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Delete That: And Other Failed Attempts to Look Good Online
John Crist wasn’t always recognizable as “the guy from that hilarious video in the grocery store.” Growing up part of a homeschool family of ten in rural Georgia with Mennonite grandparents and a high-school job at Chick-fil-A, he was an unlikely candidate for internet fame. Despite all that, or perhaps because of it, Crist passionately pursued his dream of stand-up comedy.
In his first book, Crist offers heartfelt, laugh-out-loud observations on the absurd ways we all try to make ourselves look better online: like how we all post filtered pictures of our super healthy kale salads but somehow neglect to post about our 1 A.M. Uber Eats Big Mac. Or how quick we all are to post our “I Voted” sticker pictures but fail to post about the ways we vote with our dollars every day in ways that don’t align with our loudly and publicly espoused values.
With self-deprecating wit, Crist chronicles his meteoric rise as an online and stand-up comedian, but he doesn’t gloss over the ways his own life choices did not align with his online image—a gap between perception and reality that eventually led to a stint in rehab.
In Delete That, Crist takes responsibility for his actions, offers some reflections on how to do better, and encourages us all to stop capitulating to the fear of “But what will they think?!” Instead, this book offers a bold invitation to stop curating life and start living it . . . one Nickelback concert at a time.
An upcoming book to be published by Penguin Random House.
In his first book, Crist offers heartfelt, laugh-out-loud observations on the absurd ways we all try to make ourselves look better online: like how we all post filtered pictures of our super healthy kale salads but somehow neglect to post about our 1 A.M. Uber Eats Big Mac. Or how quick we all are to post our “I Voted” sticker pictures but fail to post about the ways we vote with our dollars every day in ways that don’t align with our loudly and publicly espoused values.
With self-deprecating wit, Crist chronicles his meteoric rise as an online and stand-up comedian, but he doesn’t gloss over the ways his own life choices did not align with his online image—a gap between perception and reality that eventually led to a stint in rehab.
In Delete That, Crist takes responsibility for his actions, offers some reflections on how to do better, and encourages us all to stop capitulating to the fear of “But what will they think?!” Instead, this book offers a bold invitation to stop curating life and start living it . . . one Nickelback concert at a time.
An upcoming book to be published by Penguin Random House.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published October 18, 2022
167 people are currently reading
1476 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 347 reviews
November 2, 2022
I've been a big fan of John Crist for years. Love his videos and comedy. So I was excited to read his book as well. First let me say, it's not humor, so if you're looking for that this isn't the book for you. I think we get a glimpse of the real John (underneath the humor) in these pages. I agreed with most of what he had to say here. However, I was disappointed about one thing. He mentions consistently through the book that he has spent his whole life trying to fill the hole inside him with fame, comedy, approval, etc. He says he is a Christian and goes to church, but any true Christian understands that that hole inside us can only be filled with Jesus Christ. Saying you are a Christian and attending various churches does not mean you have a relationship with Jesus. It seems like he blames his moral failings on his upbringing, the pressures of fame, even the supposed prudishness of Christians. But the fact is that having God in control of your life is what keeps us faithful. He tries somewhat to take responsibility for his actions, but there's always a "but..." I'm not downplaying therapy and antidepressants. I've had years of therapy and have been on antidepressants for 19 years. I know firsthand what it's like to be curled up in a fetal position wanting to take my own life. I lived that way for years. But I also know that God deserves the glory for where I am today. He has filled that hole in my life that no one else could fill. I hope John finds that as well.
October 21, 2022
Raw. Real. Unfiltered. You may look at social media very differently after reading this.. ❤️
October 10, 2022
A few years ago, my husband and I attended a John Crist show. It was a great night full of laughter. Over the years I have watched and laughed at many of his online sketches. Laughter can ease the stress on hard days and I especially appreciate clean comedy.
Several years back, I remember briefly reading all about Crist’s scandal and subsequent time in rehab. It is no secret to anyone that pays attention that life in the spotlight can be hard for many, but what he reminds everyone is that sin is part of the human condition. Sounds a little like Paul, right? It just so happens that in an age of social media, some people’s battles are a little more public. I wanted to hear his story in his own words, so I was happy to get a copy of this book to review.
This is a quick and easy book to read. He takes us back to his childhood being raised as a pastor’s kid. We get insight into why he chose comedy as a career. He includes all the ups and downs that made him who he is today. I appreciate his vulnerability and honesty throughout in every chapter. It isn’t easy to take responsibility for your actions one-on-one. It is even harder in an age of social media when everyone thinks they are the judge and jury for individuals they have never even met.
I also love to see evidence of God working in someone’s life. Crist doesn’t shy away from sharing the hard lessons that he had to learn - and the ones he is still learning.
Memoirs are very difficult to review because they are someone’s personal life experience. The important thing for me in this genre is the lessons learned and how they moved forward. My biggest critique of this book is the missed opportunity to clearly share the gospel. I know this wasn’t his goal for the book, but I believe it is always valuable. All in all, I am glad I read this book!
