Grit, Spit, and Never Quit: A Marine's Guide to Comedy and Life

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.

Genres: Memoir, Humor, Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Autobiography, Comedy

304 pages, Hardcover

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rob Riggle took the scenic route to stardom and this book tells his incredible journey. He starts with how he grew up in Kansas and how he started making jokes to be cool at school and how his love for comedy was born. He also tells how his love for the military began during this time and how he wanted to serve and become a Marine aviator. After college he got on that path and passed flight school, before coming to a cross-roads in his life, where he changed course to pursue his dream of becoming a comedian and the struggles and obstacles he had to overcome to achieve it. Doing all this he still served as an active duty Marine. His time in the Marines after quitting flight school was also interesting as he served in interesting postings before 9/11, where he was stationed in New York as a reserve officer and helped with the search and rescue operations in the days after the attack at Ground Zero. He went active after this and just weeks later was part of the first contingent to land in Afghanistan as a media liaison officer with the task force in Mazar-i Sharif.

After completing his tour of duty he returned to civilian life and built his career as a comedian where he got a spot on Saturday Night Live for a season, before being let go and almost let go of his dream when all seemed lost, but then got his big break as an correspondent on the Daily Show. The book ends here as he takes you only on his journey to success, as from there he just went from strength to strength in his career.

I dig Rob Riggle as an actor and comedian, but after reading this I have so much more respect for him. His book is a serious one with some comedy in it, as he does not try to be overly funny in the book. He also pays homage throughout the book to the discipline and perseverance the Marines taught him and how it helped him countless times in his life to help him get through struggles and succeed. Rob Riggle is a good man and I love his style of comedy, along with this he is also a patriot and a Christian and lives his life accordingly and he is a great example of what a person should strive to be. Great book!!

[Ella Atwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rob Riggle is such a funny guy and I loved his story. He is a true patriot for our country and a breath of fresh ait in an industry built on fakeness and low values. His story is inspiring to know that it is never too late to chase your dreams. Thanks to my friend Jacob for brinfing this to my attention, as I would not have known about this otherwise.

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Riggle when he was on The Daily Show some years back, and enjoy him whenever I see him in movies, (just caught him again in "The Other Guys"). But I'm sorry, I just couldn't finish this, although I got about 2/3s through.

Riggle's had a mildly successful career as both a comic/actor (two years on TDS, just one season on SNL, no starring movie roles) and a Marine officer (public relations, same as JD Vance), so congrats on that, and thank you for your service during 9/11…but his Tony Robbins-flavored career advice in this book is just AWFUL. "I was almost through training as a Marine aviator, but then decided I wanted to be a comic, so quit flight school and moved to New York to learn improv — because if you don't pursue your wildest dream, you'll always regret it! Someone's going to make their dreams come true — why shouldn't it be you?"

But the problem is, it most likely WON'T be you that makes it as a big league actor/rapper/sports star/writer. As eloquently and frequently explained by folks like the increasingly-ubiquitous professor/entrepreneur Scott Galloway, "don't follow your passion, follow your talent." It's easy for established celebrities to give commencement addresses telling new grads to "follow their dream" — but (as just one example) every coffee shop and fast food joint in Los Angeles is full of starving actors who did just that, because no one really told them that the road to stardom is a really steep one, with very little room at the top.

(I also have to note that the book and its upbeat "pathway to happiness and success" is more than a little disingenuous, as while it was just published last year, it ends in 2006 with him as a happy family man and landing the gig with The Daily Show, without covering his acrimonious 2020 divorce, or [again], the fact that we was only on TDS for two years, and hasn't had any major recurring roles since then.)

Anyway — mildly interesting audiobook until something better became available. A very generous 3 stars, but otherwise TMBTLT.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved listening to this book! It was great that it was narrated by Rob Riggle and I felt like I was just hanging out with him while he was sharing his life story. I loved every bit of it!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Rob Riggle, NetGalley, and Grand Central Publishing for the e-ARC! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoy Rob Riggle’s comedy so when I saw this on NetGalley, I requested immediately!
I’m not a non-fiction reader. This is probably my first bio-read in a very long time, where my arm isn’t being twisted into writing a report about it. That being said, it was great! I don’t love giving ratings to life experiences because how can you rate one’s life?! But this read was quick and easy and in a voice where I felt like I was reading a long letter from a friend.
The anecdotes told throughout were engaging and kept me interested enough to keep going. I fully expect more books, Rob! Looking forward to what else you’ve got to say!

