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The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir
From comedian and Emmy-nominated producer, actor, and former Daily Show correspondent, a humorous and heart-filled memoir exploring the lessons and values he’s distilled from the unexpected figures who shaped his life after his father’s passing.
When Roy Wood, Jr. held his baby boy for the first time, he was relieved that his son was happy and healthy, but he felt a strange mix of joy and apprehension. Roy’s own father, a voice of the civil rights movement in Birmingham, Alabama, had passed away when Roy was sixteen. There were gaps in the lessons passed down from father to son and, when holding his own child, Roy wondered: had he managed to fill in those blanks, to learn the lessons he would one day need to teach his boy?
So Roy looked back to figure out who had taught him parenting lessons throughout his life, and what he could pass down to his son. Some of his father figures were clear, like a colorful man from Philadelphia navigating life after prison, who taught Roy the value of having a vision for his life, or his fellow comedians who showed him what it took to make it as a working stand-up performer. Others were less obvious, from the teenage friends who convinced him to race “leaf boats” carrying lit matches in the middle of a drought to a drug-addicted restaurant colleague who played hoops while Roy scoured dirty dishes to big names in Hollywood, like Trevor Noah and more.
In The Man of Many Fathers, Roy shares what he’s learned with humor and heart, delivering the most memorable lessons, such as how to channel anger through a more succesfull outlet (hint: never ever try to outfox a single mom), how not to get caught snitching (hint: never snitch), and many others.
Thoughtful, observant, Roy delivers an unforgettable laugh-out-loud memoir that reveals that no one really knows how to become a good dad, and that sometimes the best advice comes from the most surprising teachers.
When Roy Wood, Jr. held his baby boy for the first time, he was relieved that his son was happy and healthy, but he felt a strange mix of joy and apprehension. Roy’s own father, a voice of the civil rights movement in Birmingham, Alabama, had passed away when Roy was sixteen. There were gaps in the lessons passed down from father to son and, when holding his own child, Roy wondered: had he managed to fill in those blanks, to learn the lessons he would one day need to teach his boy?
So Roy looked back to figure out who had taught him parenting lessons throughout his life, and what he could pass down to his son. Some of his father figures were clear, like a colorful man from Philadelphia navigating life after prison, who taught Roy the value of having a vision for his life, or his fellow comedians who showed him what it took to make it as a working stand-up performer. Others were less obvious, from the teenage friends who convinced him to race “leaf boats” carrying lit matches in the middle of a drought to a drug-addicted restaurant colleague who played hoops while Roy scoured dirty dishes to big names in Hollywood, like Trevor Noah and more.
In The Man of Many Fathers, Roy shares what he’s learned with humor and heart, delivering the most memorable lessons, such as how to channel anger through a more succesfull outlet (hint: never ever try to outfox a single mom), how not to get caught snitching (hint: never snitch), and many others.
Thoughtful, observant, Roy delivers an unforgettable laugh-out-loud memoir that reveals that no one really knows how to become a good dad, and that sometimes the best advice comes from the most surprising teachers.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published October 28, 2025
105 people are currently reading
6523 people want to read
About the author
Roy Wood Jr.
3 books39 followersRoy Wood Jr. is a two-time Emmy-nominated writer and producer. The comedian, actor, and podcaster is primarily known for his stand-up comedy and work as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show and hosting CNN’s Have I Got News for You . He hosted the 2023 White House Correspondents’ dinner and this year’s 85th Peabody Awards. He has created original half-hour scripted projects at FOX, NBC, and Comedy Central. He is the former host of the award-winning Comedy Central podcast, “The Daily Show: Beyond the Scenes.” He remains a regular guest star on various ESPN shows and the MLB Network. Wood lives in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 14, 2025
One of the best audiobooks i’ve ever listened to
November 11, 2025
I met Roy Wood Jr. not on the Daily Show but on The Right Time with Bomani Jones podcast. Their conversation about life, race, and sports made me a big fan of Wood.
Now I’m an even bigger fan: I just love this book—it’s honest, entertaining—both funny and sad, and a guide to knowing when to move on.
And to top it off, it features some of the best writing I’ve read/heard in a long time. Seriously. Tight, vivid, memorable.
