Review: A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost
One of my final books of 2020 and it did not disappoint! I love a good memoir but felt like it had been awhile since I read one. This book is the perfect about of funny and heartwarming. Even if you’re not a fan of Saturday Night Live, Jost’s story is funny, relatable, and downright fun.
Synopsis: “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 twenty-five-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 fifteen 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.
What I Liked:
The Humor—Josh is a great writer from his days at SNL and his humor translates really well to the written word.
The Heart—While this book is very funny, it is still warm and engaging. I loved learning about Jost’s mother’s involvement in the rescue operations of 9/11 plus how his insecurities ended up aiding his career. He also speaks about his future wife (Scarlett Johanson) so lovingly you’ll be “awing” all over the place.
The Format—Like other SNL alum’s, Jost wrote this memoir is a series of essays like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. It’s digestible and makes you want to pick it up because while all the stories do connect, you can enjoy them one at a time as well.
What Didn’t Work:
Nothing! Just be sure to enjoy this book on audio. But as Colin reminds you, buy the book for the pictures.
TW/CW: 9/11, body shaming, drug use, excrement, racial slurs
Character Authenticity: N/A (memoir)
Steam Rating: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.5/5