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All by My Selves: Walter, Peanut, Achmed, and Me
Whether he's breathing life into Walter, an old curmudgeon; Peanut, an over-caffeinated purple maniac; or Achmed, a screaming, skeletal, dead terrorist, comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham is the straight man to some of the wildest, funniest partners in show business.
All By My Selves is the story of one pretty ordinary guy, one interesting hobby, one very understanding set of parents, and a long and winding road to becoming America's favorite comedian. With wit, honesty, and lots of great show business detail, Dunham shares all the major moments in his journey to worldwide fame and success.
All By My Selves is the story of one pretty ordinary guy, one interesting hobby, one very understanding set of parents, and a long and winding road to becoming America's favorite comedian. With wit, honesty, and lots of great show business detail, Dunham shares all the major moments in his journey to worldwide fame and success.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2009
73 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Dunham
17 books27 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
April 14, 2019
A fairly good autobiography of a guy who got rich and famous via ventriloquy, Jeff Dunham. His path to show biz fame is a bit different than most, as there's only maybe three really famous ventriloquists ever. No struggle with drugs, or alcohol or any other addictions, if that's what you go in for.
There are some pretty funny bits where Jeff interacts with his dummies in print. Really gives the book a different flavor.
There are some pretty funny bits where Jeff interacts with his dummies in print. Really gives the book a different flavor.
June 30, 2016
A good book, while on a trip I was able to smuggle it into Cuba so I could give it to a very good friend of mine on this island to have, as the Cubans find comedian Jeff Dunham and his colorful cast of characters a big hit here oddly on the Cuban Black-Market.
October 15, 2019
I love Jeff Dunham and his characters. My favorite has to be Peanut. I love his antics and everything in between. From the start of the book and to the end you learn so much about who he is behind the scenes and what he’s done to get to be the name sake he is now.
March 22, 2023
Interesting look into Mr. Dunham's life-long passion for his art. I enjoyed learning behind-the-scenes info and history of ventriloquism as well.
June 28, 2020
The most important thing to say is that this is one of those books that works really well as an audiobook. Peanut, Achmed, etc., chipping in with their comments from time to time in their actual voices goes over very well.
I am not a big fan of biographies, nor particularly of Dunham, but I found myself drawn into this book. It is paced just right for me and it was easy to keep track of everything going on. Dunham's story is one of sheer hard work and enthusiasm, rather than luck or self-belief (though he had the latter). I first came across him in a friend's bar in Spain when my friend put the YouTube video mentioned in the book on the bar's TV screens and gave deep belly laughs at Achmed. It was nice to have that personal connection with a story in the book.
There are plenty of notes on life in showbusiness and touring and how hard it can be on family life, but it's a pretty uplifting book which is about how focussing your effort can really pay off.
I am not a big fan of biographies, nor particularly of Dunham, but I found myself drawn into this book. It is paced just right for me and it was easy to keep track of everything going on. Dunham's story is one of sheer hard work and enthusiasm, rather than luck or self-belief (though he had the latter). I first came across him in a friend's bar in Spain when my friend put the YouTube video mentioned in the book on the bar's TV screens and gave deep belly laughs at Achmed. It was nice to have that personal connection with a story in the book.
There are plenty of notes on life in showbusiness and touring and how hard it can be on family life, but it's a pretty uplifting book which is about how focussing your effort can really pay off.
