I received this from Netgalley.com for a review.

A very readable memoir - with laugh out loud moments. Jost starts with his childhood memories up to his present job on SNL's Weekend Update.

3.25☆

I'm not a huge comedy consumer, but I'd sort of consider myself a Colin Jost and Michael Che fan in that their news segment is frequently the funniest part of SNL. I picked this up on a whim and was thoroughly entertained-- Jost is a professional writer, and he is very talented. I think people with more familiarity with Jost's work would enjoy this even more. His capacity for making himself the butt of a joke through self-deprecation is astounding and enjoyable. (Keep in mind that this man is a Harvard grad and currently dating Scarlett Johansson.)

This is definitely more of a collection of essays than a linear from-birth-to-present-day. This means it has a "just the good parts" feel, which works well until perhaps the end, where it kind of peters out. While I wouldn't have minded a stronger ending, I really enjoyed this.

Quite possibly my favorite essay style memoir. A bit surprised how much I connected with Colin and it has made me a big fan of his. Truly a must read if you need a laugh!

In Colin Jost's memoir A VERY PUNCHABLE FACE, Jost describes growing up on Staten Island, dealing with his mother being the chief medical officer for the NYFD, and finding comedy at Harvard and never looking back. Jost has some great stories of his time at SNL as well as funny memories of stand up comedy shows gone horribly wrong.
Self-deprecating from beginning to end, Jost implies throughout the course of the book that while he feels his talent is good, his tenacity and work ethic are the reasons he has become successful. He takes just as many shots at himself as he does and everyone else collectively. The fact that he spends a whole chapter recounting the times he has soiled himself is priceless. The other thing I really like about the book is that I feel like Jost probably wrote about three times as much material for the book than what got in; the book really feels like it is all of his best writing, there really isn't a slow part anywhere.
I was laughing from beginning to end while reading A VERY PUNCHABLE FACE. A uniquely comical perspective from a man who is clearly one of the funniest people on television right now.

Slightly disappointing - You would think that the author could rely on a wealth of funny and entertaining stories but this memoir barely touches on his time at Saturday Night Live nor the people in his life, save for his mother, for whom he demonstrates great admiration. While the book is a amusing in parts, after finishing the book, the reader is left with no real sense of who the author is.

I received an advanced review copy for free from NetGalley.

I never watch SNL anymore, the only cast I'm interested in was the 90s. But I am aware of his brother Casey, so I decided to give this book a try. I'm glad I did it was funny and gives insight to his life including writing for SNL for fifteen years. Each chapter is funnier than the last, I love he included FAQ about SNL. It was a great that I would read again.

I don't know the last time I laughed out loud so much from a book! I had always liked Colin on Saturday Night Live and knew he was a writer, but now I love him so much more. His stories were hilarious and I loved how he constantly shared his thought processes. A few of my favorite essays involved pooping your pants and his limited experiences with drugs; I had tears from laughing so much and imagining it happening. I will definitely be purchasing this book as gifts for friends. A hilarious read! I

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

I never knew I had an interest in reading a book of essays written by Colin Jost until I started reading a book of essays written by Colin Jost. He did a fantastic job peeling back the layers of his early life. When he first appeared on Weekend Update in 2014, several people assumed he was a smug elitist from a wealthy family because he went to Harvard, but he had relatively humble middle class beginning and this book just goes to show that you never can tell a person’s whole story just by looking at them. The book is also contains behind the scenes stories at SNL and several stories of Jose getting injured. Would have been nice to hear more about his personal life, but I understand that he’s a private person. A surprisingly sweet, fast, and funny read.

I started watching SNL a few years ago, and Weekend Update is one of my favorite parts. That is the main reason, I requested a copy of Colin Jost's book.
This book is collection of stories from Jost's life about a variety of subjects. Frequently, when I read celebrity memoirs, I find myself bored by the parts about the early years of their life. This book is definitely an exception. Jost has lead a very interest life and I found the details and stories from his childhood very funny and interesting. He does a good job of finding humor in a lot of the details of his life.
One of my favorite chapters is when he lists some of the sketches he wrote. A lot of them are some of the ones that I found the funniest.
I think that this was a great memoir by Jost. It's funny and real.

