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Mixed Plate: Chronicles of an All-American Combo
A stunning, hilarious memoir from beloved comedian Jo Koy, “far and away one of the funniest people out there” (Chelsea Handler). Mixed Plate illuminates the burning drive and unique humor that make Jo Koy one of today’s most successful comedians. Includes never-before-seen photos.
Well guys, here it is—my story. A funny, sad, at times pathetic but also kick-ass tale of how a half-Filipino, half-white kid whose mom thought (and still thinks) his career goal was to become a clown became a success. Not an overnight success, because that would have made for a really short read, but an All-American success who could give my immigrant mom the kind of life she hoped for when she came to this country, and my son the kind of life I wished I’d had as a kid. With all the details of what it felt like to get the doors closed in my face, to grind it out on the road with my arsenal of dick jokes, and how my career finally took off once I embraced the craziness of my family, which I always thought was uniquely Filipino but turns out is as universal as it gets.
In this book, I’ll take you behind the mic, behind the curtain—OK, way behind it. From growing up with a mom who made me dance like Michael Jackson at the Knights of Columbus, to some real dark stuff, the stuff we don’t talk about often enough as immigrants. Mental health, poverty, drinking. And show you the path to my American Dream. Which was paved with a lot of failure, department store raffle tickets to win free color televisions, bad jokes, old VHS tapes, a motorcycle my mom probably still hates, the only college final I aced (wasn’t math), and getting my first laugh on stage. There’s photo evidence of it all here, too.
In this book, I get serious about my funny. And I want to make you laugh a little while I do it. I’m like Hawaii’s favorite lunch—the mixed plate. Little bit of this, a little bit of that. My book Mixed Plate is too.
Well guys, here it is—my story. A funny, sad, at times pathetic but also kick-ass tale of how a half-Filipino, half-white kid whose mom thought (and still thinks) his career goal was to become a clown became a success. Not an overnight success, because that would have made for a really short read, but an All-American success who could give my immigrant mom the kind of life she hoped for when she came to this country, and my son the kind of life I wished I’d had as a kid. With all the details of what it felt like to get the doors closed in my face, to grind it out on the road with my arsenal of dick jokes, and how my career finally took off once I embraced the craziness of my family, which I always thought was uniquely Filipino but turns out is as universal as it gets.
In this book, I’ll take you behind the mic, behind the curtain—OK, way behind it. From growing up with a mom who made me dance like Michael Jackson at the Knights of Columbus, to some real dark stuff, the stuff we don’t talk about often enough as immigrants. Mental health, poverty, drinking. And show you the path to my American Dream. Which was paved with a lot of failure, department store raffle tickets to win free color televisions, bad jokes, old VHS tapes, a motorcycle my mom probably still hates, the only college final I aced (wasn’t math), and getting my first laugh on stage. There’s photo evidence of it all here, too.
In this book, I get serious about my funny. And I want to make you laugh a little while I do it. I’m like Hawaii’s favorite lunch—the mixed plate. Little bit of this, a little bit of that. My book Mixed Plate is too.
Audiobook
First published March 23, 2021
226 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
July 9, 2022
Engaging and well performed but it's about 40% his stand up so if you've watched any of his specials there is a lot of repetition. It's good material and funny but this more of an expansion on his set than original stories.
March 30, 2021
When I learned that Jo Koy wrote a book, I checked right away if he’d read it himself. Audio is truly the best way to consume this autobiography.
Ourselves a “mixed plate”, my white military husband and I (brown Filipina) enjoyed Jo Koy’s incredibly honest and relatable sharing of his life from childhood up to his recent success. We nodded our heads when he spoke about his parents and life inside US bases. I teared up at his recounting of how the Filipino community embraced them in Tacoma, his family’s poverty, and his brother’s illness. We laughed at his stories about his family including the ones we already heard before.
We finished the book with a better understanding and more admiration for this man who represents Filipino-Americans in the best way possible—by making people laugh WITH us not AT us.
