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 DavidNAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Cosmopolitan • Vulture • ParadeIf there’s one trait that makes someone well suited to comedy, … 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.
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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.
I was caught off guard by how much I enjoyed this book, considering how indifferent I feel about Colin as a person.
Absolutely loved this book. I laughter out loud, rolled my eyes, and thought a few times WTF. Colin and I are the same age and he has done so much more than I will ever do. The whole Jost family seem very down to earth and I actually knew of Colin’s brother Casey before I knew about him. I will say thigh the real person in the family I would love to meet is their mom Dr. Kelly. She seems like a badass.
This was absolutely hilarious. I didn’t really know anything (or care, for that matter) about Colin Jost, but curiosity drove me to this book. I “read” the audiobook version, which is read by Jost himself, making the book even more entertaining. For better or worse. you will never look at Colin Jost the same again…especially after the chapter about his, um…intestinal issues.
I kind of can’t believe I’m giving this 5 stars, because I’m very stingy with my 5-star ratings (I maybe give 1 or 2 a year—if that), but the more I think back on the parts of this book I enjoyed, I keep laughing out loud. Yes, it was that funny and enjoyable!
I didn’t know anything about Colin Jost other than occasionally seeing him on SNL’s Weekend Update and knowing that he married Scarlett Johansson, so I found the memoir aspects of the book really interesting. He’s also had some really wacky experiences in his life! I’m not going to spoil what they are or which made me laugh the hardest … you’re just going to have to get the book and find out for yourself.
I did listen to this one on audio, which he narrates, and he’s a fantastic narrator. He adds some asides that aren’t in the print book, sometimes cracks himself up while reading (which I found adorkable!), and keeps plugging the print book because it has pictures and visual evidence of some of the wild things he describes. I’m not one to buy the print version of a book I’ve listened to on audio, but I’m intrigued enough and enjoyed this one so much, this time I will.
If you’ve ever had a passing interest in the life of a writer on SNL, or how hard it is to make it in stand-up comedy, or just want to read something that will make you laugh, give this book a try, preferably on audio. And then buy the print book too.
RATING: A
(Note: I received a review copy of this title, courtesy of the audiobook publisher.)
Read this one quick (very unlike me) and enjoyed the hell out of it. Where my creatives at? You’ll like this one.
Keep on,
BFoss.
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“That’s actually where my mind goes when work is terrible: I could always disappear and move to Rincon and write erotic thrillers under a pseudonym like “Madame Z.” I could build a log cabin in the forest, cease all communication with friends and family, and let my mind descend into madness like Kurtz in Heart of Darkness. I think this at least once a month.(The main obstacle: I have no idea how to build a log cabin.)”
Colin Jost’s memoir, A Very Punchable Face, is a collection of stories from throughout the author’s life. As a still-young man, one might wonder how much he has to say at this point. We soon see that this hard-working, clever comedian has crammed quite a lot of living into his years. His ability and willingness to accept (and find humor in) the way others perceive him makes the reader laugh with him, while also wanting to give him a hug.
Highlights for me: the author finding his passion for writing at the Harvard Lampoon, undeniable evidence of his mom’s bad-assery, and the c’est la vie approach Jost takes to truly disturbing health issues. As others have said, I laughed throughout the book, which I expected from enjoying Weekend Update and interviews of the author and Michael Che. This book was about more than the chuckles, though. Touching moments and humble accounts that demonstrate his hard work and perseverance round out the comedy nicely. Jost’s skill in making interesting topics I wouldn’t normally care about (sorry, WWE) is just another example of his talent as a storyteller.
I became a fan of Colin Jost after he delivered the commencement speech at my daughter’s high school graduation – more of a stand up comedy routine than a speech, but he did end up delivering a great message in the end. So I pre-ordered his book as soon as I learned of its pending release and it was like one of those gifts that hits at the perfect moment. Written with humility to the point of self-deprecation, A Very Punchable Face will have you laughing out loud, smiling, and as was the case with the chapter about why he loves his mom, maybe shedding a tear. I suggested my daughter listen to the audio on a recent long drive and it was the perfect travel companion – entertaining yet inspirational. Colin’s honesty and commitment to hard work shines through every page. He is a great guy and Scarlet Johansen is one lucky gal. I highly recommend for any age, to inspire, to make you laugh, to get through a dark time. Really great.
Comedian memoirs are usually a mixed bag, but this is one of the good ones. Even if it doesn’t completely erase your desire to punch him in the face.
Five Freaking Hilarious Stars *****
This book is funny, ok not just funny but totally hilarious!. I now understand why Colin Jost has been a major contributor to SNL for so long. I loved his sharp wit and snarky humor and you have to admire a guy that isn’t afraid to make fun of himself. Colin is intelligent and driven from his apparent humble beginnings at Harvard to his success as head writer for one of the top television shows in history. I appreciated the fact he was and by all accounts is still a major nerd and appears dam proud of this accomplishment. Said nerd has come a long way and we are not just talking about his career. Hello, he is engaged to The Black Widow!
His description of family life and growing up in Staten Island with a predominately Italian population sounded similar to my Italian family. Colin had a strong bond with his family and community and that section of his story was a joy to learn about.
Colin also deeply moved me with his one chapter entitled “Why I Love My Mom”. She was the chief medical officer for the entire New York City Fire Department and was there during 9/11. If you only read this one touching and at times heartbreaking section about his mother;s heroism you will have gotten your money’s worth on this book purchase. I was crying from Colin’s description of her selflessness when faced with almost certain death. This wasn’t something I thought I would be reading in book that I thought was going to be solely humorous but it was so incredible and humbling. Thank you Colin for sharing what has to be one of the most traumatic moments of your life.
So if you are wondering, that chapter on his mom is the most sobering part of the story. Be prepared to laugh out loud so hard you will look around to see if anyone is staring at you kind of strange. After binging on this craze fest of all things Colin, I can easily see why SNL has excelled throughout the years. It was so much fun to get a feel of the gargantuan task of putting this show together week after week and the amount of dedication and possible insanity that is required from their writers and actors. Happy Reading and Laughing!
A thoroughly enjoyable book that I absolutely encourage you to read, We all need a laugh these days and I promise this book will deliver. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. My review was not a requirement.
A Very Punchable Face is by far and away, totally different from my normal day to day reads. I am a romance reader who loves nothing more than a happy ending. So, for me to pick up a Non-Fiction book is a pretty big deal. When I stumbled upon A Very Punchable Face, my first thought was “Hey, look! Colin Jost wrote a book”. After reading the synopsis, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. I mean, this book just sounded absolutely amazing. So, I put my reservations aside and decided to read a book outside my norm, and I have to tell you, I am so glad I did.
From the moment I picked up this book, I was hooked. I didn’t want to put it down. It was so well written and entertaining. From the titles of the chapters to the content within the pages, I just couldn’t get enough. I loved reading about Colin’s life and his journey to SNL. Colin had a lot of personal struggles early on and it was fascinating to see how he became the Colin that makes us laugh weekly on SNL. I loved learning about his family and getting to see a side of him that we wouldn’t normally see. I loved how Colin owned the mistakes he made in his life and was able to make fun himself in the most embarrassing moments.
A Very Punchable Face is genuine, yet funny at the same time. His story is easy to relate to and gave the humor that I was hoping and looking for. For someone who rarely reads this genre, I can tell you that I had the absolute best time reading A Very Punchable Face. I laughed. I cringed. I had a smile on my face the entire time. All in all, a fantastic read from beginning to end. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humor and loves to laugh.