Navel Gazing: True Tales of Bodies, Mostly Mine

by Michael Ian Black

New York Times bestselling author and stand-up comedian Michael Ian Black (author of A Child’s First Book of Trump) delivers a “memorable and funny” (Kirkus Reviews) memoir about confronting his genetic legacy as he hits his forties.

Black pulls no punches in this hilariously honest memoir, a follow-up to the acclaimed You’re Not Doing It Right. When Michael’s mother receives a harrowing medical diagnosis, Michael begins a laugh-out-loud examination of health, happiness, and the human body from the perspective of a settled (and sedentary) husband and father of two. With the trademark wit that has made Michael’s other books popular favorites, Navel Gazing is a heartfelt and poignant memoir about coming to terms with growing older and the inevitability of death. It is also a self-deprecating and deliciously frank remembrance of exercise failures, finding out he is part Neanderthal, and almost throwing down with fellow author Tucker Max.

Michael Ian Black may not have the perfect body. Or be the perfect father. Or husband. Or son. But you will laugh as you recognize yourself in his attempts to do better. And, inevitably, falling short. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll call your mom.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Biography, Comedy, Biography Memoir

194 pages, Hardcover

First published January 5, 2016

About the author

Michael Ian Black is a popular comedian who began his career with "The State," a sketch comedy troupe he co-founded at New York University in 1988, which went on to have a successful run on MTV. He then co-created the Comedy Central television series "Viva Variety," a fake European variety show.

From there, he appeared on several television shows before landing the role of Phil Stubbs, the quirky bowling alley manager on NBC's "Ed," which ran for almost four seasons. His next project was "Stella," a television show he co-created with Michael Showalter and David Wain, which ran on Comedy Central. Black has appeared in several films and is a popular contributor to VH1's "I Love the..." series.

In 2005, he wrote and directed his first film, "Wedding Daze," which starred Jason Biggs and Isla Fisher. His screenplay "Run Fat Boy Run," starring Simon Pegg and Thandie Newton, came out in 2007. Black is also a stand-up comedian, who regularly tours the country. His first album of stand-up comedy, "I Am a Wonderful Man," was released in 2007, and his first book of humorous essays, My Custom Van (and 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face) came out in 2008. His first children's book, Chicken Cheeks was released in January, 2009. His latest project is "Michael and Michael Have Issues," a comedy series premiering in July 2009 on Comedy Central. Black is married and has two children.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband and I listened to this one together, and it was (unfortunately!) relatable. Anyhow, we both laughed our way through it.

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you need a reminder that comics and actors are just normal people, you should read Michael Ian Black's latest memoir, Navel Gazing. Apparently he has previously published a memoir, one that I haven't read but he is so careful not to repeat himself, I suspect the most interesting stuff has already been said. He also steps around a story he told on This American Life, which I also have not heard. Without his most unique stories, Michael Ian Black (I can't seem to just call him Michael) talks about his mother's illness and his own aging. It's despairingly average. I suspect he isn't far enough from this part of his life to reflect, he's just presenting the most recent events as they happened - hair implants, colonoscopies, foot fungus, and all.

Also cancer treatments are horrific. It's possible this just wasn't the book for me as my mother is still going through physical therapy to treat her own cancer treatments. I am wishing his mother all the best!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Michael Ian Black, he's been part of my life since I was a kid, it's kind of crazy. This book was fun and real, very enjoyable.

[Orsolya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Ian Black is pretty much a comedic genius. He isn’t ‘in-your-face’ and displays a subtle, sarcastic, cynical, sometimes dark but very ‘real’ sort of comedy laced with intelligence and his own self-doubt. Basically, he is the awesome guy next door. Black’s resume also includes excellent memoirs and children’s books. This multi-threat follows up his previous memoir, “You’re Not Doing it Right” with, “Navel Gazing: True Tales of Bodies Mostly Mine (But Also My Mom’s Which I know Sounds Weird)”.

Anyone who has read Black’s previous writings knows the basis of what to expect from “Navel Gazing”. For those losing their virginity; Navel Gazing is not a typical memoir. Black is simply too smart and complex for that (even if he is a self-described Neanderthal). Rather than a usual Hollywood memoir, Black recounts his life in a self-therapy way which clearly indicates his own efforts to process and heal from whatever life has thrown at him. This is all told in a narrative voice and coated with a comic angle making “Navel Gazing” reside many rungs up on the memoir ladder.

As hinted, Black doesn’t ‘throw’ anything – including humor- in the reader’s face. Everything is natural, real, and effortless allowing a deep look into his psyche and internal analysis which makes the reader feel like Black is a friend. One learns about Black’s life but also develops feelings for him and as though Black reciprocates back.