Thank you, Roy Wood Jr.
Now I’m an even bigger fan: I just love this book—it’s honest, entertaining—both funny and sad, and a guide to knowing when to move on.
And to top it off, it features some of the best writing I’ve read/heard in a long time. Seriously. Tight, vivid, memorable.
Thank you, Roy Wood Jr.
November 2, 2025
I almost quit reading this book several times. It starts with a story in which a woman is thrown across a room, hitting her head on a brick fireplace. Wood moves right along, ending the chapter with a tender moment with his mother and a lesson about “fire and compassion”. I was left wondering, “Forget you and your mom, what happened to the woman who was launched into the air?”
Many of the other stories have a similar, weirdly avoidant quality. He repeatedly writes some version of, “I wanted to respect their privacy, so I didn’t ask any questions.” So he never digs that deep into the really thorny issues, leaving a bunch of speculation and unresolved feelings. When he then draws a lesson, it’s only related in a sidelong way.
When I got to the Golden Corral chapter, though, I was so happy I had stuck with the book. It’s in this chapter that Wood is finally surrounded by people who take accountability for their actions. It’s such a change from his parents and his previous coworkers and friends, and Wood is clearly so appreciative, that I realized what kind of stress he had been under and what kind of person he was. Then, in the end, one of his Golden Corral coworkers, who was doing everything to live his life right, ends up coming to a tragic end.
So what makes this book fascinating and worthwhile is not the “life lessons” from the subtitle. It’s the fact that Wood encountered so many people and situations that could have left him disappointed and bitter, but he kept trying to learn what he could from them. It’s really impressive.
Finally: Don’t believe the inside flap. This book is not “laugh-out-loud-funny”.
Many of the other stories have a similar, weirdly avoidant quality. He repeatedly writes some version of, “I wanted to respect their privacy, so I didn’t ask any questions.” So he never digs that deep into the really thorny issues, leaving a bunch of speculation and unresolved feelings. When he then draws a lesson, it’s only related in a sidelong way.
When I got to the Golden Corral chapter, though, I was so happy I had stuck with the book. It’s in this chapter that Wood is finally surrounded by people who take accountability for their actions. It’s such a change from his parents and his previous coworkers and friends, and Wood is clearly so appreciative, that I realized what kind of stress he had been under and what kind of person he was. Then, in the end, one of his Golden Corral coworkers, who was doing everything to live his life right, ends up coming to a tragic end.
So what makes this book fascinating and worthwhile is not the “life lessons” from the subtitle. It’s the fact that Wood encountered so many people and situations that could have left him disappointed and bitter, but he kept trying to learn what he could from them. It’s really impressive.
Finally: Don’t believe the inside flap. This book is not “laugh-out-loud-funny”.
November 19, 2025
The November 2025 #TBRChallenge is "Change of Plans." What immediately came to mind was the John Lennon melody and lyric Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans ("Beautiful Boy"). When I learned that Roy was writing a memoir of sorts, I immediately added it to Mount TBR, and I can't imagine any bigger change of plans than losing your father at a young age.
I remember when Roy was on 95.7 Jamz with his legendary prank phone calls; I picked up on his comedy career when he started popping up on TV and radio. I enjoyed his stories on The Daily Show and his podcast during the pandemic, Roy's Job Fair. I was on Twitter for the chicken sandwich wars, and was thrilled when I found him on Bluesky. It's part hometown boy made good, part vibing with his sense of humor. I was especially curious to see how he'd approach writing a memoir, given the legendary status of his father. What little he's posted to social media about his father made it clear that they weren't the closest of families, and he expands on this here.
This book is less memoir/life story and more of a collection of events that have shaped Roy's morality and character. He writes the book as a direct letter to his own son, relating the stories of the people who have touched his life in all kinds of ways. This includes various women, but he really focuses on the men who have made a difference in his life. He was on a quest for a father figure, because his own father was apparently distant at best. His childhood familial relationship was quite unusual, but it was his mother's desire to move to Birmingham to give him access to his father that pretty much drove this quest.
