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Riding the Elephant
- A Memoir of Altercations, Humiliations, Hallucinations, and Observations
- Narrated by: Craig Ferguson
- Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
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Riding the Elephant
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Summary
From the comedian, actor, and former host of The Late Late Show comes an irreverent, lyrical memoir in essays featuring his signature wit.
Craig Ferguson has defied the odds his entire life. He has failed when he should have succeeded and succeeded when he should have failed. The fact that he is neither dead nor in a locked facility (at the time of printing) is something of a miracle in itself. In Craig’s candid and revealing memoir, listeners will get a look into the mind and recollections of the unique and twisted Scottish American who became a national hero for pioneering the world’s first TV robot skeleton sidekick and reviving two dudes in a horse suit dancing as a form of entertainment.
In Riding the Elephant, there are some stories that are too graphic for television, too politically incorrect for social media, or too meditative for a stand-up comedy performance. Craig discusses his deep love for his native Scotland, examines his profound psychic change brought on by fatherhood, and looks at aging and mortality with a perspective that he was incapable of as a younger man. Each story is strung together in a colorful tapestry that ultimately reveals a complicated man who has learned to process - and even enjoy - the unusual trajectory of his life.
Katie Falkenberg/Los Angeles Times/Contour by Getty Images
Critic reviews
"Ferguson is a natural storyteller, sharp-witted and acutely observant of his surroundings. He's capable of maintaining a light touch yet his stories often transcend whatever humorous incidents may occur. Collectively, they serve as often poignant meditations on the long journey toward his late-middle-aged self. An entertaining memoir by a humorist who has gained enlightening insight into living an authentic life." (Kirkus Reviews)
“Humorous and heartfelt (often on the same page), Ferguson is a great story-teller, whose signature irreverence and comedic timing translates perfectly to print.” (Library Journal)
“A smart, humble, and witty memoir.” (Publishers Weekly)
“[Ferguson] has mastered the skill of self-examination. Fortunately for us, the lad’s willing to share it, and his evocative writing makes it worthwhile.” (The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
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What listeners say about Riding the Elephant
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Hewdog
- 03-07-21
A Mirror
The only mirror of my life that shows anything good. A truly beautiful book. It made me laugh uproariously, cry like nobody was watching, and feel unashamed by either. Thank you, Craig.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- T. Coia
- 01-03-21
Honestly Heartwarming
There is something to be said about the way Craig writes and subsequently narrates. Brilliant!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Margita Melngaile
- 15-07-19
Heart-warming
I am a big Craig Ferguson fan and listened to this book in one go. In this very human and personal collection of stories he reflects on ups and down of his life. From the way he sees world and himself, goes deep in his emotions, waves the fabric of a story, you can tell that this man has done some serious therapy. Love his voice, love the honesty, love this book! As soon as it was finished, I started it all over again. Recommend it highly!
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- James D
- 09-06-21
Raw & Honest
Aside from a rather unpleasant albeit relatable story regarding zits/plukes, Craig delivers a delightfully narrated and honest account of his life pre and (en)during showbiz.
Heartfelt and genuine he recounts tales from both sides of the Atlantic as well as the borders. Acknowledging his faults as a man, an alcoholic and as a celebrity it's a raw, rather than entitled look back at his life. I sincerely hope there's a sequel. Perhaps "surfing the elephant" or just "Life in my castle". I'll be looking forward to either.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Toni L Szwarek
- 15-07-20
I adore the 'Craig' that we're allowed to see.
Craig is a natural born artist, complete with deep thinking and a wicked sense of humour.! He shows us quite a bit of himself in this book. It's like he's in your house telling you all the things he's been thinking about over the years. I find him intriguing, so this book is for me. I'll listen over and over again in coming months and years! Och aye the noo, Craigy 😂🤣😂 T Rooney
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- pjw
- 05-02-21
Engaging performance of interesting stories.
Good listen. Happy to recommend whether you know anything or not about the author narrator.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Matt
- 06-11-20
Brilliant
What a wonderful, moving and funny book. Can’t recommend it enough. Like other reviews have said if u like Craig then you’ll like this.
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- Bob Conrod
- 04-11-23
A great memoir
A great memoir of a man I truly enjoyed watching when he had his time on the television I have found him immensely interesting both then and now. A wonderful insight into what shaped this man.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Blaymeister
- 09-05-24
a natural storyteller
what can I say? Craig tells a story like no one else. He's witty, funny and observant (as always). This book is like a dinner guest you don't need to feed.
you can listen to it again and again, and it never spills red wine on the tablecloth
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- Amazon Customer
- 14-10-19
Craigy Ferg is awesome
A funny, deep and sensible look into his life, thoughts. All done in the awesome Ferguson style.
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1 person found this helpful