Listen free for 30 days
-
Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama
- A Memoir
- Narrated by: Bob Odenkirk, Steve Rudnick, Leo Benvenuti
- Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $23.31
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's Summary
In this "essential" (Entertainment Weekly), "hilarious" (AV Club) memoir, the star of Mr. Show, Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul opens up about the highs and lows of showbiz, his cult status as a comedy writer, and what it’s like to reinvent himself as an action film ass-kicker at 50.
“I’ve known Bob Odenkirk for more than 30 years, and yet I had to read this book to believe his stunning career arc.” (Conan O’Brien)
One of the Most Anticipated Books of 2022 - Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Parade, The AV Club
Bob Odenkirk’s career is inexplicable. And yet he will try like hell to explicate it for you. Charting a “Homeric” decades-long “odyssey” from his origins in the seedy comedy clubs of Chicago to a dramatic career full of award nominations - with a side trip into the action-man world that is baffling to all who know him - it’s almost like there are many Bob Odenkirks! But there is just one and one is plenty.
Bob embraced a life in comedy after a chance meeting with Second City’s legendary Del Close. He somehow made his way to a job as a writer at Saturday Night Live. While surviving that legendary gauntlet by the skin of his gnashing teeth, he stashed away the secrets of comedy writing - eventually employing them in the immortal “Motivational Speaker” sketch for Chris Farley, honing them on The Ben Stiller Show, and perfecting them on Mr. Show with Bob and David.
In Hollywood, Bob demonstrated a bullheadedness that would shame Sisyphus himself, and when all hope was lost for the umpteenth time, the phone rang with an offer to appear on Breaking Bad - a show about how boring it is to be a high school chemistry teacher. His embrace of this strange new world of dramatic acting led him to working with Steven Spielberg, Alexander Payne, and Greta Gerwig, and then, in a twist that will confound you, he re-re-invented himself as a bona fide action star. Why? Listen to this and do your own psychoanalysis - it’s fun!
Featuring humorous tangents, wild characters, and Bob’s trademark unflinching drive, Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama is a classic showbiz tale told by a determined idiot.
You may also enjoy...
-
A Life in Parts
- Written by: Bryan Cranston
- Narrated by: Bryan Cranston
- Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bryan Cranston landed his first role at seven, when his father, a struggling actor and director, cast him in a United Way commercial. Soon Bryan was haunting the local movie theater, memorizing and reenacting favorite scenes with his older brother. Acting was clearly the boy's destiny - until one day his father disappeared. Suddenly destiny took a backseat to survival. Seeking something more stable, perhaps subconsciously trying to distance himself from his absent father, Cranston decided on a career in law enforcement.
-
-
Loved it!
- By Marie on 2020-08-11
Written by: Bryan Cranston
-
Almost Interesting
- The Memoir
- Written by: David Spade
- Narrated by: David Spade
- Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
David Spade is best known for his harsh "Hollywood Minute" sketches on SNL, his starring roles in movies like Tommy Boy and Joe Dirt, and his seven-year stint as Dennis Finch on the series Just Shoot Me. Now, with a wit as dry as the weather in his home state of Arizona, the "comic brat extraordinaire" delivers a memoir.
-
-
Hilarious!
- By Bianca on 2024-10-04
Written by: David Spade
-
I'd Like to Play Alone, Please
- Essays
- Written by: Tom Segura
- Narrated by: Tom Segura
- Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tom Segura is known for his twisted takes and irreverent comedic voice. But after a few years of crazy tours and churning out podcasts weekly, all while parenting two young children, he desperately needs a second to himself. It’s not that he hates his friends and family — he’s not a monster — he’s just beat, which is why his son’s (ruthless) first full sentence, “I’d like to play alone, please,” has since become his mantra.
-
-
I came up in May
- By garrett press on 2022-07-05
Written by: Tom Segura
-
Is This Anything?
- Written by: Jerry Seinfeld
- Narrated by: Jerry Seinfeld
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since his first performance at the legendary New York nightclub “Catch a Rising Star” as a 21-year-old college student in fall of 1975, Jerry Seinfeld has written his own material and saved everything. “Whenever I came up with a funny bit, whether it happened on a stage, in a conversation, or working it out on my preferred canvas, the big yellow legal pad, I kept it in one of those old school accordion folders,” Seinfeld writes. “So I have everything I thought was worth saving from 45 years of hacking away at this for all I was worth.”
