A Very Punchable Face

A Memoir

By: Colin Jost

Narrated by: Colin Jost

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.

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

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Cosmopolitan, Vulture, Parade

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.

Critic reviews

“Colin Jost is as funny as his face is punchable. Which is to say: very. He also knows a lot about Staten Island, soiling himself, internal parasites, and firemen’s pensions. He’s really the whole package. And if you care about comedy—writing it, performing it, watching it, or giving up any semblance of a normal adult life for it—so is his book.”—Zadie Smith

“Colin Jost is one of the best people I know and one hell of a writer. This book proves both to be true.”—Seth Meyers

“I was caught off guard by how much I enjoyed this book, considering how indifferent I feel about Colin as a person.”—Amy Schumer

“An inspiring story that reminds us that if you are born with looks and talent, you can still make it.”—Conan O’Brien

“I think this book is fantastic. I haven’t read a single word of it, but it’s got everything I want in a book—a front, a back, a good spine. And it’s got some heft. Whoever wrote this book knew what she was doing. Well done.”—Michael Che

Biggest hit in my 2020 library

2020’s been rough. I’ve lost family members to Covid and Cancer. My daughter was trapped in Italy , for 11 weeks as Covid raged around her. My anxiety went through the roof and I’ve really had to filter out any books that might add to it. This book was like taking a much needed vacation. I laughed out loud for the first time in months. The stories were personal but relatable and told with such honesty and emotion, I was easily drawn in and completely entertained. Colin is a master storyteller and his delivery immpecable.

I couldn't stop laughing

I am a big fan of Colin Jost, I love SNL and I love him and Michael Che on Weekend Update. I had eagerly awaited for this book to come out ever since I first found out about it. I really like that it is read by Colin himself, it gives the book a more authentic feel. I enjoyed listening to him describe his upbringing, how is his mom is truly a hero (Thank Ms. Jost for everything you did in 9/11), and describing life at SNL. I recommend anybody interested in this book to pick the audio version as well.

This Jost Guy Is Pretty Funny

I’ve listened to quite a few SNL audiobooks. No kidding, this is the funniest one by far. Highly recommended. People driving by me on the highway while I listened to it probably were very concerned about me and obviously their own safety, seeing me laughing like a maniac, while driving.

Thank you Jost

This was my first audible book. I enjoyed every moment. Colin had me laughing out loud. I highly recommend this read (listen). Colon brought me inside the life of a comedian with a perspective I have never imagined. Other than the shitting in the pants stories (too close to home) I can’t wait to now read this book (mostly for the photos). I highly recommend!

If you want to laugh, listen to this

One of the funniest memoirs I’ve ever listened too! I love his voice and the way he retells his stories. I hope he does another one soon!