[Kat Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Rob Riggle ever since I saw his Daily Show sketch Marines vs. Berkeley. I then started noticing him making appearances in some of my favorite shows including Modern Family and New Girl. I’ve also always loved that he was a US Marine and that he kept serving even as he became more and more famous.

There were quite a few scenes in this one where I laughed out loud, but the hardest I laughed was when listening to the chapter on Officer Candidates School. I’m also a graduate of OCS and his observations were both hilarious and spot-on. They almost made me nostalgic for an experience I really never want to return to.

Also a highlight: his drill instructor voice. Sooo good. His own thoughts mixed in with quotes from R. Lee Ermey’s famous drill instructor role in Full Metal Jacket had me rolling.

Interspersed were some serious anecdotes about only being on SNL for a year, his experiences helping search for survivors after 9/11, and the tough conversations he had leaving before deployment.

Definitely recommend this one for anyone who is a fan of Rob Riggle or who may be interested in a funnier side of the military or breaking into comedy show business.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for a free ALC in exchange for my honest review. This one releases on Veterans Day - November 11, 2025.

[Jeremy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as I have always enjoyed Rob Riggle’s humor, but I never knew of his amazing background. Riggle grew up 15 minutes away from where I am now sitting as I write this review. The book discusses his early years growing up in the Kansas City suburbs, and then he talks about trying to understand what he wants to do as he grows up. College, a military career, a terror attack, multiple deployments… this doesn’t sound like the life of a comedian, right? But Riggle talks about the road he took to get where he is today. He talks about his achievements but I enjoyed reading about some of his disappointments just as much. We rarely hear about the bad things that happen in one’s upward career trajectory. Riggle is open about some of the hardest times in his life, but he keeps humor intertwined in telling his story. I was really impressed how he outlined his career, and how grounded he seems even with the success he has received.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rob Riggle’s book is exactly what you’d hope for from such an upbeat personality. It’s funny, big hearted and filled with wild stories from his unexpected path through life. The humor lands more often than not, and there are a surprising number of honest, reflective moments about resilience, taking risks, and doing what makes you happy. A couple of sections feel a bit lighter or less detailed than you’d want, especially because he’s had such a long career after a brief blip on SNL, but overall it’s a good read!

[Ward Whipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is accurate -- while the author's progress and experience as an actor and comedian are documented, it's his service as a U.S. Marine that is the core (sorry) of the narrative. (thanks to NetGalley for providing a proof to review)

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has some interesting experiences to share, and he has a very engaging writing style. Recommended!


#GoodreadsGiveaway #GrandCentralPublishing

[Beth Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ Rounded Up

It's tough to review a memoir. What even is the criteria? Someone's life isn't interesting enough for you? Not enough salacious details from trying to make it big in Hollywood? Not funny enough?

This wasn't my favorite memoir, but I enjoyed it. And after hearing Riggle in a recent interview, I bought--not borrowed!--this one. He has always been one of my favorite sleeper comedians. Whatever the role, it's always hysterical. Whether he's playing it satirically straight on The Daily Show or snuggling up to Buster Bluth on a hospital bed in Arrested Development (my all-time favorite show, by the way) or yelling "Pow!" while talking about the Catalina Wine Mixer (Stepbrothers) or getting Parts of Him shot off in the 21 Jump Street franchise, he always brings Comedy Gold to a scene. And learning that he had a different path to comedy--starting and continuing as a marine--intrigued me.

