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Leslie F*cking Jones
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Humor (2023)Hey you guys, it’s Leslie. I’m excited to share my story with you.
Now, I’m gonna be honest: Some of the details might be vague because a b*tch is fifty-five and she’s smoked a ton of weed. But while bits might be a touch hazy, I can promise you the underlying truth is REAL. Whether I’m talking about my childhood growing up in the South, my early stand-up days driving from gig to gig through the darkest parts of our country and praying I wouldn’t get murdered, what Chris Rock told Lorne Michaels, that time I wanted to shoot Whoopi Goldberg on SNL, and yeah, I’ll tell you all about Ghostbusters and the nudes and Supermarket Sweep and The Daily Show . . . I’m sharing it all in these pages. It’s not easy being a woman in comedy, especially when you’re a tall-*ss Black woman with a trumpet voice. I have to fight so that no one takes me for granted, and no one takes advantage. These are the stories that explain why. (Cue the Law & Order theme.)
Now, I’m gonna be honest: Some of the details might be vague because a b*tch is fifty-five and she’s smoked a ton of weed. But while bits might be a touch hazy, I can promise you the underlying truth is REAL. Whether I’m talking about my childhood growing up in the South, my early stand-up days driving from gig to gig through the darkest parts of our country and praying I wouldn’t get murdered, what Chris Rock told Lorne Michaels, that time I wanted to shoot Whoopi Goldberg on SNL, and yeah, I’ll tell you all about Ghostbusters and the nudes and Supermarket Sweep and The Daily Show . . . I’m sharing it all in these pages. It’s not easy being a woman in comedy, especially when you’re a tall-*ss Black woman with a trumpet voice. I have to fight so that no one takes me for granted, and no one takes advantage. These are the stories that explain why. (Cue the Law & Order theme.)
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2023
About the author
Leslie Jones
1 book184 followersAnnette "Leslie" Jones (born September 7, 1967) is an American stand-up comedian and actress. She was a cast member and writer for the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live from 2014 to 2019, and is currently the host of the ABC game show Supermarket Sweep. --Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,421 reviews
September 20, 2023
5 stars
This is one of the most unique memoirs I've read. At first, I struggled with the format. Leslie Jones is here to tell readers ALL ABOUT Leslie Jones. This takes some getting used to at first. The polished format that some writers put forth in this genre...well, this is kind of the opposite of that. Readers should be clued in by the fact that this is a 17-hour audiobook. It's not a brief account of Jones's life but one that gets quite specific often.
While I did have some concerns about where this was going and how long it would take to get there at first, that entirely dissipated, and I found myself at some point completely riveted. I couldn't stop listening and when it ended, I was legitimately bummed. The tone is so conversational (Jones will even refer to readers as "Guys," talking directly to us in asides at times) that it really does feel like you're lucky enough to be chatting with your most interesting friend.
Jones has experienced public highs and lows, and in addition to discussing many of these, she also reveals a lot of personal traumatic experiences. She does this with authentic and unmitigated emotion, which makes the listen both more engaging and more heartrending.
The layperson who is not familiar with Leslie Jones might find themselves alienated by the format and/or the language. Fans of Leslie Jones should get what they hope for...and even more. I loved her coming into this read, and I'm an even bigger fan now.
This is one of the most unique memoirs I've read. At first, I struggled with the format. Leslie Jones is here to tell readers ALL ABOUT Leslie Jones. This takes some getting used to at first. The polished format that some writers put forth in this genre...well, this is kind of the opposite of that. Readers should be clued in by the fact that this is a 17-hour audiobook. It's not a brief account of Jones's life but one that gets quite specific often.
While I did have some concerns about where this was going and how long it would take to get there at first, that entirely dissipated, and I found myself at some point completely riveted. I couldn't stop listening and when it ended, I was legitimately bummed. The tone is so conversational (Jones will even refer to readers as "Guys," talking directly to us in asides at times) that it really does feel like you're lucky enough to be chatting with your most interesting friend.
Jones has experienced public highs and lows, and in addition to discussing many of these, she also reveals a lot of personal traumatic experiences. She does this with authentic and unmitigated emotion, which makes the listen both more engaging and more heartrending.
The layperson who is not familiar with Leslie Jones might find themselves alienated by the format and/or the language. Fans of Leslie Jones should get what they hope for...and even more. I loved her coming into this read, and I'm an even bigger fan now.
October 25, 2023
I listened to the audio version and I swear she was not reading what was written. 😂😂 It felt a lot more like a podcast than an audiobook which was really cool. I liked hearing about her life story, which was fascinating and very well written. This was a great format for her personality.
February 16, 2024
Well, this went as well as I expected. I absolutely love Leslie Jones. I've never seen her in movies or on television. Honestly? If it's not Survivor or Big Brother, then I don't watch.
I am one of those people who sometimes gets a bit depressed and feel like I've been buggered. When that happens, I go straight to Netflix, Hulu, Comedy central or wherever I can find funny. That's how I came across Ms. Jones.
