Navel Gazing

True Tales of Bodies, Mostly Mine (but also my mom's, which I know sounds weird)

By: Michael Ian Black

Narrated by: Michael Ian Black

New York Times bestselling author and stand-up comedian Michael Ian Black (author of A Child’s First Book of Trump) delivers a “memorable and funny” (Kirkus Reviews) memoir about confronting his genetic legacy as he hits his forties.

Black pulls no punches in this hilariously honest memoir, a follow-up to the acclaimed You’re Not Doing It Right. When Michael’s mother receives a harrowing medical diagnosis, Michael begins a laugh-out-loud examination of health, happiness, and the human body from the perspective of a settled (and sedentary) husband and father of two. With the trademark wit that has made Michael’s other books popular favorites, Navel Gazing is a heartfelt and poignant memoir about coming to terms with growing older and the inevitability of death. It is also a self-deprecating and deliciously frank remembrance of exercise failures, finding out he is part Neanderthal, and almost throwing down with fellow author Tucker Max.

Michael Ian Black may not have the perfect body. Or be the perfect father. Or husband. Or son. But you will laugh as you recognize yourself in his attempts to do better. And, inevitably, falling short. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll call your mom.

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

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.

Sardonic, yet touching

This author/narrator has always been a favorite of mine. A sarcastic, humorous telling of a very human story. Oddly relatable.

I love all his books

I need more Michael Ian Black books. I will surely listen to this one many more times. I really enjoy his narration. Definitely worth a credit!

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.