Legitimate Kid

A Memoir

By: Aida Rodriguez

Narrated by: Aida Rodriguez

“Aida Rodriguez is part of the next wave of talented comedic storytellers that I dreamt about when I was trying to break down barriers in the industry. Besides being a fierce Latina powerhouse, she’s FUNNY AS HELL! So buy this book. No really, BUY THIS BOOK!!! I don’t want any problems, ya heard?!”—John Leguizamo, Emmy and Tony Award–winning actor, writer, and producer

A poignant and moving memoir-in-essays from stand-up comedian Aida Rodriguez on the power of overcoming hardship and transforming pain into laughter.

Aida Rodriguez has, to put it mildly, lived a whirlwind life. Her rags-to-riches story is mind-blowing: She was kidnapped as a child by her mother in the Dominican Republic and brought to the US. She was later kidnapped again by her grandmother and uncle and moved from New York to Florida. As an adult, she ended a difficult marriage and endured homelessness with her children in Los Angeles. But through it all she never lost her sense of humor.

Born with a wonderful wit and an irrepressible spirit, Aida used her gifts and worked tirelessly, turning tragedy and pain into biting comedy that takes on everything from misogyny and racism to social media and news headlines. She eventually released a hit HBO Max special, which led to multiple development deals—success that won her a nationwide audience, opened doors, and helped her expand the way Latinos are represented in comedy.

In this, her highly anticipated first book, Aida charts her many ups and downs. From personal setbacks to career highs and everything in between, Legitimate Kid is endearing, shocking, and ultimately life-affirming.

Latin Voices

I really appreciate Aida’s story it gives a voice and creates a mirror to see myself within her memoir.

There are parts of the books I can tell she was choked up and the pain was felt with her vibration of her tone. It made me cry, laugh, and evoke buried emotions.

Good time

This was really relatable and refreshing. I loved it! Boricua baby me gusta! Aida did great

I was not expecting to cry this much.

What a beautiful story so relatable. I didn’t think I would be so moved listening to this story, I found myself at my desk in tears on more than one occasion. Thank you for sharing your story you’re truly an inspiration.

Honest vulnerable and powerful!

Honest vulnerable and powerful! A beautiful example of growth and resilience. Aida takes you on a journey.

love her and her story but the delivery is monotone

i love her and her work. the book is interesting but she reads it in such a monotone way she seems bored.