And there's definitely a lot of his military backstory here--like 65% marine backstory and 35% Hollywood journey. Unknowingly, I think I was expecting the opposite. While Riggle's path to success in both the military and acting is a unique one, I was not as intrigued by the military part. Am I grateful for his service? Absolutely. Am I impressed that he cut it in one of the most grueling branches of our armed services? You bet! But would I choose to read a nonfiction book about the military? Not so much. Not because I don't have respect for the armed forces; more because it's just not something I'd typically reach for. (My husband, on the other hand, is going to love this one.)

Some readers gave this story one or two stars because it felt like "military propaganda" to them. What on earth? Riggle served in the military. That's part of his narrative, which we signed on to read. He isn't trying to recruit our firstborn or hold a ticker-tape parade. 🙄

Others critiqued this because it felt "too Christian." Again, we signed on to read his backstory, which includes being raised in the midwest in a church-going family--like a bazillion other midwestern families. He definitely isn't proselytizing here. And there are plenty of F bombs throughout lest anyone be tempted to head back to church because Riggle shares about the time he was bullied in Sunday School. 🙄

One of my takeaways was his stamina as an actor (and as a marine, obviously). His path to Hollywood was filled with so much rejection that I'm surprised he didn't quit. But the whole time I was reading this, I kept thinking about the amazingly supportive woman that was in the background for All of It. Working comedy clubs every night and flying all over the place for different acting jobs or military service trainings and re-enlistments doesn't leave a whole lot of time for maintaining a relationship or helping to raise two babies. I was sad (but not surprised) to learn that his 21-year marriage to that woman ended in 2020. (There are only a few sentences about that at the very end of the book, but a quick Google search will tell you that the divorce got ugly. So, I can see why he gingerly stepped around that minefield.)

I've read many memoirs at this point and think I was expecting more humorous stories throughout. There aren't too many, which is 100% okay. Instead, it is a comedian, letting his hair down, being real with the reader. That was almost more refreshing though. And the audiobook is worth it, as Riggle is the one telling his own story. It felt like you're in a Starbucks with a good friend with a unique background.

If you read this one expecting a series of funny vignettes about each of his roles or any details or anecdotes about the comics with whom he worked or any Hollywood behind-the-scenes info of any kind, you'll be disappointed. I think I was expecting at least some of that. But it's still an interesting read.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before reading this book, Rob Riggle was like the friend of a good friend. I enjoyed my time with him on The Daily Show, Bear Grylls, Angie Tribeca, New Girl, etc. But Riggle wasn’t my friend yet.

This book, to continue the metaphor, is the first time Riggle and I have ever hung out without the mutual friend. It’s like our mutual friend had to cancel dinner plans with Riggle and me at the last minute, but we both still showed. And we found out, we get along!

The thing that sparked my interest in this book was Riggle’s appearance on Bear Grylls’ Running Wild. This was the show where survival expert Bear Grylls would take a celebrity out on what seemed to be a 36-hour adventure somewhere in nature. They’d get dropped off somewhere, hike somewhere else, ford a river or two, camp and have a heart-to-heart, then wake up and finish the adventure. Riggle always plays a super-intense frat guy, so I was surprised to see his earnestness on the show, and to see him gift a Marine coin to Bear.

Based on that, I figured he would have something interesting to say in a memoir. And, he did.

Riggle starts with his childhood. Shockingly, he was small and often bullied. He got beaten up and made fun of everywhere – even in church! It wasn’t until he discovered his knack for funny putdowns that he could even up the playing field against would-be bullies. Unfortunately, Riggle recounts taking things too far, to the point that no one really liked Riggle. His tongue was too sharp, and his machine-gun comments hurt more than protected. He had to become more judicious with his words.

That desire to be creative and think on his feet would stay with him, although he had other plans for his life.

Riggle joined the Marines and worked for years as a liaison between the military and the press. At one point, he even considered becoming a helicopter pilot. However, comedy and acting were ultimately too important to him to go that route.

Instead, Riggle entered the reserves and spent time in New York’s Upright Citizens Brigade, where he learned under improv greats like Amy Poehler and Matt Walsh.

From then on, his time was spent between the Marines and UCB, with deployments including Ground Zero at the World Trade Center, Europe, and the Middle East. In between, he was auditioning and “playing” onstage with other soon-to-be comedic actors and creators like Jack McBrayer, Paul Scheer (two personal favorites).

