Listen free for 30 days
-
Navel Gazing
- True Tales of Bodies, Mostly Mine (but Also My Mom's, Which I Know Sounds Weird)
- Narrated by: Michael Ian Black
- Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Entertainment & Celebrities
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £16.49
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Breakdown Lane
- By: Jacquelyn Mitchard
- Narrated by: Anna Fields
- Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Where can a woman turn when her own life threatens to overwhelm her ability to keep her children safe? New York Times best-selling author Jacquelyn Mitchard takes the readers of her newest novel on a wry and moving journey of loss and healing.
-
Miracle Boy Grows Up
- How the Disability Rights Revolution Saved My Sanity
- By: Ben Mattlin
- Narrated by: Elijah Alexander
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ben Mattlin lives a normal, independent life. Why is that interesting? Because Mattlin was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a congenital weakness from which he was expected to die in childhood. Not only did Mattlin live through childhood, he became one of the first students in a wheelchair to attend Harvard, from which he graduated and became a professional writer. His advantage?
-
Ten Years Later
- By: Hoda Kotb
- Narrated by: Hoda Kotb
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Through years of perseverance, purpose, and passion, Hoda Kotb landed a spot with Kathie Lee on the Today show, won numerous journalism awards, and gained valuable life lessons. Now, after captivating audiences in her blockbuster memoir Hoda, she turns to stories about others who have undergone personal transformation against great odds. In Ten Years Later, Hoda chronicles six amazing stories by identifying a game-changing event in her subjects’ lives and then revisiting those lives a decade later.
-
-
Loved this book!
- By Allyson on 02-03-13
-
RISK!
- True Stories People Never Thought They'd Dare to Share
- By: Kevin Allison - editor
- Narrated by: Kevin Allison, Sarah Mollo-Christensen, Robin Miles
- Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Collecting the most celebrated stories from the hit podcast RISK!, along with all-new true tales about explosive secrets and off-the-wall adventures, this book paints a spellbinding portrait of the transformational moments we experience in life but rarely talk about. No topics are off-limits in RISK!, no memories too revealing to share. From accidentally harboring a teen fugitive to being poisoned while tripping on LSD in the Mayan ruins, these stories transport readers into uncharted territory and show how your life can change when you take an extraordinary leap.
-
-
A wonderful and moving listen
- By kevin on 08-08-18
-
Because I Come from a Crazy Family
- The Making of a Psychiatrist
- By: Edward M. Hallowell
- Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
- Length: 13 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Edward M. Hallowell was 11, a voice out of nowhere told him he should become a psychiatrist. A mental health professional of the time would have called this psychosis. But young Edward (Ned) took it in stride, despite not quite knowing what "psychiatrist" meant. With a psychotic father, an alcoholic mother, an abusive stepfather, and two so-called learning disabilities of his own, Ned was accustomed to unpredictable behaviour from those around him and to a mind he felt he couldn't always control.
-
-
Very interesting book
- By Anonymous User on 10-01-21
-
Bare Bones
- I'm Not Lonely If You're Reading This Book
- By: Bobby Bones
- Narrated by: Bobby Bones
- Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Growing up poor in Mountain Pine, Arkansas, with a young, addicted mom, Bobby Estell fell in love with country music. Abandoned by his father at the age of five, Bobby saw the radio as his way out - a dream that came true in college when he went on air at the Henderson State University campus station broadcasting as Bobby Bones while simultaneously starting The Bobby Bones Show at 105.9 KLAZ.
-
The Breakdown Lane
- By: Jacquelyn Mitchard
- Narrated by: Anna Fields
- Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Where can a woman turn when her own life threatens to overwhelm her ability to keep her children safe? New York Times best-selling author Jacquelyn Mitchard takes the readers of her newest novel on a wry and moving journey of loss and healing.
-
Miracle Boy Grows Up
- How the Disability Rights Revolution Saved My Sanity
- By: Ben Mattlin
- Narrated by: Elijah Alexander
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ben Mattlin lives a normal, independent life. Why is that interesting? Because Mattlin was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a congenital weakness from which he was expected to die in childhood. Not only did Mattlin live through childhood, he became one of the first students in a wheelchair to attend Harvard, from which he graduated and became a professional writer. His advantage?
