The Man of Many Fathers

Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir

De: Roy Wood Jr.

Narrado por: Roy Wood Jr.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From comedian, Emmy-nominated writer and producer, and former Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood Jr., an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud funny memoir revealing that sometimes the best advice comes from the most surprising teachers

“Honest, raw, and an absolute treat to read.”—TREVOR NOAH
“Insightful and memorable.”—CHELSEA HANDLER
“Roy didn’t just write a book—he left a mark.”—STEPHEN A. SMITH

When Roy Wood Jr. held his baby boy for the first time, he was relieved that his son was happy and healthy, but he felt a strange mix of joy and apprehension. Roy’s own father, a voice of the civil rights movement in Birmingham, Alabama, had passed away when Roy was sixteen. There were gaps in the lessons passed down from father to son and, holding his own child, Roy wondered: Have I managed to fill in those blanks, to learn the lessons I will one day need to teach my boy?

So Roy looked back to figure out who had taught him lessons throughout his life and which he could pass down to his son. Some of his father figures were clear, like a colorful man from Philadelphia navigating life after prison, who taught Roy the value of having a vision for his life, or his fellow comedians, who showed him what it took to make it as a working stand-up performer. Others were less obvious, from the teenage friends who convinced him to race "leaf boats" carrying lit matches in the middle of a drought to a drug-addicted restaurant colleague who played hoops while Roy scoured dirty dishes to big names in Hollywood, like Trevor Noah and more.

In The Man of Many Fathers, Roy shares what he’s learned with humor and heart, delivering the most memorable lessons, such as how to channel anger through a more successful outlet (hint: never ever try to outfox a single mom), how not to get caught snitching (hint: never snitch), and how to become a good man—and a good dad (hint: listen to your fathers).

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Roy Wood Jr. has a rare superpower: He can teleport audiences from wherever they are into the rich, intricately crafted worlds he creates. Each story is infused with poignancy, sharp observation, and a humor few storytellers can match. Honest, raw, and an absolute treat to read.”—Trevor Noah

“If Roy hasn’t already won you over with his comedy specials, then he will with The Man of Many Fathers. Not only is he one of the funniest comedians on the scene right now, he infuses his quick wit with the life lessons he’s learned from his fathers (and his mother) to pass down to his son. Insightful and memorable.”—Chelsea Handler

“Listen—I’ve seen a lot of memoirs come and go. But what Roy did in this one? This is different. This is special. The Man of Many Fathers is soul food for anybody who’s ever searched for guidance, for identity, for meaning. It’s as hilarious as it is heartfelt. Roy didn’t just write a book—he left a mark.”—Stephen A. Smith

“I’m not surprised that Roy has created such a thoughtful, funny book. Roy, like this book, is an embodiment of quality.”—Jim Gaffigan

“An expansive read that will surprise fans who may only be familiar with his stint on The Daily Show. . . . Wood’s humor gives this memoir vitality, but his ability to distill his varied experiences into a bracing narrative will make this a read that will linger with readers long after finishing.”—Booklist, starred review

“[A] tenderhearted and uproarious memoir . . . [by a] gifted raconteur. . . . Like the best of comedians, Wood is a keen observer. But his varied experiences—waiting tables, working in radio, getting arrested for stealing credit cards—aren’t simply fodder; it’s clear that he’s learned from them. Often comically exasperated onstage, here he is refreshingly earnest. . . . [It’s] very funny, but it’s not all laughs.”—Kirkus Reviews

Just a dope ass book

Good job Roy. Your son is going to enjoy this. I know I did. Peace.

Heart and humor

“Fat motherf*cker broke my couch!” Funny, insightful, and heartbreaking at times. Trevor Noah said well that it could be called “A Man of Many Jobs”; Roy has seen and experienced life in such a full way. Many of us try to circumvent trouble to get what we want, to use privilege to attain convenience. Roy shows how all the inconveniences of life - and the people around us - make life life, something, maybe only in hindsight, unique and beautiful. Some true gems of wisdom and really funny moments.

what a great storyteller!

I loved the lessons Roy learned that we can all benefit from as adults. His ability to adapt and pivot through life has lead to the man he is today.

Inspiring because of what could have been

I enjoyed gaining understanding of Roy as a son, man, and father. It gave me faith in humanity because of the breaks that went your way. Roy is a success story that is different than expected. Everything appears so clean cut on the surface now. I was surprising to learn of some of his exploits. I'm thankful Roy chose the go home and stay alive (read the book if you want to understand).
This book gave me inspiration and encouragement.

Excellent story telling with many laugh out loud moments!

I literally laughed out loud at many points during the listening of this audio book. I started early Sunday morning and finished early evening.of the same day. Such a compelling story teller.

Roy’s vulnerability.

Loved the narrative and the narration. It was truly impactful to hear Roy tell his story in a way that could help his son learn about his dad.

Surprisingly Moving

This was a random purchase but honestly I’m so glad I got it. It’s so good! And Roy narrating it makes is so much more amazing!

Great read

Roy Woods delivers an absolutely phenomenal read. From start to finish, this book pulls you in with its honest perspective, engaging storytelling, and the kind of insight that stays with you long after you’re done. It’s powerful, thoughtful, and incredibly well-written.

Whether you’re already a fan or completely new to his work, this is a must-read. I highly recommend it.

Lessons to learn from

Very pleasant book that provides you with valuable lessons while making you laugh. It’s even better since Roy Wood Jr himself reads to you.

His details of events

Great read and meaningful lessons. Enjoyed the story and detail of events. He brings life into a great story