The gimmick of the book is that Riggle used/uses his inner Marine drill sergeant to keep himself going and pushing past his limits when it comes to succeeding in life. As the son of a former drill sergeant, I definitely can see how that can be a motivator and catalyst for action! That inner voice can yell over any negative self-talk or wishy-washiness to keep you moving towards what you really want out of life.

The thing that surprised me the most in the book was the same thing that surprised me during Rob Riggle’s appearance on Running Wild – his earnestness. Riggle is a deeply patriotic guy, and a guy who sincerely loves his country, the Marines, and UCB. He does not seem to find any kind of inner conflict between what many would consider to be two opposing arenas. Rather, he seems to thrive on the teamwork required in both the Marines and improv/creative pursuits. He strikes me as an intense guy who knows what he wants.

If you enjoy learning a little more about the That Guys of your favorite shows, or if you need a swift kick in the pants to run towards what you want in life, you might enjoy this quick read.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for providing this advance copy of Grit for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Mediaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat disappointing memoir that only covers a small part of the author's life, much of it his time as a Marine. If you're looking for hilarious stories about the entertainment career you know Riggle for you'll be upset that basically the book ends over twenty years ago, just after his first job in his one season on SNL.

I can't figure out why he chose to go this route where there's nothing here that we know him for--it's misguided in using half the pages for his relatively dull time in the military and then cheating fans out of everything modern he has accomplished. There's literally nothing detailed about the past two decades and that could upset someone who buys this in order to hear about the famous films and TV shows Riggle has done.

Take this seriously--if you want to hear about his time with The Hangover, The Office, Brooklyn 99, Holey Moley, Fox NFL, Curb Your Enthusiasm, or any of the other shows/movies he has been involved with you will find almost nothing in this text.

But if you love stories about lonely Marines that push a lot of paperwork or enjoy listening to someone whine about being directionless in life, then you may enjoy it.

He seems like a nice self-deprecating guy that is a man of strong Christian faith and places family high in priorities. Those make him appealing, and he admits to seeking everyone's approval. But then you have to wonder why the book is filled with profanity (more than almost any autobiography I've ever read) and that he doesn't really talk about his wife (in one chapter he ignores his bride to the point that he sounds like a single parent raising his new daughter).

It also isn't entertaining or funny, which you'd expect from the comedian. And the irony of the title is that he didn't have much real grit (constantly nervous and fearful), spit (failing to speak up with his own ideas while buckling to others), and actually did quit a lot (jumping back and forth between the Marines, improv, moving home, etc.). So take the title with a grain of salt and if you run into him ask why he kept from readers half of his life and most of his career.

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always liked Rob Riggle from his days on SNL and The Daily Show, and especially Modern Family, but reading Grit, Spit, and Never Quit gave me a whole new respect for him. I knew he was a Marine (and as the saying goes... once a Marine, always a Marine 😉), but I had no idea about the depth of his service or the experiences that shaped him long before Hollywood. As a military veteran myself, I found his stories about deployments, missions, and the challenges of service both fascinating and refreshingly honest. He didn’t shy away from the hard parts, but he also treated them with the respect they deserve.

What struck me most was how seamlessly he connected those lessons from the Marine Corps to his comedy career. Riggle had a dream, which was getting on SNL, and he was relentless in chasing it. Even when he only lasted one season, he didn’t let that setback define him. Instead, he leaned into that “never quit” mentality and kept pushing forward. His time at UCB, his grind through rejections, and his eventual success all felt like an extension of the discipline and resilience he honed in uniform.

I also appreciated learning about the role his faith played in his journey. It added another layer to who he is beyond the laughs and the uniforms. And the mix of humor, grit, and sincerity in this book felt perfectly Riggle, which was equal parts inspiring and entertaining.

This isn’t just a memoir about a comedian; it’s about perseverance, about embracing the suck, and about refusing to give up on yourself, no matter how many curveballs life throws your way. Whether you’re a fellow veteran, a fan of comedy, or just someone who loves a good story of determination, this book is absolutely worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rob Riggle, and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC of this book.