January 7, 2011
All By My Selves by Jeff Dunham is a quirky autobiography by an equally quirky man. Dunham has achieved international fame through his comedic ventriloquism act with puppets Walter, Peanut, Achmed, and more. He traces the course of that journey through this book that begins with his eighth Christmas when his parents purchased him a ventriloquist's dummy named Mortimer Snerd. Something changed in Dunham permanently that day and he began practicing how to operate the vent (that is the term used in the business for the puppet or dummy) and speaking without using his lips. After giving a book report with Mortimer, he discovered that he could make people laugh, and there was no turning back. Dunham spent his junior high and high school years traveling to ventriloquist conventions, performing for summer camps, business dinners, and eventually doing commercials for a local car dealership. Dunham's writing is interspersed with lines from his crowd of characters commenting on his lack of love life and major geekdom (Dunham is a huge fan of Star Trek, to the point of carrying a credit card with the Enterprise on it!). The book exposes Dunham as a genuinely likable man who is very driven to succeed. He sees opportunities where others would see walls and is constantly working to improve himself and his act. The book is a surprisingly enjoyable read. Dunham's writing voice is very conversational and friendly, and the interruptions by his characters lighten the mood and keep the story moving smoothly. The best parts are his stories of the road, how he cobbled together a Jose the Jalapeno from posterboard and masking tape when the airport lost his luggage, when a taking care of a heckler turned into a horrifying gaffe, rigging up his vent to move on its own for the high school talent show, and doing donuts in the parking lot of White Castle. Dunham is just as hilarious in book form as he is on stage, and when readers finish the book, they will want to immediately watch his DVDs now that they know the secret behind some of the best bits. If you are already a fan, you'll love this book, and if you aren't one, the book will make you one.
September 10, 2015
I've had Jeff Dunham's autobiography, All By My Selves, sitting on my "to read" shelf for quite some time. I have no other reason for not getting to it sooner other than time and "not being in a biography mood". Luckily, the stars aligned and I read the book.
In fact, I enjoyed it so much that it only took me about 2 days to read it. The text was easy to digest, the content was entertaining, and, well, I enjoyed hearing the character's voices in my head.
I've been a fan of Jeff Dunham since I nearly died laughing one night when I saw Arguing with Myself on Comedy Central. I could barely breathe...the dummies seemed so real and the jokes were great. The more I rewatched Arguing with Myself, the more mesmerized I became with the technology of Dunham's dummies.
In his book, Dunham talks about how he got started in ventriloquism and the long, arduous road he traveled on to become the international comedian he is today. He explained all the lessons he learned, his successes, and failures. He wasn't an overnight YouTube sensation--he worked his way up, gig by gig, making sacrifices, and putting in long hours.
Dunham also explains the technology that goes into ventriloquism. He explained (roughly) how he can produce sounds that involve the lips without moving the lips. There were also sections that explained the differences in the type of dummies (the proper term is actually figures) he has and how the figures actually function.
The book was unique in that there were sections in which the figures jumped in and gave their 2 cents on the current conversation. They were represented by a graphic and their name. In fact, even Dunham jumped in on the fun here and there.
All By My Selves is a must for any Dunham or ventriloquism fan. I truly enjoyed the book.
In fact, I enjoyed it so much that it only took me about 2 days to read it. The text was easy to digest, the content was entertaining, and, well, I enjoyed hearing the character's voices in my head.
I've been a fan of Jeff Dunham since I nearly died laughing one night when I saw Arguing with Myself on Comedy Central. I could barely breathe...the dummies seemed so real and the jokes were great. The more I rewatched Arguing with Myself, the more mesmerized I became with the technology of Dunham's dummies.
In his book, Dunham talks about how he got started in ventriloquism and the long, arduous road he traveled on to become the international comedian he is today. He explained all the lessons he learned, his successes, and failures. He wasn't an overnight YouTube sensation--he worked his way up, gig by gig, making sacrifices, and putting in long hours.
Dunham also explains the technology that goes into ventriloquism. He explained (roughly) how he can produce sounds that involve the lips without moving the lips. There were also sections that explained the differences in the type of dummies (the proper term is actually figures) he has and how the figures actually function.
The book was unique in that there were sections in which the figures jumped in and gave their 2 cents on the current conversation. They were represented by a graphic and their name. In fact, even Dunham jumped in on the fun here and there.
All By My Selves is a must for any Dunham or ventriloquism fan. I truly enjoyed the book.
August 5, 2021
I knew the minute I picked up this book that I was going to love it. I love Jeff Dunham and I love seeing his shows. Peanut is my favorite.