When Roy became a father himself, he took stock of his life and realized that he wanted to have a better relationship with his son than his father had with him. In this book, he's relating the stories that shaped him as a person: molding his ambition for a career, his desire for financial (and personal) independence, pushing him back on the right path when he strayed into dangerous territory. The men who feature in these stories are relatives, friends, acquaintances, co-workers - some nice, some ignorant, some racist, some indifferent. But he took a life lesson from all of them and wants to impart this knowledge to his son.
This is a beautiful, poignant book by a serious man who has made a career of making people laugh. Comedians ride an emotional rollercoaster few people ever see, and that shines through in this book. I was near tears at certain points. It's obvious Roy has done a lot of work to come to terms with and understand how his past has shaped the person he's become. He's learned from his own mistakes and the mistakes of others; he understands the value of feeling your feelings and then picking yourself up and going on with life. This is something I feel that precious few people in this world understand these days, so it was really lovely to read about it here.
Roy also discusses the reasons why he chose to leave The Daily Show, which were rather eye-opening to me. I knew he had other irons in the fire, but he digs down into what ultimately carried his decision to leave such a high-profile role.
This book is less life story and more life lessons, as the subtitle suggests. I really respect the fact that, though this book is written for his son, he doesn't spend time disparaging and blaming anyone. His desire is not to wallow in anger. He protects the privacy of pretty much everyone he mentions, to the degree that he can.
I really, really enjoyed this book, and seeing the serious side of this very funny man. I hope one day he writes a true autobiography - or at least a collection of the legendary stories from the Golden Corral, LOL.
I remember when Roy was on 95.7 Jamz with his legendary prank phone calls; I picked up on his comedy career when he started popping up on TV and radio. I enjoyed his stories on The Daily Show and his podcast during the pandemic, Roy's Job Fair. I was on Twitter for the chicken sandwich wars, and was thrilled when I found him on Bluesky. It's part hometown boy made good, part vibing with his sense of humor. I was especially curious to see how he'd approach writing a memoir, given the legendary status of his father. What little he's posted to social media about his father made it clear that they weren't the closest of families, and he expands on this here.
This book is less memoir/life story and more of a collection of events that have shaped Roy's morality and character. He writes the book as a direct letter to his own son, relating the stories of the people who have touched his life in all kinds of ways. This includes various women, but he really focuses on the men who have made a difference in his life. He was on a quest for a father figure, because his own father was apparently distant at best. His childhood familial relationship was quite unusual, but it was his mother's desire to move to Birmingham to give him access to his father that pretty much drove this quest.
When Roy became a father himself, he took stock of his life and realized that he wanted to have a better relationship with his son than his father had with him. In this book, he's relating the stories that shaped him as a person: molding his ambition for a career, his desire for financial (and personal) independence, pushing him back on the right path when he strayed into dangerous territory. The men who feature in these stories are relatives, friends, acquaintances, co-workers - some nice, some ignorant, some racist, some indifferent. But he took a life lesson from all of them and wants to impart this knowledge to his son.
This is a beautiful, poignant book by a serious man who has made a career of making people laugh. Comedians ride an emotional rollercoaster few people ever see, and that shines through in this book. I was near tears at certain points. It's obvious Roy has done a lot of work to come to terms with and understand how his past has shaped the person he's become. He's learned from his own mistakes and the mistakes of others; he understands the value of feeling your feelings and then picking yourself up and going on with life. This is something I feel that precious few people in this world understand these days, so it was really lovely to read about it here.
Roy also discusses the reasons why he chose to leave The Daily Show, which were rather eye-opening to me. I knew he had other irons in the fire, but he digs down into what ultimately carried his decision to leave such a high-profile role.
This book is less life story and more life lessons, as the subtitle suggests. I really respect the fact that, though this book is written for his son, he doesn't spend time disparaging and blaming anyone. His desire is not to wallow in anger. He protects the privacy of pretty much everyone he mentions, to the degree that he can.
I really, really enjoyed this book, and seeing the serious side of this very funny man. I hope one day he writes a true autobiography - or at least a collection of the legendary stories from the Golden Corral, LOL.
December 26, 2025
Roy Wood Jr. did not have the best relationship with his father. He shares what he’s learned from him (rolling my eyes) as well as several other men who had to fill in the gaps. It’s written as a memoir for his son Henry.