I first noticed her on talk shows, and she just cracked me up! Last time I saw her was on The Daily Show. Please. Please, let Leslie take over! She deserves all the acclaim.
I will be honest here and state that In honor of Ms. Jones, I decided that I'd read this book stoned! Yep! It's just a fact that I live in a stoner state. Yeah! I'm still trying to adjust to people just smoking weed everywhere!
I usually smoke at bedtime because it helps me sleep. "Wink, 😉wink!"
But, in honor of the biggest and best stoner around, I figured I'd be doing her a disservice by not smoking some fantastic stonage!
Hey, Leslie. Come to Montana. Lisa Noell will smoke ya out!I
The book was good. I had some friends back in the 1990's that tried to convince me that I could be a comedian. 2 of these friends pushed it so hard that they actually scared the funny out of me! Seriously.
I think that being a comedian must be the worst job in the world.
Hey, Leslie. I've got a brand new Kayak and I have weed. "If I run out, then there's more to buy on every block in town!"
Lets go camping Leslie "F*cking Jones!"
I am one of those people who sometimes gets a bit depressed and feel like I've been buggered. When that happens, I go straight to Netflix, Hulu, Comedy central or wherever I can find funny. That's how I came across Ms. Jones.
I first noticed her on talk shows, and she just cracked me up! Last time I saw her was on The Daily Show. Please. Please, let Leslie take over! She deserves all the acclaim.
I will be honest here and state that In honor of Ms. Jones, I decided that I'd read this book stoned! Yep! It's just a fact that I live in a stoner state. Yeah! I'm still trying to adjust to people just smoking weed everywhere!
I usually smoke at bedtime because it helps me sleep. "Wink, 😉wink!"
But, in honor of the biggest and best stoner around, I figured I'd be doing her a disservice by not smoking some fantastic stonage!
Hey, Leslie. Come to Montana. Lisa Noell will smoke ya out!I
The book was good. I had some friends back in the 1990's that tried to convince me that I could be a comedian. 2 of these friends pushed it so hard that they actually scared the funny out of me! Seriously.
I think that being a comedian must be the worst job in the world.
Hey, Leslie. I've got a brand new Kayak and I have weed. "If I run out, then there's more to buy on every block in town!"
Lets go camping Leslie "F*cking Jones!"
March 2, 2024
4.5 Stars
If you don't know who Leslie Jones is where have you been, son??
Spoken like LJ.
I listened to the audio, which is longer and most likely funnier. The story of Leslie's life and how she became a great comedian.
The story is both hilarious and sad at the same time with lots...well thousands of F sharps. But that's Leslie.
Her rise to fame was not easy, and she admits to making a few mistakes along the way.
I'm so glad she told her story and ended up on Saturday night live.
I love her interviews the most. Especially Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.
Leslie tells it like it is. From her adolescent years right up until fame.
The audiobook is 16 hours but worth it. There is a 288-page book, but audio is better imo
Lastly, I wanted to ask Leslie to invite me over for a swim.
I would never pee in your pool LJ 😂 and I'll get life insurance 😉
If you don't know who Leslie Jones is where have you been, son??
Spoken like LJ.
I listened to the audio, which is longer and most likely funnier. The story of Leslie's life and how she became a great comedian.
The story is both hilarious and sad at the same time with lots...well thousands of F sharps. But that's Leslie.
Her rise to fame was not easy, and she admits to making a few mistakes along the way.
I'm so glad she told her story and ended up on Saturday night live.
I love her interviews the most. Especially Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.
Leslie tells it like it is. From her adolescent years right up until fame.
The audiobook is 16 hours but worth it. There is a 288-page book, but audio is better imo
Lastly, I wanted to ask Leslie to invite me over for a swim.
I would never pee in your pool LJ 😂 and I'll get life insurance 😉
December 23, 2023
Guys, GUYS, this is one of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to. Cannot recommend it enough.
I don't think I've ever heard an audiobook where the narrator/author goes "I've read this book a bunch of times, I know what's in it, I'm just going to tell you the stories and not read straight from the book" and I don't think it would have worked so well for other people. But for Leslie Fucking Jones it was the perfect format.
This is a riveting 13 hour one woman show. Absolutely amazing! It's authentic and vulnerable. Leslie is full of empathy as she addresses her parents' shortcomings but is mindful of the pressures they were under. She is transparent as she talks about her time at SNL.
I appreciate how she shares her life lessons and advice in a non preachy way. And I really relate to her remembering in detail the tacos she had 35 years ago before she set out to New York, but not remembering the names of dozens of people she's known throughout her life.
I don't think I've ever heard an audiobook where the narrator/author goes "I've read this book a bunch of times, I know what's in it, I'm just going to tell you the stories and not read straight from the book" and I don't think it would have worked so well for other people. But for Leslie Fucking Jones it was the perfect format.
This is a riveting 13 hour one woman show. Absolutely amazing! It's authentic and vulnerable. Leslie is full of empathy as she addresses her parents' shortcomings but is mindful of the pressures they were under. She is transparent as she talks about her time at SNL.
