According to Jim Gaffigan, he never thought he would end up having kids, until he discovered that his wife “is someone who gets pregnant looking at babies.” The comedian now has five children under age nine, who have made for excellent stand-up routine material and inspired his first book, Dad Is Fat (Crown Archetype, $25). He will discuss it at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue on Tuesday, June 4, at 7 p.m., with NPR Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon.
The artist probably best known for riffs on Hot Pockets and other delicacies ventures into decidedly different territory in Dad Is Fat. Based on life with his wife Jeannie, who Gaffigan says is the funniest person he knows, and their brood, he describes the book as “a memoir, a confession, an apology or cry for help.” He felt compelled to record the experience and observations of having two daughters and three sons, who provide “a constant source of entertainment while simultaneously driving me insane.”
In turn, Dad is Fat is a collection of insane and entertaining blog entry-style stories that reviewers have described as hilarious and relatable, thus making “a terrific gift for expectant first-time parents,” or “for anyone who has children or has ever been one.” Of course, not everyone can identify with raising a large family in a two-bedroom, fifth floor New York City walk-up, but Gaffigan recognizes this as a sign of his own craziness and seems to appreciate the challenge.
The book is written in Gaffigan’s brand of comedy, but also strikes sincere and dark tones reflecting both the “joys and horrors” of parenthood. It follows in the footsteps of recent fun and thoughtful autobiographies by Tina Fey (Bossypants) and Mindy Kaling (Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?), ideal for beach reading or in between diaper changes.
But perhaps the book’s primary purpose is to serve as a gift from a father to his children, as Gaffigan opens Dad Is Fat with a loving letter “to all five of you pale creatures.” In an interview with the Austin American-Statesman, he explained he wanted to forego a ghostwriter and publish a book that his kids could later enjoy as a funny, insightful and honest piece of work.
After growing up in Indiana, Gaffigan graduated from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. He has had a very successful career in comedy, and has acted on dozens of television shows (Law and Order, That 70’s Show, Flight of the Conchords, The Daily Show, Conan and Portlandia, to name a few) and in movies (Super Troopers, 13 Going on 30, 17 Again, Away We Go), as well as on Broadway. He’s released eight stand-up albums since 2001, most recently Mr. Universe, filmed at the Warner Theater in D.C. last year.
A book signing will follow the talk. Tickets may be purchased for $30 online here or by calling TicketFly, and they include one autograph-ready copy of Dad Is Fat. Doors open at 6 p.m.