Ourselves a “mixed plate”, my white military husband and I (brown Filipina) enjoyed Jo Koy’s incredibly honest and relatable sharing of his life from childhood up to his recent success. We nodded our heads when he spoke about his parents and life inside US bases. I teared up at his recounting of how the Filipino community embraced them in Tacoma, his family’s poverty, and his brother’s illness. We laughed at his stories about his family including the ones we already heard before.
We finished the book with a better understanding and more admiration for this man who represents Filipino-Americans in the best way possible—by making people laugh WITH us not AT us.
June 8, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
MIXED PLATE: Chronicles of an All-American Combo by Jo Koy is the comedian’s autobiography and is written and narrated by himself. I knew the minute this came out, I had to listen to it on Audible. I normally prefer to read rather than listen to a book, but Jo Koy is such a fantastic storyteller so I really believe this is the best way to get all the nuances of the autobiography. (And besides, I love hearing him imitate his mother!)
I knew the basics of his life from watching his stand-up, but in this autobiography he shares deeper and more intimate memories and stories. His stories are emotionally raw and starkly give you the picture of his family’s early disfunction and poverty. His willingness to hustle and work hard to make his dream of being a stand-up comedian come true was inspiring, especially with all the racism in the system as he was trying to break in.
If you are not familiar with this “mixed plate”, half Filipino/half white comedian, you need to read this book, listen to this Audible and/or watch his Netflix specials. His is truly a story of the immigrant dream of “making it” in America and not only making it himself but also sharing and raising his whole family up with him.
I am so glad I listened to this great autobiography on Audible and I highly recommend it!
MIXED PLATE: Chronicles of an All-American Combo by Jo Koy is the comedian’s autobiography and is written and narrated by himself. I knew the minute this came out, I had to listen to it on Audible. I normally prefer to read rather than listen to a book, but Jo Koy is such a fantastic storyteller so I really believe this is the best way to get all the nuances of the autobiography. (And besides, I love hearing him imitate his mother!)
I knew the basics of his life from watching his stand-up, but in this autobiography he shares deeper and more intimate memories and stories. His stories are emotionally raw and starkly give you the picture of his family’s early disfunction and poverty. His willingness to hustle and work hard to make his dream of being a stand-up comedian come true was inspiring, especially with all the racism in the system as he was trying to break in.
If you are not familiar with this “mixed plate”, half Filipino/half white comedian, you need to read this book, listen to this Audible and/or watch his Netflix specials. His is truly a story of the immigrant dream of “making it” in America and not only making it himself but also sharing and raising his whole family up with him.
I am so glad I listened to this great autobiography on Audible and I highly recommend it!
March 29, 2024
*Cloud library app*
Had fun listening to Jo talk about his life:)
Didn't know he had that much of a rough start in life and on his stand up journey.
He isn't perfect and made mistakes along the way, but he owned up to them.
I admire his work ethic and he kept going even when it looked not good.
It was extra fun with him narrating, one of those where you feel like you're sitting down with them over a nice meal.
Had fun listening to Jo talk about his life:)
Didn't know he had that much of a rough start in life and on his stand up journey.
He isn't perfect and made mistakes along the way, but he owned up to them.
I admire his work ethic and he kept going even when it looked not good.
It was extra fun with him narrating, one of those where you feel like you're sitting down with them over a nice meal.
March 26, 2021
Such a good listen - highly recommend it as an audiobook.
March 5, 2021
Sure, I'll be the first to review Jo Koy's memoir. No pressure or anything.....
I was working in post production the first time I heard of Jo Koy. We were working on the release of one of his specials and my job was to make sure the closed captions were correct. This took me almost three times as long as any other job because I was in tears laughing for so much of it.
Mixed Plate is also something that brought me to tears - and not entirely because of how funny it is. Jo opens up about his life - his trauma of being an 'other' in school, of learning how to make people laugh to fit in, of dealing with family drama and hiding it deep down inside. Jo strives to gain his mother's approval - an Asian mother's approval is of the highest honor - and I think she will be proud of this book.
