Mixed Plate audiobook

Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.comMIXED PLATE: Chronicles of an All-American Combo by Jo Koy is the comedian’s autobiography and is written and narrated by himself. I knew the minute this came out, I had to listen to it on Audible. I normally prefer to read rather than listen to a book, but Jo Koy is such a fantastic storyteller so I really believe this is the best way to get all the nuances of the autobiography. (And besides, I love hearing him imitate his mother!)I knew the basics of his life from watching his stand-up, but in this autobiography he shares deeper and more intimate memories and stories. His stories are emotionally raw and starkly give you the picture of his family’s early disfunction and poverty. His willingness to hustle and work hard to make his dream of being a stand-up comedian come true was inspiring, especially with all the racism in the system as he was trying to break in. If you are not familiar with this “mixed plate”, half Filipino/half white comedian, you need to read this book, listen to this Audible and/or watch his Netflix specials. His is truly a story of the immigrant dream of “making it” in America and not only making it himself but also sharing and raising his whole family up with him. I am so glad I listened to this great autobiography on Audible and I highly recommend it!

Such a good listen - highly recommend it as an audiobook.

Sure, I'll be the first to review Jo Koy's memoir. No pressure or anything.....I was working in post production the first time I heard of Jo Koy. We were working on the release of one of his specials and my job was to make sure the closed captions were correct. This took me almost three times as long as any other job because I was in tears laughing for so much of it.Mixed Plate is also something that brought me to tears - and not entirely because of how funny it is. Jo opens up about his life - his trauma of being an 'other' in school, of learning how to make people laugh to fit in, of dealing with family drama and hiding it deep down inside. Jo strives to gain his mother's approval - an Asian mother's approval is of the highest honor - and I think she will be proud of this book. Jo talks about his start in comedy, of the struggle of working three jobs and doing late night shows causing him to miss his son. He talks about the parent-child relationship, of sibling rivalry and sibling friendship. He talks about being the best dad that he can.This is a book full of heart. Jo Koy is opening his heart on these pages and I closed the book full of tears, yet again. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I never write book reviews, but I had to for this book. As a “mixed plate” myself (Filipina/white) it was amazing to read a book where I made a true connection with the author. I am no stranger to Jo Koy after seeing him do stand up at a Holiday Inn in NJ (and seeing him at least 5 more times in various venues over the years), so I expected his humor to come through his writing. What I did not expect was the raw and deep emotions felt when he shared some of his more challenging experiences that you don’t see when he is on stage making you laugh during a 45 minute set or during one of his Netflix specials. There are just somethings you won’t understand unless you were raised by a Filipino mother, and to see someone (a mixed plate) like me to put it in print for the first time is refreshing. A “See! This guy gets me” kind of feeling. You can hear Jo’s voice in the writing along with the impressions of his mother that make you legitimately laugh out loud. He also throws in some delicious looking Filipino recipes into some of the chapters too #lumpia4eva. Thoughtful, reflective, and of course hilarious, Jo Koy has created an enjoyable read that I could not put down. Maraming Salamat Josep!

I love memoirs from the Chelsea Lately round table! Koy is the son of a white American military dad and a Filipino immigrant mom (with a schizophrenic older son). Family life was incredibly challenging. Embracing his Filipino-American identity was, too, especially when they entered the civilian world. Naturally funny, Koy used comedy to fit in, which led to his desire to skip college and try standup. A very thoughtful and funny memoir!

I LOVE Jo Koy! I love his stand up and his honesty. Being able to relate to him on multiple levels. I loved being able to read and learn more about his life behind the scenes and the back stories of his jokes told in his stand up. If you love him, read this! If you don’t know him, read this. I highly recommend this memoir! Then go watch his stand up specials on Netflix

I enjoyed listening to the audio book format of Mixed Plate. It was as if I was watching his shows. Jo Koy narrated his life in a very entertaining way. Life of an immigrant is very challenging, but his family demonstrated perseverance and hard work to survive in the states, their new home.

One word: amazing. Readers and listeners get a good look into Jo Koy's childhood and teenage years and the struggles he went through while kick-starting his career in comedy. It reminded me of how many comedians have humble and sad beginnings; most of them don't grow up with a silver spoon. Jo Koy himself, like many other struggling artists, worked two or three jobs and hustled on the side to make ends meet and provide for his family. And today, with the risks he took while shooting his Netflix special and organizing his first own show, it's all paid off, because he believed in himself. Truly an inspiring story.4/5

I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook narrated by the comedian himself, and while it wasn’t stand up like his Netflix specials, it was at times raucously funny. His life story is also more than just challenging or poignant, it’s downright traumatic. If you are a mixed race first generation child living in America and recall trying to navigate this culture (especially while living under the influence of Filipinos) this book is a MUST read. I realize my review and recommendations are through the lens of an AAPI Filipina, and this book won’t appeal to all. But it’s an entertaining, moving, humorous look into the Asian immigrant experience.

I placed the book on hold at the public library and immediately placed the audiobook version on hold through Libby because I knew I would need to listen to the reading. I have been a fan of Jo Koy since I randomly discovered him many years ago. My dad was white and my mother is Filipina so I really connected with a lot of things mentioned in this book. The audiobook version kind of makes you think you're listening to one of his comedy shows with some additional inside info. I have to keep up to date with his comedy. Just so y'all know, I was today years old when I found out Rob Schneider is half Filipino.

I like Jo Koy. I first started watching him on “Chelsea Lately”, then through his comedy specials. When I saw he was releasing a memoir, I knew I wanted to read it - and I’m glad I did. Jo writes with emotion and honesty. Not all of us had an easy time of it, and tough as it might have been, Jo recalls the rough times with honesty. I highly recommend this book to all- even if you haven’t watched Jo on his various platforms. This book will make you a fan.

Thank you for sharing your story, Jo Koy. Your story made me laugh, made me cry, and made me thank my mom for everything I have now.

This was a good story and very entertaining. I enjoyed listening to his family stories and his tales of struggling and working hard to make his dreams come true. I’m glad he never gave up!