[Denise Geelhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rob Riggle and I have a couple of things in common.

1. We are both KU Jayhawks (Rock Chalk).
2. We both attended KU at the same time, with him graduating the year before me (I'm pretty sure I saw that Rock Chalk Review skit).
(Also, my college roommate went to high school with him--that counts as a commonality, right?)

Knowing he was a Jayhawk like me (and at the same time), I couldn't wait to read to this book of his ife, thus far. I guess I hoped for more stories of his time in Lawrence, but it ended up being more about his time as a Marine.

Part of me hoped for more than a constant reference to being a Marine, but the more I thought about it the more I get it. I'm an Air Force brat. My dad was career military. It didn't just affect his life, it affected the whole family. It shaped who he is and continues to be -- much like Rob's experience as a Marine. It makes him who he is today because it was (and is) a large part of his life.

I listened to the audiobook. It was great hearing Rob share his stories --many funny or relatable. He shared how each piece shaped him. But I found most interesting was how long it took him to become successful. He was no overnight success. He worked at his craft for years. His story makes it clear that not every path brings you what you want when you want it. It took him years of work to get where he wanted. I'm glad he did.

Thank you to Rob Riggle, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the audio ARC I was provided to read in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Already a fan of Rob Riggle, I went into this audiobook expecting to laugh, and I did... But what I didn’t expect was how much respect I’d walk away with.

Riggle’s narration is next level and adds authenticity. His comedic timing shines, of course, but so does his sincerity.

For someone known for making people laugh, he’s not afraid to go deep. He doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff. From bullying as a kid, talking with his wife about what might happen if he never returned home from Afghanistan to the memories of being called to Ground Zero after 9/11 and helping clear debris while listening in silence for signs of life. There are raw, heartbreaking moments here.

I've always been fascinated by service members' stories, so this part of his journey was deeply moving

As someone from MO, hearing Rob talk about Lake of the Ozarks made me smile. And the references to Die Hard, Top Gun, and Blink-182, brought me right back to the things that shaped my own childhood. Bonus points for him quoting Ron Burgundy.

My only complaint? I didn't want it to end. I could’ve listened to this for many more hours. It’s rare to find a memoir that balances laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt honesty. This one nailed it.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Grand Central Publishing for the advanced listening copy.

And most of all—thank you, Rob Riggle, for your service, and for sharing your story.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 2006, when I first moved back to New York, we started attending shows at the UCB Theater. On Mondays, at midnight, there was a show, hosted by Aziz Ansari that featured a variety of comedians, doing short sets, showing videos, or doing quick improv. One of those comedians was Rob Riggle. While I knew him from his stint at SNL and his reports on The Daily Show, this was my first time really seeing him as a comedian.

Girt, Spit, and Never Quit is Riggles' story from a kid in Kansas to a go-to comedy actor, with a few detours with the US Marines. This is a story about patriotism and about someone who truly loves their country, which, in today's climate, is hard to do. Riggle has a sense of duty that is unmatched. There are a few stories from childhood, college, and his early days in New York, but the book's heart is Riggle's time in the Marines. There is a vulnerability in his descriptions of Afghanistan as well as his time at the Twin Towers. Riggle is the perfect of example of listening to the silence.

While I do which there was more about his time with comedy and working in television, I feel like there's another book inside of old Riggle. I mean, the man once did a comedy set about the cyst in his underarm. :)

Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and outstanding American, Rob Riggle for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Leane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Affable Riggle combines his entertaining wit and his life lessons as both a comedy performer and a Marine to give us an overview of his life, his choices, and his belief that faith, courage, and perseverance made him a success in both life and art. The chapters devoted to his choice to join the Marines, and the subsequent tours of duty, including Afghanistan and cleaning up after 9/11 are informative and written with traces of humor to get through the “grittier” parts. He provides a compelling primer for pursuing a career in the arts and how there is no short cut for most people. Anecdotes are heavy on the personal side, about family, frat brothers, other Marines, and a few of the show biz luminaries he has had the pleasure to learn from and perform with—like Amy Poehler and Matt Walsh. His authorial voice gave this reader easy access to a quickly paced and thoughtful meditation on life. His respect for his fellow Marines and love for his children shine above it all. A nice positive memoir that made me laugh and consider how every breath we experience is a gift. RED FLAGS: Battle descriptions, 9/11 trauma. Readalikes may be memoirs by Amy Poehler, Judd Apatow and Colin Jost for the SNL/comedy path, and maybe for the Armed Forces theme, Marcus Luttrell’s Service.

[Lauren M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love you too, Rob Riggle!

There's very few celebrities in this world that have also served in the armed forces, Rob being one of those few; that's an interesting combo that I love to learn about! Here, he outlines his path to becoming a Marine (and even started to go through flight school!) and his decision to follow his heart in pursuing a comedy career. Interesting indeed!

Rob narrates his path as if you were one of his old friends; I even got a little teary eyed at some parts! The weight of Rob's narration as he describes the things he's seen and experienced in Liberia, Albania and Kosovo, Afghanistan (twice!), and even at Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11 will give you some major perspective; he delivers his experiences with respect and intelligence - not everyone has been as fortunate.

I also love Rob's outlook on being a patriot - I love my country, but we gotta learn to laugh at outselves every now and then!

Rob,
Thank you for your service and the laughs!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw Rob Riggle described this as a "motivational memoir," and that's definitely the best way to describe this book. It's his stories of life in Kansas, service in the Marines, and finding his place in comedy. Throughout he sprinkles in lessons, reflections, and of course, some great humor. I'm assuming Rob (I can use first name given we're both from Kansas?) is going to narrate the audiobook, and if that's the case, I would highly recommend consumption in this format. Overall, it was a wonderful memoir. I knew some of these as general facts - he's from Kansas, he's in the Marines, he's been on the Daily Show, etc., but I loved getting to see all those experiences through his eyes and to learn all that happened along the way. I love a celebrity memoir, and this one was really great. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the look at this November 2025 release.

[LM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grit, Spit, and Never Quit: A Marine's Guide to Comedy and Life by Rob Riggle is one I truly enjoyed — especially as an audiobook. I’m a big fan of Rob Riggle, so getting to hear his story told in his own voice was an absolute treat.

I really appreciated the way he shared his experiences from childhood, his time in the Marines, and his journey into comedy and acting. His reflections on how his military background shaped his mindset and resilience were both inspiring and relatable.

Riggle’s humor shines through, but so does his sincerity. This memoir is a great mix of laughter, motivation, and heart. I’d definitely recommend it to fans of Rob Riggle or anyone looking for a motivational memoir that might give them that extra push in life.

Thank you to Rob Riggle, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the audio ARC!

[Angelina Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Marine with a wicked sense of humor trades combat boots for comedy clubs - this is it. Rob Riggle somehow manages to make war stories, Hollywood rejections, and life lessons all sound like the same hilarious motivational speech you didn’t know you needed.

His storytelling is equal parts heartfelt and hysterical. One minute you’re getting choked up, the next you’re laughing so hard you nearly miss your exit. (Highly recommend the audiobook - nobody delivers a Rob Riggle story like Rob Riggle himself.)

The mix of grit, heart, and humor is perfection! You walk away inspired, a little teary, and fully convinced you could conquer your own mountain of chaos.

Semper funny, always real. 10/10, would re-enlist in this audiobook again. POW! 💥

[♡ jess ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir was such a fun and easy listen! I have a soft spot for Rob Riggle because I love the show Holey Moley.... yes, the one about extreme mini golf. I rewatch it often, it's a great background show. He brought so much laughter and fun to that show, and I realized that I knew him so many other projects! The Hangover, Modern Family, Talladega Nights, and so much more.

I really appreciated this look into his life and background. He is very vulnerable and open throughout this whole book. From crushing failures to the greatest successes, Riggle takes you through it all with grit and a never quit attitude - even though there were times he was on the edge of giving up. Also, I'm so glad that I listened to this in audiobook format because Riggle's narration was the cherry on top! His timing and inflection gives so much to the content.

