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No Encore for the Donkey
Misanthrope. Iconoclast. Apostate. Drunk. Many words have been used to describe Doug Stanhope, but rarely has “hopeful” been one of them. However, heading into 2016, Stanhope peered through the apocalyptic fog and saw a forecast that was more rainbows than acid rain: His first book was set for release, his new stand-up special was in the can, and he was about to film a television pilot with his friend and confidant Johnny Depp. The sharks of Hollywood were circling, and Stanhope's pockets were filled with chum. The only thing that could stop Doug was himself, and that's exactly what he did.
First came the booze, then came the pills, then came the stripper, and then, Doug came. A tryst aboard a cruise ship leaves him literally and figuratively adrift when his scorned wife, Bingo, reveals she is in love with another man: a jug-sippin', guitar-pickin' hobo. A simple, black-out fling turns out to be a pebble tossed into the lake of you-know-what named 2016, and in No Encore for the Donkey, Stanhope traces the resulting rings.
Written and performed by Stanhope, his third memoir follows the veteran comedian on a quest to save his marriage, his wife, and eventually his wife's life. Our hero's journey finds Stanhope cuddling with Johnny Depp in his Los Angeles mansion, receiving some much-needed TLC from Marilyn Manson, and - most daunting - building a new hour of comedy in the rusted-out hellscapes of post-industrial America.
Equal parts love letter, road romp, and harrowing condemnation of the failures of America's mental health care system, No Encore for the Donkey is a hilarious and heartbreaking account of a man balancing on the edge of damnation. With Bingo in a coma and Trump about to be elected, Stanhope sifts through the ruins of his own personal cataclysm in order to answer the big questions: What does it mean to love someone when you can't love yourself? What is the point of success if you have no one to share it with? And is the end of the world BYOB?
First came the booze, then came the pills, then came the stripper, and then, Doug came. A tryst aboard a cruise ship leaves him literally and figuratively adrift when his scorned wife, Bingo, reveals she is in love with another man: a jug-sippin', guitar-pickin' hobo. A simple, black-out fling turns out to be a pebble tossed into the lake of you-know-what named 2016, and in No Encore for the Donkey, Stanhope traces the resulting rings.
Written and performed by Stanhope, his third memoir follows the veteran comedian on a quest to save his marriage, his wife, and eventually his wife's life. Our hero's journey finds Stanhope cuddling with Johnny Depp in his Los Angeles mansion, receiving some much-needed TLC from Marilyn Manson, and - most daunting - building a new hour of comedy in the rusted-out hellscapes of post-industrial America.
Equal parts love letter, road romp, and harrowing condemnation of the failures of America's mental health care system, No Encore for the Donkey is a hilarious and heartbreaking account of a man balancing on the edge of damnation. With Bingo in a coma and Trump about to be elected, Stanhope sifts through the ruins of his own personal cataclysm in order to answer the big questions: What does it mean to love someone when you can't love yourself? What is the point of success if you have no one to share it with? And is the end of the world BYOB?
Audio CD
First published August 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 7, 2020
The first few chapters of the book are typical Stanhope: cynical, funny, and a disdain for 'normal'. But then it changes. It turns into one of the more heartfelt books I've read in recent memory. It's a book about love and loss. About building your own family and sharing it with those you choose-not those you're related through. It's also about death, mortality, and rebuilding. Honestly, it is fantastic. One of the things I love most about Stanhope is how much his comedy has evolved. Stanhope is one of a handful of artists who have gotten more progressive and thoughtful with age.
This book is a must-read for fans of Stanhope, but also for anyone going through a catastrophic change in their life.
Most importantly, it's funny.
This book is a must-read for fans of Stanhope, but also for anyone going through a catastrophic change in their life.
Most importantly, it's funny.
November 5, 2022
That beautiful moment when you remember what a great writer your favourite comedian is!
June 11, 2022
Not quite as good as Digging Up Mother, but Stanhope remains the contemporary Bukowski. I have to be in the mood for it, but when I am, it's great fun.
June 9, 2024
Strap yourselves in, folks! Doug Stanhope's No Encore for the Donkey is not your nana's memoir. It's a whirlwind of chaos, dark humour, and honesty that makes you squirm in your seat and snort-laugh simultaneously.
Stanhope, a beacon of bedlam, whisks us through his anything-but-ordinary life with the finesse of a drunken surgeon. From bungled romantic escapades that could rival any soap opera to the harsh realities of his career as a stand-up comedian, each page turn is like flipping through the most politically incorrect photo album ever.