Jo talks about his start in comedy, of the struggle of working three jobs and doing late night shows causing him to miss his son. He talks about the parent-child relationship, of sibling rivalry and sibling friendship. He talks about being the best dad that he can.
This is a book full of heart. Jo Koy is opening his heart on these pages and I closed the book full of tears, yet again.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I was working in post production the first time I heard of Jo Koy. We were working on the release of one of his specials and my job was to make sure the closed captions were correct. This took me almost three times as long as any other job because I was in tears laughing for so much of it.
Mixed Plate is also something that brought me to tears - and not entirely because of how funny it is. Jo opens up about his life - his trauma of being an 'other' in school, of learning how to make people laugh to fit in, of dealing with family drama and hiding it deep down inside. Jo strives to gain his mother's approval - an Asian mother's approval is of the highest honor - and I think she will be proud of this book.
Jo talks about his start in comedy, of the struggle of working three jobs and doing late night shows causing him to miss his son. He talks about the parent-child relationship, of sibling rivalry and sibling friendship. He talks about being the best dad that he can.
This is a book full of heart. Jo Koy is opening his heart on these pages and I closed the book full of tears, yet again.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 3, 2021
Breezed through this! What a Filipino, including recipes in his book. I'm going to try them, you bet. They aren't much different from my mom's. In general, I don't enjoy male comedians much anymore because of the biased and gendered language many still use, but a lot of his act is his life growing up half Filipino in America, so it has me in stitches. And the insight on his journey growing up, taking ownership of the immature stuff he used to do... I appreciate stories when people learn from their past.
March 25, 2022
This was Nonfiction/Autobiography. I didn't know who the author was before picking this up. I liked that he did his one narration of the audio. This one felt genuine and honest.
I liked the way he talked about his family...the struggles, the ups, the downs. He managed to put a positive spin on the dark parts. That was my favorite part. I also liked his CTJ moment regarding his son & his ex-wife. That was sweet.
The author is a comedian and worked hard had grabbing what he wanted in life. What a dream. It took courage and dedication, and maybe some great timing for doors to open. I liked this one, so 3 stars.
I liked the way he talked about his family...the struggles, the ups, the downs. He managed to put a positive spin on the dark parts. That was my favorite part. I also liked his CTJ moment regarding his son & his ex-wife. That was sweet.
The author is a comedian and worked hard had grabbing what he wanted in life. What a dream. It took courage and dedication, and maybe some great timing for doors to open. I liked this one, so 3 stars.
Read
March 24, 2021Jo Koy’s memoir is special. He hustled and worked his ass off to get where he is today. He is such a family man and takes care of his people. Gave this 5⭐️. Go watch his specials on Netflix and once we’re all able to have live events again, I recommend seeing him live. His openers are super funny too! And lastly, go pick up a copy of his book!
Thank you Jo Koy, HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Jo Koy, HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2025
An endearing memoir about Jo Koy's childhood struggles growing up as a mixed-race kid in America, his family dynamics, and pursuing his dream to be a comedian. An interesting look into the stand-up scene and what that hustle looks like, and a testament to hard work and dedication. It makes his success resonate even more knowing everything he had to overcome!
March 26, 2022
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did, because the truth is: for being a memoir written by a comedian (my favorite genre), it was a bit of a slog.
Don't get me wrong: I really admire Jo Koy as a person and am glad I know more about his story and perspective of the world. I just think this book could have benefited from several more rounds of editing.
Things that work:
-Koy's voice is friendly and approachable. Reading this book felt sort of like I was listening to a friend's podcast--in a good way!
-Koy's life really has been filled with a lot of ups and downs, which totally makes me understand why he and a large company decided to publish this book. We need more stories about multiracial people, about immigrants, about artists, about family conflict involving divorce and loved ones with severe mental illness. And we need to see those stories be filled with love and joy as well as not sugar coating the hardships many people like Koy face regularly.