This is one of the best memoirs I’ve read, and I love when this genre has you going through several emotions. Sometimes I forget how funny he is. I laughed out loud many times, became upset, and sometimes I was sad for him.
Although this is about the men in his life, he doesn’t forget about his mother, who plays a major role in his life. One of my favorite parts of the book is when he and his mother argue with each other. Pure comedy gold.
I really enjoyed the cover of this book. The art is amazing. As a matter of fact, that’s his mother at the bottom left.
Here’s a quote:
Roy’s mother: “You got a ride home from a goddamn drunk?”
Roy: “Yup. But better to meet a drunk than a kidnapper.”
One man Roy writes about is the Amazing Trevor Noah. I don’t know if you have read his memoir Born a Crime, but if you haven’t, I highly suggest that you do. I love the fact that they are close friends and both have great memoirs. The Man of Many Fathers is a must-read, and the audiobook is top-tier.
This is one of the best memoirs I’ve read, and I love when this genre has you going through several emotions. Sometimes I forget how funny he is. I laughed out loud many times, became upset, and sometimes I was sad for him.
Although this is about the men in his life, he doesn’t forget about his mother, who plays a major role in his life. One of my favorite parts of the book is when he and his mother argue with each other. Pure comedy gold.
I really enjoyed the cover of this book. The art is amazing. As a matter of fact, that’s his mother at the bottom left.
Here’s a quote:
Roy’s mother: “You got a ride home from a goddamn drunk?”
Roy: “Yup. But better to meet a drunk than a kidnapper.”
One man Roy writes about is the Amazing Trevor Noah. I don’t know if you have read his memoir Born a Crime, but if you haven’t, I highly suggest that you do. I love the fact that they are close friends and both have great memoirs. The Man of Many Fathers is a must-read, and the audiobook is top-tier.
November 14, 2025
I'm impressed with Roy Wood Jr. Since I watch The Daily Show religiously, I knew he is (and the reason that I read his book) but he bared his soul in this memoir. He hasn't always been on the right side of the law, but thanks to the intervention of different father figures in his life such as ministers and employers.
He has learned a lot in his life and I've learned a lot about being in comedy and show business.
He has learned a lot in his life and I've learned a lot about being in comedy and show business.
November 3, 2025
I firmly believe that Roy Wood Jr. is one of the most brilliant comedians on the planet today. What sets him above many other people in his position is his ability to talk about some of the most difficult things in someone’s life in a way that is comforting and soothing, and doesn’t let you shy away from the horrors of life.
Explaining his life through the lessons he’s learned from the people around him shows how great of a person he is by what he has learned from those around him. His experiences add to his gift and make him a blessing to anyone who ever listens to him speak, or reads what he has written.
Explaining his life through the lessons he’s learned from the people around him shows how great of a person he is by what he has learned from those around him. His experiences add to his gift and make him a blessing to anyone who ever listens to him speak, or reads what he has written.
October 28, 2025
Roy Wood, Jr was one of the best parts of The Daily Show for me…I have not missed one episode of Have I Got News for You…I have seen his stand up in person twice - once getting a selfie with him. He had to hold my phone to take the picture because he is 6 feet tall, and although I identify as tall, I am technically not. His show was top tier and afterwards he was kind and gracious. In the book he says his greatest fear is to live without joy. As someone who has doggedly chased happiness my entire life I relate to this on a cellular level. Joy is an unsung hero in all our lives. The ability to claw someone out of the muck and shake the dirt off them until they laugh is a wonderful under-heralded gift to humanity. This book was such a great journey. I can’t wait to see what he does next.
I’m giving this book five stars because it made my woe-is-me furloughed ass laugh out loud.
I’m giving this book five stars because it made my woe-is-me furloughed ass laugh out loud.
September 11, 2025
Crown Publishing provided an early galley for review.
I got to know and enjoy Roy as the host of Have I Got News For You, a weekly comedy-headlines show on CNN. I like his sense of humor and timing, so I felt I too would enjoy a look into his life.
This was definitely an interesting approach to a memoir. His life story is a very interesting one. Though it has its moments of humor, it also gives the reader things to think about regarding their own lives and relationships with their parents and their children. At the stage of life where I find myself in, I found this useful and oddly comforting.