Thank you @randomhouse for my gifted copy of Delete That: And Other Failed Attempts to Look Good Online by John Crist.
Several years back, I remember briefly reading all about Crist’s scandal and subsequent time in rehab. It is no secret to anyone that pays attention that life in the spotlight can be hard for many, but what he reminds everyone is that sin is part of the human condition. Sounds a little like Paul, right? It just so happens that in an age of social media, some people’s battles are a little more public. I wanted to hear his story in his own words, so I was happy to get a copy of this book to review.
This is a quick and easy book to read. He takes us back to his childhood being raised as a pastor’s kid. We get insight into why he chose comedy as a career. He includes all the ups and downs that made him who he is today. I appreciate his vulnerability and honesty throughout in every chapter. It isn’t easy to take responsibility for your actions one-on-one. It is even harder in an age of social media when everyone thinks they are the judge and jury for individuals they have never even met.
I also love to see evidence of God working in someone’s life. Crist doesn’t shy away from sharing the hard lessons that he had to learn - and the ones he is still learning.
Memoirs are very difficult to review because they are someone’s personal life experience. The important thing for me in this genre is the lessons learned and how they moved forward. My biggest critique of this book is the missed opportunity to clearly share the gospel. I know this wasn’t his goal for the book, but I believe it is always valuable. All in all, I am glad I read this book!
Thank you @randomhouse for my gifted copy of Delete That: And Other Failed Attempts to Look Good Online by John Crist.
October 30, 2022
Book 109 of 2022
Thank you @JohnCrist.
All I ever want from an autobiography is honesty. Vulnerability. The raw story. Crist delivered here in a big way.
We have a major problem right now with social media and self worth. So many people are finding their self worth from “likes” and “follows” and even though people talk about it, most people aren’t DOING anything about it. I love that Crist was honest about his journey from the start. He never made an excuse, he never tried to polish it into something he wasn’t. He had his own struggles, and shared how they manifested in his life. I think that we need be having more of these conversations out in the open because there are major pitfalls in social media, and it’s easy to loose yourself in the game of it. So many people right now curate their image and hid in the shadows. Crist shares the beauty of being free, and that is a message that needs to be screamed from the rooftops.
I also love that Crist talks a lot about his spiritual life, but this isn’t a Christian book. He is open about his childhood as a pastor’s kid, and how the environment in his conservation circles led to a lot of shame. This is also a conversation that needs to be had because the true love of God is NOT about shame and secrets. He is about true forgiveness, grace and the beauty of redemption. How Crist blended that with vulnerability and the truth of his story – I thought it a perfect blend.
There is no greater thing for me than coming out of the shadows and being vulnerability with the reality – the humiliating, the mistakes, the ugly. Because then you can breathe a sigh of relief that it’s out there. I think that for Crist, writing this book and putting everything out there was a huge sigh of relief, and I have nothing but respect for him. I love his videos -- his grocery store cancellation video is still my all-time favorite… “Paw Patrol! Cancelled!” Plus, his narrated his own audiobook which is also my favorite. The timing of his jokes, his humor and his sweet nature came out… it was like a wonderful discussion with an old friend with a lot of Chick-fil-A references.
Rating -- four and a half stars
Format -- audio book
Thank you @JohnCrist.
All I ever want from an autobiography is honesty. Vulnerability. The raw story. Crist delivered here in a big way.
We have a major problem right now with social media and self worth. So many people are finding their self worth from “likes” and “follows” and even though people talk about it, most people aren’t DOING anything about it. I love that Crist was honest about his journey from the start. He never made an excuse, he never tried to polish it into something he wasn’t. He had his own struggles, and shared how they manifested in his life. I think that we need be having more of these conversations out in the open because there are major pitfalls in social media, and it’s easy to loose yourself in the game of it. So many people right now curate their image and hid in the shadows. Crist shares the beauty of being free, and that is a message that needs to be screamed from the rooftops.
I also love that Crist talks a lot about his spiritual life, but this isn’t a Christian book. He is open about his childhood as a pastor’s kid, and how the environment in his conservation circles led to a lot of shame. This is also a conversation that needs to be had because the true love of God is NOT about shame and secrets. He is about true forgiveness, grace and the beauty of redemption. How Crist blended that with vulnerability and the truth of his story – I thought it a perfect blend.
There is no greater thing for me than coming out of the shadows and being vulnerability with the reality – the humiliating, the mistakes, the ugly. Because then you can breathe a sigh of relief that it’s out there. I think that for Crist, writing this book and putting everything out there was a huge sigh of relief, and I have nothing but respect for him. I love his videos -- his grocery store cancellation video is still my all-time favorite… “Paw Patrol! Cancelled!” Plus, his narrated his own audiobook which is also my favorite. The timing of his jokes, his humor and his sweet nature came out… it was like a wonderful discussion with an old friend with a lot of Chick-fil-A references.
