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  • Riding the Elephant

  • A Memoir of Altercations, Humiliations, Hallucinations, and Observations
  • Written by: Craig Ferguson
  • Narrated by: Craig Ferguson
  • Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (127 ratings)

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Riding the Elephant cover art

Riding the Elephant

Written by: Craig Ferguson
Narrated by: Craig Ferguson
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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

©2019 Craig Ferguson (P)2019 Penguin Audio

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)

What listeners say about Riding the Elephant

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Funny

I found myself laughing out loud at some inopportune times. Sometimes a bit too insightful,

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1 person found this helpful

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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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  • meg
  • 2023-09-21

Craig is pure joy!

I laughed! I loved Craig’s reflections and comical unapologetic musings.
Highly recommend this audiobook to anyone.
I truly enjoyed it.

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riding the elephant

I couldn't have loved it more!!! Craig, please write more books and read them to me

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very interesting!

Craig is a wonderful storyteller and entertainer! I want to highly recommend this book to everyone!

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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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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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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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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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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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