So, Anyway… Audiobook by John Cleese

On a lazy Sunday morning, sprawled out on my couch with the sunlight streaming through the windows, I decided to dive into “So, Anyway…” by John Cleese. The quiet of the morning felt like the perfect time to immerse myself in Cleese’s witty and reflective memoir. With a cup of tea in hand and my headphones on, I was ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even learn a thing or two about comedy – and life.

From the very first chapter, Cleese’s narration pulled me in. His voice is exactly what you’d expect from the man behind Monty Python and “Fawlty Towers”: dry, self-deprecating, and utterly charming. He doesn’t just tell his story; he performs it. Every anecdote feels like a stand-up routine, yet there’s an undercurrent of sincerity that makes it deeply personal. I found myself laughing out loud at his tales of growing up in a sleepy English town, where his early attempts at humor were met with more confusion than applause. But what struck me most was how relatable his journey felt – despite his legendary status, Cleese paints himself as an ordinary person who stumbled into extraordinary circumstances.

One of my favorite parts was hearing about his time at Cambridge University, where he met Graham Chapman and began to explore comedy in earnest. The way he describes their dynamic – both creatively and personally – was fascinating. It made me think about how often our lives are shaped by the people we meet at just the right moment. And then there’s the story of how he almost became a lawyer! It’s wild to imagine a world where John Cleese didn’t pursue comedy, but thank goodness for those BBC executives who saw something special in him.

What I loved most about this audiobook was how it balanced humor with introspection. Cleese doesn’t shy away from discussing his insecurities or failures, which made me appreciate his successes even more. By the end of it, I felt like I had spent hours chatting with an old friend – one who happens to be one of the funniest people alive.

If you’re looking for a memoir that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, “So, Anyway…” is a must-listen. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cleese or new to his work, this audiobook offers something for everyone.

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