The book might come across as if Stanhope has thrown his life into a blender, turned it up to 'lunatic', and poured it out for our amusement. You'll find tales of misadventures that are so bizarre they make a season finale of EastEnders look like a quiet night in.
And for those who need a bit more sparkle with their spiral, Stanhope's encounters with Depp and Manson are like watching a pirate and a goth rocker try to babysit a tornado. Somehow, it is both heartwarming and entirely off the rails!
There's no sugar-coating, no mincing words, just raw, unfiltered Stanhope.
Yet, amidst the rubble of his raucous tales, there's a piercing insight into life's grim realities and what it takes to laugh in their face. It's like finding a nugget of wisdom in a dumpster fire.
So, read it if you're up for a bit of a mental rodeo and don't mind a few (okay, a lot of) f-bombs. Maybe not on the bus unless you're ready to explain why you're cackling madly to yourself.
Stanhope, a beacon of bedlam, whisks us through his anything-but-ordinary life with the finesse of a drunken surgeon. From bungled romantic escapades that could rival any soap opera to the harsh realities of his career as a stand-up comedian, each page turn is like flipping through the most politically incorrect photo album ever.
The book might come across as if Stanhope has thrown his life into a blender, turned it up to 'lunatic', and poured it out for our amusement. You'll find tales of misadventures that are so bizarre they make a season finale of EastEnders look like a quiet night in.
And for those who need a bit more sparkle with their spiral, Stanhope's encounters with Depp and Manson are like watching a pirate and a goth rocker try to babysit a tornado. Somehow, it is both heartwarming and entirely off the rails!
There's no sugar-coating, no mincing words, just raw, unfiltered Stanhope.
Yet, amidst the rubble of his raucous tales, there's a piercing insight into life's grim realities and what it takes to laugh in their face. It's like finding a nugget of wisdom in a dumpster fire.
So, read it if you're up for a bit of a mental rodeo and don't mind a few (okay, a lot of) f-bombs. Maybe not on the bus unless you're ready to explain why you're cackling madly to yourself.
November 26, 2021
Not particularly funny. I had never heard of this guy and got the book because it was on a best of list for funny audiobooks.
Some parts were interesting. I'm still kind of surprised I listened to the whole thing.
Some parts were interesting. I'm still kind of surprised I listened to the whole thing.
December 6, 2022
This book is a look back at one of the toughest years of comedian Doug Stanhope's life. If you're someone who enjoys his standup, this book is a deeper look into a lot of material that has worked its way into sets in recent years. If you don't find the humor in the worst of our experiences as human beings, this book will probably turn you off. However, if you look at life as one long crazy ride and every part is just the next experience in the combination roller coaster/haunted house we navigate through each day, this book will entertain you. Hell, the last couple of chapters should be downright uplifting.
When it all boils down, the book is about finding your family in the world and leaning on them when life kicks you down. We need more tales like this.
When it all boils down, the book is about finding your family in the world and leaning on them when life kicks you down. We need more tales like this.
February 3, 2021
Anybody who knows anything about Stanhope knows that he's a straight-shooter, but this book shows a more vulnerable side of Stanhope that I like. I got it a couple days after it was released, and it wasn't available on Kindle yet so I got it on audible. (His other books are pretty cheap on Kindle if you wanna check 'em out.) The first half of the book that talks about how things in his life started going downhill was pretty good, and I could relate. The last part about his girlfriend's coma got kind of boring to me. There's a song at the end of the audiobook that's cool, but I think this song by the Smiths would be a great for a soundtrack if the book:
https://youtu.be/3GhoWZ5qTwI
https://youtu.be/3GhoWZ5qTwI
February 14, 2022
I got Digging Up Mother and really liked it. This one though was not great. It reads like a tired old drunk/addict lamenting his poor choices and trying to make comedy out of personal tragedy, which is exactly as "funny" as it sounds. Picture a widow making dad joke puns about drinking at his "killed by drunk driver" wife's funeral. Now picture that funeral is 8 hours long. I think I'm done with Stanhope as an author. Check out Digging Up Mother, but stop there.
February 5, 2022
"February 4, 2022 –
100.0% "Just Finished, great End!"
February 4, 2022 –
90.0% "29:22"
February 4, 2022 –
90.0% "22:46"
February 4, 2022 –
90.0% "6/6
...
