I expected You Can’t Joke About That to feature Kat Timf’s humorous take on her life experiences and current social/political developments, much like Colin Jost’s A Very Punchable Face. Instead, at its base is a condemnation of contemporary cancel culture and a courageous defense of freedom of speech. The bottom line, according to Timf, is that intent matters. Her argument rests lightly on the Constitution’s First Amendment and the individual right to free speech. But she goes beyond that to argue that laughing promotes healing.

Timpf addresses a wide range of issues articulately, supported by detailed research. She points out that progressive, pseudoscientific notions such as “words are violence,” and “intent doesn’t matter” are ill-disguised attempts to exert power over others. The “safe place” concept attempts to nullify the constitutional right to freedom of speech. She reminds readers of incidents supporting her position that have likely slipped from their minds. Sprinkled liberally among these are illuminating quotes from numerous noteworthy individuals. Timpf intersperses personal revelations about dating disasters, sexism, and her medical problems, informed by her experiences as a woman and comedian.

Timpf abandons her assertive, well-documented approach only when she addresses politics. Acknowledging her libertarian values, she criticizes policies while ignoring the genuine problems they attempt to alleviate. Ironically, “intent” doesn’t matter when discussing political policies. And nowhere does Timpf suggest an alternative solution to the issues that stimulated the policies. Apparently, all politicians are self-interested and corrupt, and the best solution is less government. Timpf’s depressing but widely shared attitude comes across as naïve.

Although the chapters on politics are not up to the standard achieved in other parts of the book, You Can’t Joke About That is a thoughtful treatment of many social problems confronting today’s world. ( )

An autobiography of her life told in an interesting view. She describes her life and doesn’t sugar coat her stories. I agree that is better to see things with humor than not. ( )