I Know I Am, But What Are You?

By: Samantha Bee

Narrated by: Samantha Bee

Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Candid, outspoken, laugh-out-loud funny essays from the much-loved Samantha Bee, the Most Senior Correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Critics have called her “sweet, adorable, and vicious.” But there is so much more to be said about Samantha Bee. For one, she’s Canadian - whatever that means. And now, she opens up for the very first time about her checkered Canadian past. With charming candor, she admits to her Lennie from Of Mice and Men-style love of baby animals, her teenage crime spree as one-half of a car-thieving couple (Bonnie and Clyde in Bermuda shorts and braces), and the fact that strangers seem compelled to show her their genitals. She also details her intriguing career history, which includes stints working in a frame store, at a penis clinic, and as a Japanese anime character in a touring children’s show.

Samantha delves into all these topics and many more in this thoroughly hilarious, unabashedly frank collection of personal essays. Whether detailing the creepiness that ensues when strangers assume that your mom is your lesbian lover, or recalling her girlhood crush on Jesus (who looked like Kris Kristofferson and sang like Kenny Loggins), Samantha turns the spotlight on her own imperfect yet highly entertaining life as relentlessly as she skewers hapless interview subjects on The Daily Show. She shares her unique point of view on a variety of subjects as wide ranging as her deep affinity for old people, to her hatred of hot ham. It’s all here, in irresistible prose that will leave you in stitches and eager for more.

©2010 Samantha Bee (P)2010 Simon & Schuster, Inc

Definitely not an autobiography

This memoir starts off with stories of her family history and childhood and progresses to stories about her first terrible jobs, roommate and relationships, and then ends with a rant about gift giving and a story about a trip she and Jason took to a dude ranch. They are mostly charming and funny, but I kind of assumed that we would progress to the start of her career and subsequent progression to first female late night comedy host and one of Time's 100 most influential people, sprinkled with insight about how she manages to be such a badass in the face of torrents of vitriol, institutional sexism, and maddening stupidity. I just found out that this book was originally published in 2010 (I wish audible listed original copyright dates anywhere!) so the last part wouldn't have possible, but she also just chose not to touch on her career at all. Just, you know, fyi.

Careful - you'll pee your pants

What did you love best about I Know I Am, But What Are You??

My teen daughter and I have listened to this book three times. She would kill me if she knew I told you this, but one time she peed her pants from laughing so hard. Luckily we were at home. I keep wanting to write Samantha Bee a love note telling her how much she has added to our mother/daughter bonding experience.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Probably the Manwich.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

We laughed so much. Her voice and tone are perfect.

Any additional comments?

We checked this out at the library twice and finally had to buy it. Before, we only borrowed Samantha Bee. Now, we OWN Samantha Bee. But be careful - she is off the chain!

That explains so much!

This book is not for the socially conservative or those who are queasy about the seedier side of life. But anyone who watches the Daily Show should know that already. This book is an honest and funny - not pee in your pants funny, but good for several, sometimes uncomfortable, chuckles funny - memoir about growing up as Samantha Bee. Samantha opens her world to us without reservation and reveals the story behind how she became the person we see on television today.

I gotta ramble.

This book is so GD funny. I've listened to it twice, and both times I nearly had to pull off the side of the road because I was laughing so hard. Samantha tells the story of her twisted upbringing so well. The contrasts between her parental figures is just a recipe for hilarity. I loved this book and have recommended it to all of my friends. And truth be told, I peed a little during the last chapter, I was laughing so hard.

Kept me entertained while working around the house

Samantha Bee shares her fun, and not so fun times in just the way that had me enjoying them all. Even had to go back a few times so I wouldn't miss a word

Laughing down the highway

Samantha Bee’s childhood reminded me a little of my own and made me feel not so weird! She did a great job as the narrator and was hilarious.

THE BEST

I love this audiobook! I knew of Samantha Bee before but this made me a long term fan. So great. This is how all autobiographies should be!

Funny but lanquage made me cringe

Ms Bee does have some hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud however her use of profanity made me cringe. Be aware

Brilliant!

Absolutely brilliant! I loved every minute of it! I recommend it to anyone who loves humorous memoirs.

Literally the best audiobook I've ever heard

What did you love best about I Know I Am, But What Are You??

This one tops the list of enjoyable experiences I've had with an audiobook. I go through a lot of them and I've listened to hundreds over the years while I work. I was constantly doubled over with laughter every 30 seconds through this entire book. I can't recommend it highly enough.