A Very Punchable Face
By Colin Jost
- Release Date: 2020-07-14
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Description
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
Bravo
5By KcmmmmmmmmHysterical. Laughed out loud so much every one at my pool wanted to fight me. But I live in Florida, so (insert any Florida joke). Please write another.Funny guy
4By Deni6'4"Funny guy. Okay read. Spoiler: He gets the girl. Yawn.Good first half but why did he spout politics
2By JET2021Starts off funny then about half way in for some reason he starts sharing his views on politics. Why? I didn’t buy the book for those views, his gift (and it is a gift) is comedy. Should have stuck with that.Pretty good
4By JanehowzeHe is very funny. It seemed like the book ended abruptly.Fun read- interesting
5By elkeartEnjoyed the tales of his family and life on SI. The SNL backstage details are juicy as are the travel adventures. I did not have a strong sense of Jost before but he exposes his vulnerabilities and seems like a genial guy.Saved me during endless hours in a recliner on maternity leave
5By AB AtxI belly laughed so many times to this book. The stories alone are hilarious and his writing style makes them that much better. Colin if you ever read this—I hope you write a second book at some point!Fun read!
5By hellercHighly recommend! Hilarious!