I appreciate how she shares her life lessons and advice in a non preachy way. And I really relate to her remembering in detail the tacos she had 35 years ago before she set out to New York, but not remembering the names of dozens of people she's known throughout her life.
March 4, 2024
When I put my hold at the library for this audiobook, I had no clue I would be investing 16.5 hours of my life listening to Les Dogggg get me through my walk ‘n talks for the week. And when I saw the Kindle version came in at less than 300 pages, the math simply was not mathing. That didn’t stop me from immediately dumping my planned listen in order to get right to this one – and it didn’t take long to figure out why there was such a discrepancy in the length. The Kindle version is going to be a condensed version of the audio, polished up by a ghostwriter. The audio is pure Leslie. She spits truth and offers sage advice with her infamous “trumpet voice.” If you are allergic to fucks or motherfuckers, keep your distance. But if you are like me (who, unfortunately, was pretty late for the party since I’m an old die-hard SNL fan but not much of a comedy special sort of fan) and fell in love with Leslie’s love for Colin Jost . . . .
One of the funniest parodies ever to grace the Not Ready for Primetime Players’ stage . . .
Her obsession of all things Olympics that rivaled my own . . .
As well as Game of Thrones . . .
The viral sensation of live tweeting the news – and in particular the backgrounds of the various talking heads and analysts during lockdown . . .
Or the new “glass of egg whites” who replaced Colin as her obsession . . .
This one might be for you. Leslie is unapologetically Leslie and I loved listening to her story.
One of the funniest parodies ever to grace the Not Ready for Primetime Players’ stage . . .
Her obsession of all things Olympics that rivaled my own . . .
As well as Game of Thrones . . .
The viral sensation of live tweeting the news – and in particular the backgrounds of the various talking heads and analysts during lockdown . . .
Or the new “glass of egg whites” who replaced Colin as her obsession . . .
This one might be for you. Leslie is unapologetically Leslie and I loved listening to her story.
August 2, 2024
What a fabulous experience it was listening to Leslie F*cking Jones. Ms. Jones can now add f*cking amazing narrator to her immense resume. She even made her reading of the credits riotous. Who would have thought that was even possible? Love her!
December 9, 2023
I’m going to have to change my vote for the funniest audiobook of the year. Henry Winkler, I love you man, but you can’t beat Leslie when she’s Leslie-ing, not where humor is concerned.
This is the most honest, upfront, real talking audio I’ve ever listened to. Period. And it’s funny as hell. I mean all out laughing until tears run down your face funny.
Much love and respect to Leslie Fucking Jones.
*Thanks to my local library for the free download. Libraries RULE!*
This is the most honest, upfront, real talking audio I’ve ever listened to. Period. And it’s funny as hell. I mean all out laughing until tears run down your face funny.
Much love and respect to Leslie Fucking Jones.
*Thanks to my local library for the free download. Libraries RULE!*
January 20, 2024
Leslie Jones is a national treasure!
There are a lot of celebrity memoirs out there, and specifically a lot of audiobooks read by famous performers, and the best of them tend to be by comedians. Of those, one of the best I've ever listened to would have to be Leslie F*cking Jones, by Leslie F*cking Jones.
It's not just another short comedy book, nor a vapid shallow celebrity ghostwritten book only out there for the attention and sales. This is a lengthy, thoughtful book by a writer with tremendous experiences that are worth sharing. She goes through her life in stunning detail with wisdom, and of course a lot of humor. (And, also, a lot of cursing.)
The older comedian has had a long history since before she became famous on SNL. Although that may be the spine of the book, what brings readers in--and her take on that world is extremely interesting--she has a lot more to say about her earlier life and many years of doing standup in California and New York.
After a forward by Chris Rock, and prologue about yes SNL, she goes back back to her childhood as an army brat and school years. There was trauma early on, her family struggles moving to Los Angeles, and then she continues into her college years with a focus on basketball. Eventually, she got into comedy and realizes that's what she wanted all along. Then, Jamie Foxx recommends that she take a break in her early 20s so that she can live life, and she talks about her various jobs. There are a few other namedrops from the comedy the earlier chapters, but overall in the first half of the book her stories are very relatable as an average woman with a dream who was just trying to get by.
There's a lot of analysis of standup, and in the broader sense analyzing the creative process itself, as she develops her craft and learns how to focus these talents into a career. Comedy nerds will get a lot of out of her takes. She moves to New York, learns more, makes a living on the stage, 9/11 happens, more family tragedy and deaths as well as dealing with racism and sexism, and she tells it with so much honesty and emotion.
In the read-aloud audio edition, it feels like hanging out with her. Apparently, she deviates from the book and hence its 16 hours long. It works great. It's like having a coffee with Leslie, more like listening to a live unscripted podcast albeit organized around a proper book. She lets it all out, and cries more than once when talking about love and loss. She criticizes herself, she stands up for herself, and she also screams in her signature style and you'll laugh out loud many times.