"A Very Punchable Face" is a memoir authored by Colin Jost, who is best known for his writing on "Saturday Night Live." While I enjoyed reading about the backstage happenings at SNL, I could have done without Colin's exploits of his college days and all the vices that included.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

A Very Punchable Face is by far and away, totally different from my normal day to day reads. I am a romance reader who loves nothing more than a happy ending. So, for me to pick up a Non-Fiction book is a pretty big deal. When I stumbled upon A Very Punchable Face, my first thought was "Hey, look! Colin Jost wrote a book". After reading the synopsis, I couldn't help but be intrigued. I mean, this book just sounded absolutely amazing. So, I put my reservations aside and decided to read a book outside my norm, and I have to tell you, I am so glad I did. From the moment I picked up this book, I was hooked. I didn't want to put it down. It was so well written and entertaining. From the titles of the chapters to the content within the pages, I just couldn't get enough. I loved reading about Colin's life and his journey to SNL. Colin had a lot of personal struggles early on and it was fascinating to see how he became the Colin that makes us laugh weekly on SNL. I loved learning about his family and getting to see a side of him that we wouldn't normally see. I loved how Colin owned the mistakes he made in his life and was able to make fun himself in the most embarrassing moments.

A Very Punchable Face is genuine, yet funny at the same time. His story is easy to relate to and gave the humor that I was hoping and looking for. For someone who rarely reads this genre, I can tell you that I had the absolute best time reading A Very Punchable Face. I laughed. I cringed. I had a smile on my face the entire time. All in all, a fantastic read from beginning to end. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humor and loves to laugh.

Always funny, sometimes heavy. His retelling of his mother's account of 9/11 is proof that he can deliver an emotional and thoughtful passage while maintaining his comedy in a poignant way.

This is by far one of the best, if not, the best memoirs I've read. I laughed so hard I was crying multiple times. Fantastic.

I always get so giddy for memoirs written by comedians. Usually if they're writers, I know that I will be completely enthralled, and this book did not disappoint! Jost is a very talented writer, and it was so easy to get caught up in the book immediately. I definitely laughed out loud. If you enjoy seeing him as a Weekend Update co-host, then you'll definitely enjoy this book.

I've read about a million comedian memoirs, and to be honest, they usually disappoint me. It is hard to be funny in book-form, and it's even harder to make a fairly drama-free upbringing sound remotely interesting. But Colin Jost made me laugh, like OUT LOUD, and I didn't even want to punch him in the face once! (Well, maybe a little, but that's just because I'm a very wimpy puncher and his face is just so punchable!)

I truly picked this book up with the most middling of expectations. Maybe one or two other comedian memoirs have really impressed me, and I didn't think that a white guy from a good family with a Harvard education could be that entertaining. Yes, I enjoy Colin Jost on SNL, but I've enjoyed other comedian's work and hated their too-earnest and painfully unfunny books.

But, holy crap, this book was just so great. I mean, if you have my sense of humor and you find stories about pooping your pants, getting drunk and vomiting random places, and having a harrowing edible experience to be hilarious. And, to be honest, haven't we all done those thing? If you haven't, we are possibly not friend-compatible...

The book isn't all stuff that sounds dumb and juvenile (but, I swear, those things are funny in a way that isn't just "drunk white guy"-funny). There are serious topics too, like the way Colin Jost's mother was deeply involved in saving dozens of lives during 9/11, working tirelessly on the scene as as chief medical officer for the New York City Fire Department. I also really enjoyed the peak into the insane work ethic that Colin has that took him to Regis (fancy) for high school and Harvard for college.

But what really makes this book is Colin's skill as a comedic writer. Colin knows how to tell a story and make it funny. That's so difficult to do, and Colin makes his story feel like you are talking with your neurotic, hilarious friend from childhood who likes to hide in trees when drunk and injure himself way more than you think normal for a man of his age (and, no, Colin isn't always drunk, just... well, yeah, he does talk about drinking a lot).

I did NOT want to put this book down. I have this rubric of book-ratings that I mentally go through when I'm reading a story, and if a book makes me want to read it while driving because it's that addictive, then it's an automatic 5-stars. And, no, I didn't read it while driving, but I did longingly look at my Kindle at stop lights.