-
-
GENIUS...!!! TRUST ME...IT'S FOR YOU!!!!
- By SB The Student on 2020-10-09
Written by: Jerry Seinfeld
-
I Must Say
- My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend
- Written by: Martin Short
- Narrated by: Martin Short
- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Martin Short takes you on a rich, hilarious, and occasionally heartbreaking ride through his life and times, from his early years in Toronto as a member of the fabled improvisational troupe Second City to the all-American comic big time of Saturday Night Live and memorable roles in movies such as ¡Three Amigos! and Father of the Bride.
-
-
Nothing Short of Spectacular!
- By Justin Lahey on 2020-01-27
Written by: Martin Short
-
Yearbook
- Written by: Seth Rogen
- Narrated by: Seth Rogen, full cast
- Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hi! I’m Seth! I was asked to describe my audiobook, Yearbook for websites and shit like that, so...here it goes!!! Yearbook is a collection of true stories that I desperately hope are just funny at worst, and life-changingly amazing at best. (I understand that it’s likely the former, which is a fancy “book” way of saying “the first one.”) I talk about my grandparents, doing stand-up comedy as a teenager, bar mitzvahs, and Jewish summer camp, and tell way more stories about doing drugs than my mother would like.
-
-
hilarious
- By Leanna on 2021-05-15
Written by: Seth Rogen
-
A Life in Parts
- Written by: Bryan Cranston
- Narrated by: Bryan Cranston
- Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bryan Cranston landed his first role at seven, when his father, a struggling actor and director, cast him in a United Way commercial. Soon Bryan was haunting the local movie theater, memorizing and reenacting favorite scenes with his older brother. Acting was clearly the boy's destiny - until one day his father disappeared. Suddenly destiny took a backseat to survival. Seeking something more stable, perhaps subconsciously trying to distance himself from his absent father, Cranston decided on a career in law enforcement.
-
-
Loved it!
- By Marie on 2020-08-11
Written by: Bryan Cranston
-
Almost Interesting
- The Memoir
- Written by: David Spade
- Narrated by: David Spade
- Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
David Spade is best known for his harsh "Hollywood Minute" sketches on SNL, his starring roles in movies like Tommy Boy and Joe Dirt, and his seven-year stint as Dennis Finch on the series Just Shoot Me. Now, with a wit as dry as the weather in his home state of Arizona, the "comic brat extraordinaire" delivers a memoir.
-
-
Hilarious!
- By Bianca on 2024-10-04
Written by: David Spade
-
I'd Like to Play Alone, Please
- Essays
- Written by: Tom Segura
- Narrated by: Tom Segura
- Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tom Segura is known for his twisted takes and irreverent comedic voice. But after a few years of crazy tours and churning out podcasts weekly, all while parenting two young children, he desperately needs a second to himself. It’s not that he hates his friends and family — he’s not a monster — he’s just beat, which is why his son’s (ruthless) first full sentence, “I’d like to play alone, please,” has since become his mantra.
-
-
I came up in May
- By garrett press on 2022-07-05
Written by: Tom Segura
-
Is This Anything?
- Written by: Jerry Seinfeld
- Narrated by: Jerry Seinfeld
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since his first performance at the legendary New York nightclub “Catch a Rising Star” as a 21-year-old college student in fall of 1975, Jerry Seinfeld has written his own material and saved everything. “Whenever I came up with a funny bit, whether it happened on a stage, in a conversation, or working it out on my preferred canvas, the big yellow legal pad, I kept it in one of those old school accordion folders,” Seinfeld writes. “So I have everything I thought was worth saving from 45 years of hacking away at this for all I was worth.”
-
-
GENIUS...!!! TRUST ME...IT'S FOR YOU!!!!