October 16, 2024
I love Jeff Dunham. I am a huge Peanut fan, I have actually gotten to see Jeff and the gang live when here was here the winter of 2023 and that's when I found out about this book so I was excited to read this book and I much say I wasn't disappointed.
This is a fun walk through a quirky mans fame and how he got there through his comedic ventriloquism with his puppets Walter, Peanut, Achmend, and more. His journey to where he is now started when he was 8, and he got his first dummy named Mortimer Snerd, and that was the day that changed his life.
He learned he could make people laugh, and once he learned that there was no turning back for Jeff. He spent junior high and high school traveling to ventriloquist conventions, performing whenever he got the chance, and eventually, he got the chance to do a commercial.
I love how this book shows us that Jeff Dunham is like us, a like able person who has had the opportunity to turn his passion into a lucrative career that not many of us get. His once in a million luck is a facade, this books allows us to see behind that and what we see as walls Jeff sees as opportunities. He is always working to improve himself and his act.
In each word you read, you can hear Jeff's natural voice. It is conversational and friendly, and the interruptions by his character's help keep the story moving along, and it would stall without those interruptions. I love how his stories are like the road, cobbled together from the events of his life and how everything really happened as he went on tour and everything twined together. He really does twist everything together and tie it together beautifully.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Jeff Dunham and the Gang and you just want to learn more about Jeff and how he came to be the man we know today and how Walter came to be the cranky old man we know today, where Peanut was found, what actually happened to Achmend and so much more. And I would recommend this book to anyone who's not a fan. I'm always looking to turn more people into fans of Jeff Dunham's. Jeff can never have too many fan.
This is a fun walk through a quirky mans fame and how he got there through his comedic ventriloquism with his puppets Walter, Peanut, Achmend, and more. His journey to where he is now started when he was 8, and he got his first dummy named Mortimer Snerd, and that was the day that changed his life.
He learned he could make people laugh, and once he learned that there was no turning back for Jeff. He spent junior high and high school traveling to ventriloquist conventions, performing whenever he got the chance, and eventually, he got the chance to do a commercial.
I love how this book shows us that Jeff Dunham is like us, a like able person who has had the opportunity to turn his passion into a lucrative career that not many of us get. His once in a million luck is a facade, this books allows us to see behind that and what we see as walls Jeff sees as opportunities. He is always working to improve himself and his act.
In each word you read, you can hear Jeff's natural voice. It is conversational and friendly, and the interruptions by his character's help keep the story moving along, and it would stall without those interruptions. I love how his stories are like the road, cobbled together from the events of his life and how everything really happened as he went on tour and everything twined together. He really does twist everything together and tie it together beautifully.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Jeff Dunham and the Gang and you just want to learn more about Jeff and how he came to be the man we know today and how Walter came to be the cranky old man we know today, where Peanut was found, what actually happened to Achmend and so much more. And I would recommend this book to anyone who's not a fan. I'm always looking to turn more people into fans of Jeff Dunham's. Jeff can never have too many fan.
April 7, 2025
Excellent read!
I enjoy books about famous comedians b/c I love to learn how they found their voice, honed their craft for years/decades, and finally made it big in show biz. This autobiography of Jeff Dunhams' personal life and career is everything I'd hoped it would be and more. It details his childhood growing up in a loving, religious household in Dallas, TX, his crazy college life (attending classes in Waco, TX during the week and performing his act all over the country on the weekends), his unique hobby of building/flying helicopters, and of course his struggle to develop his act and make it in Hollywood and beyond. It also details how he developed the famous characters he now uses in his act (Walter, Peanut, Achmed, etc.) and how he faced a bias against ventriloquist acts by many folks in the industry. It covers both the highs and lows of his career plus details about his failed marriage and struggles with finances (he has an affinity for expensive cars even if he can't afford them).
