No Job for a Man

A Memoir

By: John Ross Bowie

Narrated by: John Ross Bowie

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

A darkly witty, deeply affecting, and finely crafted memoir by the Big Bang Theory and Speechless star and comedian, John Ross Bowie.

From his earliest memories of watching Rhoda with his parents in their tiny Hell’s Kitchen apartment, John knew that he wanted to be an actor. The strange, alternate world of television—where people always cracked the perfect joke, lived in glamorous Upper East Side buildings, and made up immediately after fighting—seemed far better than his own home life, with a mother and father on the brink of divorce and a neighborhood full of crumbling pre-war architecture and not-so-occasional muggings. And yet that other world also seems unattainable. Besides crippling stage fright (which would take him years to overcome) John’s father, ever aloof and cynical, has instilled within him the notion that acting is “no job for a man.”

His father would impart that while theater, film, and television should be consumed and even debated, to create was no way to make a living or support a family. Putting aside his acting dreams, John stumbles through his twenties. He tries his hand at teaching and other traditional occupations, but nothing feels nearly as fulfilling as playing with his fleetingly on-the-map punk band, Egghead.

When he and his bandmates break up, John lands a joyless job copywriting for a consulting agency and slips into a dark depression. He loses weight, begins drinking heavily, and his relationships flounder.

But everything changes when John discovers improv (and anti-depressants). As a part of New York’s now-famous Upright Citizens Brigade, John not only explores his passion for acting and comedy—and begins to envision himself doing so professionally—he also meets his future wife and fellow actor, Jamie Denbo.

No Job for a Man follows the couple as they relocate to Los Angeles and try to make it in the arts, meeting success and failure, wins and losses, despair and hope along the way. Though his father chronically refuses to acknowledge pride in his adult son’s accomplishments, John comes to realize what being a man truly means.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 John Ross Bowie (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Charming memoir

There’s lots to identify with even if you have nothing in common with the author. Observations run from giddy to grim and back again, keeping pace with the peculiarities of a weirdly charmed life. A very enjoyable read, laugh out loud at times, but - you know - not trying *too* hard to be funny.

Completely better then expected.

I loved his character on Big Bang Theory, but this was so much more then just that. Relatable, fun, sad, and a true recanting of life growing up in NYC . Couldn't stop listening. The fact that he reads it just made it even better. Thank you for sharing your life John. Can't wait for the next book on the 2nd half of life with kids.

Great, fun, story

Mr. Bowie has presented his life in an interesting, and fun, manner. I appreciated his vulnerability regarding his parents. Overcoming his depression (most of the time) is an important message to relay. One thing missing in Mr. Bowie’s story, an element he may not recognize, is he exudes talent. As a musician, actor and seemingly anything he chooses Mr. Bowie excels. He presents his story with humility and gratitude. I highly recommend this audio book. He’s the type of guy I’d like to have a beer with and swap stories. Thanks John. I look forward to seeing you on screen soon.

Really cool dude

I loved his stories
His life is incredibly interesting
It rarely comes across that you can find someone who has your attention for long periods he’s very inspirational
I’m so loving his tastes in music and knowledgeable of great musicals I can’t believe how phenomenal this book is

I went through this in a day

Beautifully done. Wonderfully read. Wow, this thing wants more words. Almost there. Annd word minimum!

OMG -Amazing

God bless you John. This was an amazing book. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

Humanizing the human

I honestly enjoyed the book. Why or how would a known hardline conservative buy a memoir of a known unabashed liberal? I guess I’m a lot like your dad in that their is always room to be wrong about people without admitting to it. The key is to listen to the life stories of others and not judge based on opinions.

A fun ride back in time

This was so much fun! I was born in Scranton, grew up in Lehigh Valley, visited NYC in the 80s as much as possible and moved to LA in my mid thirties. I nearly hit a tree when he mentions the band Weston - epic. The details of the city, the bands, the smells, variations in traffic, and the memory fade of the subway had me reliving it all. What a trip - thank you for sharing!

A Delight!

This was such an easy listen! Just like being on a car trip with your buddy who is sharing his stories. So random and heartfelt.