Review of Lucky Loser: Adventures in Comedy and Tennis by Michael Kosta

The Daily Show's Michael Kosta recounts his youth as a pro tennis player (#864 in the world), an assistant college tennis coach, then a stand-up comedian. The behind-the-scenes peeks at tennis and comedy were highlights. Kosta is candid, and his smirking sense of humor comes across in funny, sometimes cringe-inducing situations.

I didn't know anything about Michael Kosta when I began reading this book--I'm out of date on my Daily Show viewing-- but I love memoirs, behind-the-scenes peeks, and tennis, so I was here for the combination.

Kosta digs into his history as a young professional tennis player--including the unglamorous early tour months, attempts to improve ATP ranking, sleeping on floors, and struggling to focus as a young man traveling the world. He is candid about youthful missteps, bonding (or clashing) with other players, and trying to be savvy about money, lodging, travel, and tournaments in order to get the most out of each opportunity.

But after giving up the pro circuit, then working as an assistant tennis coach at the University of Michigan--while spending evenings working out a stand-up routine--Kosta abandoned the world of tennis for good in favor of an even riskier career: comedy.

His shift into comedy also offers a look behind the curtains at the good, bad, and ugly, but Kosta mainly focuses on his own drive to make it as a stand-up comedian. The commitment necessary for success in the world of comedy somewhat mirrors the work ethic necessary for a successful tennis career, and Kosta draws parallels between the two.

Kosta is so frank about his often-messy path as a young man--including an awkward sexual encounter in Amsterdam, bouts of drunkenness, and sometimes obnoxious behavior--that I was often nervous reading the naked truth, even though I realized it all worked out for him. His family was supportive and challenged but never forced Kosta, and he credits his early achievements to the family dynamic and loving support.

More Books about Comedy and Memoirs

For more Bossy reviews of books about comedy, check out the titles at this link.

And for more memoirs I've loved, take a look at these titles.