It's hard to describe exactly why I loved this book so much, but I have to chalk it up to a combo of masterful comedy writing, a well-organized and edited book, and stories that I could personally relate to (doctor parent, happy childhood, good education... and definitely not the crapping your pants or edibles stories. I'm waaaay classier than that). And, yes, Scarlett Johansson fans, we get a very minor peek at their relationship and why she and Colin Jost are most likely wanted by the Paris police.

Wholeheartedly recommended for SNL fans and also people who just like funny stories. Colin Jost knocked this one out of the park.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Per the placeholder below, I have a bit of a thing for Colin Jost. In all honesty, though, I kind of have a thing for SNL performers period. I have talked ad nauseam about my lifelong affinity for the Not Ready for Primetime Players and how some of my fondest childhood memories involve shoveling late-night Pizza House paper thin crust pizza and Italian beef sammiches into my mouth while watching Eddie Murphy rise to fame. By the time I was old enough to actually understand the jokes it was an era most would consider pretty great with the likes of Dana Carvey, Jan Hooks, Nora Dunn, Phil Hartman, Victoria Jackson, Mike Meyers, Kevin Nealon, etc. And then there was magic. Sandler, Spade, Rock, Schneider, Meadows and the incomparable Farley. In all actuality, while there have been some clinker seasons, who can argue that the groups listed above didn’t provide the hardy-hars or that others before and after didn’t do the same? I mean the original cast with Belushi and Chevy Chase and Dan Akroyd and Jane Curtin and Gilda Radner and Garrett Morris? Brilliant. Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch and Maya Rudolph finally shutting up the douchecanoes who were still trying to argue that “women can’t be funny.” Priceless. And this current batch of kids like Aidy Bryant, Mikey Day, Chris Redd and Kate McKinnon ain’t nothing to shake a stick at either. There’s also this new guy who I think has potential *wink* . . . .

Dear Kenan, I hope you make ten million dollars a year and please never leave. You are everything.

Anyhow, so I watch a crapton of SNL and I try to read any and all former/current cast member memoirs that come out as well. I am what you might call a superfan. I want to hear all the details about being a part of my favorite show and I want zero filter used while dishing (David Spade wins this category). Jost’s book scores high with me for the following:

10. Despite not being an entry about SNL – as mentioned below he does talk about how many times he has pooped his pants in his adult life. That will never not be funny to me.

9. When it comes to talking about guest stars who were awful, everyone seems to clam up. Not Jost. He flat out says the worst person he ever had to work with “had the initials R.C. and then after the R is an “ussell,” and after the C is a “rowe.””

8. He wrote a “spec script” for one of my favorite TV shows of all time . . . . . without knowing that said show had already been canceled.

7. He wrote another show that like three people in the entire world ever watched and two of those people just so happen to be me and my kid.

6. He willingly admits his fails like the eight episodes of Weekend Update he co-hosted with Cecily Strong (who is GREAT on SNL, they were both just really terrible together attempting to do the fake news) and hosting the Emmy’s. (To his/Che’s credit, they actually proposed a few bits that were potentially hilarious but vetoed by the powers that be.)

5, 4, 3, 2. He is responsible for skits that made me laugh so hard I woke my sleeping children up like Drunk Uncle, Sean Spicer, The Real Housewives of Disney and the "Can I Play That?" game show.

And #1. Relationship goals. No, not Scarlett Johansson. If anyone thinks that marriage will last, then I have some oceanfront property to sell you in the middle of the Sahara. Nope, I’m talking about the real deal - he and Che. They are the reason I stay up until at least 11:15 before dozing off due to my old age and watching the remainder of the show with my morning coffee on Sundays. It will be interesting to see where the show goes without Jost’s involvement. Fifteen years is a long time and his input will be greatly missed. Not to mention the fact that he's such a tall, delicious glass of egg whites ; )

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley.

An inciteful look into the life of a figure many would recognize, but most would be hard pressed to tell you anything about. Jost's style is approachable and readable. There's a sense of genuine, unfeigned humility in a way that's surprising in a celebrity memoir. He's relatable, but still has interesting stories to tell. I felt like the humor was a little stilted at times. Obviously not every joke can land in a full length book, but the majority of them are successful and well balanced. Where the narrative really shines is in the transitions between the funnier moments and more serious thoughts, then back again. Some writers can't pull this off, creating a jarring sensation for the reader, but Jost does a solid job.
The book really does feel like a story told by someone who spends a lot of time talking, just not about himself. It's thoughtful and carefully composed, and is going to be a hit with readers from a variety of backgrounds.

