Preview
  • Failure Is an Option

  • An Attempted Memoir
  • By: H. Jon Benjamin
  • Narrated by: H. Jon Benjamin
  • Length: 4 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (4,912 ratings)

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Failure Is an Option

By: H. Jon Benjamin
Narrated by: H. Jon Benjamin
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Publisher's summary

Actor, voice actor, and comedian H. Jon Benjamin helps us all feel a little better about our own failures by sharing his own - despite his success starring on Archer and Bob's Burgers - in a hilarious, self-helpful memoir.

While he's not quite a household name, most people would consider H. Jon Benjamin, the voice-actor star of Archer and Bob's Burgers (and a sentient can of mixed vegetables in 2015's Wet Hot American Summer) a comedy show business success. But he'd like to remind everyone that as great as success can be, failure is also an option. In a hilarious, self-deprecating memoir, Jon lays out some of his many failures in all areas of life, from Work ("wherein I'm unable to deliver a sizzling fajita") to Family ("wherein a trip to PF Chang's fractures a family").

Fans of his characters' signature wit and voice will rejoice in H. Jon Benjamin's comical failures - and appreciate a rare look into the life of the man behind their favorite shows.

©2018 H. Jon Benjamin (P)2018 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

“His craft, and what makes him such an inspired and singular voice, is to make it look easy.... That it’s decidedly not that easy is part of the gag; writing this funny requires immense talent.” (AV Club)

“It’s that voice.... Had me laughing out loud.” (The New York Times)

“Benjamin’s stories run the gamut from personal to professional and will leave you laughing out loud and embracing your own failures.” (HelloGiggles)

Featured Article: The top 100 celebrity memoirs of all time


The best celebrity memoir audiobooks are in a league of their own—there is no greater listening experience than a memoir performed by the celebrity behind the title. Their charisma and authenticity greatly enhance the experience, making it all the more engaging. Many listeners who would never think to read a celebrity memoir in print gravitate to the genre in audio. There’s something magical about hearing, in their own voice, the nitty-gritty of a star’s path.

Editor's Pick

The perfect anti-self-help memoir
"The only thing better than an author-narrated memoir is one narrated by one of the most distinct voices in comedy. Even if you think you don’t know H. Jon Benjamin, I’m willing to bet you’ll recognize the distinct voice of of Archer and Bob’s Burgers (just to name MY favorites) from the first word. And if not, I still recommend you let H. Jon Benjamin take you on a self-help journey, detailing from hilarious real-life stories why failure just might actually be the key to success. "
Catherine H., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Failure Is an Option

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    4 out of 5 stars

Food for (my) ears

I love Bob from Bob’s Burgers. Jon Benjamin’s voice has such a nice cadence, he can talk about anything. But his stories are more than anything, they’re rich and hilarious. Food for ears.

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How I failed to write a useful review

The writing is not bad, it being voiced by Archer is what got it to 3 stars. There is never a real point to anything brought up, it seems to be both trying to hard and lazy at the same time. H. Jon Benjamin has definitely lived through some crazy things, but I'd rather watch Archer reruns than read this book again. This is the first book review I've given, so I guess it inspired me to do that. Read it or don't read it, this review is basically the cliff notes.

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Drowns out the sound of screaming babies

I didn’t learn anything, but this book did make me laugh so hard I snorted in a public airport and started crying tears of unbridled joy upon listening to Jon’s life stories. It also completely covered the sound of the screaming baby on my flight.

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can do no wrong

h jon benjamin is a god amongst mortals and can do no wrong. much recommend. such failure

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failed at being a failure

fantastic, hilarious, great voice acting. a must listen to any fans for Bob's Burgers or Archer!

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It's H. Jon benjamin love it or hate it.

Filled with laughs . It was just as absurd as i expected it to be.

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Funniest book I have ever read!

I love Archer and Bobs Burger and this book exposed the man who does the voices for the characters I love. I discovered that H. Jon Benjamin is a talented comedian and a funny writer and this book was the funniest I have ever read with some valuable life lessons. Thank You

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loved it

really enjoyable book. A fun listen and who doesn't love H John Benjamin voice! I highly recommend this book

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exactly what you're expecting ;)

guilty pleasure ointment for that stubborn HJB itch!

...stick with it even through the gross. that voice. it could sell me rain

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I fucking loves this so much

this audiobook got me through two days of work. now what am I supposed to do? I need moar!!! moar!

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