11:00"
February 4, 2022 –
90.0% "Genius read
Doug Stanhope reading it + he has written this book. My opinion is that I recommend this book to anyone whoo has appreciation for comedy and Doug Stanhope"
February 4, 2022 – Shelved as: audiobooks
February 4, 2022 – Shelved as: comedy
February 4, 2022 –
80.0% "44:29 - 5/6"
February 4, 2022 –
60.0% "Part 5 out of 6"
February 4, 2022 –
60.0% "21:33"
February 4, 2022 –
60.0% "18:55
..
Life stories, funny, dark hummor and Originial Doug"
February 4, 2022 –
50.0% "55:46"
February 4, 2022 –
50.0% "3 out of 6
...
16:00"
February 3, 2022 –
10.0% "31:27"
February 3, 2022 –
10.0% "Well written, genius!"
February 3, 2022 –
10.0% "2 out of 6"
February 3, 2022 – Shelved
February 3, 2022 – Started Reading"
100.0% "Just Finished, great End!"
February 4, 2022 –
90.0% "29:22"
February 4, 2022 –
90.0% "22:46"
February 4, 2022 –
90.0% "6/6
...
11:00"
February 4, 2022 –
90.0% "Genius read
Doug Stanhope reading it + he has written this book. My opinion is that I recommend this book to anyone whoo has appreciation for comedy and Doug Stanhope"
February 4, 2022 – Shelved as: audiobooks
February 4, 2022 – Shelved as: comedy
February 4, 2022 –
80.0% "44:29 - 5/6"
February 4, 2022 –
60.0% "Part 5 out of 6"
February 4, 2022 –
60.0% "21:33"
February 4, 2022 –
60.0% "18:55
..
Life stories, funny, dark hummor and Originial Doug"
February 4, 2022 –
50.0% "55:46"
February 4, 2022 –
50.0% "3 out of 6
...
16:00"
February 3, 2022 –
10.0% "31:27"
February 3, 2022 –
10.0% "Well written, genius!"
February 3, 2022 –
10.0% "2 out of 6"
February 3, 2022 – Shelved
February 3, 2022 – Started Reading"
March 1, 2024
Standalonehope
I have always been a big Stanhope fan. However either as I age or as he ages, I realize I am a way bigger Bingo fan. Doug is admittedly very selfish, he is always the first to point this out. What blew my mind was seeing just how self centered he REALLY is. There are times he thinks he coming across as sincere and supportive. He is still very busy name dropping and taking credit for things his pickled brain couldn't have put together. Once again, Stanhope should be thanking Jim Beam, Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels or whoever it is be prays to for BINGO! She is the most interesting and likeable thing about Doug. I also gave pause when I purchased this book that is was more than likely going to be an infomercial for what a great guy J Depp was and what a bitch A Heard is. I don't care who you are or who you are married to, every "wife" gets sick of their husbands drunken, freeloading coke head friends. Those dirty looks, I am sure were not exclusive.
I have always been a big Stanhope fan. However either as I age or as he ages, I realize I am a way bigger Bingo fan. Doug is admittedly very selfish, he is always the first to point this out. What blew my mind was seeing just how self centered he REALLY is. There are times he thinks he coming across as sincere and supportive. He is still very busy name dropping and taking credit for things his pickled brain couldn't have put together. Once again, Stanhope should be thanking Jim Beam, Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels or whoever it is be prays to for BINGO! She is the most interesting and likeable thing about Doug. I also gave pause when I purchased this book that is was more than likely going to be an infomercial for what a great guy J Depp was and what a bitch A Heard is. I don't care who you are or who you are married to, every "wife" gets sick of their husbands drunken, freeloading coke head friends. Those dirty looks, I am sure were not exclusive.
September 26, 2020
I rattled through this book, it’s written in a very consumable style, despite the dark places the author takes you. However, the book is deep at a brutally honest, very raw level that leaves you considering all you’ve learned for a long time afterward.
Stanhope is probably my favourite comedian, I’ve seen him live a few times and have loved every minute of the show. As an author, I feel he can flesh out his ideas at greater length without having to try and be funny every few lines. This took me a little while to get used to, but I think I ended buying into the writing style. I also got the feel that the writing style was a little too close Hunter S Thompson for me to fully buy into... Hunter was a one off.
I think it’s actually a very worthy read, even if you wouldn’t consider yourself a Stanhope fan, perhaps especially if you aren’t a fan.
Stanhope is probably my favourite comedian, I’ve seen him live a few times and have loved every minute of the show. As an author, I feel he can flesh out his ideas at greater length without having to try and be funny every few lines. This took me a little while to get used to, but I think I ended buying into the writing style. I also got the feel that the writing style was a little too close Hunter S Thompson for me to fully buy into... Hunter was a one off.
