A Comedy of Nobodies - by Baron Ryan

About the Book

As Charlie tries to find love using the scientific method, babysits a toddler in exchange for a chance to loosen those financial aid purse-strings, jumps out a window to escape a jealous football player's wrath, and enrages a packed hockey stadium by replacing the national anthem with a jazz-trio rendition of "American Pie," he discovers that the answers to life's most pressing questions are almost always just more questions.

Book Synopsis

Seinfeld meets Fleabag in A Comedy of Nobodies, the debut story collection from popular internet filmmaker Baron Ryan.

Charlie knows he's not the main character in his own story. He's just another schmuck in the Ivy League looking to be somebody. He plays in a terrible jazz band, falls in love too easily, and struggles with the human being business.

Written in a wry, comedic style, A Comedy of Nobodies: A Collection of Stories traces one fall semester in the lives of four typical but unforgettable university students who, as compensation for their existential anxieties, just want to feel understood.

As Charlie tries to find love using the scientific method, babysits a toddler for student financial aid, jumps out a window to escape a jealous football player's wrath, and enrages a packed hockey stadium by replacing the national anthem with a jazz-trio rendition of "American Pie," he discovers that the answers to life's most pressing questions are almost always just more questions.

Review Quotes

"Baron Ryan, please do the world a favor and never stop writing. Write one million more books. I will buy and read them all and then read them all again. You communicate the feeling of normal everyday experiences in such a beautiful way, I feel like I'm reading my own journal."

-- "Elyse Myers, comedian/musician "

"Baron's latest venture into the literary world with his debut novel, A Comedy of Nobodies, showcases his keen narrative abilities, offering a collection of short stories that resonate deeply with the emotional and comedic complexities of modern life."

-- "Naluda Magazine"

"The stories are unique, creative, and timely--with a dash of humor punctuating the musings."

-- "AudioFile"

"With their energetic narrative and relentless humor, Ryan's stories are both entertaining and thought-provoking, making this book endlessly quotable and hard to put down. Fans of Ryan's observational TikTok shorts will enjoy the same irreverent humor in this longer, immersive format."

-- "Library Journal"

"A college-era coming-of-age with an existential chuckle."

-- "Heather Robertson, crew member at Trader Joe's "

"A witty and heartfelt exploration of modern love and the search for meaning."

-- "Lorenzo, cashier at 7-Eleven"

"An earnest romp through the trials and tribulations of what we ought to do with ourselves--a true gem."

-- " Erica Zito, financial analyst at wastewater treatment facility"

"Brilliantly captures the absurdity of life right before 'real life' happens."

-- "Benjamin Holden, second assistant accountant on Barbie"

"Funny, thought-provoking, and utterly charming. Baron Ryan captures the 'I get misty' aspect of love and friendship."

-- "Kaitlyn Kuch-Ly, sandwich maker at Jimmy John's "

"This short book is an irresistible blend of humor and humanity that will make you laugh, cry, and then leave you smiling."

-- "Kyle Dunstan, manager at Aldi"