-Koy's depictions of his mother and his son, much like his stand up, are consistently done with care and love...while also providing some levity to otherwise heavy content. I really appreciate this.
-The middle section of his career, when he details his early comedy shows, his hustle in Las Vegas and move to LA, was a lot of fun to read.
Things that didn't work so well:
-Very consistently, paragraphs would include 2-3 sentences essentially repeating the same idea in slightly different words. I understood his point the first time, and then read him make the same point over and over again. This made the prose drag.
-Along those lines, as he told the story of his life, including his early childhood in the Philippines, later childhood in Tacoma with his whole family, and then teen years with just his mom and sister, he consistently summarized life events he had *just written about in detail* the chapter before. It felt like the editor either 1) didn't trust the reader to remember what they just read or 2) never sat down and read the book chapter to chapter.
-Koy, probably knowing many people of varying ethnic backgrounds would read his book, often explains aspects of his Filipino culture that not every American might be familiar with. And that was great! But it sometimes felt like he was apologizing in advance for how some (white) people might judge him or his family. When he consistently shoplifts as a teen--something MANY teenagers do--he makes it a point to be like, "yeah it was dumb, but remember, we were really poor!" But then also uses that line of thinking later in life after achieving success. For example, ever summer, he takes his son and all his cousins to a two week vacation in Hawaii--something very few people do--but then adds the caveat "but remember, I was really poor!" Like he needs to apologize for or justify enjoying his success. And I actually don't care at all about *either* of these actions--poverty is hard, wealth has its perks--but the consistent justification of actions took me out of the narrative.
In the end, this book, much like Tiffany Haddish's (who btw makes some appearances in this book because the two are close friends) is a life story written by a comedian who has seen some real shit, living in a country that doesn't value people like them, somehow now thriving in an industry that has actively marginalized them, and yet they both remain hopeful and confident people. It's a real testament to their character. But these hardships don't always lead to funny *stories* And Haddish and Koy also both flourish as performers through their physicality and voice acting...which doesn't translate as well into a written text. My point being, the book wasn't very funny.
And I do think comedians can pull off serious books. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah for example does the memoir-that's-really-about-society thing very well. Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari does the whole academic book with jokes sprinkled in to keep the reader engaged. But Koy's book felt like it wasn't sure if it was trying to make you laugh, focus strictly on his life story, or make you think about racism in America. And unfortunately, the writing style wasn't strong enough to pull off all three at once.
Don't get me wrong: I really admire Jo Koy as a person and am glad I know more about his story and perspective of the world. I just think this book could have benefited from several more rounds of editing.
Things that work:
-Koy's voice is friendly and approachable. Reading this book felt sort of like I was listening to a friend's podcast--in a good way!
-Koy's life really has been filled with a lot of ups and downs, which totally makes me understand why he and a large company decided to publish this book. We need more stories about multiracial people, about immigrants, about artists, about family conflict involving divorce and loved ones with severe mental illness. And we need to see those stories be filled with love and joy as well as not sugar coating the hardships many people like Koy face regularly.
-Koy's depictions of his mother and his son, much like his stand up, are consistently done with care and love...while also providing some levity to otherwise heavy content. I really appreciate this.
-The middle section of his career, when he details his early comedy shows, his hustle in Las Vegas and move to LA, was a lot of fun to read.
Things that didn't work so well:
-Very consistently, paragraphs would include 2-3 sentences essentially repeating the same idea in slightly different words. I understood his point the first time, and then read him make the same point over and over again. This made the prose drag.
-Along those lines, as he told the story of his life, including his early childhood in the Philippines, later childhood in Tacoma with his whole family, and then teen years with just his mom and sister, he consistently summarized life events he had *just written about in detail* the chapter before. It felt like the editor either 1) didn't trust the reader to remember what they just read or 2) never sat down and read the book chapter to chapter.
