen to it because you want to laugh out loud… even at the kind of stuff we’re afraid to say out loud. Just listen to it, and you’ll be glad you did.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Apr 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9780063270459

Kat Timpf

Kat Timpf is the co-host of Gutfeld! and a Fox News contributor. She’s also worked at National Review and Barstool Sports, and was a stand-up comedian for long enough for this to be her third time quitting. You may recognize her from her more than 10 years of studying and writing about speech, or from being the worst waitress you’ve ever had. She lives in New York City with her husband Cam, their dog Carl, and her cat Cheens. 

Reviews for You Can't Joke About That

[Marianne Wills · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Kat was reminiscing about being Catholic it was hilarious. I went to parochial school in the 1950’s, Boston. Ah the memories…the terror. 70 kids in a class and no one got out of line. I agree, one does have to laugh. Good job Kat.

[Don Meredith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I had no idea Kat was a stand-up comedian. It all makes sense now. I couldn't put the book down.

[Denyse Cox · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A nice, humorous, insightful memoir about comedy, cancel culture, and the healing power of sick humor.

I had never heard of the author. It was a title pick, but I will definitely be looking out for her comedy from now on.

[deb · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Self absorbed, contradictory, negative… maybe if I was from NYC or LA I could’ve related. Kept waiting for positive motivation. None.