Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama

A Memoir

By: Bob Odenkirk

Narrated by: Bob Odenkirk, Steve Rudnick, Leo Benvenuti

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 fifty.

“I’ve known Bob Odenkirk for more than thirty 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? Read 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.

Grounded and Perfect.

In the pantheon of comedy memoirs, this is up there with "Born Standing Up." Bob is thoughtful and humble, and understanding of his overall impact on comedy. From his weird meet cute with Del Close to his struggles of being a director, it's exactly what I wanted to hear about. A great read or listen for any comedy nerds or aspiring funny folks who need to hear someone successful to tell you to work hard with people you like.

Bob shares a great story, but...

I'm a long time fan of Mr. Odenkirk. I preordered this book a very long time ago. It was much of what I expected, quite enjoyable. However, there were so many times that he seemed to feel he needed to explain that he was definitely a progressive, definitely in support of leftism, etc. If any of the times he shoehorned it in to the narrative had had something to do with the story, it would have made sense. But honestly- it never ONCE did. Especially that last part. This whole book was about how against the establishment he was, how he could easily piss off the big dogs and didn't care to kiss their butts. Yet, I felt lume I was watching him kiss MANY butts in real time. It just.... ugh.

Still. I love Bob and am happy to get a little more glimpse into his thought process. I wish him well.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Humble, earnest, comical fun book, but hearing Bob reading it is a new experience in itself. Hands down this was the book I needed. Bob also slays at delivery

A good story to listen to while digging in my garden

I thought the story was very insightful! I loved hearing about all the opportunities bob was given and how he responded. It was very insightful to listen to as a “wannabe open-mic-er” in stand-up and his opinions on standup. I really loved his story and am looking forward to seeing the rest!

Nice easy read.

Enjoyable, funny and honestly written and performed. Can’t wait to see what Bob does next!