Towards the end, we get to hear all the behind-the-scenes juice about the Saturday Night Live audition process and Lorne Michaels and the cast members she worked with. For example, she really did have a crush on Colin Jost! She particularly loves music, and gushes over meeting the musical guests as much as the movie stars.
Some of the most interesting and harshest parts are about her harassment during the Ghostbusters debacle. Beyond merely the legal drama she had to go through, even getting the FBI involved, she has poignant things to say about the nature of bigoted online troll culture which was so vicious to her. However, throughout that all, she was no victim and came out the other side stronger. That might be the essence of Leslie F*cking Jones.
Finally, there was her falling out at SNL followed by other showbusiness projects. She ends on some notes with thoughts on politics and social issues, like when she guest-hosted the Daily Show. It feels like a real arc through an epic saga. A real journey. She grows so much, only making it big relatively late in life, and is a real inspiration. What a great experience in both human empathy and in just plain comedy. Very recommended.
There are a lot of celebrity memoirs out there, and specifically a lot of audiobooks read by famous performers, and the best of them tend to be by comedians. Of those, one of the best I've ever listened to would have to be Leslie F*cking Jones, by Leslie F*cking Jones.
It's not just another short comedy book, nor a vapid shallow celebrity ghostwritten book only out there for the attention and sales. This is a lengthy, thoughtful book by a writer with tremendous experiences that are worth sharing. She goes through her life in stunning detail with wisdom, and of course a lot of humor. (And, also, a lot of cursing.)
The older comedian has had a long history since before she became famous on SNL. Although that may be the spine of the book, what brings readers in--and her take on that world is extremely interesting--she has a lot more to say about her earlier life and many years of doing standup in California and New York.
After a forward by Chris Rock, and prologue about yes SNL, she goes back back to her childhood as an army brat and school years. There was trauma early on, her family struggles moving to Los Angeles, and then she continues into her college years with a focus on basketball. Eventually, she got into comedy and realizes that's what she wanted all along. Then, Jamie Foxx recommends that she take a break in her early 20s so that she can live life, and she talks about her various jobs. There are a few other namedrops from the comedy the earlier chapters, but overall in the first half of the book her stories are very relatable as an average woman with a dream who was just trying to get by.
There's a lot of analysis of standup, and in the broader sense analyzing the creative process itself, as she develops her craft and learns how to focus these talents into a career. Comedy nerds will get a lot of out of her takes. She moves to New York, learns more, makes a living on the stage, 9/11 happens, more family tragedy and deaths as well as dealing with racism and sexism, and she tells it with so much honesty and emotion.
In the read-aloud audio edition, it feels like hanging out with her. Apparently, she deviates from the book and hence its 16 hours long. It works great. It's like having a coffee with Leslie, more like listening to a live unscripted podcast albeit organized around a proper book. She lets it all out, and cries more than once when talking about love and loss. She criticizes herself, she stands up for herself, and she also screams in her signature style and you'll laugh out loud many times.
Towards the end, we get to hear all the behind-the-scenes juice about the Saturday Night Live audition process and Lorne Michaels and the cast members she worked with. For example, she really did have a crush on Colin Jost! She particularly loves music, and gushes over meeting the musical guests as much as the movie stars.
Some of the most interesting and harshest parts are about her harassment during the Ghostbusters debacle. Beyond merely the legal drama she had to go through, even getting the FBI involved, she has poignant things to say about the nature of bigoted online troll culture which was so vicious to her. However, throughout that all, she was no victim and came out the other side stronger. That might be the essence of Leslie F*cking Jones.
Finally, there was her falling out at SNL followed by other showbusiness projects. She ends on some notes with thoughts on politics and social issues, like when she guest-hosted the Daily Show. It feels like a real arc through an epic saga. A real journey. She grows so much, only making it big relatively late in life, and is a real inspiration. What a great experience in both human empathy and in just plain comedy. Very recommended.
December 2, 2023
Highly recommend the audiobook version. It was as if I was hanging out with Leslie F*cking Jones as she shared her life stories with me. Loved it!
October 5, 2023
All jokes aside, the Leslie Jones memoir is emotional, forthcoming, sad, rewarding, funny, and extremely relatable as you watch this young flower blossom later in life, but to get there, she had to overcome so much, and I closed the book thinking, “Hey little black girl, I love you even if the world doesn’t. Hey little Black girl, you don’t know it now, but it will all make sense later in life, but that timeframe is not guaranteed”.
Leslie is funny, but she is also raw. Navigating through her story, you see how vulnerable she is, but she does not look for sympathy or consider herself a victim but speaks about the child abuse, racism, and sexism she endured at an early age. “The psychology of what I was doing is clear: When your power is taken away, you need to reassert it somehow, and what better way than dominating something less powerful than you? I found something more innocent than me and took my agony out on it, and I was trying to regain control because it had been taken away from me”. The rage she built up that could have shifted her to an evil life was stopped by her mother introducing her to sports. We often do not understand our parents until we are adults, but she emphasizes loving them while they are alive. Take time to understand how they came to be that way, and maybe you will be less harsh on them.