- By SB The Student on 2020-10-09
Written by: Jerry Seinfeld
-
I Must Say
- My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend
- Written by: Martin Short
- Narrated by: Martin Short
- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Martin Short takes you on a rich, hilarious, and occasionally heartbreaking ride through his life and times, from his early years in Toronto as a member of the fabled improvisational troupe Second City to the all-American comic big time of Saturday Night Live and memorable roles in movies such as ¡Three Amigos! and Father of the Bride.
-
-
Nothing Short of Spectacular!
- By Justin Lahey on 2020-01-27
Written by: Martin Short
-
Yearbook
- Written by: Seth Rogen
- Narrated by: Seth Rogen, full cast
- Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hi! I’m Seth! I was asked to describe my audiobook, Yearbook for websites and shit like that, so...here it goes!!! Yearbook is a collection of true stories that I desperately hope are just funny at worst, and life-changingly amazing at best. (I understand that it’s likely the former, which is a fancy “book” way of saying “the first one.”) I talk about my grandparents, doing stand-up comedy as a teenager, bar mitzvahs, and Jewish summer camp, and tell way more stories about doing drugs than my mother would like.
-
-
hilarious
- By Leanna on 2021-05-15
Written by: Seth Rogen
-
Hello, Molly!
- A Memoir
- Written by: Molly Shannon, Sean Wilsey
- Narrated by: Molly Shannon
- Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At age four, Molly Shannon’s world was shattered when she lost her mother, baby sister, and cousin in a car accident with her father at the wheel. Held together by her tender and complicated relationship with her grieving father, Molly was raised in a permissive household where her gift for improvising and role-playing blossomed alongside the fearlessness that would lead her to become a celebrated actress.
-
-
What a book!
- By Terri H. on 2022-11-02
Written by: Molly Shannon, and others
-
The World's Worst Assistant
- Written by: Sona Movsesian, Conan O'Brien - foreword
- Narrated by: Sona Movsesian, Conan O'Brien
- Length: 5 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sona Movsesian didn’t wake up one day and decide to become the World’s Worst Assistant. Achieving such greatness is a gradual process—one that starts with long hours and hard work before it eventually descends into sneaking low-dosage edibles into your lunch and napping on your boss’s couch.
-
-
Fun Lighthearted Listen
- By Anonymous-1 on 2022-10-18
Written by: Sona Movsesian, and others
-
Life of the Party
- Stories of a Perpetual Man-Child
- Written by: Bert Kreischer
- Narrated by: Bert Kreischer
- Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bert Kreischer doesn't know how to say "no." If he did, he wouldn't have gotten himself mixed up with a group of Russian mobsters on a class trip to Moscow, earning him his nickname: "The Machine." He wouldn't have wrestled with a bear or swum with sharks on national television. He wouldn't have (possibly) smoked PCP with a star of Saturday Night Live. And he wouldn't have been named the Number One Partier in the Nation by Rolling Stone, inspired the movie National Lampoon's Van Wilder, or performed standup to sellout crowds across the country.
-
-
Great laugh!
- By casey breton on 2024-03-27
Written by: Bert Kreischer
-
Bossypants
- Written by: Tina Fey
- Narrated by: Tina Fey
- Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Before Liz Lemon, before Weekend Update, before Sarah Palin, Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: A recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV. She has seen both these dreams come true. At last, Tina Fey's story can be told. From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live. Tina Fey reveals all, and proves what we've always suspected: You're no one until someone calls you bossy.
-
-
funny!
- By Deanna La Jambe on 2019-06-07
Written by: Tina Fey
-
Born Standing Up
- A Comic's Life
- Written by: Steve Martin
- Narrated by: Steve Martin
- Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the mid-70s, Steve Martin exploded onto the comedy scene. By 1978 he was the biggest concert draw in the history of stand-up. In 1981 he quit forever. Born Standing Up is, in his own words, the story of "why I did stand-up and why I walked away".
-
-
Wonderful Memoir
- By Joelle on 2018-01-27
Written by: Steve Martin
-
A Hard Kick in the Nuts
- What I've Learned from a Lifetime of Terrible Decisions
- Written by: Stephen "Steve-O" Glover, David Peisner - contributor
- Narrated by: Stephen "Steve-O" Glover
- Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Steve-O is best known for his wildly dangerous, foolish, painful, embarrassing, and sometimes death-defying stunts. At age 48, however, he faces his greatest challenge yet: getting older. A Hard Kick in the Nuts: What I’ve Learned from a Lifetime of Terrible Decisions is a captivating exploration of life and how to live it by an individual who has already lived way more than a lifetime’s worth of extreme experiences. Steve-O grapples with the right balance between maturity and staying true to yourself, avoiding selfishness, and finding the right partner for life.
