A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir

Written by:
Colin Jost
Narrated by:
Colin Jost

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
204
Narrator
28
Release Date
July 2020
Duration
7 hours 41 minutes
Summary
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 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 • 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 twenty-five-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 fifteen 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.
Reviews
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Celia C.

Loved hearing more about Colin!

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Lisa T.

I am a fan of Colin on SNL. The book however is a bit boring. Except for the story of his mother working through 911 which was very moving. It all could have been covered in a Howard Stern interview.

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Rachel W.

Engaging and witty writing, funny stories, excellent storytelling. I (almost) wish I was reading the hard copy to see all of the included pictures.

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Anonymous

I really enjoyed this book. I especially enjoyed the chapter that he spoke about his Mom and her experience on 9/11. Throughout the book there were multiple laugh out loud moments. Embarrassing for me since I was listening with my AirPods in!

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Clare D.

Laugh out loud funny. Loved it, has real heart , highly recommend to anyone that wants a light hearted, genuinely funny book

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Baldur S.

Very boring.

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Anonymous

Terrific story---ranged from heartachingly sad to lots of laughs-out- loud. Where else can you learn so much about both Staten Island and SNL in one book?

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Eileen B.

So funny!!! Loved it.

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Vicki O.

Hilarious! Colin Jost is brilliant!!

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