Review by Booklist Review
Thompson has been a TV stalwart for most of his life, first appearing in local commercials, then on Nickelodeon shows, and as Saturday Night Live's longest-running cast member, and more. Over the decades, he has accumulated a lot of stories to share, and share he does in his jovial, familiar way. Thompson reminisces about youthful escapades with his older brother, growing up in the church, on-set adventures as a teen actor who grew into a successful career as an adult without falling victim to the child-star syndrome, his upbeat approach to parenting his two young daughters, and, of course, his record-setting time on SNL. His narrative bursts with his excitement about showbiz that fans will relate to--"Always Meet Your Idols" does not disappoint--but it's his humility about lessons learned regarding Bill Cosby, his decision to stop playing caricatures of Black women, growing after breakups, and valuing healing friendships that makes this memoir feel even more down to earth. "How long have we known each other?" Thompson asks in his prologue. By book's end, readers will have the answer.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Actor and comedian Thompson is adored and his first book will be catnip to his many fans.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Saturday Night Live actor Thompson reflects on his family life and storied career in this rib-tickling debut memoir-in-essays. He begins with his childhood in Georgia, attributing to his tight-knit family his own eventual status as a "softie" dad to his two young daughters. The real focus, however, is Thompson's entertainment career, spanning from an early break on the Nickelodeon sketch comedy show All That through several films and into his ongoing tenure at SNL, where Thompson--who was hired in 2003--has become the longest-running cast member in the show's history. Though Thompson refuses to pick a favorite SNL host, he gossips about his audition process (he faced off against Kel Mitchell, his former comedy partner, to replace retiring cast member Tracy Morgan), sharing an office with "Weekend Update" host Colin Jost, and former president Donald Trump's appearances on SNL ("At the table read, he was a dickhead"). There are also behind-the-scenes glimpses at classic sketches including "Black Jeopardy!" and "What's Up with That?" The prevailing tone is light, but Thompson doesn't shy away from heavier topics, including his 2022 divorce from model Christina Evangeline and bankruptcy at the hands of a fraudulent accountant. Through it all, he's funny, candid company. For the comedian's fans, this is a treat. Agent: Albert Lee, UTA. (Dec.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A memoir from the enduring former teen star and current Saturday Night Live stalwart. Thompson has made a successful career with his avuncular charm and comforting brand of "clean comedy," and his warmhearted memoir proves to be just as likable. Though the author has generally been reticent about discussing his personal life publicly over the years, he's straightforward about many topics here, including his proud role as a girl dad to his "two little angels," Georgia and Gianna, and his approach to making people laugh without putting others down. "I've always tried to not do the Black versions of white things," he writes, "because that's what most stand-ups do….It was important to me to be different. I wanted the jokes to be stuff we could all laugh at comfortably." Thompson offers parenting and relationship advice as generously as he does career suggestions. Though he doesn't tell all when it comes to the thornier elements of his life story--bankruptcy, divorce, estrangement from his friend and early Kenan & Kel and Good Burger co-star, Kel Mitchell--he does offer enough of an explanation before changing the subject with lines such as, "I'm not the guy who talks about this kinda stuff publicly, sorry not sorry." Thompson is more forthcoming about his future on SNL after 20 seasons, outlining his future goals, which include playing more guitar, mentoring young actors, and focusing on his family. "Friends, it could be the end of an era," he writes, but a few pages later, he wonders, "Why would I ever leave if I'm not in anybody's way?" Thompson is self-aware enough to know he is happy and may already be on the right path. Decades after joyously bounding onto TV as a teen comedy star, Thompson shows he's still All That and so much more. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
