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A Very Punchable Face
- A Memoir
- Narrated by: Colin Jost
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
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A Very Punchable Face
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Summary
New York Times Best Seller
In these hilarious essays, the Saturday Night Live head writer and Weekend Update co-anchor learns how to take a beating.
“I always wanted to punch his face before I read this book. Now I just want to kick him in the balls.” (Larry David)
Named One of the Best Books of the Year by Cosmopolitan, Vulture, and Parade
If there’s one trait that makes someone well suited to comedy, it’s being able to take a punch - metaphorically and, occasionally, physically.
From growing up in a family of firefighters on Staten Island to commuting three hours a day to high school and “seeing the sights” (like watching a Russian woman throw a stroller off the back of a ferry), to attending Harvard while Facebook was created, Jost shares how he has navigated the world like a slightly smarter Forrest Gump.
You’ll also discover things about Jost that will surprise and confuse you, like how Jimmy Buffett saved his life, how Czech teenagers attacked him with potato salad, how an insect laid eggs inside his legs, and how he competed in a 25-man match at WrestleMania (and almost won). You'll go behind the scenes at SNL and Weekend Update (where he's written some of the most memorable sketches and jokes of the past 15 years). And you’ll experience the life of a touring stand-up comedian - from performing in rural college cafeterias at noon to opening for Dave Chappelle at Radio City Music Hall.
For every accomplishment (hosting the Emmys), there is a setback (hosting the Emmys). And for every absurd moment (watching paramedics give CPR to a raccoon), there is an honest, emotional one (recounting his mother’s experience on the scene of the Twin Towers’ collapse on 9/11). Told with a healthy dose of self-deprecation, A Very Punchable Face reveals the brilliant mind behind some of the dumbest sketches on television and lays bare the heart and humor of a hardworking guy - with a face you can’t help but want to punch.
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Critic reviews
"Colin Jost is as funny as his face is punchable. Which is to say: very. He also knows a lot about Staten Island, soiling himself, internal parasites, and firemen’s pensions. He’s really the whole package. And if you care about comedy - writing it, performing it, watching it, or giving up any semblance of a normal adult life for it - so is his book." (Zadie Smith)
"Colin Jost is one of the best people I know and one hell of a writer. This book proves both to be true." (Seth Meyers)
"I was caught off guard by how much I enjoyed this book, considering how indifferent I feel about Colin as a person." (Amy Schumer)
"An inspiring story that reminds us that if you are born with looks and talent, you can still make it." (Conan O’Brien)
"I think this book is fantastic. I haven’t read a single word of it, but it’s got everything I want in a book - a front, a back, a good spine. And it’s got some heft. Whoever wrote this book knew what she was doing. Well done." (Michael Che)
What listeners say about A Very Punchable Face
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kate
- 20-09-21
Brilliant mix of hilarity and seriousness-but mainly hilarity
This has been a joy to listen to, so very well written and interesting from the very start. It’s not all laugh out loud anecdotes and tales from Mr Jost, there are some serious moments in the book but so tenderly and carefully written you can really enjoy his expertise in narrating and expressing himself through stories. He clearly shows what an exceptional writer he is. And as for the humour and jokes, just absolutely hilarious. Self deprecating, honest and just downright funny, witty and very smart, proper New York humour. I’ve laughed out loud so much with this book I didn’t want it to end. Highly recommended, and I’ve never seen SNL. Superb.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Steven Bridger
- 12-02-22
For SNL and comedy fans
Highly recommend if you like Colin Jost and funny stories from behind the scenes of Saturday Night Live. Great for comedy fans.
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- C
- 26-09-22
Terrific, but where is a PDF of the book’s photos?
A really enjoyable book fantastically well read, but disappointing there isn’t an accompanying PDF of the photos in the hard copy book, which are referenced during the read.
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- Patrick Fennelly
- 14-08-24
hilarious
I already loved Jost but didnt think this would be so remarkably funny. I couldn't stop listening.
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- SaraDee
- 14-09-20
Why I love Colins mom
I had no idea who Colin Jost was before I downloaded this book but I'm glad I do now. A very very funny and emotional book which had me snorting with laughter then crying at others especially in his chapter Why I love my mom which was made particularly emotional from the first hand account of her experience of 9/11 and the love you hear in Colins voice when he speaks of her as he narrates. I wouldn't have been a huge fan of SNL before but it gave great insight into the show and motivated me to go and rewatch some of his recommended sketches which I'm glad I did (lobster diner!).
Some of his personal experiences were just so bat sh*t crazy I have my doubts as to their veracity but it still makes for an entertaining listen.
To note if you are anyway squeamish maybe don't read Chapter title Eggs in my legs. The level of detail and description in that chapter over audio was nauseating... but otherwise a great book! ;)
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- matthew andrews
- 19-03-21
nearly
as in I "nearly" finished this in a single sitting, excellent. Now four more words (I doubt that was very original, but ...)
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- Alex
- 27-04-21
Amazing - as expected
Loved it! I have been waiting for this title for a while now and I am so happy Iistened to it. Brilliantly funny!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- LeicesterTiger
- 23-02-22
Hilarious
superb fun throughout colin has exceeded all my expectations it is laugh out loud funny and also moving.
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- Frazer Lamb
- 02-08-24
Laughed too much
My advice would be to not listen to this while shopping in a supermarket as bursting into laughter in public for no obvious reason makes people give you strange looks.
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- Sarah
- 11-02-21
Great listen for all SNL fans
Wonderful memoir from Colin Jost! So funny and such a delightful audio book to listen too. I’m already waiting for no 2. Btw, still got that Taylor Swift autographed candle ;)? Asking for a big swiftie!
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