I got to know and enjoy Roy as the host of Have I Got News For You, a weekly comedy-headlines show on CNN. I like his sense of humor and timing, so I felt I too would enjoy a look into his life.
This was definitely an interesting approach to a memoir. His life story is a very interesting one. Though it has its moments of humor, it also gives the reader things to think about regarding their own lives and relationships with their parents and their children. At the stage of life where I find myself in, I found this useful and oddly comforting.
December 14, 2025
4.5 Listened to the audiobook, read by the author!
My prior knowledge about Roy Wood Jr was limited to short clips on social media- his Ziwe interview, clips from stand up or podcasts, I think he also did a Subway Takes. I should take the time to check out more. He is a very gifted story teller and orator- which translates into his book. Definitely not a ha-ha funny book, Wood brings up issues of domestic abuse, divorce, poverty, racism... the voices he gives his parents especially and the people in his life.
I definitely recommend the audiobook, Wood's voice is so nice to listen to for 8 hours and he adds so much to the dialogue.
My prior knowledge about Roy Wood Jr was limited to short clips on social media- his Ziwe interview, clips from stand up or podcasts, I think he also did a Subway Takes. I should take the time to check out more. He is a very gifted story teller and orator- which translates into his book. Definitely not a ha-ha funny book, Wood brings up issues of domestic abuse, divorce, poverty, racism... the voices he gives his parents especially and the people in his life.
I definitely recommend the audiobook, Wood's voice is so nice to listen to for 8 hours and he adds so much to the dialogue.
November 14, 2025
The Man of Many Fathers:
Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir
I Picked Up This Book Because: I’ve enjoyed other work by the author.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: S Public Library
Dates Read: 11/3/25 - 11/6/25
Rating: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Roy Wood Jr
The Story:
I’ve only known of Mr. Wood since his time on The Daily Show. He is hilarious. His story is interesting. This book is told in the form of a letter to his son. Sharing the lessons the men in his life have shared along the way.
Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir
I Picked Up This Book Because: I’ve enjoyed other work by the author.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: S Public Library
Dates Read: 11/3/25 - 11/6/25
Rating: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Roy Wood Jr
The Story:
I’ve only known of Mr. Wood since his time on The Daily Show. He is hilarious. His story is interesting. This book is told in the form of a letter to his son. Sharing the lessons the men in his life have shared along the way.
December 18, 2025
Well Rounded
I didn’t know anything about Roy Wood, Jr. before I read this book except that he’s funny on Twitter. When I found out that he was releasing a book, it immediately went on my TBR. It was a pleasure to learn about his upbringing and career path. What I loved most was that it wasn’t all jokes. There were some deeper, heartfelt moments included. The nuggets of wisdom that he offered didn’t come off as preachy or generic. This book was interesting, thought provoking, and funny. I enjoyed all of it.
I didn’t know anything about Roy Wood, Jr. before I read this book except that he’s funny on Twitter. When I found out that he was releasing a book, it immediately went on my TBR. It was a pleasure to learn about his upbringing and career path. What I loved most was that it wasn’t all jokes. There were some deeper, heartfelt moments included. The nuggets of wisdom that he offered didn’t come off as preachy or generic. This book was interesting, thought provoking, and funny. I enjoyed all of it.
December 17, 2025
This kind of reminds me of never meet your heroes. I like Roy Wood Jr a lot less after reading this autobiography. There were hints at his personality during interviews but it didn't bother me too much. Just made me raise an eyebrow. But seeing this much of his life and knowing these were the parts he chose to share is an interesting angle. All in all this book feels like he is his own father even though he's trying not to become him.
Throughout the book he tells stories about how he learned from others mistakes as well as his own. He was a voyeur many times which makes him have such good comedic stories. But his voyeurism came off as judgmental in many instances. He even admitted so in one of his stories. There was always an excuse for making bad decisions and I didn't get the sense he accepted responsibility for much. This was written well, easy to read, but I would have liked more introspection
Throughout the book he tells stories about how he learned from others mistakes as well as his own. He was a voyeur many times which makes him have such good comedic stories. But his voyeurism came off as judgmental in many instances. He even admitted so in one of his stories. There was always an excuse for making bad decisions and I didn't get the sense he accepted responsibility for much. This was written well, easy to read, but I would have liked more introspection
December 19, 2025
Picked this up after seeing Roy Wood on Josh Johnson’s podcast (w that one lady), talking about his dad’s journalism legacy starting a black radio network in the Jim Crow south.
