Are We There Yet?: My Journey from a Messed-Up to Meaningful Life

by Jeffrey Allen

Comedic and Inspirational memoir from the stand-up comic who coined the phrase “Happy Wife, Happy Life”.

Genres: Biography, Audiobook, Nonfiction, Memoir, Inspirational

191 pages, ebook

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Reviews

[Debra Waligora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, raw depiction, of a lost, angry, meandering life without God, transformed to joy, peace and meaning with Jesus at the center. Jeff holds nothing back in describing his futile attempts to find meaning and purpose in life. Reading all he and Tami went through (or maybe better, all he put Tami through), is a testimony to God's grace, mercy, and perfect plan. If you're struggling with addiction, anger, or anything else that is preventing you from experiencing the fullness of life that God wants for you, read this as an encouragement that with God, all things are possible.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy read & I don't regret it but it certainly wasn't what I thought it would be. I heard about this book a comedian wrote & I love comedy so I got it. It's actually a tale of his journey from a party lifestyle to finding some spiritual grounding. There was not one part of the book that made me laugh & that seemed like a big miss for a comedian.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful book, I can't recommend it enough. Same with his comedy, I especially recommend his bit comparing teenagers to satan. The last section on questions everyone should ask themselves is worth the price by itself. It opens with two stories that both take place in baggage claims at different airports. The first one he asks his now wife to marry him and she replies, in his words with all the enthusiasm of someone being asked to get food from McDonalds, "if that's what you want". This introduces the theme of the book, which is how often are we trying to get somewhere in life but have no idea where that somewhere is or what it looks like? He wanted a marriage, but had no vision of what being married should look like and was asking, "Are we there yet?"

The second story he's back at another baggage claim but this time he's picking up his wife who he had just discovered was off having an affair. He was mad angry and thought "how could she do this to me?" but every time he thought that, what he now realizes is the Holy Spirit would put into his mind all the times he was a terrible and even abusive husband & father, and how he didn't even like being around himself. He came to the realization, "how could she not?" Eventually, he got clean from drugs and alcohol and anger. Yet his life was still missing something, then he found a guy who introduced him to a pastor teaching the book of Ecclesiastes, and found Jesus. It's a powerful testimony of God working in the life a person before he even realized it.

[Michael Heidle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A work of Art in Comedy -- A work of God's Grace in Life!!

Jeff Allen has been my favorite comedian for years, even though I have not had the fortune of hearing him in person! His show and segments featured on Dry Comedy Bar have been a staple for me and I have shared them on my social media regularly over and o er for years!! I have also shared his testimony on coming to faith in Christ many times and it still brings a strong emotional response to me! When I first heard he had a book coming out I knew I had to read it! And I am so glad I did!! I learned a bit about Jeff and his family and his faith but I also learned a bit about myself!!
The book is about a ,comedian though it is not a book of comedy; it has comedy in it but it is so much more than that! Its a book about his life, some terrible mistakes and addictions but it is not a self help book; it has insights that will help you if you let it but it is so much more that that!! It is a book about his ,coming to faith; it is not a testimonial though it includes testimony but without being preachy it is so much more than that!! Its a boom that surpasses the pigeonhole of any simple category and I highly recommend this book for everyone!!!

[John F. Bromhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Jeff Allen’s new book “Are We There Yet?” It was a powerful read of a truly lost soul being convicted by the Holy Spirit and brought to redemption and restoration in Jesus. I loved how Jeff wove his typical humorous perspectives throughout the painful story of his life before reform. He unashamedly goes into a transparent telling of how far down he had sunk, bouncing off his rock bottom as he describes it, in his life of self-centered, self-medicating substance abuse and the abusiveness he spewed on others. How he and Tami stayed together, ultimately both being rescued by God, is an inspiration. One of my favorite quotes is, “Time and again, I would try to get righteously angry because I was finally “right” in this situation and she was wrong. Time and again, that stupid little voice would shut me down with another memory of the kind of husband I had been.” He had previously associated the “stupid little voice” with the Holy Spirit, doing in him what the Holy Spirit is supposed to do; convict us of our sins. Thanks Jeff for your humility and the image of the grace of Jesus Christ that turned your life around for God’s glory. Blessings to you and Peace.