-
Ten Years Later
- By: Hoda Kotb
- Narrated by: Hoda Kotb
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Through years of perseverance, purpose, and passion, Hoda Kotb landed a spot with Kathie Lee on the Today show, won numerous journalism awards, and gained valuable life lessons. Now, after captivating audiences in her blockbuster memoir Hoda, she turns to stories about others who have undergone personal transformation against great odds. In Ten Years Later, Hoda chronicles six amazing stories by identifying a game-changing event in her subjects’ lives and then revisiting those lives a decade later.
-
-
Loved this book!
- By Allyson on 02-03-13
-
RISK!
- True Stories People Never Thought They'd Dare to Share
- By: Kevin Allison - editor
- Narrated by: Kevin Allison, Sarah Mollo-Christensen, Robin Miles
- Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Collecting the most celebrated stories from the hit podcast RISK!, along with all-new true tales about explosive secrets and off-the-wall adventures, this book paints a spellbinding portrait of the transformational moments we experience in life but rarely talk about. No topics are off-limits in RISK!, no memories too revealing to share. From accidentally harboring a teen fugitive to being poisoned while tripping on LSD in the Mayan ruins, these stories transport readers into uncharted territory and show how your life can change when you take an extraordinary leap.
-
-
A wonderful and moving listen
- By kevin on 08-08-18
-
Because I Come from a Crazy Family
- The Making of a Psychiatrist
- By: Edward M. Hallowell
- Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
- Length: 13 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Edward M. Hallowell was 11, a voice out of nowhere told him he should become a psychiatrist. A mental health professional of the time would have called this psychosis. But young Edward (Ned) took it in stride, despite not quite knowing what "psychiatrist" meant. With a psychotic father, an alcoholic mother, an abusive stepfather, and two so-called learning disabilities of his own, Ned was accustomed to unpredictable behaviour from those around him and to a mind he felt he couldn't always control.
-
-
Very interesting book
- By Anonymous User on 10-01-21
-
Bare Bones
- I'm Not Lonely If You're Reading This Book
- By: Bobby Bones
- Narrated by: Bobby Bones
- Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Growing up poor in Mountain Pine, Arkansas, with a young, addicted mom, Bobby Estell fell in love with country music. Abandoned by his father at the age of five, Bobby saw the radio as his way out - a dream that came true in college when he went on air at the Henderson State University campus station broadcasting as Bobby Bones while simultaneously starting The Bobby Bones Show at 105.9 KLAZ.
-
I Will Be Complete
- A Memoir
- By: Glen David Gold
- Narrated by: Glen David Gold
- Length: 17 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the best-selling author of Carter Beats the Devil and Sunnyside, a shocking, big-hearted memoir about his bizarre upbringing in California in the 1970s and how he survived it. Glen David Gold grew up rich on the beaches of 1970s California, until his father lost a fortune and his parents divorced when he was 10. Glen and his English mother moved to San Francisco, where she was fleeced by a series of charming con men and turned increasingly wayward. When he was 12, she took off for New York without telling him, leaving him alone for several months.
-
-
Starts well
- By sophiecook on 26-06-22
-
Why We Suck
- A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid
- By: Dr. Denis Leary
- Narrated by: Dr. Denis Leary
- Length: 4 hrs and 47 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Why We Suck, Dr. Denis Leary uses his common sense, and his biting and hilarious take on the world, to attack the politically correct, the hypocritical, the obese, the thin - basically everyone who takes themselves too seriously. He does so with the extra oomph of a doctorate bestowed upon him by his alma mater Emerson College. "Sure it's just a celebrity type of thing - they only gave it to me because I'm famous." Leary explains.
-
-
Laugh out loud
- By Eddie on 03-03-22
-
Try Hard
- Tales from the life of a needy overachiever
- By: Em Rusciano
- Narrated by: Em Rusciano
- Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Funny, feisty and fabulous, Em Rusciano's insights into her world of mayhem, marriage and motherhood are a laugh-out-loud, cry-out-loud balm for the soul. From her exploits at the Miss Sheila Fancypants School of Dance and her efforts to secure a solo at her end-of-year performance to embracing the spotlight as an Australian Idol contestant and her deep and abiding love for John Farnham, Em Rusciano is a self-confessed bottomless pit of anxiety with a taste for glitter.
-
-
Loved every second
- By omah on 07-11-19
-
Born a Crime
- Stories from a South African Childhood
- By: Trevor Noah
- Narrated by: Trevor Noah
- Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The compelling, inspiring (often comic) coming-of-age story of Trevor Noah, set during the twilight of apartheid and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed. One of the comedy world's brightest new voices, Trevor Noah is a light-footed but sharp-minded observer of the absurdities of politics, race and identity, sharing jokes and insights drawn from the wealth of experience acquired in his relatively young life.
