‘WOW, YOU LOOK TERRIBLE’ BY DANNY RICKER IS THE FUNNIEST BOOK TO READ WHILE EXHAUSTED AND HOLDING A BABY

Late-night Jimmy Kimmel Live! Head Writer and Executive Producer Danny Ricker has certainly pitched a punchline under pressure. We share one job title, but he holds another that I may never understand: Parent. I’m a 9-5 auntie at best, swaddling diapers for a few hours and returning my niece after several “Let It Go” sing-alongs as if she were a library book (if people still went to the library). While I thoroughly resonate with his work as a fellow Head Writer, I’m awestruck by the dedicated efforts he must constantly put in for his kids, plural. He has to juggle multiple ankle-biters! I get exhausted when my Chiweenie’s zoomies last for more than a few minutes, but you can’t morally put a kid in a crate for a few hours to satiate their zoomies. His newest book, ‘Wow, You Look Terrible: How to Parent Less and Live More,’ suggests that no matter what stage of life, humans were granted one foolproof coping mechanism: humor. A foreword by Jimmy Kimmel sets the tone perfectly, introducing audiences to Ricker’s world—one that runs on fumes, cold brew, and autopilot.

The book’s title similarly gives audiences a taste of what they’re in for. Ricker’s voice is unfiltered, raw, and still, somehow, motivational. He must have taken some of his own advice; otherwise, how else would he have found the time to write a 255-page book? It wouldn’t be possible without efforts such as giving his children copious bubble wrap to pop while he plucks at the keys. He aims to stand beside you throughout the wreckage, all while he traverses through it at home. Ricker is just like you. He hasn’t showered, processed a coherent thought, or established a personal goal in years—yet he persists, and hopes that you do, too. This guide isn’t necessarily a step-by-step 'how-to' guide. It’s more like a 3 AM text thread in a group chat of fellow new parents, named after a barely decipherable inside joke with a blurred, obscure meme as its photo.

‘Wow, You Look Terrible’ alchemizes the chaos of parenthood, particularly its less glamorous aspects. Instagram parents make millennial parenthood appear to be a walk through a HomeGoods or Hobby Lobby, pre-inflation. However, the truth is that there is a lot of sacrifice that comes with being a new parent. Although I can’t directly relate to the struggle, I can admire the strength it takes to set aside pieces of yourself to raise children into mostly well-rounded adults. The emotional intelligence required not only to raise your children successfully but also to find humor in it is admirable beyond measure. The book is legitimately hilarious; there were no pieces of advice that felt more like watching a several-year-old Instagram reel your distant auntie sent to you at 4 AM. All chuckles throughout my reading sessions were genuine, unlike forcing one of those theatrical cry-laugh emoji reactions, so Christmas dinner is less awkward.

Occasionally, the book falls into a hair of repetition—but I feel that’s the point. Parenthood is repetitive; it’s like living through 18 years or more of Groundhog Day. I am among the 'or more' category, sitting at a ripe almost-30, living with my father while I push through undergrad school, writing silly little articles. He must be so proud. Truthfully, though, Ricker’s book gave me additional empathy for the parents in my life. Of course, I would feign empathy every time my sister dropped my niece here like she’s a DoorDash order. Still, I’ll never really understand the relentless sleeplessness and thankless tasks parents do daily to keep their kids happy. Whether it’s sitting through an auditorium of teens throwing popcorn all over an AMC because Jack Black said “Chicken Jockey,” or trying to make sure they believe in Santa for a few more years, parents are like freelance employees. They’re expected to do everything a workplace with a traditional hierarchy would have individual employees delegated to, either by themselves or with an equally tired partner. Ricker’s ability to authentically express his experience is resonant, whether you are a parent or not.

Additionally, the book is physically stunning, with simplicity guiding the creation of beautiful illustrations that grace its pages. The yellow and blue colorway is gorgeous and easy on the eyes, making all 255 pages a breeze to read through. Each section contains treats and meticulously curated details, offering a genuine glimpse into Ricker’s mind. In one section (spoilers ahead), Ricker pitches invention ideas to fellow parents. Each invention is accompanied by a thoroughly detailed illustration, leaving little to the imagination while also evoking it at once. These small touches enhance audience engagement with the book, allowing readers to feel a genuine connection to Ricker in the most parasocial way possible. While it doesn’t demand your full attention, subtle nuances highlight the humor and raw intention that the book carries on every page. There aren’t any “boring” or “dull” moments throughout the book, though one might experience many as a parent.

From Kimmel’s foreword to the final page, ‘Wow, You Look Terrible: How to Parent Less and Live More’ doesn’t promise parental salvation, but rather, feigned optimism. Through thinly veiled sarcasm, Ricker provides much-needed validation for parents and bystanders alike who may desperately need it. The book suggests that it’s possible to be sincere without being sappy, and to reinvent yourself without losing your identity. Each stage of parenthood seemingly offers new adventures, and Ricker’s ability to find joy in all of them is contagious. Though I will still be happily returning my niece to the Local Library of My Sister’s House while she banshee screams, throws up, and doesn’t listen to us through the remainder of her toddler years.

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