“Navel Gazing” certainly contains laugh-out-loud moments although noticeably not as much as his previous work; but they are existent, nevertheless. It should be noted, however, that Black makes comedic statements which are not always entirely politically correct. If this is something you find offensive or take seriously, then “Navel Gazing” is not for you.

Black finds success in not being repetitive and covering a variety of stories even while sticking to his chosen content ‘theme’. This maintains reader attention and enforces a lively pace.

Unlike many other celebrity memoirs, Black doesn’t ever beg for pity, display self-entitlement, or name drop other celebrities. Black is truly a classy guy!

The concluding chapters of “Navel Gazing” are more on the serious and depressing end of the spectrum but again, it shows how real Black is making the text relatable and emotional. “Navel Gazing” rounds out in a solid and emotive way.

“Navel Gazing” doesn’t include any photos from the Black life arsenal so expect to resort to Google if specifically searching for such photos (I’m not sure if Google even has any).

Whether one is a fan of Michael Ian Black, comedy, memoirs, or all of the above; “Navel Gazing” is certainly recommended. The text is well-written, the content is detailed but manageable (“Navel Gazing is short in volume), and the experience is delightful. In short: Black does it again!

[High Plains Library District · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite genres is "people laugh at terrible things that happened." It's certainly how I deal with tragedy in my own life.

Michael Ian Black (whom you might recognize from comedy specials and movies) uses humor to deal with his mom's cancer and his own insecurities in this book. The book is made up of short stories and anecdotes that are tied together by this theme. There's a lot of laughs and some touching moments. These made me appreciate my own mom even more and consider giving her a copy, but these were often followed by hilarious sexual content that she would not find as amusing as I did.

It's a pretty quick read that is relatable, funny, and moving in all the right places. Recommended to fans of funny memoirs and comedians.

[Megan Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of Michael Ian Black's that I have read. In fact, I didn't even know he had written others until they were mentioned in this book, but I'm a big fan of his television work so when I had the chance to read an early review copy of this book I jumped at the opportunity.

I wouldn't say this is anywhere close to the best book I've ever read, but I have to commend it for being one of those books that feels more like you're having a conversation with the author than actually reading a book. It's easy to read (I read it over a Saturday morning) and entertaining enough that I actually found myself laughing out loud at some of the moment - considering some of the darker subject matter, I think that's saying a lot for how great the story telling of this book is.

I don't know if the subject matter of this book (a great deal of it is about death, broken families, and genetic illnesses) is for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed this light hearted look at some of the more grim realities that we all face as we go through life. If you're looking for a great celebrity book that isn't all about how fantastic they presumably are, I highly recommend this one.

I was provided with a free copy of this book in order to conduct this review.

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[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me will understand how weird it is that Michael Ian Black is one of my favorite authors. I have not watched TV since 1991 (except international sporting events and presidential debates), and I did not know that he was an actor the first time I downloaded his book You're Not Doing It Right on Audible, the audiobook site. I was just looking for a funny book and saw that it was highly rated and it was in the comedy section. But that book was so hilarious that I have now listened to it at least five times, and so when I heard that his latest book was out, I also looked for it on Audible. It only took me a couple days to listen to this, and when I finished an hour or so ago while running errands, I immediately just started the book up again. I don't think it's quite as funny as You're Not Doing It Right, but it is still hilarious and well worth several listens. What I like so much about Black as an author is that he's both funny and deep. While you will get a lot of laughs listening to his tales, you also get a really meaningful and relatable exploration of all the emotions that drive us as human beings – love, fear of death, embarrassment, etc. He's not afraid to be vulnerable, and that's why his book is able to hit both the funny notes and the deep ones. I recommend his books as audiobooks, because he actually reads them himself, and I think the delivery makes them even funnier.