-
-
Excellently read
- By OldskoolHrdcore on 25-08-17
-
So Much for That
- By: Lionel Shriver
- Narrated by: Dan John Miller
- Length: 17 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The extraordinary new novel from the Orange Prize winning author of ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’.What do you pack for the rest of your life?Shepherd Knacker is bored with his humdrum existence. He's sold his successful handy-man business for a million dollars and is now ready to embark on his 'Afterlife' - a one way ticket to a small island off the coast of Africa. He tries to convince his wife Glynis to come with him, but she laughs off the idea as preposterous.
-
-
Dreary
- By Paula on 07-11-10
-
David Mitchell: Back Story
- By: David Mitchell
- Narrated by: David Mitchell
- Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
David Mitchell, who you may know for his inappropriate anger on every TV panel show except Never Mind the Buzzcocks, his look of permanent discomfort on C4 sex comedy Peep Show, his online commenter-baiting in The Observer or just for wearing a stick-on moustache in That Mitchell and Webb Look, has written a book about his life.
-
-
Really enjoyable
- By Amazon Customer on 14-11-12
-
Believe Me
- A Memoir of Love, Death and Jazz Chickens
- By: Eddie Izzard
- Narrated by: Eddie Izzard
- Length: 14 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The stand-up comedian of his generation. Star of stage and screen. Tireless supporter of charity. Runner. Political campaigner. Fashion icon. Human. There is no one quite like Eddie Izzard. This is the story of how a boy who wanted to become a professional footballer and win the lead in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat found comedy.
-
-
Wonderfully funny, tragic, hopeful and inspiring
- By MR on 17-06-17
-
Yes Please
- By: Amy Poehler
- Narrated by: Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett, Seth Meyers, and others
- Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Amy Poehler's highly anticipated first book, Yes Please, she offers up a big juicy stew of personal stories, funny bits on sex and love and friendship and parenthood and real life advice (some useful, some not so much). Powered by Amy's charming and hilarious, biting yet wise voice, and including a star-studded guest list of vocal appearances.
-
-
Not the giggle fest I thought it would be...
- By Laura Chambers on 07-06-15
-
Keep Moving
- And Other Tips and Truths About Aging
- By: Dick Van Dyke
- Narrated by: Dick Van Dyke
- Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With a fun and folksy way of addressing its audience, Keep Moving serves as an instruction audiobook on how to embrace old age with a positive attitude. The chapters are filled with exclusive personal anecdotes that explore various themes on aging: how to adapt to the physical and social changes, deal with loss of friends and loved ones, stay current, fall in love again, and "keep moving" every day like there's no tomorrow.
-
-
word from the wise yet still young
- By MooMoo on 02-05-16
-
Bossypants
- By: Tina Fey
- Narrated by: Tina Fey
- Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Once in a generation a woman comes along who changes everything. Tina Fey is not that woman, but she met that woman once and acted weird around her.
Before 30 Rock, Mean Girls, and 'Sarah Palin', Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV. She has seen both these dreams come true.
-
-
Finally, an audiobook that knows it's an audiobook
- By PP Merge on 18-05-11
-
Man Up!
- Tales of My Delusional Self-Confidence
- By: Ross Mathews, Chelsea Handler - afterword, Gwyneth Paltrow - foreword
- Narrated by: Ross Mathews
- Length: 5 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a young kid growing up in a farm town, Ross Mathews might as well have wished for a pet unicorn or a calorie-free cookie tree to grow in his front yard. Either of those far-fetched fantasies would have been more likely to come true than his real dream: working in television in Hollywood, California. Seriously, that stuff just doesn't happen to people like Ross. But guess what. It totally did.
-
-
HILARIOUS
- By Amazon Customer on 12-01-18
-
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo
- By: Amy Schumer
- Narrated by: Amy Schumer
- Length: 8 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo, Amy shares stories about her family, her relationships, her career, good - and bad - sex, recounting the experiences that have shaped who she is today: from the riches to rags story of her childhood to her teenage quest for popularity (and boys) to becoming one of the most sought-after comedians on the planet and an outspoken advocate for women's rights.
-
-
At first i thought it was funny
- By Summer-lover on 20-08-19
Summary
New York Times best-selling author and stand-up comedian Michael Ian Black delivers a frank and funny memoir about confronting his genetic legacy as he hits his 40s.