[Michael Southard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very good read. I didn’t know exactly what to expect but I do love Jeff’s comedy and the messages during his routines. I could relate to many of them so when I heard he was coming out with a book(loved the video promo btw), I figured I’d check it out.
I may not have had the addictions Jeff had but I could relate to them with my own. It’s because of those addictions that I have come to the point in my own life wondering what it’s all about. While reading Are We There Yet? I had realized God was always walking with me through my life. He had protected me from bad influences in my life and He walked with me through my journey.
I’m still not sure what life is all about but with Him, it most certainly isn’t meaningless. Jeff’s book has pointed me in the right direction to help improve my own relationship with God and my family by sharing his own journey towards God. I strongly recommend this book.

[Connie Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I love Jeff, I love the Lord, and I enjoy clever comedy based on someone’s life events. I had heard his testimony already so was intrigued to find out the rest of the story. Having known addicts, I was somewhat familiar with how AA works, about the ‘Big Book’, the 12-step program, and their teaching about reliance on someone bigger than themselves. I had heard their ‘stories’. But I had never known of a person who had been freed from drink only to be consumed by anger. And how does a man whose heart is in turmoil rely on comedy to make a living?
Highlights for me were when God used Jeff’s son to get his attention and to break the patterns of anger and abuse that had defined his life, and how He kept those divorce papers in the drawer!
It was exciting to follow Jeff and Tami from hapless to helpless with detours through homelessness and hopelessness, and then to see them being guided by God’s own hand to His Word, to His Son, and to true happiness in Him.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Jeff's journey! Once I got started, I couldn't put the book down. "Are We There Yet?: My Journey from a Messed Up to Meaningful Life" was delightfully deep, insightful, and real. Throughout the book you still see Jeff's trademark, relatable style of humor, but his story is so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about where he came from, his comedy journey, and all the life challenges and triumphs he went through that made him the man, husband, father, and comedian that he is today and that led him from a messed up life to a meaningful life. His testimony of how God rescued him is so honest, inspiring, and powerful! This book is for anyone, but I think it is especially for those looking for hope and joy, for those struggling in life and looking for meaning and purpose. "Who we were is not who we are."

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff pulls no punches with his nakedly honest journey from being a man most people could not stand to be around to being changed by the grace of God and becoming a man people admire, not only as a comedian, but as a husband, a father, and a man of God. His story, from fits of rage, drugs, and alcohol eventually leads him to friendships with people like Bill Gaither, Michael W. Smith, and Gary Chapman. What happened to him to make this drastic change? Life, my friends. A messed-up life. This was not only a good read, but a convicting read too. I actually had to take a break from reading it for a day or two to re-evaluate my personal walk with my wife, my family, and my God. I highly recommend it!

[Marie Engberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of Jeff Allen, so when I saw he had written a book I had to read it. I figured it would have all kinds of funny stuff. Instead I read a story of someone who grows up having the same obstacles as others. This book shows you obstacles and how this wonderful man overcomes them. How he finds himself and finds God. He and his wife work together to strengthen their marriage and make God the third part of their marriage. This book gives you hope and desire to want to work with your spouse to better your marriage.

Thank you Jeff for opening yourself up and sharing with your fans that you are human and make mistakes also, but what you can do to overcome your mistakes.

[Devynn Vachon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has endured a close family member personally struggle with alcoholism/addiction, Jeff Allen does a great job writing the reality of what it’s like to live with someone who has those struggles but yet overcomes them. The analogy of him quitting alcohol/drugs and instead becoming unhealthily addicted to golf is a real example of what addicts experience. I love the last chapter of this book. It has given me some insight on how to navigate my relationship and how to respond to my reactive anger when it comes to disagreements. Definitely open to more spiritual/self help reads in the future!

