Don't Get Too Comfortable
In 'Don't Get Too Comfortable,' David Rakoff takes readers on a humorous and poignant journey through modern life's absurdities. With his trademark wit, he explores the chaos of contemporary society, exposing the uncomfortable truths we often overlook. Rakoff's unique blend of personal anecdotes and sharp observations challenges the notion of comfort in an increasingly chaotic world. As he narrates his experiences, readers are left questioning their own complacency and the price of seeking comfort. This compelling read is a thought-provoking exploration that nudges us to embrace life's unpredictability.
By David Rakoff
Published: 2006
"Comfort, when pursued with too much zeal, can become a gilded cage that stifles the very heart of life."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
A bitingly funny grand tour of our culture of excess from an award-winning humorist. Whether David Rakoff is contrasting the elegance of one of the last flights of the supersonic Concorde with the good-times-and-chicken-wings populism of Hooters Air; working as a cabana boy at a South Beach hotel; or traveling to a private island off the coast of Belize to watch a soft-core video shoot—where he is provided with his very own personal manservant—rarely have greed, vanity, selfishness, and vapidity been so mercilessly skewered. Somewhere along the line, our healthy self-regard has exploded into obliterating narcissism; our manic getting and spending have now become celebrated as moral virtues. Simultaneously a Wildean satire and a plea for a little human decency, Don’t Get Too Comfortable shows that far from being bobos in paradise, we’re in a special circle of gilded-age hell.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from Don't Get Too Comfortable
About the Author
David Rakoff
David Rakoff was a Canadian-born American writer and humorist renowned for his sharp wit and insightful observations on culture and society. He is best known for his collections of essays, including "Fraud," "Don't Get Too Comfortable," and "Half Empty," which explore themes of alienation, identity, and the absurdities of modern life. Rakoff's writing style is characterized by its blend of humor and poignancy, often infused with a personal touch that invites readers to reflect on their own experiences. In addition to his essays, Rakoff was a frequent contributor to public radio, particularly on the program 'This American Life,' where his storytelling prowess shone through. His work continues to be celebrated for its intellectual depth and comedic brilliance.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- David Rakoff
- Published
- September 2006
- Publisher
- Anchor
- ISBN
- 0767916034
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 242
- Genres
- Self-HelpSocial CommentaryPersonal Growth
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Vagabonding
Rolf Potts
The Big Disconnect
Catherine Steiner-Adair, EdD., Teresa H. Barker
The Courage to Be Disliked
Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga
The Road to OPEC
Stephen G. Rabe
12 Rules for Life
Jordan B. Peterson
Writing Movies for Fun and Profit
Thomas Lennon, Robert Ben Garant
The Code of the Extraordinary Mind
Vishen Lakhiani
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
Mohsin Hamid
Showing 8 of 28 similar books
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Abi Tyas Tunggal's Book Recommendations
Abi Tyas Tunggal is a distinguished author known for his impactful contributions to contemporary literature and digital content. He has garnered acclaim for his insightful storytelling and adept handling of complex themes, resonating with a diverse readership. Tunggal's work often explores the intersections of technology, society, and human experience, making him a prominent voice in modern narrative arts. Beyond his literary achievements, he is also recognized for his innovative use of digital platforms to engage with and expand his audience. Tunggal continues to influence the literary landscape with his thought-provoking and accessible writing.
View Collection
Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations
Alicia Keys, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist, has made significant contributions to the music industry with her soulful voice and compelling lyrics. She burst onto the scene with her debut album, "Songs in A Minor," which earned her five Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical achievements, Keys is also a celebrated author; her memoir "More Myself: A Journey" provides an intimate look at her life and career. She has used her platform to advocate for social justice, co-founding the Keep a Child Alive organization to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. Alicia Keys continues to inspire through her artistry and activism, leaving a lasting impact on both music and literature.
View Collection
Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations
Ana Lorena Fabrega is an innovative educator and author passionate about reimagining education. Known as “Ms. Fab,” she is the Chief Evangelist at Synthesis, an education startup inspired by the problem-solving and collaboration model used at SpaceX. She advocates for alternative learning methods, encouraging curiosity and creativity in students. Ana's work emphasizes the importance of engaging young learners in real-world challenges and critical thinking. She also shares insights on education reform through her popular newsletter, Fab Fridays.
View Collection
Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations
Audrey Gelman is an American entrepreneur and writer, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of The Wing, a network of co-working spaces and social clubs designed for women. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to creating supportive environments for professional women, significantly impacting feminist discourse and workplace equality. Gelman has also contributed thought-provoking essays to prominent publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, where she discusses gender, politics, and culture. Her leadership at The Wing has been celebrated for fostering community and collaboration among women. Additionally, Gelman's influence extends to the political sphere, having previously worked as a press aide on several high-profile campaigns.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations
Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.
View Collection
Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations
Andrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.
View Collection
Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations
Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 13 related collections
“Comfort, when pursued with too much zeal, can become a gilded cage that stifles the very heart of life.”
Don't Get Too Comfortable
By David Rakoff
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.