FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NYC-based mom’s debut book of puns, wordplay Dumb Jokes For Smart Folks aims to “take back dad jokes”
NY, NY
A book of “dumb jokes”, as she puts it, is the first release and writer, comedian and musician Jessica Delfino’s debut book in a two-book deal with Humorist Books, the publisher of the online satire website, Weekly Humorist. The title borrows inspiration from “dad jokes”, children’s joke books and even risque humor.
Dumb Jokes For Smart Folks ($13.99) combines her original takes on puns, riddles, wordplay, traditionally-styled bits (consisting of a set up followed by a punchline) and deep meta dives into the classic joke form to deliver laughs for anyone who digs a good–or dad–joke. To get the most from it, readers must be willing to chuckle or guffaw at some and groan at others. The book is written for adults, and for kids whose parents like to answer awkward questions.
Her comedian friends took to Twitter to show support of the book’s upcoming release: retweets and well-wishes @JessicaDelfino included Jim Gaffigan, Sarah Cooper, Alex Baze, Jena Friedman, Nell Scovell, Alison Becker, Negin Farsad, Marina Franklin, Myq Kaplan and Sarah Solemani, among others.
Kidding around
Writer, comedian and musician Delfino grew up in New England. This allowed the perfect quiet, boring backdrop for a precocious girl such as herself to take in a wide spectrum of comedy above her age level. Maine humorist Tim Sample, the music of The Dr. Demento Show and Rodney Dangerfield’s “It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Me” are some of her early comedic influences (and later, 2 Live Crew), along with a varied literary humor canon, including “The Little Golden Book of Jokes and Riddles”, the poetry of Lewis Carroll (which her mom read to her as a child), “Truly Tasteless Jokes”, and every book that Stephen King ever wrote.
Jessica moved to New York City and worked steadfastly as a stand-up comedian and comedic musician there in the early ‘00s, sharing stages alongside then newbies Kevin Hart, Chelsea Peretti, Nick Kroll and Amy Schumer, among others. Ahead of the curve with a ribald 2006 YouTube viral comedy music video, twisted trailblazer Delfino’s early ode to a woman’s body part may have even helped pave the way for Awkwafina and Cardi B’s WAP.
She toured on the success of the aforementioned video until 2016, when motherhood took center stage. She shifted her focus to writing satire, essays and articles for publications such as The New Yorker Shouts, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, The New York Times, Working Mother, Mother Magazine, The Atlantic, SELF Magazine, High Times and Huffington Post. Her short, comedic parenting essay, “Driving Under The Influence Of Child” was featured in “Family Travel”, a book published by Gestalten in August 2020. Her writing was also included in Lenka Clayton’s “Mothers’ Days” journal. “Writing satire is a form of comedy that I can acceptably do in front of my child,” she explained.
Samples from her book
In addition to jokes that are straight-forward (and clean), such as:
How do you poach an egg?
You just take it when the chicken isn’t looking
What do british people call chips?
Bloody delicious, mate!
There are plenty of NSFWs (and bizarre references) in the mix:
What happens when a woman gets impregnated by a Moby Dick?
She births the Triplets of Melville
How long does it take for a man with a large penis to wash his goods?
A very schlong time
There are also “runs” of jokes, where a series of jokes are told together, building on each other:
What do you call someone who is hungry and mad at the same time?
Hangry
What do you call someone who is hungry and sexy at the same time?
Horngry
What do call someone who gets hungry after sex?
Donegry
What do you call a one legged pair of pants?
Dungaree
What do you call someone who works up an appetite while engaging in witty wordplay?
Pungry
And some that even resemble crossword puzzle clues, sort of:
The opposite of out +
the thing a fish swims with +
what you say when you don’t know the answer +
what the Brits drink all the damn time =
Infiniti
(In / Fin / Uh / Tea)
“Mom jokes”
Some of her references are literary or slightly advanced, yet, still playfully dumb; others nod at what is historically known as a “dad joke”. Delfino, mom of one toddler, claims that a goal with this book is to take “dad jokes” back.
“Dads aren’t the only ones who can tell dumb jokes,” Delfino explains. “It just seems that way, because they get to be the fun, cool ones while moms are constantly busy and overextended–but I’m a mom, and I can tell dumb jokes, too. Except I call them mom jokes.”
Anyone in need of a laugh (which is pretty much everyone?) can pre-order their copy at DumbJokesForSmartFolks.com, to arrive just in time for Thanksgiving.
No refunds.
Press contact:
Andy Newton
Andy@HumoristBooks.com
Endorsements and Quotes
“Jessica Delfino is an awesome storyteller, performer, writer, and general raconteur. She’s a hilarious, thought-provoking heroine of a defiant downtown NYC art world. She has blown me away every time I’ve seen her perform, and her tales are moving, strange, smart, funny, poignant, and beautiful. Read everything she writes, please.”
–Sara Benincasa, author of DC Trip and Real Artists Have Day Jobs
“Jessica Delfino is a bright, bright light in dark times. And when times are good and Jessica is around forget it – you better put on some damn sunscreen pronto or you’re gonna wind up in the hospital. I guess what I’m trying to say is Jessica is a hilarious, beautiful, and unique voice that brings me great joy constantly. Also, she has a flying V ukulele and I am super jealous.” – Dave Hill, comedian, WFMU host and author of Tasteful Nudes: …and Other Misguided Attempts at Personal Growth and Validation
“I’ve never known anyone as thoroughly dedicated to joy and silliness as Jessica Delfino. She’s a workhorse, but instead of a horse, a unicorn.” — Alex Baze, Head writer, Late Night with Seth Meyers
“Jess was a one woman mixed media event before people knew that could be a thing!” — Colin Quinn
“She’s a brilliant writer.” –Wil Wheaton, Wil Wheaton dot Net
“Of all the literary greats, Jessica is my favorite. Jessica Delfino is the best writer to walk this planet! Wait, is it Jessica or Jennifer? How do I know you again?”– Jim Gaffigan, Comedian
“Jessica Delfino has sang, danced, and comedianed her way to LES notoriety– some feat” –Time Out New York