Imagine you overhear Roy Wood in a bar with a bunch of friends, telling stories about his life coming up in Alabama and as a comedian, for laughs, and closing each one with a lil moral of the story nugget. Fun, fucked up, interesting to hear some of the mechanics of comedy, etc., and framed as a letter to his son.
Imagine you overhear Roy Wood in a bar with a bunch of friends, telling stories about his life coming up in Alabama and as a comedian, for laughs, and closing each one with a lil moral of the story nugget. Fun, fucked up, interesting to hear some of the mechanics of comedy, etc., and framed as a letter to his son.
November 14, 2025
Funny, insightful, thoughtful and beautifully written. This book is a love letter to the Black men who shaped him and taught him life, love and career lesson and he shares these lessons and wisdom he wants to pass on to his own son. Beautifully written, hilarious and warm. I need to buy a copy just to save some of these quotes.
I always enjoyed Roy Woods Jr. while on the daily show and was devastated when he left, I have followed his journey since and was extremely excited to read this book. It was a great read and the lessons he leaves for his son are simply beautiful and heartfelt. Even the Acknowledgements had me rolling!
I always enjoyed Roy Woods Jr. while on the daily show and was devastated when he left, I have followed his journey since and was extremely excited to read this book. It was a great read and the lessons he leaves for his son are simply beautiful and heartfelt. Even the Acknowledgements had me rolling!
August 5, 2025
This book was honest, insightful, and funny. I liked that the author found fathering advice from a wide variety of characters.
September 25, 2025
I loved this book. Here’s what I texted my buddy about it: “The big takeaway is the importance of taking pride in your work, I think. He talks about being persistent and trusting that being your unique self will work. He also touches on different stages of a comedy career (e.g. jumping from feature to headliner). It’s really good and moving.” My buddy responded “Gonna order it now.” Lots of good advice. Highly recommend for entertainers and people feeling stuck who want to get unstuck.
November 10, 2025
Roy Wood Jr. really did what needed to be done with this one. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and way more honest than I was ready for. From Cocaine Mike to the lessons on fatherhood, this book had me laughing, nodding, and reflecting all at once.
October 31, 2025
I love listening to memoirs read by their authors, which is why I chose this one. I’d seen clips of Roy Wood Jr. on The Daily Show, but I wouldn’t have recognized him by name before listening. I like the concept, a recognition of the people who had an influence on his life and outlook, and I think because of that framework, it has all the things I appreciate in a celebrity memoir: a focus on the early, more humble years; honest reflections on mistakes; vivid, specific anecdotes; and a record of people and places that rarely make it into mainstream literature. It also avoids most of what I don’t enjoy, like endless name-dropping or extended chapters about post-fame life.
The part that will stayed with me most was the story about Big Mix, and this, addressed to his son at the end:
"I've been blessed to live a life filled with people who treated me based on their belief of who I could become, and not solely who I was at the time. May you always see yourself through the same lens of positivity and potential, and may you always see other people through that lens, and treat them accordingly."
The part that will stayed with me most was the story about Big Mix, and this, addressed to his son at the end:
"I've been blessed to live a life filled with people who treated me based on their belief of who I could become, and not solely who I was at the time. May you always see yourself through the same lens of positivity and potential, and may you always see other people through that lens, and treat them accordingly."
November 24, 2025
In The Man of Many Fathers, Roy Wood Jr. offers a sharply observed, often hilarious, and deeply moving memoir that traces the life lessons he’s collected from an eclectic group of men—and moments—throughout his life. Narrated by the author, the audiobook feels particularly intimate, walking listeners through stories that range from heart-wrenching to poignant. What ties them together is the clarity with which Wood identifies the values and wisdom tucked into even the messiest of experiences.