Rating -- four and a half stars
Format -- audio book
February 10, 2023
There are obviously a lot of John Crist fans that love this book. I'm not going to say too much about it, other than note the irony of giving a 1 star review to a book titled "Delete That". Ha! I think Crist is funny, and I enjoy and relate to a lot of his online content. But...I don't think this book is very good. A lot of it is rehashed parts of his stage comedy with some glossed over details about his "scandal" now that he's 3 years past it. I should be clear that my 1 star review is for the book - writing, timeline issues, etc. and not for the content of his life which seems anything but funny.
August 14, 2023
I'm going 4.5 stars. This book was full of raw stories that had me crying, feeling so much of his pain and also laughing out loud more times than I can count. He talks often about a gaping hole in his inner self that he tried for so long to fill with comedy. He talks openly about his addiction to the rush he gets from people laughing at his jokes or liking his material. I think we can all relate to craving that attention in one way or another. When referring to this rush he says "The thing is, dopamine doesn't know right from wrong. Dopamine doesn't care whether you are posting your mom's pot roast recipe or election disinformation. It just wants engagement, reaction, buzz, attention. It just needs a hit. Why is this starting to sound more and more like one of those documentaries about drug addiction?" and how the need for this rush sent him into a mental heatlh downward spiral.
He seems to have grown up in a pretty legalistic church and home and talks a lot about some of the shame that comes from being raised in that environment. I could relate to a lot of that content! And I think this makes up a lot of his comedy material.
I appreciated his honesty about his flaws. And his encouragement for us to all stop pretending. I am on board with that, because like John, I grew up not talking about my sin. We hid that. And that is dangerous. But so is only talking about our sin and not ever moving toward repentance. I wish he would have talked more about that or touched on at least knowing that truth. When he talks about the hole that needs filling or the loneliness (hello, been there!), and after singing lyrics this morning in church that say "when I cannot stand, I'll fall on you. Jesus you're my hope and stay", it was such a reminder that peace is found and kept in Christ alone. I truly hope John has experienced that peace!
I enjoyed this book a lot!
He seems to have grown up in a pretty legalistic church and home and talks a lot about some of the shame that comes from being raised in that environment. I could relate to a lot of that content! And I think this makes up a lot of his comedy material.
I appreciated his honesty about his flaws. And his encouragement for us to all stop pretending. I am on board with that, because like John, I grew up not talking about my sin. We hid that. And that is dangerous. But so is only talking about our sin and not ever moving toward repentance. I wish he would have talked more about that or touched on at least knowing that truth. When he talks about the hole that needs filling or the loneliness (hello, been there!), and after singing lyrics this morning in church that say "when I cannot stand, I'll fall on you. Jesus you're my hope and stay", it was such a reminder that peace is found and kept in Christ alone. I truly hope John has experienced that peace!
I enjoyed this book a lot!
December 12, 2022
I can't decide if I loved or hated the ending of this book. He didn't tie the end in a pretty little bow to make us feel like he was all better and "complete". It wasn't satisfying, however it's pretty brilliant too. I think that's his whole point throughout the whole book. We are all always a work in progress and doing our best. We need to let go of the need to be perfect or appear a certain way for other people.
Anyway, I very much enjoyed it. If you like understanding people and getting a peek inside someones heart you'll enjoy this. He was honest, vulnerable, and personable. I disagree with other people and thought it balanced serious moments with humor.
I'm excited to see where his journey goes. As someone of faith I had to go through a similar journey where I had to put my religious beliefs and a shelf. Cultural things confused me as well. After going through a 12 step program I was able to slowly bring my beliefs back in with a new perspective. God wasn't the problem. I learned to let go of shame and guilt. My relationship with God improved as I learned to let go.
Anyway, I related and enjoyed it!
Anyway, I very much enjoyed it. If you like understanding people and getting a peek inside someones heart you'll enjoy this. He was honest, vulnerable, and personable. I disagree with other people and thought it balanced serious moments with humor.
I'm excited to see where his journey goes. As someone of faith I had to go through a similar journey where I had to put my religious beliefs and a shelf. Cultural things confused me as well. After going through a 12 step program I was able to slowly bring my beliefs back in with a new perspective. God wasn't the problem. I learned to let go of shame and guilt. My relationship with God improved as I learned to let go.
Anyway, I related and enjoyed it!
December 9, 2023
One of the main themes of Delete This is the performative facade Crist felt pressured to project on- and offline because of his fear of man and deep-rooted desire to be loved and approved of. While I don't relate as much to the former, I can relate to the latter, especially as he details the use of social media and personal media to distract from uncomfortable feelings. So it was a little disappointing that the conclusion of Crist's social scanda, three months in recovery, and the slow return to a public face was not much more than AA aphorisms about identifying the origins of one's emotional reactions (being one of eight kids in a busy family and age feeling often overlooked while his parents ran the church and homeschooled everyone), behaving cautiously in problem areas (when posting on social media/untagging unflattering posts from others/going somewhere solely to virtue signal etc) and working harder to seek validation apart from the success of a performance. I think there was a single line about changing his perspective of God, but that was as much as he had to say about his faith in almost the entire book.
(I don't know if Crist is a believer, so this shouldn't surprise me, but given his content and how solidly he built up the feelings of loss and confusion when hitting rock bottom, I hoped that he would turn things around by seeking God at that low point. He speaks at length to the profound lack that he felt and the hole in his life which fame, attention, love, and worldly success could not fill, but never addresses what he thinks might actually satisfy his soul. We can pray that the answer will be obvious to him when he's ready to look.)
Most of the book was a humorous retelling of how he reached that low point and a bit about how he's worked past it. He really nailed the balance of comedy bit and narrative, which impressed me. It never felt too disjointed when moving from topic to topic or serious reflection to humorous aside.
(I don't know if Crist is a believer, so this shouldn't surprise me, but given his content and how solidly he built up the feelings of loss and confusion when hitting rock bottom, I hoped that he would turn things around by seeking God at that low point. He speaks at length to the profound lack that he felt and the hole in his life which fame, attention, love, and worldly success could not fill, but never addresses what he thinks might actually satisfy his soul. We can pray that the answer will be obvious to him when he's ready to look.)
Most of the book was a humorous retelling of how he reached that low point and a bit about how he's worked past it. He really nailed the balance of comedy bit and narrative, which impressed me. It never felt too disjointed when moving from topic to topic or serious reflection to humorous aside.
January 8, 2023
I like the honesty in this book and it’s a great reminder of the necessity to show your loved ones that they are seen and heard….aka….loved….not for what they can do but simply because they are. It did seem to ramble on a bit at times and was somewhat repetitive. I think a better editing job would have made this book better.
April 8, 2024
I love John Crist. Or more appropriately, I should say I love his videos. For years I have appreciated his candor and ability to poke fun at all the hypocrisy and oddities that can be a part of the Evangelical culture. I remember when the news broke about his “secret life”. While this memoir digs into his upbringing, Christian experiences, and reasons behind some of his downfall, he doesn’t hesitate to take blame for doing exactly what we all do: Sin. While hearing about his healing through rehab was interesting, it would’ve been nice to hear a little bit more about his personal testimony, and walk with the Lord through it. Not just generalizing “God” and “church”. But there were some pretty amazing little nuggets of wisdom, and I’m happy that he seems to be in a much healthier place. We were at one of his shows after he came back, and he was truly grateful at the end for everyone who had supported him through it all. He genuinely thought no one would support his comedy after that. I love the examples of the flight attendant, sponsors, and letters he received that all showed their support and understanding. For all the flack Christians have gotten as a whole for being super judgmental, many of us are very forgiving. We know that humans are all human, we’re all flawed. Churches aren’t for perfect people, they’re for everyone, especially the sick and broken.
I think what scares me the most is he seemed to have a typical 80s and 90s evangelical childhood. His parents were kind, loved each other, and their family sounds pretty healthy. I mean, no family is perfect, and 8 kids would put a strain on them, but it sounded like they were doing all the right things that all of the Christian leaders (and Dr. Dobson books) probably told them to do. Yet their son still had this huge hole that stemmed from some of the things that they did not do for him as a child. I don’t feel like he placed blame on their parenting for his issues, he just has all these little things he looks back on as contributing to his dysfunction. As a parent myself, I know that we are still VERY imperfect. And having kids tends to magnify all of our flaws exponentially. So who knows how many little things I’m doing that will affect my kids later. 🙄
Quotes:
To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.- original quote from Tim Keller
Untagging ourselves doesn’t change history.
Maybe this was what church was supposed to be. It’s not a gala reception for life’s winners. It’s for the broken, the sick.
Hey, I’m broken, I’m not ok all the time. And nearly every time I’ve admitted my many imperfections to anyone, they typically respond, “SAME!”
This is all part of the distance between who we are, who we claim to be, and who we aim to be. In a perfect world, all three of those would be the same. But this is not a perfect world, and none of us are perfect people.
I think what scares me the most is he seemed to have a typical 80s and 90s evangelical childhood. His parents were kind, loved each other, and their family sounds pretty healthy. I mean, no family is perfect, and 8 kids would put a strain on them, but it sounded like they were doing all the right things that all of the Christian leaders (and Dr. Dobson books) probably told them to do. Yet their son still had this huge hole that stemmed from some of the things that they did not do for him as a child. I don’t feel like he placed blame on their parenting for his issues, he just has all these little things he looks back on as contributing to his dysfunction. As a parent myself, I know that we are still VERY imperfect. And having kids tends to magnify all of our flaws exponentially. So who knows how many little things I’m doing that will affect my kids later. 🙄
Quotes:
To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.- original quote from Tim Keller
Untagging ourselves doesn’t change history.
Maybe this was what church was supposed to be. It’s not a gala reception for life’s winners. It’s for the broken, the sick.
Hey, I’m broken, I’m not ok all the time. And nearly every time I’ve admitted my many imperfections to anyone, they typically respond, “SAME!”
This is all part of the distance between who we are, who we claim to be, and who we aim to be. In a perfect world, all three of those would be the same. But this is not a perfect world, and none of us are perfect people.
November 1, 2022
I really love this guy comedy. There is something about comedy that can really bring you out of a down time or a dark place. This book is about the dark place John found himself in and how he has felt with that and is dealing with that. He grew up in a homeschool family of 10, I did too. A lot of the things he talks about I can relate to as well.
February 16, 2023
3.9/5
it always feels weird to give a rating on somebody’s like autobiography because it’s like rating their life story 🥴
but this story was very interesting to hear about his life and his journey, through comedic stardom, and the victories & pitfalls of all that.
it always feels weird to give a rating on somebody’s like autobiography because it’s like rating their life story 🥴
but this story was very interesting to hear about his life and his journey, through comedic stardom, and the victories & pitfalls of all that.
March 4, 2023
This was a really good and interesting story. I love him as a comedian, but this is a more serious story. Some funny parts of course but it’s a real eye opener in a world revolving around social media. Highly recommend everyone to read this.
January 14, 2023
I first experienced John Crist (and Trey Kennedy) through their accurate mockery of Nashville Bachelorettes. Look it up! 😂 Crist, known for clean comedy, poking fun at his own religion, and being canceled by people with zero sense of humor nor compassion, lays bare his childhood, comedy career, and vices. A common theme is the social media curation we all cultivate. I appreciate how honest this felt, and he nailed the audio narration.
PS. I always appreciate a local author. Thank you for representing Nashville, and the south, well!
PS. I always appreciate a local author. Thank you for representing Nashville, and the south, well!
January 3, 2024
Dude had me ROLLIN' 😆 I was frequently laughing through tears at this perfect blend of comedy and real-life hardship. It's a dive into John Crist's life--all of it, it seems. I appreciate the openness and realness that make up one of my favorite books of the year!
I don't typically read books like this, but I'm glad it was loaned to me! Sorry John Crist; I owe you $19.99.
I don't typically read books like this, but I'm glad it was loaned to me! Sorry John Crist; I owe you $19.99.
January 22, 2024
I really enjoy John Crist’s comedy bits on YouTube. I’m not as familiar with his standup, but the few clips I’ve seen make me laugh. I didn’t even know he had a book until I picked it up at the thrift store.
I enjoyed this book. It was part memoir, part reflection on the hold social media and phones have on our generation.
It was funny, and I enjoyed the stories from his childhood. Even if some of those were kind of sad.
I’m only giving this 3.5 stars though. Despite him coming to a realization that he has an alcohol issue and a desperate need for attention from women in particular, i never really felt like I knew where he is at. I didn’t really see a huge change in him. I don’t know where he is with his relationship with God, in particular. And that left me kind of sad.
I enjoyed this book. It was part memoir, part reflection on the hold social media and phones have on our generation.
It was funny, and I enjoyed the stories from his childhood. Even if some of those were kind of sad.
I’m only giving this 3.5 stars though. Despite him coming to a realization that he has an alcohol issue and a desperate need for attention from women in particular, i never really felt like I knew where he is at. I didn’t really see a huge change in him. I don’t know where he is with his relationship with God, in particular. And that left me kind of sad.
Read
August 8, 2024Delete That (And Other Failed Attempts to Look Good Online) by John Crist is an autobiography of John’s life and he shares the trials he has walked through the last few years. I listened to the audio book which was read by the author, and found that it added greatly to my experience.
I have enjoyed John’s comedy and videos through the years. My son and I would watch his videos during my son’s chemotherapy treatments. We would laugh aloud and they would make my son’s day.
The author shares very honestly how his family, faith, and homeschooling have shaped him. I appreciated the depth and honesty as he related his story and how he walked through the recovery process. He has a great way of sharing his struggles and encouraging you to be real with yourself, others, and God. I found the story very refreshing!
I enjoyed laughing, learning, and reflecting with the author on his journey. I found the story uplifting and encouraging and loved this wonderful real life redemption story! I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy by the publisher, but not required to write a positive review.
I have enjoyed John’s comedy and videos through the years. My son and I would watch his videos during my son’s chemotherapy treatments. We would laugh aloud and they would make my son’s day.
The author shares very honestly how his family, faith, and homeschooling have shaped him. I appreciated the depth and honesty as he related his story and how he walked through the recovery process. He has a great way of sharing his struggles and encouraging you to be real with yourself, others, and God. I found the story very refreshing!
I enjoyed laughing, learning, and reflecting with the author on his journey. I found the story uplifting and encouraging and loved this wonderful real life redemption story! I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy by the publisher, but not required to write a positive review.
March 3, 2023
It's easy to see why so many Americans can relate to John Crist. He's a straight white male with palatable problems that are perfect for Christian comedy.
But to me, the book felt as disingenuous as the filtered images he decries. Crist has enough self-awareness to recognize his "E-List celebrity" status but wonders why he's better known at a Nascar event than a hip-hop concert. I thought he was being facetious until a few minutes later (on Audiobook), Crist likens himself to Richard Pryor with the quote, "If you want to tell people the truth, first make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you." Pryor was a Black man coming up in America during the Civil Rights movement; his life literally depended on "disarming" the police with humor. These two people are not the same.
As an entertainer, Crist should know that it's better to show, not tell. But it felt like he was constantly having to remind us, "Oh hey, I'm funny and I know some Bible stuff, so that makes me a Christian," instead of just showing kindness and being funny.
He's got some good insight, but coming to terms with his privilege could be what Crist needs to fill the void he struggles with.
But to me, the book felt as disingenuous as the filtered images he decries. Crist has enough self-awareness to recognize his "E-List celebrity" status but wonders why he's better known at a Nascar event than a hip-hop concert. I thought he was being facetious until a few minutes later (on Audiobook), Crist likens himself to Richard Pryor with the quote, "If you want to tell people the truth, first make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you." Pryor was a Black man coming up in America during the Civil Rights movement; his life literally depended on "disarming" the police with humor. These two people are not the same.
As an entertainer, Crist should know that it's better to show, not tell. But it felt like he was constantly having to remind us, "Oh hey, I'm funny and I know some Bible stuff, so that makes me a Christian," instead of just showing kindness and being funny.
He's got some good insight, but coming to terms with his privilege could be what Crist needs to fill the void he struggles with.
Read
July 16, 2024Thank you @PRHAudio for the complimentary audiobook!
Delete That (And Other Failed Attempts to Look Good Online) by John Crist is an autobiography of John’s life and he shares the trials he has walked through the last few years. I listened to the audio book which was read by the author, and found that it added greatly to my experience.
I have enjoyed John’s comedy and videos through the years. My son and I would watch his videos during my son’s chemotherapy treatments. We would laugh aloud and they would make my son’s day. The author shares very honestly how his family, faith, and homeschooling have shaped him. I appreciated the depth and honesty as he related his story and how he walked through the recovery process. He has a great way of sharing his struggles and encouraging you to be real with yourself, others, and God. I found the story very refreshing!
I enjoyed laughing, learning, and reflecting with the author on his journey. I found the story uplifting and encouraging and loved this wonderful real life redemption story! I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy by the publisher, but not required to write a positive review.
Delete That (And Other Failed Attempts to Look Good Online) by John Crist is an autobiography of John’s life and he shares the trials he has walked through the last few years. I listened to the audio book which was read by the author, and found that it added greatly to my experience.
I have enjoyed John’s comedy and videos through the years. My son and I would watch his videos during my son’s chemotherapy treatments. We would laugh aloud and they would make my son’s day. The author shares very honestly how his family, faith, and homeschooling have shaped him. I appreciated the depth and honesty as he related his story and how he walked through the recovery process. He has a great way of sharing his struggles and encouraging you to be real with yourself, others, and God. I found the story very refreshing!
I enjoyed laughing, learning, and reflecting with the author on his journey. I found the story uplifting and encouraging and loved this wonderful real life redemption story! I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy by the publisher, but not required to write a positive review.
June 6, 2023
I wanted to love this book, and there are some spots I really enjoyed where he got real or was cracking a joke. (Mudslide is one of his best lines.) But, in the end, during rehab, when he should have turned to God- he turned to man. He even states his faith in humanity was restored. That’s all great John, and I’m glad you are trying to live right, but without God front and center, everyone eventually fails. I’m praying you put Him in front, not faith in yourself or humanity- cause man, we will always fail.
July 28, 2023
Did not finish
While I find transparency refreshing, this book missed the mark for me. It got too repetitive and I’m not sure what the point of it was? It wasn’t all that funny, it wasn’t really a biography, and it wasn’t informative. It sounded like the author just felt like hearing himself talk.
While I find transparency refreshing, this book missed the mark for me. It got too repetitive and I’m not sure what the point of it was? It wasn’t all that funny, it wasn’t really a biography, and it wasn’t informative. It sounded like the author just felt like hearing himself talk.
January 3, 2023
Book 2 of 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This came highly recommended from a friend, so I was excited to dive in. I have seen a lot of John Crist’s videos on Instagram & Facebook, and he’s fairly well known as a Christian comedian. This was a raw, honest, and unfiltered glimpse into his life. He was vulnerable and didn’t hold anything back. I appreciated his honesty here.