-Koy, probably knowing many people of varying ethnic backgrounds would read his book, often explains aspects of his Filipino culture that not every American might be familiar with. And that was great! But it sometimes felt like he was apologizing in advance for how some (white) people might judge him or his family. When he consistently shoplifts as a teen--something MANY teenagers do--he makes it a point to be like, "yeah it was dumb, but remember, we were really poor!" But then also uses that line of thinking later in life after achieving success. For example, ever summer, he takes his son and all his cousins to a two week vacation in Hawaii--something very few people do--but then adds the caveat "but remember, I was really poor!" Like he needs to apologize for or justify enjoying his success. And I actually don't care at all about *either* of these actions--poverty is hard, wealth has its perks--but the consistent justification of actions took me out of the narrative.
In the end, this book, much like Tiffany Haddish's (who btw makes some appearances in this book because the two are close friends) is a life story written by a comedian who has seen some real shit, living in a country that doesn't value people like them, somehow now thriving in an industry that has actively marginalized them, and yet they both remain hopeful and confident people. It's a real testament to their character. But these hardships don't always lead to funny *stories* And Haddish and Koy also both flourish as performers through their physicality and voice acting...which doesn't translate as well into a written text. My point being, the book wasn't very funny.
And I do think comedians can pull off serious books. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah for example does the memoir-that's-really-about-society thing very well. Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari does the whole academic book with jokes sprinkled in to keep the reader engaged. But Koy's book felt like it wasn't sure if it was trying to make you laugh, focus strictly on his life story, or make you think about racism in America. And unfortunately, the writing style wasn't strong enough to pull off all three at once.
March 25, 2021
I never write book reviews, but I had to for this book. As a “mixed plate” myself (Filipina/white) it was amazing to read a book where I made a true connection with the author. I am no stranger to Jo Koy after seeing him do stand up at a Holiday Inn in NJ (and seeing him at least 5 more times in various venues over the years), so I expected his humor to come through his writing. What I did not expect was the raw and deep emotions felt when he shared some of his more challenging experiences that you don’t see when he is on stage making you laugh during a 45 minute set or during one of his Netflix specials. There are just somethings you won’t understand unless you were raised by a Filipino mother, and to see someone (a mixed plate) like me to put it in print for the first time is refreshing. A “See! This guy gets me” kind of feeling. You can hear Jo’s voice in the writing along with the impressions of his mother that make you legitimately laugh out loud. He also throws in some delicious looking Filipino recipes into some of the chapters too #lumpia4eva. Thoughtful, reflective, and of course hilarious, Jo Koy has created an enjoyable read that I could not put down. Maraming Salamat Josep!
June 24, 2021
I love memoirs from the Chelsea Lately round table! Koy is the son of a white American military dad and a Filipino immigrant mom (with a schizophrenic older son). Family life was incredibly challenging. Embracing his Filipino-American identity was, too, especially when they entered the civilian world. Naturally funny, Koy used comedy to fit in, which led to his desire to skip college and try standup. A very thoughtful and funny memoir!
January 30, 2024
Comedian Jo Koy’s memoir Mixed Plate is of course hilarious, but truly heartbreaking and heartwarming as well. As seems to be the theme with comedians, he did not have an easy childhood being raised by a single mom with four children after her husband moved them to the United States from the Philippines. Part Pilipino and part white, upon coming to America as a young boy, Koy noticed at once something was not right with this picture!
His Pilipino mother was extremely strict and Koy was always pushing her to the limit. With no father figure in his life and an older brother who had schizophrenia and was very abusive, to say Koy’s childhood was filled with trauma would be putting it mildly. So, he turned to VHS tapes and television especially comedy specials with Eddie Murphy and Whoopie Goldberg as a way to drown everything out. He knew at an early age he wanted to be like them and was told by friends and family he was very funny. His mother wanted him to work a nine to five job with benefits after going to college. She still does!
The book opens with his mother and all his siblings at a store trying to win a television. His mother you see is very, very frugal. But the lengths they went to win the television is a masterclass in being thrifty!
Fame did not come easy, and it came much later in his life. He would not stop and worked many jobs while trying to hone his craft. Back then, the only true comedians were white, and all the rest had days of the week, other than a Saturday to perform. But that did not stop Koy. He created his own comedy machine by renting out spaces and hiring other comedians with his mother and himself selling tickets to the events!
Televison gigs were hard to come by and he was continually turned down to star in a comedy show as the lead comic. So, he decided to create one on his own. One they could not take no for an answer to. And he did just that. With the help of his mother, her eye doctor and himself, he produced a comedy special. When Netflix (who had constantly turned him down) saw it, they bought it. And that’s how Koy finally put his feet in the cement of the comedy business. Just as an aside, since then Netflix has created at least four comedy specials of Koy’s.
Along the way, he met and married a woman named Angie and they have a son, little Joe. Although the marriage lasted less than a year, they are each other’s best friends and have co-parented since Koy finally realized when his son was young that he didn’t want to be his father.
Mixed Pate is filled with humorous, sometimes unbelievably horrible stories about his life growing up and the pain he went through. But Koy seems to have come out of that time strong and with a perspective on life everyone should have. The one theme throughout the memoir is love will get you through. It is quite obvious just how much he cares for his family, friends and fans. But his mother is still waiting for him to get a job with benefits!
His Pilipino mother was extremely strict and Koy was always pushing her to the limit. With no father figure in his life and an older brother who had schizophrenia and was very abusive, to say Koy’s childhood was filled with trauma would be putting it mildly. So, he turned to VHS tapes and television especially comedy specials with Eddie Murphy and Whoopie Goldberg as a way to drown everything out. He knew at an early age he wanted to be like them and was told by friends and family he was very funny. His mother wanted him to work a nine to five job with benefits after going to college. She still does!
The book opens with his mother and all his siblings at a store trying to win a television. His mother you see is very, very frugal. But the lengths they went to win the television is a masterclass in being thrifty!
Fame did not come easy, and it came much later in his life. He would not stop and worked many jobs while trying to hone his craft. Back then, the only true comedians were white, and all the rest had days of the week, other than a Saturday to perform. But that did not stop Koy. He created his own comedy machine by renting out spaces and hiring other comedians with his mother and himself selling tickets to the events!
Televison gigs were hard to come by and he was continually turned down to star in a comedy show as the lead comic. So, he decided to create one on his own. One they could not take no for an answer to. And he did just that. With the help of his mother, her eye doctor and himself, he produced a comedy special. When Netflix (who had constantly turned him down) saw it, they bought it. And that’s how Koy finally put his feet in the cement of the comedy business. Just as an aside, since then Netflix has created at least four comedy specials of Koy’s.
Along the way, he met and married a woman named Angie and they have a son, little Joe. Although the marriage lasted less than a year, they are each other’s best friends and have co-parented since Koy finally realized when his son was young that he didn’t want to be his father.
Mixed Pate is filled with humorous, sometimes unbelievably horrible stories about his life growing up and the pain he went through. But Koy seems to have come out of that time strong and with a perspective on life everyone should have. The one theme throughout the memoir is love will get you through. It is quite obvious just how much he cares for his family, friends and fans. But his mother is still waiting for him to get a job with benefits!
June 2, 2021
I LOVE Jo Koy! I love his stand up and his honesty. Being able to relate to him on multiple levels. I loved being able to read and learn more about his life behind the scenes and the back stories of his jokes told in his stand up. If you love him, read this! If you don’t know him, read this. I highly recommend this memoir! Then go watch his stand up specials on Netflix
May 24, 2021
I enjoyed listening to the audio book format of Mixed Plate. It was as if I was watching his shows. Jo Koy narrated his life in a very entertaining way. Life of an immigrant is very challenging, but his family demonstrated perseverance and hard work to survive in the states, their new home.
May 17, 2021
Mixed Plate: Chronicles of an All-American Combo
I Picked Up This Book Because: I’m a fan of his comedy.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: CCP Library
Dates Read: 5/5/21 - 5/7/21
Stars: 4 Stars
The Story:
It’s amazing that I’ve been watching Jo Koy’s comedy for years but there is so much I didn’t know about him. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I expect him to spew all of his dirty secrets on stage but he seems to tell so many personal stories on stage yet they are just the tip of the iceberg. He is wide open in this book and his experiences are so different from my own I was addicted.