BOTTOM LINE:
Anyone who has watched Jeff's show knows his act is much more than a puppet show... he brings smiles to his audiences, both young and old. Fans of Jeff Dunham will love All By My Selves. The same goes for anyone who enjoys reading biographies of famous entertainers.
I enjoy books about famous comedians b/c I love to learn how they found their voice, honed their craft for years/decades, and finally made it big in show biz. This autobiography of Jeff Dunhams' personal life and career is everything I'd hoped it would be and more. It details his childhood growing up in a loving, religious household in Dallas, TX, his crazy college life (attending classes in Waco, TX during the week and performing his act all over the country on the weekends), his unique hobby of building/flying helicopters, and of course his struggle to develop his act and make it in Hollywood and beyond. It also details how he developed the famous characters he now uses in his act (Walter, Peanut, Achmed, etc.) and how he faced a bias against ventriloquist acts by many folks in the industry. It covers both the highs and lows of his career plus details about his failed marriage and struggles with finances (he has an affinity for expensive cars even if he can't afford them).
BOTTOM LINE:
Anyone who has watched Jeff's show knows his act is much more than a puppet show... he brings smiles to his audiences, both young and old. Fans of Jeff Dunham will love All By My Selves. The same goes for anyone who enjoys reading biographies of famous entertainers.
May 20, 2023
Not going to say this is the best book ever, but I truly enjoyed reading it, having laughed hard at Dunham's specials when they aired on Comedy Central. This gives great insight into the hard work it takes to get to Dunham's level and the background of his characters and how they came to be. Dunham literally starts with his debut as a ventriloquist at 8 years of age and works his way through 'today' when he is practically at the height of his popularity with those Comedy Central specials. Makes sense that it was also a good time to write his memoir, and though his star has faded a bit as the latest and greatest talents take their turn on the big stages, I was recently in Vegas and saw that he continues to have a headlining gig there, though he wasn't in town the week I was there. Reading this book reminded me why I liked Dunham and that I need to find the specials and other performances I haven't seen yet the next time I'm in need of a good laugh.
June 3, 2019
The reality of enchantment.
A wonderful example of the truth that may be found in the application of fantacy. Jeff Dunham weaves a fabric of warm humor from a reality lived and applied that inspires as well as offers insight into a vast entertainment industry and how the human imagination may find its niche with what otherwise might remain abstract and unacknowledged as an art form...the art of self projection by way of the art of ventriloquism.
A wonderful example of the truth that may be found in the application of fantacy. Jeff Dunham weaves a fabric of warm humor from a reality lived and applied that inspires as well as offers insight into a vast entertainment industry and how the human imagination may find its niche with what otherwise might remain abstract and unacknowledged as an art form...the art of self projection by way of the art of ventriloquism.
December 12, 2019
To laugh, to cry, is the essence of life - I KEEL You!
Jeff Dunham and the little guys have done much to keep me sane through some very dark times. Seeing the underlying craft and dedication along with the highs and lows in a tough career makes all the laughs so much more powerful.
Kudos to Jeff and everyone who has helped bring such laughter and much needed perspective to life. Yes, including you Walter !!!!!
Jeff Dunham and the little guys have done much to keep me sane through some very dark times. Seeing the underlying craft and dedication along with the highs and lows in a tough career makes all the laughs so much more powerful.
Kudos to Jeff and everyone who has helped bring such laughter and much needed perspective to life. Yes, including you Walter !!!!!
October 31, 2023
Jeff Dunham is definitely one of my favourite comedians, and Achmed is my favourite of his dummies, with Jose next. I have seen many of his videos, watch him all the time on YouTube and have been lucky enough to see him live.
It was really interesting to read how he came to become the ventriloquist that so many people love. His life has definitely been interesting and a lot of work. I liked reading how he created each character nd how they developed over the years.
It was really interesting to read how he came to become the ventriloquist that so many people love. His life has definitely been interesting and a lot of work. I liked reading how he created each character nd how they developed over the years.