Leslie is 6ft. tall; she has learned how to deal with bullies; moved a lot; watched her father turn into an alcoholic; witnessed her strong mother become sick; became a basketball star; endured being the odd man out; found toxic love; became rebellious; experienced rejection in many different ways; was extremely broke; became extremely wealthy; had numerous jobs; had plenty of fights; been boo’d on stage; met many celebrities; is an actress; a Saturday Night Live alumni; faced the worst deaths; but most of all, she is Leslie. She goes through so much to discover who she is, and in the process, she finds ways to make people laugh and uplift little Black boys and girls all over the world. She is unapologetically herself, plans out her own funeral, and emphasizes loving people while they are alive and being in their presence. She cries a lot, feels a lot, and has found her beauty, but it did not happen overnight. I applauded her and found myself laughing at the many encounters she has had, but her determination will always keep her moving forward.
Leslie is funny, but she is also raw. Navigating through her story, you see how vulnerable she is, but she does not look for sympathy or consider herself a victim but speaks about the child abuse, racism, and sexism she endured at an early age. “The psychology of what I was doing is clear: When your power is taken away, you need to reassert it somehow, and what better way than dominating something less powerful than you? I found something more innocent than me and took my agony out on it, and I was trying to regain control because it had been taken away from me”. The rage she built up that could have shifted her to an evil life was stopped by her mother introducing her to sports. We often do not understand our parents until we are adults, but she emphasizes loving them while they are alive. Take time to understand how they came to be that way, and maybe you will be less harsh on them.
Leslie is 6ft. tall; she has learned how to deal with bullies; moved a lot; watched her father turn into an alcoholic; witnessed her strong mother become sick; became a basketball star; endured being the odd man out; found toxic love; became rebellious; experienced rejection in many different ways; was extremely broke; became extremely wealthy; had numerous jobs; had plenty of fights; been boo’d on stage; met many celebrities; is an actress; a Saturday Night Live alumni; faced the worst deaths; but most of all, she is Leslie. She goes through so much to discover who she is, and in the process, she finds ways to make people laugh and uplift little Black boys and girls all over the world. She is unapologetically herself, plans out her own funeral, and emphasizes loving people while they are alive and being in their presence. She cries a lot, feels a lot, and has found her beauty, but it did not happen overnight. I applauded her and found myself laughing at the many encounters she has had, but her determination will always keep her moving forward.
January 12, 2024
What a wild ride this audiobook was 😂 The print book is 288 pages, & the audio is 17 hours because Leslie Jones just told all of the stories from the book (without reading them) and added random tangents and laughing fits and who knows what else 😂 This book has SO MUCH personality and there were some really good parts that were funny and vulnerable. I appreciated her reflecting on her mistakes and finding her love for comedy and trusting in herself and her voice. She is definitely talented and I LOVE her love for herself.
That said — IT WAS SO LONG. I get they wanted to let her do her thing but oh my gosh some editing down would have helped. Also— every other word (almost) was the f-word so they could’ve cut HOURS of the book just by taking some of those out 😂 And the rambliness just got old after a while — some structure would have helped.
So if you’re a mega LJ fan, definitely listen to it. Otherwise I’d probably just listen to chunks or read the physical book.
That said — IT WAS SO LONG. I get they wanted to let her do her thing but oh my gosh some editing down would have helped. Also— every other word (almost) was the f-word so they could’ve cut HOURS of the book just by taking some of those out 😂 And the rambliness just got old after a while — some structure would have helped.
So if you’re a mega LJ fan, definitely listen to it. Otherwise I’d probably just listen to chunks or read the physical book.
October 30, 2023
Don’t read this book, LISTEN to it — hilarious, emotional, and honest
October 29, 2023
I shall preface with saying: I LOVE Leslie Fucking Jones. I wanted to love the book Leslie Fucking Jones too. For me though...this was so scatterbrained. At points that should be detailed, it was vague. At portions where it could have been general, it had too many details. So while this does have gumption and humor, like Leslie herself, it did not do it for me.
October 1, 2023
What an entertaining book! Leslie f kin Jones is as real as it gets. She speaks the truth, doesn’t care what others think and isn’t embarrassed or ashamed to open herself up to the readers. She talks about her struggles and how she got to where she is now, her childhood, family, relationships and other hiccups along the way. I listened to this book and felt as though she was sitting with me having a conversation. Inspiring woman who will make you laugh, cry and teach you lessons. Highly recommend this book and listening to it.
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
March 20, 2024
There was a lot of funny and interesting here, but it was also kind of exhausting. I haven't eye-read it, but the audiobook is clearly not an exact reading — it's sort of like her book translated to stand-up.
And... Leslie Jones's stand-up isn't chill. With her style, she starts about 5 sentences for every 1 she finishes. She's hilarious but just this side of manic, so 16+ hours of that was a lot.
I have admiration for her, though. While a lot of what's expressed is OTT, if you brush off the chaff, the core is inspirational and genuine.
And... Leslie Jones's stand-up isn't chill. With her style, she starts about 5 sentences for every 1 she finishes. She's hilarious but just this side of manic, so 16+ hours of that was a lot.
