Based on a True Story: A Memoir

Norm Macdonald

Sep 2016 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Norm Macdonald and Tim O'Halloran

About this audiobook

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Driving, wild and hilarious” (The Washington Post), here is the incredible “memoir” of the legendary actor, gambler, raconteur, and Saturday Night Live veteran.

When Norm Macdonald, one of the greatest stand-up comics of all time, was approached to write a celebrity memoir, he flatly refused, calling the genre “one step below instruction manuals.” Norm then promptly took a two-year hiatus from stand-up comedy to live on a farm in northern Canada. When he emerged he had under his arm a manuscript, a genre-smashing book about comedy, tragedy, love, loss, war, and redemption. When asked if this was the celebrity memoir, Norm replied, “Call it anything you damn like.”

Ratings and reviews

Dry is not right word for his comedy wet is a better definition. I love Norm and this was him to a point we wasn't writing this high which probably would have more hilarious he was probably drinking , this book is a great bio from himself.

Channeling the likes of Hunter S Thompson, Norm's telling of a fictionalized version of his life reads like a fever dream. It's funny in all the right ways and brilliant to boot. A must read for any Norm fan.

Wasn't planning on writing a review at all. People who pick up this book probably already know Who Norm is. Even though he gets credit from people who live for comedy, pound for pound he is the most underrated comic. Every city center in North America needs a Norm statue in it. I decided to write this because of @Magen Spencers review. Magen, that was the most idiotic thing I have ever read. Do everyone a favor, delete your comment, go take a time out with your nose in the corner and no talking.

About the author

Norm Macdonald was a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor. He died in September 2021.