Riding the Elephant

A Memoir of Altercations, Humiliations, Hallucinations, and Observations

By: Craig Ferguson

Narrated by: Craig Ferguson

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

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)

Other drivers think I'm nuts...

...because, as I listen to this book while in my car, I'm either laughing or grinning like an angry monkey to myself for the entire 40-minute drive to my office. I've always enjoyed Mr. Ferguson and thought he was an adorable, self-deprecating and cheeky lad and this book just re-confirms that for me. I liked it so much, in fact, that I've gone and clicked "Add to Cart" for "American on Purpose".

Just as good as his first book.

I had read his first book a few years ago, and liked it, so I took a chance on this one. I was glad to find that it didn't rehash things from the first book, and was just as interesting.

Highly Entertaining

A collection of smaller stories from Mr. Ferguson's life all entertainingly read by himself. Good Stuff.

A lovely bedtime story for adults

Craig Ferguson narrates this thoughtful series of chapters with honesty and integrity. I loved the pace of the story.

A magnificent story teller

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I had not had a lot of exposure to his work. I liked it when I saw it though. It was such a great book. He is a wonderful story teller. You won’t be disappointed.

I love Craig Ferguson

I started this book just for the Hell of it. Once I started I had a hard time putting it down. This guy is a genius. great story teller. A very funny, yet serious book. Check it out, well worth your time.

Riding with…

Thank you for the ride.
Wishing you luck with all the rides to come.
Good read.

So enjoyable!

So enjoyable that I felt in the moment listening to Craig tell his story. Many full on belly laughs, many smiles. I found his story and his voice to be very calming.

I have to enter a headline but it's optional?

such a great accent and voice! good stories, too. relatable. I want to hear another.

Wow...

i have long been a fan of the talent and comedy of Craig Ferguson....

now i am a fan of the Man, the husband, the son and the dad.