I have admiration for her, though. While a lot of what's expressed is OTT, if you brush off the chaff, the core is inspirational and genuine.
January 28, 2024
Wow, what to say about this novel? First, I listened to the audiobook because there was no way I just wanted to sit and flip pages. I mean, It’s Leslie F’ucking Jones. (lol) The only drawback is that it’s Leslie F*ucking Jones, so after several chapters, I did get the sense that this audiobook veered away from the actual book. Be warned that this book has STRONG language, so if you’re offended easily, it won’t be something you’ll enjoy.
Now, with that said, it’s that very thing that makes this book what it is. Raw, candid, personal, powerful, beautiful. Yes, she did admit that a lot of the story was off-script. Yes, at times, it could be all over the place. But it was, in a word, engaging, enigmatic, and eye-opening. You get a peek into a person when they share their lives with you, and in doing so, it evokes feelings about yourself, and you start to share a commonality with the author.
QUOTE: “Everybody was telling me to sit my ass down. Everybody was telling me to get a real job. Everybody was asking me… What are you doing? You’re ruining your life. You’re embarrassing your family.” That’s all I got. So you can’t listen to that. You have to listen to yourself.”
I don’t read many memoirs, but this one right here was everything. It’s not just a retelling of how she became Leslie Jones but a story about her growing up with a strict father and a mother who loved her unconditionally gone too soon. She addresses the anger and betrayal she felt with her parents because they didn’t take better care of themselves or listen to doctors, which is so spot on for African American parents because, as people, we don’t trust anyone.
Not even when it’s in our best interest to do so, we keep working, living, smoking, we keep drinking, and praying every Sunday that all will be fixed. Because we are taught unconditionally to trust in God, and He will take care of us. Leslie goes on to explain how her parents held so much from her when it came to their health, home, and finances. Trust me, as an adult, I understand this now more than ever.
Leslie speaks on a predominately male-dominated genre in comedy and how one-sided it was. From her mannerisms on stage to billing and people’s perception of a 6-foot black woman crushing the game. It’s not what we see today for female comedians, and Leslie paved the way for the up-and-coming generations to get some skin in the game. Being the one who’s bold and super-confident in her ability always to kill it on stage, those highs come with lows, and she didn’t just talk about all the wins but the losses as well
She entails her SNL experience as being one of the most influential and educational because it taught her how the machine (the entertainment business) can work against you just as much as with you. SNL wasn’t a door that was immediately opened but one she had to kick down. (so to speak).
So, if you’re looking for a memoir that will give it to you straight no chaser, check out Leslie F*ucking Jones.
Now, with that said, it’s that very thing that makes this book what it is. Raw, candid, personal, powerful, beautiful. Yes, she did admit that a lot of the story was off-script. Yes, at times, it could be all over the place. But it was, in a word, engaging, enigmatic, and eye-opening. You get a peek into a person when they share their lives with you, and in doing so, it evokes feelings about yourself, and you start to share a commonality with the author.
QUOTE: “Everybody was telling me to sit my ass down. Everybody was telling me to get a real job. Everybody was asking me… What are you doing? You’re ruining your life. You’re embarrassing your family.” That’s all I got. So you can’t listen to that. You have to listen to yourself.”
I don’t read many memoirs, but this one right here was everything. It’s not just a retelling of how she became Leslie Jones but a story about her growing up with a strict father and a mother who loved her unconditionally gone too soon. She addresses the anger and betrayal she felt with her parents because they didn’t take better care of themselves or listen to doctors, which is so spot on for African American parents because, as people, we don’t trust anyone.
Not even when it’s in our best interest to do so, we keep working, living, smoking, we keep drinking, and praying every Sunday that all will be fixed. Because we are taught unconditionally to trust in God, and He will take care of us. Leslie goes on to explain how her parents held so much from her when it came to their health, home, and finances. Trust me, as an adult, I understand this now more than ever.
Leslie speaks on a predominately male-dominated genre in comedy and how one-sided it was. From her mannerisms on stage to billing and people’s perception of a 6-foot black woman crushing the game. It’s not what we see today for female comedians, and Leslie paved the way for the up-and-coming generations to get some skin in the game. Being the one who’s bold and super-confident in her ability always to kill it on stage, those highs come with lows, and she didn’t just talk about all the wins but the losses as well
She entails her SNL experience as being one of the most influential and educational because it taught her how the machine (the entertainment business) can work against you just as much as with you. SNL wasn’t a door that was immediately opened but one she had to kick down. (so to speak).
So, if you’re looking for a memoir that will give it to you straight no chaser, check out Leslie F*ucking Jones.
October 10, 2023
Leslie. Girl. I wanted to give this 4 stars, but I did not need to know that much about your hemorrhoids. I still love you though.
August 3, 2024
You Do You Leslie
I was really looking forward to reading Leslie Jones Autobiography, because I really think Leslie is funny and one of SNL’s best comedians ever. I’m going to state right from the start that I took a star off for not using a little more acceptable language. That being said, I realize that I probably should have expected street language considering the title, but I could go with a catch phrase.
