Grit, Spit, and Never Quit

A Marine's Guide to Comedy and Life

By: Rob Riggle

Narrated by: Rob Riggle

Comedian Rob Riggle’s frank, funny, and inspirational memoir about how the lessons he learned while serving in the US Marines prepared him for life, especially when it came to pursuing his comedy dreams.

Before he graced movie screens in films like The Hangover and television in shows like The Daily Show, Rob Riggle served his country as a Marine for twenty-three years. He helped liberate an embassy in Liberia, served at a refugee camp in Albania before going into Kosovo, did search and rescue at Ground Zero, and was deployed to Afghanistan twice. He learned the hard way that you need to embrace the suck and never give up if you want to get anywhere in life. And those lessons came in handy, especially when he faced tough crowds as he tried to establish his comedy career. He’s been heckled (by idiots), shot at (by bigger idiots), rejected for roles, and flopped more often than a European soccer player in the World Cup. But no matter what he was doing, every time Riggle wanted to throw in the towel, he channeled his inner Marine and kicked his ass in gear.

Grit, Spit, and Never Quit has action, tear‑jerker scenes, side‑splitting laughs, and plenty of bumper sticker moments. He’s jumped out of planes, he’s become one of the most recognizable comedians in the country—but at his core, Rob is a regular guy from Kansas with grit, spit, and the will to never quit.

Critic reviews

"Readers familiar with Riggle only through his acting work will be shocked by the breadth of his résumé, and those who’ve never heard of him will be charmed by this unconventional spin on the showbiz memoir. It’s a winner."—Publishers Weekly

Fun and inspirational

Rob is great at telling his own story of coming from humble Midwest beginnings and navigating an unpredictable path to reaching his comedy and acting dreams. It’s fun and entertaining with some good lessons to take away on living a life true to your values and belief in yourself.

Truly uplifting, great narration

Title says it all, his story is uplifting and he's got a voice fit for narration. Rob Riggle is naturally funny and I enjoyed every minute of thia book.

Excellent read and many lessons to be learned from this

As a Canadian military pilot actively trying to transition into acting, this book has been an excellent and relatable read. I first saw Rob in "The Other Guys" and thought he was just a hilarious actor. It was only after trying to become an actor myself that I heard about the fact that he was a Marine officer also, which piqued my interest, so I am happy to see him laying outhis life so far in this text. Many of the situations Rob describes I found directly relatable to my life and I appreciate the guidance, the struggles and the example he set by achieving a dream that seemed so incompatible with the rest of his life. This is inspiring and perhaps exactly what I need for when I doubt myself too. Thank you Rob for writing this book and thank you for your honorable service as well. I hope to cross paths with you one day.

The Raw Riggle

Having gone to the book signing in KC recently I so looked forward to reading and listening to this book. The connection between living at LOTO, Lawrence, and the Midwest it all connected with our family and hit home. Knowing more of how meaningful the Big Slick is to his family and so many others here in KC makes me want to do more to help out. Having been a first responder, member of Texas Guard and worked in Kuwait/Iraq myself for over 20 years I felt the respect Rob has for this country. Grateful for your service and dedication to this country. Thank you for sharing your story Rob.

Great Listen

Very awesome that LTC Rob narrates his own journey. The reflections from Afghanistan and how blessed we are here in The Great USA! Education, Food, Transportation we all take for granted. I served in the AF for 24 years and never got the call or experience to learn that first hand. Thank you for your service and great inspiration.