[Kathy Kender · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was like reading my own journey in a way. How I did the wrong things in the wrong crowds and how I felt unworthy of God's grace because of my past......
Jeff tells an unfiltered and transparent testimony of God's grace and love. By the end of Chapter 11, I was in tears with the realization that Jesus knows ME, BY NAME!! I cannot express how touched I was! It is an awe inspiring story that all men (and women) should read regarding marriage, parenting and generally, living a Christ-centered life! Well Done!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently found Jeff Allen's comedy on YouTube during the pandemic. He is hilarious! I was lucky enough to get his book & quickly read it cover to cover. It was not what I was expecting, but a wonderful read. This is a memoir that truly inspired me to think hard about my own issues & how God is in control. I was amazed by the strength of his love and the love in his marriage. I recommend this book to everyone for a funny, yet inspiring story of love, addiction and the power of God's love & forgiveness. @jallencomedy

[Ben Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff's autobiography is raw, honest view of man who was dramatically rescued by Jesus Christ. It wasn't enough just for Jeff to quit his alcohol and drug abuse via AA. He needed God to break him and remake him a new man. And Jeff's act isn't a facade. I recently saw him do standup at Helium (a secular comedy club) and Jeff boldly gave his testimony at the end of the show. For a man who used to bring tears due to his poor actions, was now bringing tears because of his love for his wife Tammy and his personal Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

[arthur fels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for everyone. Very easy to read, well written. It's like Jeff is speaking telling his story. So much honesty, he shows his vulnerability. God pursues us all, and He never stops loving us. He knows what is best for us and He places people in our lives for His purposes. I loved to see how Jeff's and his family's life was transformed by placing His trust in God after denying Him for so long. Get this book, it will touch your heart!.

[Kristen Rosener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Allen has been one of my favorite comedians for about twelve years, so I was fairly acquainted with his story. However, in "Are We There Yet?" Jeff goes deeper, sharing his life of alcoholism, abuse, and anger in his pursuit of meaning.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author, which was EXCEPTIONAL! Hearing Jeff's voice catch as he recalled painful moments, and his chuckle as he shared more amusing moments made his story come to life even more.

This is a wonderful book that gives glory to God for His saving and sanctifying power.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a neat read. I initially heard about it because I love Jeff's comedy and found a YouTube video of him discussing his book. Unknown to me, it was the perfect Easter read. At times his intimacy was hard to stomach. He didn't shy away from ugly truth. But he embraced it with a christ- like perspective. I definitely recommend the audiobook. He is a natural story teller so I never got lost or distracted.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read as Jeff tells his story. He was a struggling comedian who married. He was a horrible husband and father. He was addicted to drugs and alcohol.

He got help with AA, but it wasn't a complete help until he found Jesus Christ. He made drastic changes in his life. This included his comedic script, how he was as a husband and father, and just life overall.

He admits he still takes life one step as a time, but Christ drastically changed him!

[Dave Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Well written and lets the reader know know clearly who Christ is and his love and mercy.

You're right, that his in your life is God shaped, and filling it with Jesus is the best thing you can do!

Finished it in one sitting!

[Carol Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the most honest stories of gut wrenching life changes. Sharing these stories for the Glory of God was not easy I am sure. To be able to do this is an awesome example of the Grace of God! I would recommend to anyone.

[Robin McElvain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff writes honestly about his journey through some very difficult times and the path it took to where he is today. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching for something more out of life and willing to make a change.

[Gena Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

I’ve ordered several copies. I put it in the must read category. Some parts will have you laughing and some tearing up. But all are great. A raw, unfiltered look at how a life can be changed through Him.

[Cristiano Suzuki · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! whatva testimony.

the story told in this book is like mine. different names and occupations, but same tears and search for hope.
Looking forward the next book. HeyTami, tell Jeff to stop procrastinating and write it!

[Steve Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughter - Heartache - and Jesus.

We interviewed Jeff on our podcast (Parent Pivot Podcast) and he is as genuine as they come. You’ll love this book and maybe, just maybe you’ll laugh a little and see God.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a blessing!

This is an amazing story of how powerful God's grace is. Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your story; the good and the bad. I pray that it helps others who are still trying to figure out life on their own, to see their need for the Savior.

[Dodie Nendza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Honest, down to earth...Jeff tells us like it was for him and for his journey to find God. I feel that anyone could learn and be touched by this book.

[Kanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jeff Allen! My husband and I went to his show last fall and he told a little bit of his testimony at the end. This book told the whole story.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve ever read!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I cried, and I am so glad I found this book.

[Katie]

Such a powerful testimony. I'm glad he decided to share his story.