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  • A Very Punchable Face

  • A Memoir
  • Written by: Colin Jost
  • Narrated by: Colin Jost
  • Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (612 ratings)

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A Very Punchable Face cover art

A Very Punchable Face

Written by: Colin Jost
Narrated by: Colin Jost
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Publisher's Summary

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

What the critics say

"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)

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What listeners say about A Very Punchable Face

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  • KT
  • 2021-02-10

So funny

This book brought lightness to a very heavy time. I laughed, I cried, and I laughed some more. I’m listening a second time, and may have the book memorized by the end of this pandemic, as I try to find laughter in my days.

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2 people found this helpful

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A lot of fun

Really enjoyed the SNL background stories. Jost’s mostly deadpan delivery was spot on. Highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Do yourself a favour and buy this book!

I don’t even really watch snl or know a whole lot about Colin Jost but it was still one of the funniest books I’ve ever read! I’m literally sad it’s over because it brought me so much joy and made me laugh out loud several times.

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Enjoyable

I laughed out loud more than once while listening to this audiobook… at work. It was nice to hear other people (not me) crap their pants. Thanks for the laughs

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    4 out of 5 stars
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A Great Listen

I actually quite enjoyed this audiobook, narrated by Colin himself. It's a great mix of essays that range from absurdly funny (like the chapter on notes the network has sent SNL), to heartfelt and honest (the chapter about his mom, who, realistically, we need a book from).

It makes for perfect light listening and was overall, a pleasure to dive into.

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Must read

This was one of the most entertaining books I’ve ever listened to. Would highly recommend if you’re looking for a good laugh.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Very Relatable Life

I could have done without the pants crapping stories but I always appreciate knowing that famous successful people didn’t used to fit in either.

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  • Ian
  • 2023-05-10

An uninteresting life

I have never skipped a chapter in an audible… until now.
Love his work.
Love Weekly update.
The chapter on 911 is gripping and real…the rest of them are fairly contrived.

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Enjoyable & Entertaining

Classic Colin Jost humour in an up to this point of life memoir. I highly anticipated this release. And, it was exactly what I had hoped it would be.

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Sorry.

Sorry. That’s all I have to say. Just filling the 15 word requirement. Blah blah.

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