I think it’s actually a very worthy read, even if you wouldn’t consider yourself a Stanhope fan, perhaps especially if you aren’t a fan.
December 3, 2020
This one is less funny than the earlier This Is Not Fame: A "From What I Re-Memoir" but it is a very easy and entertaining listen.
Doug Stanhope is a great comedian and there will be funny stories and clever insights and ideas. Even the horrible parts can be appreciated for giving perspective on different ways you can live your life.
I enjoyed this book but I would only recommend it for fans of Doug Stanhope so you know what to expect.
Doug Stanhope is a great comedian and there will be funny stories and clever insights and ideas. Even the horrible parts can be appreciated for giving perspective on different ways you can live your life.
I enjoyed this book but I would only recommend it for fans of Doug Stanhope so you know what to expect.
January 16, 2023
2 stars...
Just not for me. I'm not big on comedy that glorifies casual drug use and relies on shock/disgust. I'm not sure if it's even supposed to be funny. Or tragic? Or redemptive? It didn't really hit on any of those things for me. Instead, it seemed whiny and self-indulgent. I think it's less of a comedy album and more of an exploration of the toughest year of his life... but I didn't really get anything out of it other than I really don't understand his lifestyle choices.
If you're a Stanhope fan, I'm sure this works, but I'm apparently not. To each their own...
Just not for me. I'm not big on comedy that glorifies casual drug use and relies on shock/disgust. I'm not sure if it's even supposed to be funny. Or tragic? Or redemptive? It didn't really hit on any of those things for me. Instead, it seemed whiny and self-indulgent. I think it's less of a comedy album and more of an exploration of the toughest year of his life... but I didn't really get anything out of it other than I really don't understand his lifestyle choices.
If you're a Stanhope fan, I'm sure this works, but I'm apparently not. To each their own...
August 28, 2020
This audiobook seems like Stanhope’s most vulnerable work. His past books are very personal but still have his unique blend of comedy throughout. It’s really cool to hear him express emotion without his comedic genius to mask it. Doug, you’re like a real person! This has funny moments but not as much as his previous works. This may turn some people off but I loved it. I await Dougs next book.
October 31, 2022
Doug Stanhope has a way with words. This is a compelling and heartbreaking tale of one man's flaws, his shortcomings, love, heartbreak, tragedy. Not necessarily redemption, which made it better for me, because, honestly, life isn't always like that. This book is brutal and fucked up, but a genuine slice of life. Not every diamond is without imperfections. This is a great read.
October 21, 2021
One of many lifestyles that makes me feel entirely like Hank Hill. Spending time in the dirtbag world of Doug Stanhope somehow always makes me feel good. I think what I most like is his honesty. The man is debauched but not a hypocrite.
January 26, 2023
It's fine. I just like Doug.
He also keeps getting better, he's not one of those that folds under the current climate of whiny comics and their windmill boogeymen, he just steps up his game! But to be fair, you can only do that if you're smart.
He also keeps getting better, he's not one of those that folds under the current climate of whiny comics and their windmill boogeymen, he just steps up his game! But to be fair, you can only do that if you're smart.
March 26, 2025
Another incredible read by the Prophet Stanhope. Possibly the biggest takeaway was Ch. 7 where he described in flawless detail the disgusting reality of in-patient mental health care in America. Thank you for your advocacy, sir.
September 2, 2020
Top stuff. Doug being Doug.
September 15, 2020
Great recollections of a difficult time for my favorite living comic & his lady, Bingo. So happy she pulled through. Now raise some Hell!
September 29, 2020
Fantastic!! Couldn't put it down, hilarious and honest throughout!! Stanhope always delivers.
November 17, 2020
What a crazy life Doug lives, I'd say that this needs to heard to be believed but I listened to it and I still dont believe it!
March 15, 2021
Not the usual style you're expecting from Stanhope, but more of a personal story about a very rough year.
April 6, 2021
Not to my taste. Beneath the thin veneer of humor is a tale of inescapable, horribly miserable, humanity.
April 17, 2021
Might be Stanhope’s best book yet (but they’re all fuckin great).
December 6, 2021
It was fine. I didn't learn anything in particular, I didn't laugh, I didn't appreciate the author. Just fine.
1.5⭐
1.5⭐
December 21, 2021
back 2 back doug audiobooks. had to go for it.
September 30, 2022
Another great book by doug. Interesting take on depp.
May 9, 2023
Fascinating study of love in all its complexities
did-not-finish
August 10, 2023This is just a crude, rude slog for me. The author's casual misogyny and disregard for his wife just sat badly and I have no desire to finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews