Riding the Elephant

A Memoir of Altercations, Humiliations, Hallucinations, and Observations

By: Craig Ferguson

Narrated by: Craig Ferguson

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] 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

“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

“As the title implies, the reader is along on a wayward and memorable journey.”
—Booklist

“A smart, humble, and witty memoir.”
—Publishers Weekly

So enjoyable!

So enjoyable that I felt in the moment listening to Craig tell his story. Many full on belly laughs, many smiles. I found his story and his voice to be very calming.

I have to enter a headline but it's optional?

such a great accent and voice! good stories, too. relatable. I want to hear another.

Wow...

i have long been a fan of the talent and comedy of Craig Ferguson....

now i am a fan of the Man, the husband, the son and the dad.

Pleasant, Poignant, and Pithy

I have been a fan of Craig Ferguson's for a long time. Maybe that's a bit strong... I would be thrilled to see him on TV or doing comedy, but I wouldn't seek him out...if that makes sense. When he hosted his Late Show, I found myself tuning in more and more. He's just a pleasant and funny...someone who grows on you...and makes you do things...like overuse ellipses in transitional thoughts.
Seriously, though, he is someone you find wanting to enjoy more and find yourself seeking more for entertainment. That's what brought me to his book.
I would listen while I take my dogs for a walk. I think my neighbors consider me hyperbolically emotional now. One walk...I am laughing at the stories. The next one, I am tearing up about Allison, the cancer girl from his adolescence. (I hope I remembered the name correctly!) Then, I am back to laughing about the powdery blast from the Japanese bidet. Then, the lovely tribute Margaret at the end!
All I can say is THANK YOU, CRAIG!! Your story of fortitude, humility, and humanity is inspiring.
You really did Allison, Margaret, and your mom proud!
Thank you for sharing such warming stories!

Surprisingly interesting and insightful

I am a fan of his Late Late Show, and have not read his other books. I really liked Elephant. It’s thoughtful and intelligent and honest in a way I haven’t heard in awhile. A good read.