Rather than offering a linear narrative, the book moves episodically through decades of Wood’s life, offering glimpses into the pop culture and shifting landscape of the American South. Whether learning from a streetwise dishwasher, a fellow comic, or the memory of his civil rights icon father, Wood treats each encounter with nuance, compassion, and a keen sense of humor. It’s both a compelling personal story and a reflection on what shapes us—and who gets to claim the title of “father figure.”
Rather than offering a linear narrative, the book moves episodically through decades of Wood’s life, offering glimpses into the pop culture and shifting landscape of the American South. Whether learning from a streetwise dishwasher, a fellow comic, or the memory of his civil rights icon father, Wood treats each encounter with nuance, compassion, and a keen sense of humor. It’s both a compelling personal story and a reflection on what shapes us—and who gets to claim the title of “father figure.”
December 15, 2025
Highly recommending the audiobook. I listened to this largely on the way to work and coming home from work. I will say that I was looking forward somewhat) to going to work because I knew that I was going to resume the book. I saw somewhat because, even with a good book, it's still a drive towards work.
Roy takes us through his younger years and a number of years in Birmingham. We get the chance to know his father, his mother and a host of other people that have come into his life. I am sure that names have been changed to protect the identities, but even this becomes an amusing part of the ride through Roy Wood's younger years. We get introduced to people like Cocaine Mike, Mr. Ed and a host of others. There is a whole chapter about Cocaine Mike. I am just going to stop the review right there and say this: if a chapter about man referred to as Cocaine Mike doesn't make you want to read it nothing else will. 😂
Roy takes us through his younger years and a number of years in Birmingham. We get the chance to know his father, his mother and a host of other people that have come into his life. I am sure that names have been changed to protect the identities, but even this becomes an amusing part of the ride through Roy Wood's younger years. We get introduced to people like Cocaine Mike, Mr. Ed and a host of others. There is a whole chapter about Cocaine Mike. I am just going to stop the review right there and say this: if a chapter about man referred to as Cocaine Mike doesn't make you want to read it nothing else will. 😂
November 1, 2025
Roy Wood Jr.'s father died when he was 16 years old. He had many other men teach, help and show him how to progress and mature. This is the story the Wood wrote for his son.
Why I started this book: I was eager for a few feel good stories and some laughs.
Why I finished it: The cussing was a surprise. The language is immediate and nonstop. I work for the Navy and I was still shocked. However this is the most powerful book that I've read in a years. Wood models maturity, of learning from your mistakes and your circumstances. His stories are deep and take you in unexpected directions, as he shows the crazy situations that he found himself in, and is open and honest about help that he needed and received along the way. I want to give this to everyone and I want to spend time thinking about the lessons that I have learned and who I need to thank.
Why I started this book: I was eager for a few feel good stories and some laughs.
Why I finished it: The cussing was a surprise. The language is immediate and nonstop. I work for the Navy and I was still shocked. However this is the most powerful book that I've read in a years. Wood models maturity, of learning from your mistakes and your circumstances. His stories are deep and take you in unexpected directions, as he shows the crazy situations that he found himself in, and is open and honest about help that he needed and received along the way. I want to give this to everyone and I want to spend time thinking about the lessons that I have learned and who I need to thank.
October 24, 2025
Okay, I'm disappointed... Roy Wood Jr.'s mom doesn't have as many boyfriends as mine! Sorry, Mom. This isn't that kind of story. The father figures in Wood's life are metaphorical; the men he learns lessons from, as it says in the subtitle. The lessons are more important than the men themselves--some don't even have names, like the drunkard who gives him a lift after baseball practice. And there's an underlying message that hums in the background of these stories: observe and learn. Wood's relaxed people-watching skills are fascinating, a stark contrast to the fast callouts in comedy/television. There is no situation that he can't pull edification from, good or bad, which is just as powerful as getting to know the personal/career life of a comedy legend.
December 1, 2025
Easy reading is hard writing. If you've heard Roy Wood, Jr. before, you will undoubtedly hear his voice and humor here. The ease of his narrative is the hallmark of storyteller and someone who reflects deeply on what they want to say and how you might be impacted. Each chapter introduces a situation, a predicament, a thing that happens, and Roy shares how it changes when a man gets involved. Whether it's his dad, a pastor, a felon, or another comic, he is impacted. He leaves each chapter by addressing his son about some lesson he learned or hopes his son does differently. More to the point, he leaves the reader asking what they learned and how they might change someone's life too.
