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Riding the Elephant
- A Memoir of Altercations, Humiliations, Hallucinations, and Observations
- Narrated by: Craig Ferguson
- Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Entertainment & Celebrities
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Publisher's Summary
From the comedian, actor, and former host of The Late Late Show comes an irreverent, lyrical memoir in essays featuring his signature wit.
Craig Ferguson has defied the odds his entire life. He has failed when he should have succeeded and succeeded when he should have failed. The fact that he is neither dead nor in a locked facility (at the time of printing) is something of a miracle in itself. In Craig’s candid and revealing memoir, listeners will get a look into the mind and recollections of the unique and twisted Scottish American who became a national hero for pioneering the world’s first TV robot skeleton sidekick and reviving two dudes in a horse suit dancing as a form of entertainment.
In Riding the Elephant, there are some stories that are too graphic for television, too politically incorrect for social media, or too meditative for a stand-up comedy performance. Craig discusses his deep love for his native Scotland, examines his profound psychic change brought on by fatherhood, and looks at aging and mortality with a perspective that he was incapable of as a younger man. Each story is strung together in a colorful tapestry that ultimately reveals a complicated man who has learned to process - and even enjoy - the unusual trajectory of his life.
Katie Falkenberg/Los Angeles Times/Contour by Getty Images
What the critics say
"Ferguson is a natural storyteller, sharp-witted and acutely observant of his surroundings. He's capable of maintaining a light touch yet his stories often transcend whatever humorous incidents may occur. Collectively, they serve as often poignant meditations on the long journey toward his late-middle-aged self. An entertaining memoir by a humorist who has gained enlightening insight into living an authentic life." (Kirkus Reviews)
“Humorous and heartfelt (often on the same page), Ferguson is a great story-teller, whose signature irreverence and comedic timing translates perfectly to print.” (Library Journal)
“A smart, humble, and witty memoir.” (Publishers Weekly)
“[Ferguson] has mastered the skill of self-examination. Fortunately for us, the lad’s willing to share it, and his evocative writing makes it worthwhile.” (The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
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What listeners say about Riding the Elephant
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Yvon Malenfant
- 2019-08-22
very interesting!
Craig is a wonderful storyteller and entertainer! I want to highly recommend this book to everyone!
3 people found this helpful
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- Lisa
- 2019-08-28
Funny
I found myself laughing out loud at some inopportune times. Sometimes a bit too insightful,
1 person found this helpful
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- Emma D.
- 2022-04-17
Beautiful
I thoroughly enjoyed Craig Fergoson's storytelling in this book! Such an insightful, charming and sympathetic insight on his life, I warmly recommend.
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- Gerard Furlong
- 2022-03-04
He just isn't only a talk show host
I certainly loved The Late late Show with Craig Ferguson,
After Letterman he was the best of the talk show hosts, and on some nights better. This collection of thoughts and events is truly worth listening to as it gives insight on a variety of levels.
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- Jared
- 2021-07-19
Thoroughly entertaining!
Very much enjoyed this. Entertaining guy, great voice work, and interesting life lead to a very enjoyable listen. A very good example of hearing it through Craig's voice and his perspective that brings it to life, rather than reading the book myself.
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- Amazon Customer
- 2020-08-17
Worth the time
Craig has a very engaging style .... hard to put down. His descriptions come to life.
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- Denise Paulsen
- 2020-08-08
Acknowledgements?
Craig forgot to thank the most important ingredient here - like making bread and not thanking flour. He forgot to thank his fans. We held you up. We stood up. We watched your shows. We read your books. A performer without fans is nowt. in this regard save your gushing sentimentality for your family like a firehose. We put the food in your cupboards in Hollywood. So mind yer manners, big yin. We matter.
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- Luc Grandmaison
- 2020-08-03
Great and humble
Great and humble ,is my way of describing this human autobiography. Thank you Mister Ferguson! You make my life sweeter...and yess ,more bearable . Tank's again
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- Johanne St-Onge
- 2020-07-16
A most witty and endearing memoir
I love Craig Ferguson, his humour, his take on life and people and his honesty . I’ve never met him mind you, but I trust that I wouldn’t be disappointed, just as I wasn’t disappointed by this book.
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- Daryl
- 2020-02-03
Definitely worth a listen
Loved the voice. Fan of the character. Share many of his opinions. A great insight into the man.
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- LA Rider
- 2019-05-15
Other drivers think I'm nuts...
...because, as I listen to this book while in my car, I'm either laughing or grinning like an angry monkey to myself for the entire 40-minute drive to my office. I've always enjoyed Mr. Ferguson and thought he was an adorable, self-deprecating and cheeky lad and this book just re-confirms that for me. I liked it so much, in fact, that I've gone and clicked "Add to Cart" for "American on Purpose".
20 people found this helpful
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- Sabot Images Photography
- 2019-05-23
Sentimental
This made me miss my goodnight TV buddy more than ever. The late late show was more than tv noise but a friend to stay up late chatting with. This gave me some of that and I miss this time.
14 people found this helpful
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- Bonnie
- 2019-05-08
Time well spent.
A delightful look at the world through the eyes of a man who doesn’t suffer fools. His descriptions of his Scottish family is spot on. Coming from a Scottish background myself I recognized them all.
13 people found this helpful
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- Luan J.
- 2019-05-29
Wonderful storyteller
His voice reading his stories is so much fun and very interesting. His wit and hope are very evident
9 people found this helpful
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- BF
- 2019-05-21
So sorry I'm almost done with this book!
What a perfect beginning and ending to my day - I enjoy Mr. Ferguson's take on the world, his no-nonsense reaction to many of the frivolous parts of life, his common sense views and that Scottish accent! Everyone should listen to chapter 10 - The Helpers. Such a practical take on the politics and religion that currently divides the US. Please - more books from this wonderful author!
6 people found this helpful
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- Kevin J. Yellick
- 2019-05-21
fantastic storyteller
Ferguson is becoming a better author than a comedian and he is a great comedian. Love the stories - love the telling - everything about it is gerat. Read this book!
6 people found this helpful
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- HastyChester
- 2019-05-09
Art. Masterfully woven. Thank you Craig Ferguson.
This book and its narration is art.
Craig Ferguson guides us through a seemingly meandering retelling of key stories and moments in his life so far. Along the way, he shares observations, opinions and wisdom from his journey.
That sounds fairly standard for a memoir, but the grace of his prose floored me; even when he is spelling out less-than-graceful moments.
Mr. Ferguson's narration is perfectly paced and intimate.
I am grateful that he has chosen to share this collection of life. Thank you Craig Ferguson.
16 people found this helpful
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- John C
- 2020-01-22
Outstanding!
Craig Ferguson is in equal turns smart, hilarious and poignant. This book is no exception! His narration and storytelling is masterful. I laughed. I cried. I gained intelligence. Highly recommended!
4 people found this helpful
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- Inchpractice
- 2019-05-08
excellent performance and fun stories
Craig Ferguson's previous memoir was great and this one is almost just as good. highly recommended.
8 people found this helpful
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- Paul R Siech
- 2020-10-28
Good ole Craig
Another book from Craig Ferguson. This time I found myself a little confused at times. However, that may say more about me and less about Craig. He did a good job dragging you in and entertaining. This book is about himself like the last one but this one I feel is written from the point of closure of certain chapters of his life and reflect on them.
2 people found this helpful