[Bethany Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest, comedic, and entertaining read! I highly recommend you listen to the audiobook if you are able. Riggle brings a lot more to the book through his narration! I literally laughed out loud several times.

I knew of Rob Riggle before reading the book. I did not know about his military history, so I particularly enjoyed reading about that. My husband just retired from the Air Force, and Riggle's stories of his time in the service gave me an extra chuckle. His passion for both protecting and entertaining others is clear. If you are at all interested in becoming a comedian, this book gives you an honest look at it and hopefully encourages you to keep trying!

*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC and ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review!*

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I love that this book has a release date of Veterans Day. I always had respect for Rob Riggle as a Marine. I never knew just how much he did as one. I will not ruin it for the next reader but, suffice it to say it had me crying and worrying for him (though I obviously know it has a happy ending.) Overall, just having such a deeper respect and pride for him. Interspersed with his Marine stories are his life story and journey as a comedian/actor. The writing in these sections were done very well and so funny. Understandable why he was successful in making it in Hollywood.
#GritSpitandNeverQuit #NetGalley

[Kathryn Card · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It follows Rob through his early life, his time serving in the Marines, including tours in Kosovo and Afghanistan, and his journey through the ups and downs of his comedy career leading up to his big breaks on SNL and The Daily Show.

Rob Riggle has this incredible ability to find humor in even the most serious situations. I found myself laughing and smiling the entire way through. The audiobook, narrated by Riggle himself, made the experience even better, his delivery, timing, and personality shine through every story.

Whether you’re a fan of comedy, military memoirs, or inspiring life stories told with heart and humor, this one’s a must-listen!

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC of this book. I was interested in reading this book after seeing Rob Riggle on Running Wild with Bear Grylls where he shared a bit about his life before fame. This book delves into his growing up years, his life as a Marine and his path to becoming a great comedian. He has had an interesting life. His dig-deep attitude is admirable. I could have done without the swearing and crude stories but I wasn't surprised considering some of his comedy. Listening to this on audiobook with Rob Riggle as the narrator was really good. By narrating it himself, it brought authenticity and depth to his writing. Fans of Rob Riggle will enjoy this book.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grit, Spit, and Never Quit: A Marine's Guide to Comedy and Life by Rob Riggle Publication Date: November 11, 2025
Four Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐


Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and the author for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Rob Riggle is undeniably a funny guy, and his book offers an intriguing look into the lesser-known parts of his life, especially his military background. Learning about his dedication to the Marines and the experiences he endured, particularly with him at Ground Zero during 9/11, was both moving and eye-opening.

I found myself wanting more when it came to his entertainment career. He mentions his time on SNL, The Daily Show, and his stand-up comedy roots, but the narrative seems to fade just as his career takes off. I would have loved more insight into how he landed his big breaks in TV and film and what that transition looked like.

The book also feels light on personal details. While he briefly acknowledges his marriage to Tiffany and their eventual divorce, he shares very little about his children or family life.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable and touching read, but I was left wishing for a fuller picture of both his rise in Hollywood and his life off-screen.

[Jessica Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, definitely listen to the audiobook.

Now, I am admittedly not the biggest Rob Riggle fan (comedy-wise) but this book was so good.
His story is compelling and I admire his determination to make it in the Marines, to go after his dream of comedy and to ultimately stick with his dreams after all that time.
Reenlisting after 9/11 was a courageous thing to do, I was captivated by his story and I think you will be too.


Towards the end of the book I found myself saying "Do I.. Do I like Rob Riggle?" and yes, yes I do.


Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I am always appreciative of the opportunity to do this.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.
I enjoyed his story as the spouse of a Marine pilot. I did note some irony in the title “never quit” when he walked away from getting his aviators wings after getting so close. I had tremendous respect for the path he took to finish his contract though, and I thought his public relations career with the Marines was really interesting. The chapters on 9/11 and its aftermath from his perspective were the strongest. The chapters on his preparation to become an actor/comedian were good, while the chapters on his career were a bit thin (like his career itself, I guess). I felt the story ended abruptly and was left wondering what he’d have to say about the past decade.