Review to be posted upon publication on Goodreads and Instagram on @honeyedwordsreads.

As a long time fan of Saturday Night Live, I enjoy experiencing a back stage peek through various cast members’ books. *1 The book is well written and made me laugh! *2 Colin explains the weekly schedule that the writers, actors and staff endure to produce a live show. It’s all fun and games, lots of writing and barely any sleep. The chapter called “Notes from the Censors” demonstrates that sometimes it’s important for someone who actually gets some sleep to proof your writing and ideas.*3 There are many stories about family and friends and growing up in Staten Island. There is a chapter about surfing with Jimmy Buffett. *4 I was impressed by Colin’s dedication to his craft spending endless hours writing, even in college, and performing standup. *5 After getting to know you better, I can honestly say your face isn’t very punchable!

*1 I also read books by Tina and Amy and about John and Gilda.
*2. I LLOL’ed (literally laughed out loud) during all of chapter 15 - “Okay, So Maybe I’ve Shit My Pants a Couple Times”
*3 My favorite censor’s note was - $@**#%-&&@
*4 Spoiler - it didn’t end well
*5 Continued to keep trying when he was told “No” so so so so many times

I know little about Colin Jost except for three facts: he is 1/2 of the fantastic duo I adore on SNL Weekend Update, he’s got a beautiful fiancé, and a he has a pretty sweet job. Other than that, he’s a complete mystery to me. I went into this with an open mind and zero expectation. The only hope I had was finding out what makes Aidy Bryant so evil, but sadly I was disappointed 😆 JK.
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This book had me laughing out loud and chuckling hard in inappropriate places where people would look at me thinking “is she OK? She’s just looking at her phone and busting out laughing in a almost empty ferry boat.” Honestly this was a hilarious and fun to read. His stories have the perfect blend of sarcasm and wit accompanied by a huge dose of empathy. He was able to take some of the worst times or serious moments in his life and make them relatable with humor.
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I can hear his voice while reading this. It’s like I’m having a conversation with him, learning about him through his own words. He didn’t try to make his life grander or opulent. He didn’t throw in stories just to name drop and make us feel envious. He talked about the things and events that shaped his life and challenges he faced that helped develop the person he is today. There are parts of this story that are embarrassing and hysterical, you cannot believe this happened to a person. These are parts that make you appreciate that Colin took the time to write out these experiences and pieces of his history.
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His footnotes were amazing. The little tidbits he added were the perfect touch to the end of that sentence. There were so many facts about this book that were nonsense, yet you totally needed them. For example when you’re reading, you will come across the menu from Margaritaville, recreated from Colin’s memory. You will then think to yourself “was this really necessary?” And the answer is YES. Now do I not only appreciate Jimmy Buffett and the role he played in Colins life, but now I’m so hungry for these objects I need to go to Margaritaville right away. Touché Colin, I hope Jimmy B. has a reserved table just for you at all the establishments across the US.
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I realized that reviewing someone’s memoir is really unfair. How can I rate someone who has opened themselves, divulged their inner thoughts and personal experiences; especially when it comes to celebrities. But this book and his story were shared in the perfect way. I loved getting more insight on SNL and the dynamics that goes on behind the scenes, and his relationships with the writing staff and cast members whom I adore. This book makes me want to punch his face less now that I had a little glimpse into who he is. Again, Touché Collin, I see the kind of reverse psychology manipulation that you executed.
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Thank you to Colin for writing this amazing book and giving us insight on why his face is so punchable and the many people who have tried to punch it and Netgally and Crown Publishing for this eARC

This book was received as an ARC from Crown Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am a fan of Colin Jost and his work on SNL but it was really interesting to read where he came from and where his career began. What stunned me was that he is a Harvard graduate but when I see his work on SNL and on Weekend Update, it is totally clear. Some of the stories of his past I could not help but smile and laugh so hard, it was all hysterical. My jaw was dropped wide open when he told the story of the insect laying eggs in his legs, now that's something you don't read everyday. Page to page, cover to cover I absolutely could not get enough of this book. I was a fan of Colin, now I am more. It was a fun read that I am sure our community will enjoy, especially if they are fans of SNL.

We will consider adding this title to our Biography collection in our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.