Whether it's family history, religion, aging, or his parents, Michael Ian Black always has something to say in the dry, irreverent voice that has captured a fan base of millions. When a medical diagnosis forces him to realize he's not getting any younger, he reexamines his life as a middle-aged guy - of course, in the deadpan wit and self-deprecating vignettes that have become trademarks of his humor.
The alt-comedy take on getting older, Navel Gazing is a funny-because-it's-true memoir about looking around when you're 40 and realizing that life is about more than receding hairlines and proving one's manliness on Twitter - it's about laughing at yourself.
More from the same
What listeners say about Navel Gazing
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amber
- 16-01-16
Man Turns 40, World Ends
Would you consider the audio edition of Navel Gazing to be better than the print version?
That's an excellent question to ask someone who has read the print version.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Navel Gazing?
There are so many, but I really enjoyed the chapter describing the half-marathon. Especially the last sentence. Amen.
What does Michael Ian Black bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
So much. His delivery, his sincerity, his humor. I'm sure it's all there in print but hearing him read allows his intention and timing to really shine.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, and I almost did. Devoured it over two afternoons and wanted more when it was over.
Any additional comments?
There is so much I can relate to in these stories. Michael Ian Black makes life's true tragedies and the bittersweet melancholy of aging and all its attendant indignities into moments of laugh out loud hilarity without ever being crass or pandering. His self-reflection shows moments of true vulnerability and he owns some of his own insecurities and shortcomings with his humor. Of course it's entirely possible that he's a raging narcissist and is just charming us, but I think he's a really good guy.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Carolyn
- 14-06-16
Please keep writing memoirs!
Michael Ian Black, you are funny and poignant, no easy feat. Just chronicle your whole life, day to day, it's all I want to read about. I loved your first memoir and even your half of the book with Megan McCain. And this one. I much prefer listening but I bought both memoirs I book form also to send to my cheap friend who would never spring for an audio book. Two things I don't like about Audible, you can't share when you're done and you don't get any photos or illustrations that come with a book.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Joshua Valdez
- 12-04-16
A more sincere MIB
What made the experience of listening to Navel Gazing the most enjoyable?
First, I love that this was read by Michael Ian Black who gives a great performance.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Uhhh the not that kind of book, but his mom had some solid one-liners
Have you listened to any of Michael Ian Black’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I'm a fan and have listened to everything by him. Navel Gazing is a much more mature read than his previous titles finding just the right balance between you're not doing it right and My custom van
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
This book is funny with just the right pinch of dark.
Any additional comments?
Naaahhh
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Lisa Berger
- 25-01-16
Loved it 100%
I went into this already loving Michael Ian Black's standup and was expecting it to be great. I was not let down one bit. Not only was it hilarious, but it was also so honest, poignant, and beautiful. I found myself laughing then feeling the need to immediately call my parents. If you're looking for a great listen: here it is.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jeanne
- 19-01-22
Another solid listen!
I get you Michael! Have listened to all your books and you keep me laughing (and crying...).
Thanks for sharing your life.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ryan Fleharty
- 19-02-21
Very goooooood
I’ve now read all of his book (listened) and now wish he would record his very first book so I can also have him read me that one as well. That is all. Good day.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Sarie11
- 13-03-18
Really great memoir!
I loved this memoir as I’ve been a fan of Michael Ian Black’s since The State days. I thought he did a great job narrating as well. Especially loved the chapters on running. And go listen to his podcast too, he’s a great interviewer.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- 1CheekyLass
- 05-02-17
Loads of Laughs!
What did you love best about Navel Gazing?
I love the comedic honesty, anyone who is starting to age will appreciate this book.
What other book might you compare Navel Gazing to and why?
You're Not Doing it Right
What does Michael Ian Black bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
His witty narration. He finds a way to make dry very funny. He often sounds so blase. For me, audiobook is the only way to go.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I was particularly moved by his exercise woo's. They provided me with so much laughter I temporarily forgot that I was in the same boat.
Any additional comments?
I highly recommend this book. There are some serious tones in the book but with a side of funny. I wouldn't complain if Michael Ian Black created a new book every year!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!!!!!!! 5+ stars
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Meisha Selby
- 14-01-17
Sardonic, yet touching
This author/narrator has always been a favorite of mine. A sarcastic, humorous telling of a very human story. Oddly relatable.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 26-09-16
listen to in technical shirt for optimum experienc
If you have a body or know someone who does, this is a must listen.
Entertaining from start to finish and packed with relatable stories, Michael Ian Black recounts life events that highlight the confusing beauty that is life in these meaty vessels.