[Nicole Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to read one of your all time favorite comedian's take on serious matters about health and family. Being able to have a laugh at your own neurotic thoughts you didn't realize others shared is refreshing.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 12. I started losing my hair in my 20s. I’ve dealt with body dysmorphia for much of my life and suffered from various eating disorders until I settled on running obsessively to keep my weight down. My head is a perpetual knot of anxiety and dread. And a couple months ago I went through a battery of tests to figure out why I was dealing with heart palpitations.
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In short, my body is not my friend.
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So it was with some eagerness that I picked up Michael Ian Black’s second memoir, Navel Gazing. I gravitate toward entertainers who tend to be as neurotic as I am because reading about their own struggles makes me feel better about my own. In that regard, Navel Gazing doesn’t disappoint.
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If you know Black from his comedic work (The State, Stella, Wet Hot American Summer, Ed, etc.), you’ll know what tone to expect. It’s sarcastic and sardonic, and statements that initially come across as pure ego actually mask a deep well of self deprecation. Funny stuff, to be sure, but what I really didn’t expect was the way in which these laugh-out-loud-funny vignettes were shot through with a rich vein of sincere introspection.
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See, the book is both a meditation on all those superficial things we hate about our own bodies as well as a more earnest chronicle of his mom’s struggle with cancer. So we get chapters that explore Black’s own obsession with running, his annoyance at his physical shortcomings, his hatred for the gym, and his gross toes. But we also get chapters where Black tries to come to terms with his mother’s illness, his own mortality, and the legacy he’s leaving to his children.
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Even though I’ve been a fan of Black’s for more than 25 years, Navel Gazing made me appreciate him even more. I always feel weird rating (or even endorsing) celebrity memoirs. Unless I’m already a fan, I’m not likely to read them, no matter how well-written they are (sorry, Jessica Simpson). If that describes you, too, I’m still going to encourage you to give this one a try. It brings the funny, but it’s also a balm for all those neuroses we just can’t escape.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a book that spends a great deal of time covering grim topics like illness and death and yet still makes me laugh out loud. Apparently Michael Ian Black is just an all around good writer, no matter what medium he's writing for. His books, this one in particular, do not feel like a comedian is attempting to adapt a stand-up act into a book, as others sometimes do. Navel Gazing is a series of cohesive essays that tackle some of life's biggest questions about religion, death and purpose with humor and at times, brutal honesty. The best part is that they're written by someone who admittedly has no answers but is fully open to finding some because really, what's worse than reading a book by some patronizing author who thinks they know everything?

The story of his mother's declining health is the connective thread throughout the whole book and I found it the most compelling part. As with all parent/child relationships, theirs is complex. He doesn't hold back from revealing her flaws and some poor parenting decisions she made. Despite this she comes off as likable and I found myself sympathizing with her. Like everybody, she gets some parts of life right and some parts wrong. She raised kids who never doubted they were loved and yet it is apparent that somehow this both is and isn't enough.

[Corey Quintaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a book reader, generally. But I've been a fan of Michael Ian Black since I first saw him on Viva Variety back in the 90's, and his previous book, You're Not Doing It Right, was a good read.

I can honestly say that Navel Gazing is one of the best books I've read in a very, very long time. A lot of this has to do with the number of striking parallels between Black's life and thoughts and my own - Not our upbringing, familial structure or attractions, but the way think about self-image, body image and mortality. Dealing with a chronically ill mother also hit a very strong chord - I felt his emotions because I knew those emotions myself.

I can't say that everyone needs to read this book... But I needed to read this book. I wanted to devour it as quickly as possible but had to take it in manageable chunks, as so much of it hit so close to home it drained me after a few chapters.

Heart-wrenching, insightful and, yes, funny, Navel Gazing made me feel at turns happy, sad and, importantly, understood - it also made me feel like I should go for a run sometime... If it wasn't for this damn bum foot and ankle.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, every last sentence of it. Black's prose is concise, relatable, unexpectedly thoughtful, witty and the kind of hilarious that feels masterful and revelatory, never like a punchline. His reflections on life and his preoccupations with death are so squarely where I am sitting as a mother, a wife, an adult child to dead (and once dying) parents, a hypochondriac and, as he phrases, a "praytheist." Navel Gazing was a quick, timely, truly lovely and insightful work that I am pleasantly surprised to have loved so much.

[Kiesha ~ Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so funny. Highly recommended. I laughed so much!!!

[Stephanie Jeannett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Michael Ian Black's new book. I have been a fan of MIB for some time now...I have enjoyed almost every TV show/movie he has ever been in and have read his other two books My Custom Van and You're Not Doing it Right. The latter I read and felt a sense of frustration and even depression when I finished it. It was well written and brutally honest which I think caught me off guard. I thought Naval Gazing would be the same and it was in the sense of being brutally honest, but in his new book I felt a sense of hope after finishing. The book is about MIB's reflections of his mom dealing with cancer and also of his own body which is changing because of age. He of course brings humor to it and I found myself chuckling out loud throughout (p.s I hate the word chuckle, but that's the best way to describe how I laughed.) There is something fascinating to me about someone dealing with death and struggling with the meaning of it all, and MIB does a great job articulating his own personal feelings of it, and he does a great job of telling his mother's story. He is seriously a gifted writer. If I were you I would read this book. It's good. Also, watch Stella if you haven't, because it's one of the best TV shows of all time. It shouldn't have been cancelled.

[Angel Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book by Michael Ian Black! I very much enjoyed reading this, and felt amused, moved, and like I could relate on many levels.

