Every Sunday we are taking a look at the world of books. I read a lot and always want to share my opinions on what I read, so I thought it would be fun to write reviews. Today we are looking at the autobiography of a comedian who ventures into Taskmaster experiences and more.

Yardsticks For Failure (2025)

Ivo Graham

Synopsis

Yardsticks For Failure is an exquisite map of the brain behind the breakdowns; a deep dive into the various facepalms of Ivo’s recent past, and a live diary of his unravelling present, where his solution to the general bedlam of his life has been to pile his plate higher than ever before. Longer-term resolutions of rest and relaxation can wait; in the meantime he’s trying to host the greatest club night of all time, run a Sub-3 marathon while pushing a wheelchair, and put his heart on the line in a show unlike anything he’s ever done before. Can these dreams become a reality, or will they just become more yardsticks for failure?

A gleeful glimpse behind the grubby curtain of stand-up comedy, via friendship and films, fatherhood and Funkytown, this book is a feast for anyone who’s ever been enthralled or appalled by Ivo’s cursed politeness, squandered promise, or serial prank-victimhood; for anyone battling to get their own life inbox to zero; for anyone who’s ever set fire to a diary, lost their mind over a quiz, or pegged it through a station for the last train home. Yardsticks For Failure is a unique self-examination from one of the most eloquent writers and worriers of his generation. Ivo almost certainly won’t achieve everything he sets out to, but it’s going to be a hell of a ride

– from Waterstones

Positive Points

If you are a fan of Ivo on Taskmaster then this is the book for you as most of the chapters are focussed on his attempts on the show. It also goes behind the scenes of the show as well as his life as a stand up comedian.

Negative Points

The book only really focusses on life after Taskmaster so if you were a fan of the comedian before this it feels like it leaves you a bit empty. Also if you are listening to the audio version beware as it can get annoying, he dramatizes a lot and also the rolls of the R’s get irritating after a while. Not an enjoyable listen.

Overall Review

It is a book that if you are a fan of Taskmaster you may enjoy. Be warned, it is a book predominantly about grief of losing a close friend so it is not all joyous like you would imagine it to be.

Rating : ** 2 Stars

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