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). 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.įor every accomplishment (hosting the Emmys), there is a setback (hosting the Emmys). 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). 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). If there's one trait that makes someone well suited to comedy, it's being able to take a punch-metaphorically and, occasionally, physically.įrom 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. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Cosmopolitan - Vulture - Parade

Now I just want to kick him in the balls.'-Larry David 'I always wanted to punch his face before I read this book. 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.

You have a very punchable face