-
-
His first book is better
- By Amazon Customer on 2024-11-11
Written by: Stephen "Steve-O" Glover, and others
-
A Very Punchable Face
- A Memoir
- Written by: Colin Jost
- Narrated by: Colin Jost
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If there’s one trait that makes someone well-suited to comedy, it’s being able to take a punch - metaphorically and, occasionally, physically. 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.
-
-
So funny
- By KT on 2021-02-10
Written by: Colin Jost
-
Cinema Speculation
- Written by: Quentin Tarantino
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Quentin Tarantino
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In addition to being among the most celebrated of contemporary filmmakers, Quentin Tarantino is possibly the most joyously infectious movie lover alive. For years he has touted in interviews his eventual turn to writing books about films. Now, with Cinema Speculation, the time has come, and the results are everything his passionate fans—and all movie lovers—could have hoped for. Organized around key American films from the 1970s, all of which he first saw as a young moviegoer at the time, this book is as intellectually rigorous and insightful as it is rollicking and entertaining.
-
-
Good But Disappointing
- By Alex Chapman on 2022-11-24
Written by: Quentin Tarantino
-
Dirty Daddy
- The Chronicles of a Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian
- Written by: Bob Saget
- Narrated by: Bob Saget
- Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Millions of viewers know and love Bob Saget from his role as the sweetly neurotic father on the smash hit Full House, and as the charming wisecracking host of America's Funniest Home Videos. And then there are the legions of fans who can't get enough of his scatological, out-of-his-mind stand-up routines, comedy specials, and outrageously profane performances in such shows as HBO's Entourage and the hit documentary The Aristocrats.
-
-
Bob Saget’s book is equally funny as it is life-changing.
- By Mich on 2023-01-19
Written by: Bob Saget
-
I Exaggerate
- My Brushes with Fame
- Written by: Kevin Nealon
- Narrated by: Kevin Nealon
- Length: 4 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In I Exaggerate, famed comedian and actor Kevin Nealon pairs his artwork with sweet, funny, and endearing stories about the subjects he paints. From reminiscences about Saturday Night Live hosts to an excerpt from the eulogy he gave at his dear friend Garry Shandling’s funeral, the writing in this book is warm and nostalgic, and the list of subjects Kevin wants to cover is everyone you could hope for.
-
-
good listen
- By Natalie on 2023-11-24
Written by: Kevin Nealon
-
Canada
- Written by: Mike Myers
- Narrated by: Mike Myers
- Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Comedy superstar Mike Myers writes from the (true patriot) heart about his 53-year relationship with his beloved Canada. Mike Myers is a world-renowned actor, director and writer and the man behind some of the most memorable comic characters of our time. But, as he says, "No description of me is truly complete without saying I'm a Canadian". He has often winked and nodded to Canada in his outrageously accomplished body of work, but now he turns the spotlight full-beam on his homeland.
-
-
Love Mike Myers but...
- By Jardinpetitbasin on 2021-04-03
Written by: Mike Myers
-
Talking to Canadians
- A Memoir
- Written by: Rick Mercer
- Narrated by: Rick Mercer
- Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What is Rick Mercer going to do now? That was the question on everyone's lips when the beloved comedian retired his hugely successful TV show after 15 seasons - and at the peak of its popularity. The answer came not long after, when he roared back in a new role as stand-up-comedian, playing to sold-out houses wherever he appeared. And then COVID-19 struck. And his legions of fans began asking again: What is Rick Mercer going to do now? Well, for one thing, he's been writing a comic masterpiece.
-
-
Don't pay for someone to scream at you for 10 hrs.
