When I Was Your Age

Life Lessons, Funny Stories & Questionable Parenting Advice from a Professional Clown

By: Kenan Thompson

Narrated by: Kenan Thompson

Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

“Kenan is a master storyteller with extraordinary stories to tell. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”—Leslie Jones

When I Was Your Age is a hilarious, heartwarming and surprising ode to growing up, getting older and wiser, and luck, life, and learning from the school of hard knocks, from SNL's longest-serving actor, Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson is Saturday Night Live’s longest-ever-serving cast member and a star of such pioneering sketches as “Black Jeopardy” and is hugely beloved thanks to a tidal wave of nostalgic fans who grew up on early 2000s classics All That, Good Burger, and Kenan & Kel on Nickelodeon.

He’s also a dad (to two girls) in his mid-40s living in suburbia, and whose universal, relatable, family-friendly humor has created unbelievable appeal and engagement from fans from middle America to coastal elites. Becoming a dad sucked the cool right out of him—and he's OK with that!

When I Was Your Age is packed with hilarious yet poignant essays that are aimed to offer any listener valuable advice on parenting, focusing on positivity, and having fun in life. Kids, new parents, fellow fathers, budding comics, and aunties who want to pinch his cheeks, can all learn from his biggest mistakes and most triumphant victories. There’s something for everybody here!

©2023 Kenan Thompson (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Entertaining, raw & great listen while doing chores.

His narration of this felt like he was just sitting at a table across from us on the TV sharing his life - with moments of real struggle and humor. My favorite parts were when he shared more about his personal life struggles that we didn’t really know about, his entry into his career, Mighty Ducks and SNL times. I had bought his book as a Xmas present for a friend and feel like they will also resonate with his stories.

An incredible storyteller

Kenan is a national treasure and it’s not said enough. I never thought too much about his full life‘s story. I just knew him as this funny guy that looked a little bit like me that was enough for me to feel attached. Listening to his story, touched a space within me that I was not expecting. His story motivates me, at the ripe age of 42, to keep pursuing everything I’ve ever wanted to do or be. I appreciate that this very respected and reserved human being is sharing his story. This is a must read book for anyone that’s looking for positivity and guidance in a world where negativity is far too often celebrated.

Very Enjoyable!

I really enjoyed listening to this book! His delivery was wonderful and I enjoyed the stories so much. The only things that I did not like were the potty mouth language, of which there wasn't a lot, and the comment he made about something in the Bible that he did not believe was true.

Funny, honest, sincere

This was an interesting listen for sure. I've been a fan of Keenan since grade school and hadn't realized he'd done so much. He shares a lot of wisdom and of course makes you laugh.

Funny and Endearing

Kenyan Thompson’s storytelling and lighthearted jokes make this a wonderful and fun read. He also has some smart life advice. I highly recommend this audiobook!

Felt Like He Was Sitting Right Across From Me

Great listen, great story. I learned a lot about Kenan’s life, which is what I was hoping for going into this. The way that he’s able to tell a story, it didn’t feel like he was just reading from his book, but rather he’s sitting right across from you on the couch or in the kitchen and sharing a story only for you. He seems like a very personable and great human being based on this book.

Loved it

I loved it. As a fan since the early days of All That and D2 the mighty ducks, I enjoyed hearing about his journey, trials and errors, and trajectory in life. Not to mention his relationship with the people around him, hard lessons, his faith, and definitely not in the least, his 2 daughters. as a father of a baby girl I understand and agree with his parenting. What an awesome book.

I felt like we actually talked

Great insight to the thoughts of a comic. I was pleasantly surprised. He certainly is relatable. Enjoyed the book.

Funny & Sweet

I had my first encounter with Kenan Thompson when my daughter discovered Nickelodeon in the mid-nineties. We both enjoyed All That and I remember being so impressed with the cast, their comedic timing and physicality in the sketches was like SNL for kids. My daughter and I continued to follow Kenan’s career as he went on to do more. His performances were always a highlight for us, and we were both delighted when he eventually appeared on SNL as a regular cast member. His longevity with SNL only underscores what a talented comedic actor he is.

Kenan always came across to me as a smart, kind individual in interviews and in appearances on awards shows. This book definitely highlights those traits, and it was so interesting to learn about his life and how hard he worked to have the career that he does. It was heartbreaking to know that he had a such a deep betrayal by someone he trusted, but the way he handled it at such a young age and stage in his career only proves to me what a kind and generous individual he really is. To forgive someone who has betrayed you and wish them only the best takes a depth of character that not many people possess.

In his own voice Kenan talks about his career, his family and his two daughters with hope, affection, and self-deprecating humor. My daughter and I listened to the book together on a road trip and we both felt that hearing it in Kenan’s distinctive voice and style made it even better. I wish all good things for Kenan and his little Angel Babies.

Kenan is a prime time player

I very much enjoyed the story of Kenan’s life. He did a great job narrating the book with his comedic flair.