The Random Thoughts:
Challenges:
Goodreads Book Bingo 2021 - G2 - An author’s debut novel
I Picked Up This Book Because: I’m a fan of his comedy.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: CCP Library
Dates Read: 5/5/21 - 5/7/21
Stars: 4 Stars
The Story:
It’s amazing that I’ve been watching Jo Koy’s comedy for years but there is so much I didn’t know about him. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I expect him to spew all of his dirty secrets on stage but he seems to tell so many personal stories on stage yet they are just the tip of the iceberg. He is wide open in this book and his experiences are so different from my own I was addicted.
The Random Thoughts:
Challenges:
Goodreads Book Bingo 2021 - G2 - An author’s debut novel
April 22, 2021
4.5 stars. So enjoyable and interesting in learning more about his upbringing and life. His impressions of his mother are the most fun and endearing.
August 3, 2021
Jo Koy’s impression of his mom is so worth hearing him narrate his audiobook. His comedy makes me appreciate our shared Filipino American backgrounds in ways I took for granted and things I didn’t really understand until he articulated it like the contradiction of the Filipino mom. Where I would get annoyed by the Filipino nickname that I have, now I just see it as endearing. I can’t get enough of hearing the shared experiences like the restaurant condiments or napkin hoarding or reusing Cool Whip containers as Tupperware. Heck all that is now eco-friendly. Filipinos we’re just ahead of their time! LOL.
I’m so glad Jo Koy put his authentic self out there and continues to do so because it lifts all of us up-those who can relate and those that get exposure to the Filipino American experience.
I’m so glad Jo Koy put his authentic self out there and continues to do so because it lifts all of us up-those who can relate and those that get exposure to the Filipino American experience.
April 24, 2021
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook narrated by the comedian himself, and while it wasn’t stand up like his Netflix specials, it was at times raucously funny. His life story is also more than just challenging or poignant, it’s downright traumatic. If you are a mixed race first generation child living in America and recall trying to navigate this culture (especially while living under the influence of Filipinos) this book is a MUST read. I realize my review and recommendations are through the lens of an AAPI Filipina, and this book won’t appeal to all. But it’s an entertaining, moving, humorous look into the Asian immigrant experience.
August 2, 2021
I placed the book on hold at the public library and immediately placed the audiobook version on hold through Libby because I knew I would need to listen to the reading. I have been a fan of Jo Koy since I randomly discovered him many years ago.
My dad was white and my mother is Filipina so I really connected with a lot of things mentioned in this book. The audiobook version kind of makes you think you're listening to one of his comedy shows with some additional inside info. I have to keep up to date with his comedy.
Just so y'all know, I was today years old when I found out Rob Schneider is half Filipino.
My dad was white and my mother is Filipina so I really connected with a lot of things mentioned in this book. The audiobook version kind of makes you think you're listening to one of his comedy shows with some additional inside info. I have to keep up to date with his comedy.
Just so y'all know, I was today years old when I found out Rob Schneider is half Filipino.
September 11, 2021
One word: amazing. Readers and listeners get a good look into Jo Koy's childhood and teenage years and the struggles he went through while kick-starting his career in comedy. It reminded me of how many comedians have humble and sad beginnings; most of them don't grow up with a silver spoon. Jo Koy himself, like many other struggling artists, worked two or three jobs and hustled on the side to make ends meet and provide for his family. And today, with the risks he took while shooting his Netflix special and organizing his first own show, it's all paid off, because he believed in himself. Truly an inspiring story.
4/5
4/5
April 1, 2021
I like Jo Koy. I first started watching him on “Chelsea Lately”, then through his comedy specials. When I saw he was releasing a memoir, I knew I wanted to read it - and I’m glad I did. Jo writes with emotion and honesty. Not all of us had an easy time of it, and tough as it might have been, Jo recalls the rough times with honesty. I highly recommend this book to all- even if you haven’t watched Jo on his various platforms. This book will make you a fan.