Anyway, the language issue aside, the book is interesting and Ms. Jones has lived her life that was anything but easy her own way and on her own terms.
Leslie’s father was military, I am guessing that he was Army although I didn’t see her explicitly say that, but they lived on Ft. Bragg, in SC, Memphis and even Korea during his time in the military. He was a strict disciplinarian and her mother worked and kept the family together. Leslie had one brother and although they weren’t wealthy, they were a close and happy family.
Leslie played basketball in high school and was very good. Unfortunately neither of her parents ever really got to see her play because of work. Leslie eventually got a basketball scholarship. While she was away her mother had a stroke and was never the same again and neither was her family. Leslie’s father had to take care of his wife and turned to alcohol and her brother turned to drugs.
College introduced Leslie to her first serious relationship, as well as the desire to make people laugh. Throughout her life Leslie discovered that she was a strong woman and sometimes allowed her mouth to get away with her, but she learned to stand up for herself.
Standing up for herself was especially important when she started her career as a comedian, because she realized fast that it was a misogynistic business, and sometimes maybe even a little racist. One of the reasons that I really wanted to read her book was because I always thought that she would be a really strong woman in more ways than one and very funny. Leslie had a hard life, and still made us laugh. Bravo.
I was really looking forward to reading Leslie Jones Autobiography, because I really think Leslie is funny and one of SNL’s best comedians ever. I’m going to state right from the start that I took a star off for not using a little more acceptable language. That being said, I realize that I probably should have expected street language considering the title, but I could go with a catch phrase.
Anyway, the language issue aside, the book is interesting and Ms. Jones has lived her life that was anything but easy her own way and on her own terms.
Leslie’s father was military, I am guessing that he was Army although I didn’t see her explicitly say that, but they lived on Ft. Bragg, in SC, Memphis and even Korea during his time in the military. He was a strict disciplinarian and her mother worked and kept the family together. Leslie had one brother and although they weren’t wealthy, they were a close and happy family.
Leslie played basketball in high school and was very good. Unfortunately neither of her parents ever really got to see her play because of work. Leslie eventually got a basketball scholarship. While she was away her mother had a stroke and was never the same again and neither was her family. Leslie’s father had to take care of his wife and turned to alcohol and her brother turned to drugs.
College introduced Leslie to her first serious relationship, as well as the desire to make people laugh. Throughout her life Leslie discovered that she was a strong woman and sometimes allowed her mouth to get away with her, but she learned to stand up for herself.
Standing up for herself was especially important when she started her career as a comedian, because she realized fast that it was a misogynistic business, and sometimes maybe even a little racist. One of the reasons that I really wanted to read her book was because I always thought that she would be a really strong woman in more ways than one and very funny. Leslie had a hard life, and still made us laugh. Bravo.
April 7, 2024
Leslie Jones is a talented and funny comic. Before listening to Leslie F*cking Jones, I would have said Jones was a force of nature. After listening to the book, it feels more real to say Jones has worked her ass off and strived to become the comedian she has long wanted to be. She is a funny comedian whose off-the-cuff honesty is completely part of her charm.
The book encompasses Jones' life from childhood up to 2023. Her childhood started with love and support from her parents and brother, but her transition to college and beyond brought considerable heartache, tragedy, family illness, family addiction, and emotional trauma. This era also made Jones realize she wanted to make people laugh. For a living.
Leslie Jones is a strong person and has accomplished emotional growth and healing (even self-actualization others can and should applaud) via therapy and work.
The audiobook starts strong: is there any other famous comedian who has manifested such a public voice and recognizable, powerful cadence? The audiobook's energy lags in the middle due to repetition and profanity, but wouldn't most readers/listeners know what type of uproariously funny adult pool they have chosen for their swim? Jones' audiobook performance is on-brand, but it could have been much tighter if she had followed her writing partner Lenny Marcus' requirement (in chapter 12) for a set list and more discipline for timing on stage.
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
The book encompasses Jones' life from childhood up to 2023. Her childhood started with love and support from her parents and brother, but her transition to college and beyond brought considerable heartache, tragedy, family illness, family addiction, and emotional trauma. This era also made Jones realize she wanted to make people laugh. For a living.
Leslie Jones is a strong person and has accomplished emotional growth and healing (even self-actualization others can and should applaud) via therapy and work.
The audiobook starts strong: is there any other famous comedian who has manifested such a public voice and recognizable, powerful cadence? The audiobook's energy lags in the middle due to repetition and profanity, but wouldn't most readers/listeners know what type of uproariously funny adult pool they have chosen for their swim? Jones' audiobook performance is on-brand, but it could have been much tighter if she had followed her writing partner Lenny Marcus' requirement (in chapter 12) for a set list and more discipline for timing on stage.
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
February 17, 2024
If you know Leslie Jones from SNL like I do, you know what her comedy is like. Large, loud, crude and don’t take no shit from anyone. This is exactly what this book is. In fact I read it in her voice yelling it at me as she often does with many people I see her with on tv. It was actually quite distracting.
