Job loss is a universal experience, and everyone has a story to tell. Annabelle Gurwitch, the actress and screenwriter, taps into this shared experience with her book, *Fired! Tales of the Canned, Canceled, Downsized & Dismissed*. This collection compiles humorous accounts of professional setbacks from a variety of personalities. Gurwitch, who herself was fired by Woody Allen, includes stories from well-known figures like Bill Maher, Tim Allen, Tate Donovan, Harry Shearer, Dana Gould, and Bob Saget.
The book is structured into five witty chapters: “The Job So Terrible You Can Only Hope to Be Fired,” “The Firing You Didn’t See Coming,” “The Time You Deserved to Be Fired,” “The Time Getting Fired Leads You to Something Better,” and “The Time You Had to Fire Yourself.” Each chapter offers numerous anecdotes, ensuring a steady stream of laughter.
Some stories are exceptionally funny. Paul Feig’s account of losing his Ronald McDonald gig after comparing a rubber chicken to Chicken McNuggets while in costume is particularly memorable. Another highlight is Jeff Garlin’s firing for throwing Fruity Pebbles at a hotel wall. Larry Charles’ story about a teenage taxi driver wrecking his cab before even leaving the parking lot is another gem. These stories alone make the book worthwhile.
Adding to the humor, the book includes “Fired Facts,” amusing factoids about workplace dynamics. One example: “Increased risk of heart attack faced by employer firing an employee in the week after wielding the ax: 100%.”
While *Fired! Tales of the Canned, Canceled, Downsized & Dismissed* provides entertainment, it struggles to deeply connect with the average reader. The stories tend to fall into two categories: insignificant high school jobs and glamorous Hollywood positions. While the latter are interesting, they may not resonate with those outside the entertainment industry.
In the introduction, Gurwitch welcomes readers to the “club” of the fired. However, the book doesn’t quite create a sense of shared experience. While most can relate to being fired, the stories presented are often far removed from typical workplace experiences. Unless you’ve lost a job due to your character being written off a show, you might find it difficult to fully connect.
Overall, *Fired! Tales of the Canned, Canceled, Downsized & Dismissed* is an enjoyable, light read perfect for escaping the work week. While it may not evoke memories of your own past jobs, it offers a chance to laugh at the misfortunes of others, particularly those in the spotlight.