Crist dove into his struggle with finding satisfaction, approval and identity in his audiences, likes, comments, views, and shares. Our current generations are fighting so many battles in a digital age, and I believe what we’re finding is a slippery slope. Crist talks about what that looked like for him, including his time spent in rehab.
I also appreciate how Crist talks about churches and the role they play in the way we view God and how he views us. He details a time during rehab/therapy where he realized God wasn’t this guy upstairs with a checklist of rules, checking us off each day. Rather, He’s sitting beside us, with us, and walking through every day with us. I loved the imagery he used to explain this change in thought.
I tell my students’ parents every year that the hardest thing for our kids anymore is the fight for their identity—who they are & how that’s defined by who God says we are, not by the likes, comments, and opinions of others. I pray this over my kids and students so often because I see how hard it is for them. I love that John Crist vulnerably shared his story and struggle with this. It’s an ongoing battle and struggle for so many & I truly believe his story will positively impact and encourage so many.
Format: audiobook (highly recommend—he narrates it himself; Libby)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This came highly recommended from a friend, so I was excited to dive in. I have seen a lot of John Crist’s videos on Instagram & Facebook, and he’s fairly well known as a Christian comedian. This was a raw, honest, and unfiltered glimpse into his life. He was vulnerable and didn’t hold anything back. I appreciated his honesty here.
Crist dove into his struggle with finding satisfaction, approval and identity in his audiences, likes, comments, views, and shares. Our current generations are fighting so many battles in a digital age, and I believe what we’re finding is a slippery slope. Crist talks about what that looked like for him, including his time spent in rehab.
I also appreciate how Crist talks about churches and the role they play in the way we view God and how he views us. He details a time during rehab/therapy where he realized God wasn’t this guy upstairs with a checklist of rules, checking us off each day. Rather, He’s sitting beside us, with us, and walking through every day with us. I loved the imagery he used to explain this change in thought.
I tell my students’ parents every year that the hardest thing for our kids anymore is the fight for their identity—who they are & how that’s defined by who God says we are, not by the likes, comments, and opinions of others. I pray this over my kids and students so often because I see how hard it is for them. I love that John Crist vulnerably shared his story and struggle with this. It’s an ongoing battle and struggle for so many & I truly believe his story will positively impact and encourage so many.
Format: audiobook (highly recommend—he narrates it himself; Libby)
February 5, 2023
I love memoirs, especially when they are honest and vulnerable and don't just share the good things that made the person someone who writes them. John Crist delivers.
I have followed John Crist on Instagram for a while. As a Christian, his brand of Christian comedy is both funny and at times convicting. In this book, Crist shares about how we all try to make ourselves look better, a survival skill that has always been there but is magnified with social media and carefully curated posts and photos. He shares about his childhood in a large family with a pastor dad, his comedy career and his struggles with his personal life not lining up with his professional image.
In Delete That, John Crist is honest and raw about his moral failures and his time in recovery as well as his continued struggles but also his progress. It is refreshing to read a book that is so honest from a Christian. He knew that when he finished recovery and came back online and addressed the elephant in the room, his failings, that he would be cancelled by many but he did it anyway. He is still on his journey but moving in the right direction.
One of my favorite quotes, "This is all part of the distance between who we are, who we claim to be and who we aim to be. In a perfect world all three of those would be the same. But this is not a perfect world and none of us are perfect people."
I have followed John Crist on Instagram for a while. As a Christian, his brand of Christian comedy is both funny and at times convicting. In this book, Crist shares about how we all try to make ourselves look better, a survival skill that has always been there but is magnified with social media and carefully curated posts and photos. He shares about his childhood in a large family with a pastor dad, his comedy career and his struggles with his personal life not lining up with his professional image.
In Delete That, John Crist is honest and raw about his moral failures and his time in recovery as well as his continued struggles but also his progress. It is refreshing to read a book that is so honest from a Christian. He knew that when he finished recovery and came back online and addressed the elephant in the room, his failings, that he would be cancelled by many but he did it anyway. He is still on his journey but moving in the right direction.
One of my favorite quotes, "This is all part of the distance between who we are, who we claim to be and who we aim to be. In a perfect world all three of those would be the same. But this is not a perfect world and none of us are perfect people."
February 11, 2024
I was invited to a John Crist comedy show, which was my first introduction to this man. In the lobby, the merchandise table sold this book. I, hoping to hear the book in the author's voice, bought the audible version the next day. After the show, I had a lot of questions about this guy. He had a clean comedy show and it was extremely funny, but some of the "church" jokes seemed irreverent and left me with questions. This book cleared that up.
John does not use his comedy as a ministry. He is a comedian who happens to be a Christian. He is also very human. He does not hold back in this book and shares his best and worst moments, his bad decisions, and his triumphs. He uncovers the need of people, including himself, to make themselves look good on social media but never letting people see the reality of their lives. He has good insight on the topic and delivers it in an easy and sometimes humorous way. I related to his growing up in a religious family and the things he went through as a child. I appreciated his vulnerability throughout his personal story and am glad he is in a better place in his life currently. It is an inspiring story that made me think.
John does not use his comedy as a ministry. He is a comedian who happens to be a Christian. He is also very human. He does not hold back in this book and shares his best and worst moments, his bad decisions, and his triumphs. He uncovers the need of people, including himself, to make themselves look good on social media but never letting people see the reality of their lives. He has good insight on the topic and delivers it in an easy and sometimes humorous way. I related to his growing up in a religious family and the things he went through as a child. I appreciated his vulnerability throughout his personal story and am glad he is in a better place in his life currently. It is an inspiring story that made me think.
November 14, 2022
4.5! Now THIS is a humble, self reflective, introspective memoir with a side of laughs. John Crist is a Christian comedian who got canceled (because our society is so dramatic and hypocritical) but then was able to grow and become even more successful.
Honestly it reminds me of the story of Job in that sometimes when things are taken from you, God returns them in abundance. In John's case, he came back stronger with a book and a podcast to boot.
I could relate to a lot of how he felt which is a result of a Christian upbringing and the shame and guilt that can inflict on certain things. I found this memoir to be profound, relatable, and entertaining with laugh out loud moments.
Haters will always hate so please ignore the 1 star reviews from people who didnt even read it because they have their own idea of who he is. Give people a chance to learn and grow from their mistakes. Sometimes it's exactly what they want and need. And we all deserve forgiveness.
Honestly it reminds me of the story of Job in that sometimes when things are taken from you, God returns them in abundance. In John's case, he came back stronger with a book and a podcast to boot.
I could relate to a lot of how he felt which is a result of a Christian upbringing and the shame and guilt that can inflict on certain things. I found this memoir to be profound, relatable, and entertaining with laugh out loud moments.
Haters will always hate so please ignore the 1 star reviews from people who didnt even read it because they have their own idea of who he is. Give people a chance to learn and grow from their mistakes. Sometimes it's exactly what they want and need. And we all deserve forgiveness.
June 29, 2023
I have loved John Crist for awhile! If you do not know his mannerisms, you might not understand the humor in the book, but ultimately the book is not supposed to be humorous. This book shares about his Crist’s live as a comedian and what it is like to live up to everyone else’s expectations, just the same as everyone else does all the time especially on social media. We are all people-pleasers in the end and he owns up to everything that he has done and still admits he is not perfect in the end. My favorite part was the second half of the book when he is sharing about his time in rehab and what he learned. I followed him and was filled with joy once he came back on Instagram, and now he is bigger, more vulnerable, and just as funny as ever and it’s really reflected in this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
This book was very honest, vulnerable and raw. This book is not funny if that is what you are looking for, you have come to the wrong place. This book is about Crist's upbringing and how it contributed to his life and why he chose comedy as a career. He talks about all his ups and downs and how social media and the constant need for approval drove him into rehab and the need for recovery.
Memoirs are hard to review because these are peoples life experiences and I don't like to rate them, but I really enjoyed this memoir because Crist did what I expect out of all memoirs, he was honest and open about everything. He did not shy away or hide any hard truths about his life.
I listened to this on audio through the libby app and I highly recommend it because Crist is a the narrator.
Memoirs are hard to review because these are peoples life experiences and I don't like to rate them, but I really enjoyed this memoir because Crist did what I expect out of all memoirs, he was honest and open about everything. He did not shy away or hide any hard truths about his life.
I listened to this on audio through the libby app and I highly recommend it because Crist is a the narrator.
Read
February 22, 2023I listened to the audio version while following along with the book. I did most enjoy that John Crist did the narration. I almost always find a biography, if not all books, are most enjoyable when read by the author.
As to the book itself...I found it okay. The events were dated, but it became a little confusing keeping all the dates in order...because it was told out of sequence and pieced together throughout.
There isn't much humor in the book and I don't think that it's intended to be either. The most humorous line was a quote from Tim Hawkins on what he would've done in a situation John found himself in on stage.
As to the book itself...I found it okay. The events were dated, but it became a little confusing keeping all the dates in order...because it was told out of sequence and pieced together throughout.
There isn't much humor in the book and I don't think that it's intended to be either. The most humorous line was a quote from Tim Hawkins on what he would've done in a situation John found himself in on stage.
February 11, 2023
Praying that this guy can stick to his recovery and deal well with his issues since he continues to live in the very world that started his troubles— I’ve always enjoyed his comedy and appreciate that he is trying to make amends and understand the roots of years of church trauma and legalistic religion. Thankful he is choosing to continue as a believer and didn’t deconstruct all together but hope he surrounds himself with people who will encourage him in his walk and hold him accountable and not just be championing his gift as a comedian.
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