"Last night at dinner, Elijah said he believes in ghosts. 'That's because you're an idiot' I thought, although I refrained from saying so. Thinking about it today, though, I realize I do, too. Not the spooky kind. Not the tormented souls that rattle chains and draw out their vowels when speaking. The ghosts I believe in are more earthly than that. They don't do any scary shit. In fact, they don't do much of anything at all. Mostly, my ghosts just sit around a beat-up card table, smoking cigarettes, drinking old cans of Meister Brau. They tell stories, and their stories tell me who I am" (19).

"...and also, shouldn't their father's gnashing existential angst/low-grade chronic depression serve as a shining example of how to conduct one's spiritual life?" (34).

"When we finally met, maybe six months later, she wrapped me in a big hug and I felt some small, pained part of me slip back into place. That's what family is, I guess - finding a place for all the parts of ourselves that fit nowhere else" (45).

[Sara Klem · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who a) has grown big and strong on a steady diet of Michael Ian Black's brand of comedy since I could understand that my sense of humor was a little left of center (which was quite early, thanks peers!) and b) is intimately familiar with terminal illness, I found this book to be sad in a good way -- honest without being difficult to read. People told me it wasn't funny and I don't agree, though I wouldn't have cared if it truly wasn't. MIB's softer side is a thing to behold, and he can actually write, unlike a lot of comedians who decide to write a book. I haven't read any of his others, but I do think the concept here of all the ways our bodies can fail or surprise us is a novel one for a memoir and I really enjoyed it.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to give Michael Ian Black a hug. He is so sweet and sincere.

Didn't laugh at this one as much as at You're Not Doing It Right: Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death, and Other Humiliations, but this one deals quite a lot with death. I read it slowly and enjoyed each story.

I liked reading this while rewatching episodes of Ed. Stupid, but it made me feel like I got Black more.

In my opinion, MIB is super cool (and handsome) and actually funny, unlike his would-be foe David Sedaris.

A great read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Ian Black turns his focus on his middle-age body - and a lot of it is not good. There were a few times I found myself cringing at his descriptions of his feet. TMI! But at least it's good to know that celebrities have body problems too. He gives a frank account of what a wimp he is - his experiences at the gym had me laughing. Sorry, but I think I could probably lift more weight than him, and I certainly never collapsed on a dirty sidewalk after a grueling workout. Thank you for making fun of yourself, MIB, so I could have a laugh.

[Armand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the bulk of this book while traveling, and it felt oddly appropriate to read a book about health and mortality while doing so. It made me appreciate my ability to travel, when a sizeable portion of the book speaks of no longer being able to do much of anything. The book is honest and heartfelt, and Michael Ian Black tells many stories I could not help but relate to. I'll give it five stars, because it has repeatedly made me look like an idiot, giggling by myself while traveling abroad.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not familiar with Michael Ian Black's work when I picked up this book. During the first third of the book, I really appreciated his self-deprecating sense of humor and the occasional touching insights about his family and life in general, and I was thinking about a 4 star rating. But by the end, it turned out that "Navel Gazing" was a very appropriate title for the book and it became TMI.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read You're Doing It Wrong back in grad school and really enjoyed it, as it was both hilarious and heartfelt. I found much the same here. Black makes some poignant observations on the fragility and various failings of the human body, but manages to do so with an undercurrent of humor so cutting you barely notice that the book is, essentially, about his mother's failing health. I was half expecting her to be dead by book's end, and quite glad when she wasn't.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to Michael Ian Black from vh1, followed him to shows like Stella and Another Period, but these days I mostly enjoy watching him fighting right-wing trolls on Twitter.
I enjoyed his first two books, so listened to the audio of this one over two monotonous work days. Relatable and got a few audible laughs out of me. Surprisingly poignant.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tweeted to Michael Ian Black that I was enjoying his book. He tweeted me back and then "liked" my reply. Life is good. and so is his book. I'm glad I am not the only person in their 40s to think the things with which he has put in ink on paper.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was delightful! Michael Ian Black's memoir is personal and funny, talking about many of the vulnerabilities (rational and irrational) that many of us can relate to, and he hits on some of the absurd worries we begin to concoct when given the chance. Made for a fun listen with my husband, too.

[Brenda]

I was rejected on NetGalley for this but there's only 20 reviews. Take that, publisher! I would have reviewed it already!

[Rich Wagner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I just expected this to be funnier.More depressing than anything.

[Jackie Bromagin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something about Michael Ian Black's books that I just love.

I want to give this a 5 star rating because I just enjoyed every second of listening to it. Yup. I'm gonna do just that. 5 stars.

[Jojobooks Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had some awesome moments. I laughed out loud a few times and loved his thoughts on Running!

[Sabine]

This book is outrageously funny,mostly because it is true. Life is funny like that,-and then you die.

[Kathrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whiter than Little House on the Prairie.