His humanity speaks more than his celebrity.
His humanity speaks more than his celebrity.
November 10, 2025
This was the interesting journey of Roy Wood Jr, one of my favorite comedians.
Roy’s father was an on-again, off-again parent, who treated Roy and his mother with cruelty, yet had time to mentor young writers, announcers, and reporters. He helped Don Cornelius launch “Soul Train.” He was well respected in Birmingham, yet he was cold to his son, Roy.
Roy writes about his difficult journey through childhood and his burgeoning career in comedy. He developed amazing coping skills, in spite of daunting circumstances.
I particularly enjoyed understanding his exit from “The Daily Show” and his move to hosting CNN’s “Have I Got News for You,” a great show.
Kudoes. A great gift for his son.
Roy’s father was an on-again, off-again parent, who treated Roy and his mother with cruelty, yet had time to mentor young writers, announcers, and reporters. He helped Don Cornelius launch “Soul Train.” He was well respected in Birmingham, yet he was cold to his son, Roy.
Roy writes about his difficult journey through childhood and his burgeoning career in comedy. He developed amazing coping skills, in spite of daunting circumstances.
I particularly enjoyed understanding his exit from “The Daily Show” and his move to hosting CNN’s “Have I Got News for You,” a great show.
Kudoes. A great gift for his son.
November 27, 2025
MUCH RESPECT
It takes a lot courage for a person to be vulnerable to anyone even greater courage to be vulnerable the public. Stand up is an art form that I enjoy and it is not an easy art form to master because it appears to me that the comic must have many lived experience to be good at it. As a black male, most times our relationship with our father is an interesting experience. That experience shapes and informs us of the kind of father we aspire to be. Your book is a tribute to your life lived thus far. It also has opened a vent for you to pour out your vulnerabilities and have a full career in comedy. Much respect.
It takes a lot courage for a person to be vulnerable to anyone even greater courage to be vulnerable the public. Stand up is an art form that I enjoy and it is not an easy art form to master because it appears to me that the comic must have many lived experience to be good at it. As a black male, most times our relationship with our father is an interesting experience. That experience shapes and informs us of the kind of father we aspire to be. Your book is a tribute to your life lived thus far. It also has opened a vent for you to pour out your vulnerabilities and have a full career in comedy. Much respect.
November 25, 2025
I've been following Roy Wood Jr's career for a long time. He's such a fascinating person with absolutely killer storytelling/journalistic skills he's been honing for decades. I loved the purpose of this book--to explain to his own son the various men who impacted his life in meaningful (but not always joyous) ways. I especially recommend the audio version which Wood narrates. The way he does the various voices and inflections of himself as a young man and the characters he meets along the way are just so damn good.
November 26, 2025
Maybe it’s because I like Roy, or that I expected a book full of random stories attached to life lessons since I heard him discuss what this book was on Trevor’s podcast. Regardless, I truly enjoyed this read. I finished it in a few days, devoured every chapter and truly felt like I was with him in Birmingham with his bio dad and all his antics, or happy as shit he stuck it to that disgusting sheriff during his court appearance. It’s funny, lighthearted and honest in a way that is simply heartening!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
3.5 stars. I heard Roy Wood Jr on several podcasts discussing his book, and really wanted to read it. His stories, especially his childhood stories are so well told, so engaging. His work ethic is something to behold. From his youth he could really see how to appeal to people, how to work hard, how to make money. To me, he really has a gift in figuring people out, what they want and how to connect. I really enjoyed those particular aspects of his book. I also really admire a man who looks at the influences in his life and takes a moment, or a whole book to shout them out.
November 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book from Roy Wood Jr. I’m familiar with him from his time on The Daily Show and Have I Got News for You, but I didn’t know much about him. I liked the framing of this memoir with its lessons and really liked the artwork that starts off each chapter. I could relate to some of the stories about his dad. It was emotional and entertaining.
*I received a free copy as part of a Goodreads giveaway*
*I received a free copy as part of a Goodreads giveaway*
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