What this book isn’t is a comedy book. It was actually a pretty sad story of adversity and how people kept beating her down until she finally made it big, and even then still faced many challenges.
What I didn’t like was how she just dropped these bombshells and then didn’t elaborate at all on it. Whether it was being abused, or having abortions, or taking jabs at writers, there was no context. It was like what? I have to read that again cause it just came out of nowhere. Don’t dish if you aren’t going to tell the whole story. I know she doesn’t want to be labeled as a victim but it’s your life story. It’s kind of an important piece.
I did not really laugh at all when reading this, which was what I kind of what I was expecting. It was an okay memoir, I was just hoping for more of a lighter tone. 3 stars
What this book isn’t is a comedy book. It was actually a pretty sad story of adversity and how people kept beating her down until she finally made it big, and even then still faced many challenges.
What I didn’t like was how she just dropped these bombshells and then didn’t elaborate at all on it. Whether it was being abused, or having abortions, or taking jabs at writers, there was no context. It was like what? I have to read that again cause it just came out of nowhere. Don’t dish if you aren’t going to tell the whole story. I know she doesn’t want to be labeled as a victim but it’s your life story. It’s kind of an important piece.
I did not really laugh at all when reading this, which was what I kind of what I was expecting. It was an okay memoir, I was just hoping for more of a lighter tone. 3 stars
January 27, 2024
DNF - but forced myself to listen to 67%.
How on earth do you turn a 288 page book into a 17 hour audible listen?!?!?
Yes she’s funny. Yes she’s smart. Yes she has good stuff to say.
But she’s also aimless and blabbery and pointless and frenetic.
If you want to feel like you’ve done lethal amounts of crack after listening, this is the listen for you!
How on earth do you turn a 288 page book into a 17 hour audible listen?!?!?
Yes she’s funny. Yes she’s smart. Yes she has good stuff to say.
But she’s also aimless and blabbery and pointless and frenetic.
If you want to feel like you’ve done lethal amounts of crack after listening, this is the listen for you!
January 18, 2024
i don’t think you could fit one more swear word in this book if you tried
January 5, 2024
Truly like no other memoir I've ever listened to. I highly recommend doing this one on audio because Jones reads it herself and by "reads" I mean just adlibs a whole bunch of stuff that was *CLEARLY* not in the print book. It was a performance. I didn't identify with a lot of of the stories she told, had some issues with some of the stories she told, and a lot felt like an airing of grievances, but entertaining nonetheless and I did really enjoy hearing about her childhood and about how important it is to her to lift people coming up behind her. I listened straight through the closing credits where they talk about whose copyright it is because Jones read that too and it was also read in the most ridiculous of ways. Spotty but truly an overall ridiculous and entertaining performance.
October 6, 2023
This was laugh out loud funny. Especially addressing the ridiculousness of people being angry about the gender of GHOST BUSTERS of all things.
Really heartfelt and touching when she spoke about the death of her father, mother, and brother. That really choked me up.
A lot of talk about how she started out and the struggles she's been through specifically as a black woman.
Well done
Really heartfelt and touching when she spoke about the death of her father, mother, and brother. That really choked me up.
A lot of talk about how she started out and the struggles she's been through specifically as a black woman.
Well done
October 6, 2023
I feel like I have to preface this by saying that I did listen to the audio. I do so because it was told by Leslie Jones herself and she specifically states that she does veer off the book more than once. This book is so real. There were multiple times when Jones's emotions got away from her while she was reading showing her passion for her craft, her friends and family and just life in general. She is the first to tell you she is by no means perfect, but that isn't A prerequisite for being amazing. Love her.
November 27, 2023
Finished most of it in print, then switched to audiobook for the last bit of it. The audiobook was wild as hell man lol… charmingly chaotic—she maybe read the actual words on the page like 60% of the time? Tons of off script adlibs and side comments that made it feel like you were sitting next to her at a bar.
Left really appreciating her hustle, authenticity, and the way she uses her platform to lift up others.
Left really appreciating her hustle, authenticity, and the way she uses her platform to lift up others.
December 22, 2023
THIS.AUDIOBOOK.IS.HILARIOUS.!!!!!! 5 🌟 without hesitation. Listening to this audiobook is like having a long phone call with a good hilariously funny girlfriend who is telling you great stories. She had me LMAO from beginning to end! She’s real, relatable and touching. She gives great advice and encouragement. But in between all the laughs, there’s some tears, so have tissues at hand.
And even the forward and credits are funny so listen to them too!
And even the forward and credits are funny so listen to them too!
September 23, 2023
Leslie F*cking Jones is undeniable, powerful, hilarious, vulnerable and real. I listened to the audiobook version and haven’t been able to focus on anything else since I started it because she is so powerful, so true to herself and so brilliant that I feel like I too, can conquer the world. Leslie Jones is the real talk, kick in the ass that the world needs. Buy this f*cking book.
August 9, 2024
this is great on audio it’s like she’s just talking to you not reading a story
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