April 3, 2021
Thank you, JO for putting the light on our community!!! GREAT STORYTELLING, FOR THE MEMORIES, & MOST OF ALL, THE LAUGHS!!! If you got lumpia-pancit in your blood, READ THIS NOW!!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼.5 of 5 (5.5 of 5)
March 29, 2021
Thank you for sharing your story, Jo Koy. Your story made me laugh, made me cry, and made me thank my mom for everything I have now.
September 9, 2021
Jokoy's narration of his Audiobook was just perfect. Found the story touching and relatable. Mirroring the half Filipino family experience until the end. Salamat!
October 4, 2021
This was a good story and very entertaining. I enjoyed listening to his family stories and his tales of struggling and working hard to make his dreams come true. I’m glad he never gave up!
September 7, 2022
Stand up comedian, Jo Koy writes a memoir about his father, step father and being a father.
But the funniest stories are about his Filipina mom.
At some point in the book Jo Koy talks about his son,
"I wanted him to know that I'd always had his back."
When little Joe was in 3rd grade, Jo Koy decided to bring his son's favorite lunch to school. Not Orange Chicken, but Taco 🌮 😋 Bell!
"Thanks dad. Love you."
All his friends said, "We love you too!"
That one word, "Love" did something to the stand up comedian. From then on he committed to buying everyone in his sons class Taco Bell... for years!
The kids started liking Jo Koy too much.
Parents got irritated. One parent said,
"Why the *£◇☆#^% do you bring your son lunch every day? Your making all the other parents look bad!"
Jo Koy said of that particular mom, "I'm pretty sure her son Drake, liked me better then he did her."~Mixed Plate
But the funniest stories are about his Filipina mom.
At some point in the book Jo Koy talks about his son,
"I wanted him to know that I'd always had his back."
When little Joe was in 3rd grade, Jo Koy decided to bring his son's favorite lunch to school. Not Orange Chicken, but Taco 🌮 😋 Bell!
"Thanks dad. Love you."
All his friends said, "We love you too!"
That one word, "Love" did something to the stand up comedian. From then on he committed to buying everyone in his sons class Taco Bell... for years!
The kids started liking Jo Koy too much.
Parents got irritated. One parent said,
"Why the *£◇☆#^% do you bring your son lunch every day? Your making all the other parents look bad!"
Jo Koy said of that particular mom, "I'm pretty sure her son Drake, liked me better then he did her."~Mixed Plate
March 5, 2022
I didn’t know that Jo Koy had written a book until I came across an instagram post either on his page or Chelsea’s so I immediately went to the library to see if it was available and surprisingly the audio book was and there was a wait for the book. He dives into growing up with his unique family and taking the risk on making it as a comedian. I am unsure if I knew about his brother, must have been hard growing up. I haven’t read a lot about those with schizophrenia or growing up with someone who has it and I didn’t realize it could be so violent. He does repeat a couple of his jokes, but not upset about that. He became very successful later in life and I think that is pretty inspirational. He didn’t give up and is doing what he truly loves and not only that representing his culture. I listened to this pretty quickly and would listen to it again. He’s so funny!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2022
I didn’t know what to expect from this book but I really enjoyed learning how Jo Koy got to where he is now. I also really enjoyed the stories (and his imitation of his mom’s Filipino accent) of his moms and aunties because it reminded me of my mom and aunties and made me left or even just agreed with him like “Yup, that’s true” or “OMG! Yes that happened to us too”. I do commend him opening up about his brother, his mental health issue schizophrenia. That’s not something that is easy to talk about in general, but to open up and tell it in his book to the public was something that I really appreciate. In the Filipino culture that’s not something we talk about or address it with anyone. It’s the pride and embarrassment that makes it hard to talk about. I laughed, reflected and related to some of his stories!
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