- By Kiki on 2022-01-09
Written by: Rick Mercer
What the critics say
“I’ve known Bob [Odenkirk] for over 30 years, and yet I had to read this book to believe his stunning career arc. I can’t think of another entertainer who has improbably morphed so many times, and all through real genius and determination.”—Conan O’Brien
“Written before his heart attack, the actor's memoir was already appointment reading—he regales his audience with stories of his time coming up in Chicago's comedy scene and breaking into Hollywood—but now it feels even more essential.”—Entertainment Weekly
“This book would have been welcome news no matter what, but it’s especially sweet following Odenkirk’s recovery from a scary July heart attack that saw the star collapse on the set. We’ll take all the Odenkirk we can get.”—USA Today
What listeners say about Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Gerry Corcoran
- 2022-04-24
The Saul You Probably Didn't Know
If you're like me (and probably most), you know Bob Odenkirk from his amazing portrayal as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. However, despite this massive success, the majority of his career (and indeed where he still puts most of his effort) is into comedy. This memoir mostly focuses on that, though it talks about his dramatic acting days as well.
Bob reads this story very well and really adds to the personality and humour on display throughout. His trek through comedy was certainly not easy and he talks at length about his humble beginnings in Chicago, to writing for and flunking out of SNL, to his cult favourite Mr. Show program and much more. He's candid about the things and people he wasn't fond of and is also very generous in his praise to those he admires. This memoir is told from a place of honestly, but also by someone who is clearly both funny and has a good heart.
If you ever wanted to really hear from someone who lives the motto "fail early, fail often, fail faster", this is it. Bob has had some great successes but in between all of those were a string of failures, some large, to a point where they might have broken people with less resolve. But he always picks himself up and moves onto the next thing, not letting his failures stop him. He truly loves the art of comedy and even when he fails hard, he never lets it dim his passion. It's quite admirable.
Even if like me, you only know Bob from his dramatic roles, this retelling of his life is engaging and fun. I highly recommend.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kevin Pattee
- 2022-03-11
Definitely worth the listen
It's hard not to like him, even as he works so hard to be unlikeable. Self deprecating and brutally honest. Really enjoyed it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Wayne Golds
- 2022-08-26
I love Bob!
This book is amazing, he is a great human and a genius comedic icon. Thank you for this Mr Odenkirk, thank you!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mom of four
- 2022-04-24
I’m in love!
I am in love with this experience this opened my imagination more than I was expecting. I keep listening over and over because each chapter is fun! It’s a experience in itself you’ll see.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- DALEE. Planette
- 2023-05-05
alright journey thru BobO's life
This is entertaining, but at times a lengthy journey of name-dropping disinterest. I had to up the speed of the playback just to get thru some of the middling chapters. Probably my last biography for a while. It was a journey and the quick recounts of his filming episodes of filming in Canada (especially with his own origins in Chicago/area) were my highlights.
Rating somewhere between 3.5 and 4.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Colin Stewart
- 2022-04-26
it's a good time!
a fascinating life story, expertly told. I learned and laughed a lot. Thanks Bob!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 2022-03-31
One book of Many I hope
Amazing personal insight. No holds barred. Can’t wait to read/listen to Bob odenki’s next book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Nedthebarbarian
- 2022-06-23
As indicated in the title more comedy less drama
Excellent performance but definitely more for the fans of his comedy than drama (as expected with that title). Worth the time and entertaining.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mr, V
- 2022-05-22
Ode To Odenkirk
His name combines Norse God and Star Trek leader. He is neither
He's a guy who followed his passion, learned from life and tells a great story.
I heard about this book on Bill Maher. I purchased it while watching. Well worth it.
His work is amazing. His journey to get where he is now is just lovely.
He is humble, funny and gracious to those he's worked with. And to the listener. Melifluous voice to boot.
This book is funny but more story in how a guy followed his own lead to get where he is today.
Writer, comedian, serious actor, maybe even a normal person(?).
Where was this guidance when I was a kid???
I'll be creative and funny in another life.
Thanks Bob Odenkirk!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- RyanC
- 2022-12-28
Interesting story. Skit descriptions ran on
Enjoyed the backstory and learning about Bob. The Mr. Show skit descriptions got repetitive after a while. Sketch comedy just isn't quite the same when it's being explained to you
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!