Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Searching for Dave Chappelle  By  cover art

Searching for Dave Chappelle

By: Jason Zinoman
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $2.99

Buy for $2.99

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

In 2005, Dave Chappelle left show business at the height of his fame, giving up a small fortune and the hottest new television show in many years. In so doing, he transformed from being one of the greatest comics of his generation into one of the most enigmatic ever. In Searching for Dave Chappelle, Jason Zinoman, the first comedy critic in the history of The New York Times, sorts through the myriad theories and examines what happened to this singular artist. Through extensive reporting, this audiobook tells a compelling narrative that takes listeners behind the scenes of Comedy Central, the New York comedy scene and network television. This is not just a story about Dave Chappelle, but also about race, fame and the often blurry relationship between image and reality. Chappelle’s reputation has only grown over the years and he remains one of the most influential and admired comedians alive. Just as he tip-toes back into the spotlight with a high-profile national tour, this audiobook delivers the essential analysis of his life and work.

©2013 Jason Zinoman (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

More from the same

What listeners say about Searching for Dave Chappelle

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    305
  • 4 Stars
    139
  • 3 Stars
    63
  • 2 Stars
    13
  • 1 Stars
    12
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    277
  • 4 Stars
    125
  • 3 Stars
    42
  • 2 Stars
    13
  • 1 Stars
    8
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    265
  • 4 Stars
    112
  • 3 Stars
    53
  • 2 Stars
    19
  • 1 Stars
    11

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Would have been nice if he actually interviewed, the Legend, Dave

It’s a little outdated at this point in 2020 but still interesting. But I was surprised to find out (at the very end) that this doesn’t contain any real info straight from Dave but rather his research of talking to OTHER people. I think there’s value in talking to others but not at the expensive or NOT talking to the person that this book is about.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting listen

Would you consider the audio edition of Searching for Dave Chappelle to be better than the print version?

I am not sure, I wouldn't read the print version as I listen to audiobooks while I sew

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It's not very long, so it was easy to listen to all in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

I am a New Zealander who was living in the US around this time and I remember the news and speculation at the time, and it was really interesting to hear the background and get a better idea of what happened. I admire Dave for standing up for what he believed in, not many people would walk away from that kind of money for their principals.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

It was underwhelming

not really what I thought it would be it's was just accounts from other people and not Dave.. I could have saved my credit

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Basic summarty introduction

Doesn't go too in-depth. Two hour orated Wikipedia article on Chappelle. Good narration. Doesn't go over recent developments, so won't paint the full picture. Focus mainly on upbringing, Comedy Central fallout, and the first re-introduction to public life.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Reaching but never grasping...

I assumed (and was mistaken) that this included some kind of contribution from Dave himself. I really should have looked at the date of release (2014).
It does include interesting biographical details of Dave's childhood as well as insight into who he is as a performer. As far as it's attempts to discover Dave's motivations for leaving the Comedy Central contract, it falls short. It does provide some first hand perspective into the events that ultimately led to his sudden departure, but it relies **heavily** on their speculation as well. Without Dave, we just don't know.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

So now we know

I respected DC when he walked away from the money and I respect him even more now I know the deal. Much love, nephew.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting insights

I was interested in all the stories he told. Not annoyed that he didn’t actually interview Dave but I am annoyed because I felt the ending could have been better.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful story

I felt the writer was being honest. It was straight forward with no embellishment made.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great listen

I’ve been a fan of Dave Chappelle. This gave me a new perspective and insight behind the story’s of some of his skit! Also gained more insight to who Dave is as a person.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent read

This audio book went fast because the writer had me so entrenched in the story. I’ve always loved Chappelle, now I love him even more!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!