A Very Punchable Face Audiobook By Colin Jost cover art

A Very Punchable Face

A Memoir

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A Very Punchable Face

By: Colin Jost
Narrated by: Colin Jost
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About this listen

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.

©2020 Colin Jost (P)2020 Random House Audio
Entertainment & Celebrities Funny Memoir

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

Highly rated for:

Hilarious Anecdotes Heartwarming Stories Engaging Narration Self-deprecating Humor Poignant Tributes
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Expected litte, got a ton

This book was great. I don't feel like rambling on, but as far as comedians writing memoirs goes I thoroughly enjoyed this one (and there are a lot of comedic memoirs I return to Audible because they're dull). Colin was endearing throughout and I am glad I know a bit more about his background. He is very relatable, I too remember nothing about Anna Karenina, and I too married Scarlett Johansson. Small world. Glad I used a credit on this.

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Very witty & real

This book was very witty, extremely funny, and also heartfelt at times. (The chapter surrounding 911 was captivating).
The author was very candid with life struggles/questions & displayed a phenomenal ability to laugh at himself as well as the circumstances around him.
The vocals were clear, timing was perfect, & he even chuckled at some of the stories as he read sometimes.
I will listen again soon.

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Very funny and enjoyable

This book brings the humor and joy that Colin is known for on weekend update. It was great to listen to and I highly recommend it especially for some of the behind the scenes notes on SNL

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Different side of Jost

You get to really know Colin and hear stories that are so great, and funny that it makes him so much less punchable. He has a very moving story about his mother and the NYFD that everyone should hear. Great stories, great humor, if you love SNL and love an inside scoop, you'll enjoy this book. I signed up for Audible to listen to this book, took 2 days to finish.

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I love this book

So I can’t relate to anything you wrote because I’m a 67 year old white Roman who is a So Cal native but since you first appeared on weekend update I’ve watched you. To be fair I’ve always live Weekend Update I always loved that sweet, Punchable Face🌴

DON’T LEAVE !!😫

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Legitimately Laugh Out Loud Funny!

I loved it! If you love to laugh, you’ll love it too. He’s so smart and so funny. I was bummed I missed out on some awesome photo opportunities, so I will also be purchasing the hardback version! I love Colin. He’s the best!

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Wicked funny !

This book was an amazing roller-coaster of emotions and so many LAUGHS. buy book.

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fun book

Once I upped the speed to 1.5x I really enjoyed this book. Lots of funny stories.

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So good

A very funny and touching auto bio. So cool to take a look at behind the scenes SNL too

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Best Book I’ve Read

So funny. Incredibly written and each chapter is hilarious and sort of insightful?

Loved it and recommended it to my friends already. Well done.

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