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  • Riding the Elephant

  • A Memoir of Altercations, Humiliations, Hallucinations, and Observations
  • By: Craig Ferguson
  • Narrated by: Craig Ferguson
  • Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (52 ratings)

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Riding the Elephant

By: Craig Ferguson
Narrated by: Craig Ferguson
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Publisher's Summary

From the comedian, actor, and former host of The Late Late Show comes an irreverent, lyrical memoir in essays featuring his signature wit.

Craig Ferguson has defied the odds his entire life. He has failed when he should have succeeded and succeeded when he should have failed. The fact that he is neither dead nor in a locked facility (at the time of printing) is something of a miracle in itself. In Craig’s candid and revealing memoir, listeners will get a look into the mind and recollections of the unique and twisted Scottish American who became a national hero for pioneering the world’s first TV robot skeleton sidekick and reviving two dudes in a horse suit dancing as a form of entertainment.

In Riding the Elephant, there are some stories that are too graphic for television, too politically incorrect for social media, or too meditative for a stand-up comedy performance. Craig discusses his deep love for his native Scotland, examines his profound psychic change brought on by fatherhood, and looks at aging and mortality with a perspective that he was incapable of as a younger man. Each story is strung together in a colorful tapestry that ultimately reveals a complicated man who has learned to process - and even enjoy - the unusual trajectory of his life.

Katie Falkenberg/Los Angeles Times/Contour by Getty Images

©2019 Craig Ferguson (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"Ferguson is a natural storyteller, sharp-witted and acutely observant of his surroundings. He's capable of maintaining a light touch yet his stories often transcend whatever humorous incidents may occur. Collectively, they serve as often poignant meditations on the long journey toward his late-middle-aged self. An entertaining memoir by a humorist who has gained enlightening insight into living an authentic life." (Kirkus Reviews)

“Humorous and heartfelt (often on the same page), Ferguson is a great story-teller, whose signature irreverence and comedic timing translates perfectly to print.” (Library Journal)

“A smart, humble, and witty memoir.” (Publishers Weekly)

“[Ferguson] has mastered the skill of self-examination. Fortunately for us, the lad’s willing to share it, and his evocative writing makes it worthwhile.” (The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

What listeners say about Riding the Elephant

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Loved “American on Purpose”. Loved “Riding the Elephant”

Another brilliant audiobook by Craig Ferguson. He is such a great story teller, incredibly funny and poignant, and just so enjoyable to listen to.

Thanks Craig.

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fun and entertaining a great listen

This book was a very fun and entertaining listen and I would highly recommend it to fans of Craig and other.

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Enjoyable

it really just makes Craig all the more likeable. I've come away feeling like I've learnt some lessons I'll use in my life from now on.

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Genuine

I can't imagine any more apt words from a life lived in appreciable and insightful madness

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The end mad me cry.

Craig Ferguson. I miss you on the late night telly. Good book. You made me cry at the end, you bastard.

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A gift of story telling

At first i was a bit annoyed that this book seemed to be made up of the bits Craig left out of his first autobiography...but after persisting it is obvious that he wants to share all the wisdom he has learned and the good bits he has lived and share them with his children ... his accent is the BEST part...the swearing is gratuitous but there you have it

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Originally from Partick in Glasgow, love it

great stories and brought up many memories.. good and not so good. Some great laughs and helped me remember why I left and became a nomad too. Good on you Craig!

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