Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama

A Memoir

By: Bob Odenkirk

Narrated by: Bob Odenkirk, Steve Rudnick, Leo Benvenuti

In this "essential" (Entertainment Weekly), "hilarious" (AV Club) memoir, the star of Mr. Show, Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul opens up about the highs and lows of showbiz, his cult status as a comedy writer, and what it’s like to reinvent himself as an action film ass-kicker at 50.

“I’ve known Bob Odenkirk for more than 30 years, and yet I had to read this book to believe his stunning career arc.” (Conan O’Brien)

One of the Most Anticipated Books of 2022 - Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Parade, The AV Club

Bob Odenkirk’s career is inexplicable. And yet he will try like hell to explicate it for you. Charting a “Homeric” decades-long “odyssey” from his origins in the seedy comedy clubs of Chicago to a dramatic career full of award nominations - with a side trip into the action-man world that is baffling to all who know him - it’s almost like there are many Bob Odenkirks! But there is just one and one is plenty.

Bob embraced a life in comedy after a chance meeting with Second City’s legendary Del Close. He somehow made his way to a job as a writer at Saturday Night Live. While surviving that legendary gauntlet by the skin of his gnashing teeth, he stashed away the secrets of comedy writing - eventually employing them in the immortal “Motivational Speaker” sketch for Chris Farley, honing them on The Ben Stiller Show, and perfecting them on Mr. Show with Bob and David.

In Hollywood, Bob demonstrated a bullheadedness that would shame Sisyphus himself, and when all hope was lost for the umpteenth time, the phone rang with an offer to appear on Breaking Bad - a show about how boring it is to be a high school chemistry teacher. His embrace of this strange new world of dramatic acting led him to working with Steven Spielberg, Alexander Payne, and Greta Gerwig, and then, in a twist that will confound you, he re-re-invented himself as a bona fide action star. Why? Listen to this and do your own psychoanalysis - it’s fun!

Featuring humorous tangents, wild characters, and Bob’s trademark unflinching drive, Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama is a classic showbiz tale told by a determined idiot.

©2022 Bob Odenkirk (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“I’ve known Bob [Odenkirk] for over 30 years, and yet I had to read this book to believe his stunning career arc. I can’t think of another entertainer who has improbably morphed so many times, and all through real genius and determination.”—Conan O’Brien

“Written before his heart attack, the actor's memoir was already appointment reading—he regales his audience with stories of his time coming up in Chicago's comedy scene and breaking into Hollywood—but now it feels even more essential.”—Entertainment Weekly

“This book would have been welcome news no matter what, but it’s especially sweet following Odenkirk’s recovery from a scary July heart attack that saw the star collapse on the set. We’ll take all the Odenkirk we can get.”—USA Today

Grounded and Perfect.

In the pantheon of comedy memoirs, this is up there with "Born Standing Up." Bob is thoughtful and humble, and understanding of his overall impact on comedy. From his weird meet cute with Del Close to his struggles of being a director, it's exactly what I wanted to hear about. A great read or listen for any comedy nerds or aspiring funny folks who need to hear someone successful to tell you to work hard with people you like.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Humble, earnest, comical fun book, but hearing Bob reading it is a new experience in itself. Hands down this was the book I needed. Bob also slays at delivery

Bob shares a great story, but...

I'm a long time fan of Mr. Odenkirk. I preordered this book a very long time ago. It was much of what I expected, quite enjoyable. However, there were so many times that he seemed to feel he needed to explain that he was definitely a progressive, definitely in support of leftism, etc. If any of the times he shoehorned it in to the narrative had had something to do with the story, it would have made sense. But honestly- it never ONCE did. Especially that last part. This whole book was about how against the establishment he was, how he could easily piss off the big dogs and didn't care to kiss their butts. Yet, I felt lume I was watching him kiss MANY butts in real time. It just.... ugh.

Still. I love Bob and am happy to get a little more glimpse into his thought process. I wish him well.

Very interesting & entertaining

Wow, loved hearing from the the real man as opposed to Saul who was all I knew of him. Lots of interesting anecdotes from a very interesting life. He seems very likable and chill.

It’s amazing he worked at such great institutions and it’s crazy how he ran into so many other greats like Judd Apatow and Janeane Garofalo. So sad about Chris Farley though. What a story.

Odenkirk is unsurprisingly very different from Saul and is obviously very talented. Only thing is that he read a little too fast at times, but I really think you get 110% more from the book when you hear it read by it’s author, especially memoirs.

Bob's great

The beginning of the book felt a little laundry-listy, but he caught his stride and it got more interesting. I really loved his humble assessments and apologies for past mistakes in casting and writing, etc. If you like Bob's work you'll probably like this book.

Well written and read

Mr Odenkirk is such a wonderful actor and comedian! His story of the ups and downs of his amazing career is fascinating. Also, I love that he took the time to read it himself. Thank you,Bob!

just what you're hoping it will be

If you're even looking at this you already know he's funny, you already know that he can weave every other emotion and response in with the funny, and you probably know he's a bright guy. we may be surprised to find out what a fantastic writer he is.

Bob is brilliant

such an enjoyable book by a man universally respected in the alt comedy world. Nice to learn that his rage issues always so close to the surface in his work come from a real place.

A good story to listen to while digging in my garden

I thought the story was very insightful! I loved hearing about all the opportunities bob was given and how he responded. It was very insightful to listen to as a “wannabe open-mic-er” in stand-up and his opinions on standup. I really loved his story and am looking forward to seeing the rest!

Nice easy read.

Enjoyable, funny and honestly written and performed. Can’t wait to see what Bob does next!