August 28, 2024
Good story
Having been a fan of Jeff for longer than I care to remember, reading this book was a fascinating look into the world of show business and how no performer is ever an "overnight success".
It takes dedication, hard work and a solid belief in one's self and abilities.
Congratulations to a real trooper. May you have many more years of making us laugh with your little buddies!
Having been a fan of Jeff for longer than I care to remember, reading this book was a fascinating look into the world of show business and how no performer is ever an "overnight success".
It takes dedication, hard work and a solid belief in one's self and abilities.
Congratulations to a real trooper. May you have many more years of making us laugh with your little buddies!
October 13, 2018
it talks about his childhood growing up an only adopted child who was shy and unpopular and came out of his shell and made friends with his little friends help and as he got older he found out everything he could on the subject and started to do stand up at a young age and how he came to be as successful as he is now...
January 23, 2020
What a great memoir!
I began seriously watching Jeff Dunham and his gang recently while a guest in my local hospital with Pneumonia and more.
He seems like such a gentle soul, I wanted to know more about him; beyond the lights and chaos in all he goes through.
This book does that and more. It opens up the life of a great performer that would normally not be seen.
I began seriously watching Jeff Dunham and his gang recently while a guest in my local hospital with Pneumonia and more.
He seems like such a gentle soul, I wanted to know more about him; beyond the lights and chaos in all he goes through.
This book does that and more. It opens up the life of a great performer that would normally not be seen.
January 5, 2024
After watching a Jeff Dunham show live, I wanted to read his memoir to learn more about his journey of how he got to where he is today. Anyone who is a fan of him will highly enjoy this book. And in typical Jeff Dunham fashion, he adds his puppet jokes in every chapter that keeps you laughing as you learn about his life.
May 31, 2017
I finally got around to reading this, and what a fun story. Jeff Dunham is an odd duck, and has been for a long time, but that is perhaps why he is so dang funny. This look into his life was enjoyable.
February 8, 2019
I skimmed through most of this book. It is about ventriloquism as much as it is about Jeff. It can be slow moving at parts, but also has his comedic insight. I may read this book in depth at a later time.
February 9, 2019
Great read!
This book is great! I wish I had found this sooner, but I only recently discovered you. I love that you're down to earth and don't have a huge ego. One day I hope to see you live. Come to Kansas City soon!
This book is great! I wish I had found this sooner, but I only recently discovered you. I love that you're down to earth and don't have a huge ego. One day I hope to see you live. Come to Kansas City soon!
April 10, 2019
I found this book to be a wonderful read. I have read other biographies by comedians but often the timing doesn't work in a reading format. Jeff just told his story of how he became famous and how hard he worked to get there. It was a refreshing story.
July 9, 2021
An interesting man with a positive take on life. Nice to see it's possible, with drive and determination, to overcome a happy childhood and stable environment and become a successful entertainer! Besides, the man is just funny.
January 30, 2017
An easy read and a fun autobiography. If you are a Jeff Dunham fan, you definitely should read this. If you're not,it's still an enjoyable read...so why not give it a try?
June 5, 2017
I had a very vague knowledge of the author when I started this book. What a wonderful way to share your life experiences, Mr. Dunham.
February 10, 2018
love. that the Walter, Peanut, Jose, Bubba J., etc speak up through out the story
August 31, 2020
Having faith in yourself and directing your quirkiness into something good is a great way to live your life. Be proud of yourself, no matter what others tell you.
October 4, 2021
Best Book of Dummies
A a ventriloquist this was an awesome and very enjoyable book to read. It’s about living a dream and facing reality.
A a ventriloquist this was an awesome and very enjoyable book to read. It’s about living a dream and facing reality.
May 16, 2022
A great look into the early days of my favorite comedian :) happiness, hardships, ups and downs, Jeff experienced it all and now I feel more respect for such a funny man!
January 30, 2023
This was a solid okay. I enjoyed hearing the background of his life, but it wasn't really entertaining? It was just factual with a few laughs thrown in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews