I Didn't Ask to Be Born (But I'm Glad I Was) (Signed Copy)

by Bill Cosby

In this hilarious collection of observations, Cosby brings us more of his wonderful and wacky insights into the human condition that are sure to become classics. In the tradition of Fat Albert, I DIDN'T ASK TO BE BORN offers a host of new characters, including Peanut Armhouse and Old Mother Harold. Not since Mushmouth, Dumb Donald, Bucky and the Cosby Kids has there been such a memorable cast.Over the past century few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of William H. Cosby Jr. His success spans five decades and virtually all media-remarkable accomplishments for a kid who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philly housing project.In the tradition of his bestselling books, Fatherhood and Cosbyology, the doctor of comedy holds forth on everything from first love to the Bible. Bill Cosby may not have asked to be born, but we're sure glad he was.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Comedy, Book Club, Biography Memoir

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

William Henry Cosby Jr. is an American retired comedian, actor, and media personality. Often cited as a trailblazer for African Americans in the entertainment industry, Cosby was a film, television, and stand-up comedy star, with his longest-running live-action role being that of Cliff Huxtable in the sitcom The Cosby Show (1984–1992). He also released several stand-up comedy albums and was a popular spokesperson in advertising for decades. Cosby was well known in the United States for his fatherly image and gained a reputation as "America's Dad". Since 2014, dozens of allegations of sexual assault have been made against him.
Cosby began his career as a stand-up comic at the Hungry I nightclub in San Francisco in 1961, and primarily performed observational comedy in a conversational style. He released numerous standup specials starting with Bill Cosby Is a Very Funny Fellow...Right! (1963) and starred in the comedy film Bill Cosby: Himself (1983). Cosby still holds the record for winning the most Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, with seven wins. His acting career began with a starring role in the NBC secret-agent show I Spy (1965–1968), which broke new ground for African Americans when he made history by winning three Primetime Emmy Awards for Best Actor in a Drama Series, becoming the first black actor to do so.
Cosby made his film debut starring in Man and Boy (1971) followed by Hickey & Boggs (1972), Uptown Saturday Night (1974), Let's Do It Again (1975), A Piece of the Action (1977), Leonard Part 6 (1987), and Ghost Dad (1990). He produced and starred in a series of television sitcoms such as The Bill Cosby Show (1969–1971), Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids (1972–1985) and The Cosby Show (1984–1992) as well as its the spin-off A Different World (1987–1993), The Cosby Mysteries (1994–1995), and Cosby (1996–2000). He hosted Kids Say the Darndest Things (1998–2000). During his prolific career he advertised numerous products including the Jell-O ice pop treats Pudding Pop.
Over 60 women have accused Cosby of rape, drug-facilitated sexual assault, sexual battery, child sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Those allegations gained traction 2014 after a set which made mention of them by fellow comedian Hannibal Buress went viral. Numerous allegations followed with Cosby maintaining his innocence and repeatedly denying the allegations made against him. Despite receiving numerous awards and honorary degrees, several of them were revoked following the allegations. Reruns of The Cosby Show and other programs featuring Cosby were pulled from syndication. In 2018, Cosby was convicted of aggravated sexual assault against Andrea Constand. He was imprisoned until the conviction was vacated in June 2021 by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on the basis of Cosby's 5th Amendment and 14th Amendment due process rights having been violated. In 2022, Cosby was found civilly liable for having sexually assaulted Judy Huth when she was 16.

Reviews

[Peter Galamaga · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like most people, I enjoy the comedy of Bill Cosby. However, I was disappointed by this book. I've waited a few weeks since finishing it because I wanted to find the best way to explain what I didn't like about it.
The answer came to me just yesterday while listening to an interview where two comedians were discussing the greatness of Bill Cosby. They discussed his use of timing, intonation, inflection, and facial expressions.
And that is what is missing from this book. The stories are mildly humorous but need the great Bill Cosby to bring them to life.
In short - for me, his humor does not come across very well on the page.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book by comedian, Bill Cosby, contains more of his own history and muse than other books he has authored. Part memoir, part stand-up comedy script, Cosby holds up his end of the bargain to continue entertaining the masses. He recollects random stories from his life, more or less in chronological order, that the reader who has lived through the time period will find nostalgic and entertaining.

Of course, Cosby uses his own brand of exaggeration as some things may not have happened exactly the way he describes them. Or perhaps they did. I wasn't there. Which is exactly his point when it comes to the "missing pages" in the Old Testament where he points out a few holes in the story of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. Which, when taken holistically, reminds me of an old Cosby joke relating to grandparents that can be extended to William Cosby, himself. Yes, he has a comedy routine involving Noah, so bible prophets and stories have always been in his repertoire, but there is a slight shift in Cosby's approach. He's a little kinder, less likely to jump to offense and more grandfatherly. In his own words, these grandparents that grandchildren adore so much - what with the candy dishes, emptying out their coin purses, and overall providing unconditional love are not the same people we, parents grew up with. Our parents were disciplinarians, strongly opinionated parents. Now they are just old people trying to get into heaven.

Go ahead Dr. Cosby. Empty out that coin purse for those grandchildren. Read that bible and study it for somewhat non-offensive comedy material. Your shows from the 80's have already pegged you. We know what you are really doing.

Between you and me, I have no doubt that God will enjoy Cosby's return to heaven. Noah, Adam and Eve, though, might not be so thrilled.

Another fun read but more nostalgic than his previous books. Still funny.

[Gretchen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I Didn't Ask to Be Born (But I'm Glad I Was) is a recent memoir by Bill Cosby. In it, Cosby recounts some of his childhood along with some of his fun times with his grandkids. He also does a few bits that feel out of place and random.

The book felt pretty disjointed. Cosby doesn't give you a very thorough overview of his life, which made me wonder if he'd written another autobiography before this one. Which made me wonder why he wrote this one. It isn't very clear. He doesn't have an overall theme or point, and it isn't too interesting or funny. I enjoyed most of the anecdotes, but I didn't understand the point of his comedy pieces. Why did he include 20 pages dissecting the Adam and Eve story? I didn't love this book, and I think if it hadn't been by Bill Cosby, I would have stopped reading after the first chapter.

[ILoveBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is hysterical, to sum it up in one word. It will be hard to write a review without giving anything integral to the hilarity of the novel away. The reader gets to see a younger Bill Cosby, who is funny even at a young age. He instills his natural personality into this fairly short nonfiction book.



Bill Cosby literally anticipates what the other person would say to him, say, in a talk show and manages to provide funny one liners. The first chapter of the book opens with a conversation between him and who he calls the "perfect talk show guest." They go back and forth about a simple, silly topic-a town called North in South Carolina...leading to much confusion. He then moves on to even funnier memories, closing with a story about his grandchildren and the ever elusive Santa Claus. There are little illustrations scattered throughout the book, right where they will be the funniest. This book is recommended to teens/young adults/adults alike.

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who Me? Miss this? Why? Optimistic Extraordinary!

Bill Cosby’s “I Didn’t Ask to Be Born (But I’m Glad I Was)” is life as everyone experiences it but few take time to note it. How we perceive our circumstances has value as a learning tool if we are able to find humor in some of the things that are ‘hard pills to take’ when originally experienced.

This book is something that makes you laugh out loud because only you can know what you are laughing about. Cosby gives us circumstances that make us remember our own characters, situations, and events while imputing humor in what may have been a serious, sobering thing when first experienced. This is an idea compendium to read while on a flight, on a bus, waiting in line or anywhere where the passage of time is moot but necessary as it is guaranteed to deliver you to your destination in good spirits and uplifted.

Reviewed by: Gail

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could listen all day to this man. He has been a comedic presence in my life since I can remember, both on television and on record. These perhaps, although, are not his best sketches, but they still warm my heart and make me chuckle. No one is as good a storyteller, especially on stage. As I was reading I could hear the words as if in his voice. Still better when he delivers it personally, but a delight nonetheless.

Sadly, all the recent stories of alleged rape have disheartened me (and I feel terrible for any women who suffered). The truth will always come out.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Bill Cosby's humor, but I was disappointed by this book. The good stuff was great, but some of the bits were just awful and interminable. I found that the longest chapters were the worst, and seemed to be least Cosby-ish. I got the feeling that those chapters were engineered as a product rather than coming naturally from him.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always been a huge Bill Cosby fan since listening to his early stand-up routines on my parents old vinyl albums. His latest book "I Didn't Ask to Be Born..." is a quick read containing his trademark witty anecdotes and observations about wordplay, childhood memories, family, religion, marriage, and other hallmarks of life that are familiar to all of us.

[Judith Schrauder · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this hearing his voice in my mind and laughed out loud many times. It helps that my parents grew up in the same area at the same time - so many details already familiar to me through my family. I have to say this was not his best work overall though - some stories fall flat. Ah well - I'll always be a huge fan and have learned not to expect perfection :-)

[Lori Goldstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. In fact, I felt as if I was listening to a variety of stories that Mr. Cosby tells in his routines. And feeling as if he was talking to me vs. reading a narrative is a faster read for me.

[Katrin Albritton · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter what, I love Bill Cosby!

[Austin Poulsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A couple funny parts, but ultimately falls flat

[Jaymz · Rating 1 out of 5]

i didnt ask to find this book at a goodwill for a dollar, (but i will be using it to kindle a fire soon)

[Tony Laplume · Rating 4 out of 5]

To call Bill Cosby controversial at this point would be like saying he's most famous for starring in a sitcom. It doesn't even begin to describe the mess that's developed around him. A lot of us grew up admiring him, whether as a comedian or as a beloved TV father. He was about as iconic as anyone else in American culture. And now we don't know what to do with him.

This always happens. Someone we used to love does, or is said to have done, something terrible, and we have to decide whether to try and forget everything else, or even more difficult, reconcile the good with the bad. More often than not, at least initially we just try to forget we ever liked them.

So I read my first Cosby book. The Cosby book everyone should read is probably Come On, People, but that's not likely to happen anytime soon. I don't think anyone will ever claim Cosby pretended he had an easy upbringing. He certainly doesn't hide it in I Didn't Ask to Be Born (which is not a statement he makes about himself, by the way). His attitude toward women is, in case you were wondering, one of sheer terror. That is to say, Cosby believes women are far from weak, are in fact, in all probability, the stronger sex, and certainly the head of the household. Whether that's just what he says and not what he believes may be a matter of historic debate (if we're courageous enough to have it), but that's certainly the impression he gives in this book.

Which is, of course, like nearly everything else he's done, comedy. He's clearly, as anyone who's ever heard his comedy routines would attest, a born storyteller. He fills his stories with all the digressions they can possibly hold, so that there's little doubt (seemingly) of exactly what he thinks. He continues to mine his childhood, and even the childhood of his children, and grandchildren. He's baffled by Godzilla. We know, above all, that he says what he thinks.

Or, again, that's certainly the impression one would receive from reading this book, or having any experience with his comedy outside of it. Yes, he's a born storyteller, and maybe that means he's been telling stories for so long, he even believes them, because like any storyteller, there will always be embellishment. But how much?

Read this book, and maybe you won't be so sure, so quick to judge. I mean, maybe we'll just never know. But it's wrong, or perhaps just plain hard, to pretend he never existed. And maybe there remain good reasons for that, not just because the guy used to be one of the most entertaining figures in the country, but because...you just don't know. I don't, anyway, and maybe I'm just fooling myself. Judge me, judge Cosby, judge anyone you like. But he's a part of our story, too, and how you tell stories of him ought to reflect more than just what they're saying about him now.

I mean, right?

[Rancy Breece · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I got this book in a white elephant gift exchange a few weeks back, others at the party laughed and groaned. No one was tempted to steal it. Although I understood their reaction and the reason for the few muted derisive comments, felt it odd that someone with as much talent and accomplishments as Cosby could be so easily tried and found wanting in the court of public opinion. That a book could be judged and found wanting based on the author's character. So rather than add it to my collection of books to be donated I decided to read it and what merit it had. Frankly, I don't think much of the book. Like my 2-star rating indicates, it was okay and not something that I would recommend. It's a mishmash of memories from childhood through the time of writing, some wry observations about a number of things from Adam and Eve to current cultural trends. However, very little seemed memorable. This may be because Cosby's strengths as a story teller come from his vocal and visual persona, his inflections and characterizations - traits that don't translate as well on the page. I suspect that if he took off his gloves and wrote on topics like politics, education, race relations and the like I'd liked the book better. He'd be sharp and incisive and provided much needed perspective from someone who knows what he's talking about. It's a shame that we may never hear that voice - either his own actions have silenced it, or the media frenzy has drowned it out. My favorite memory of Cosby comes from a TV special he did in the late sixties he did on race and race relations in America (at least I hope I'm remembering this correctly). In one segment he (or some other adult) role-played with a black boy, hurling derogatory racial terms at him, while for each term the child retorted that he was black and proud - or something to that effect. Cosby correctly told viewers that while this looked like indoctrination, it was the kind of training needed to help young blacks develop pride and fight back against the direct and indirect discrimination in US culture.

[RYCJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Good. What a truly heartwarming and entertaining book. The writing voice sounds identical to Cos’s stage voice… complete with the repetitiveness and ‘healthy’ doses of original humor.

The Mmeh Okay. Although Dr. Cosby was well before my time, he wasn’t so far ahead of me that I don’t recall the stigmas of being associated with ‘crazy’ and the importance of raising disciplined human beings. Back-in-the-day corporal punishment was the law of the land… instilling fear to command obedience, in a similar respect as the fear yielded to God.

The Best Part. So, of course I cried laughing about Peanut, and fell out the chair reading ‘The Missing Pages,’ along with the Erectile Dysfunction chapter… reeling in the laughter roundabout the ‘Children Aren’t Your Friends’ chapter.

Ut oh…Say what? & Parents beware. Raising productive children and enjoying healthy, satisfying relationships with your children when they are adults only requires the ability to get that mutual respect going… and in the 'precise' increments. ‘Being friends with your children’ has little to do with raising productive people, the one section where I suspected missing pages! Parents on all ends of ‘parenting models’ succeed… and fail at parenting, to range of degrees.

But then that was just it… THE BEST PART!!! As I read this very engaging memoir to the end, *Cabbage Patch another one of my favorites* it became quite apparent that I wasn’t supposed to be reading Cos’s familiar lessons on people and parenting styles literally. I was supposed to be reading for fun and enjoyment… all of what ‘I Didn’t Ask to be Born’ promises. To the Last Word, I loved this book!

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that Bill Cosby one of the great American storytellers. His writing is combines the social commentary of Mark Twain, the aphorisms of Benjamin Franklin, and the wit of Yogi Berra. He is the ideal male role model, and was able to embody that fatherly position on The Cosby Show. If you have never heard his monologue about Noah, or Fat Albert, or his brother Russell, or childhood games, or anything else, you have missed a wonderful story. My wife and I had the pleasure of hearing him on a speaking tour and I was blown away by his compassion for youth and education, his focus on the family, and his keen perception societal values.

This book, I Didn't Ask to Be Born (But I'm Glad I Was) picks up where he left off - telling stories. While he has physically aged through the years, he is still sharp and funny and profound. Here are eighteen stories filled with advice, memories of his poor childhood, the impossible moments of parenthood (and grandparenthood), religion, and social commentary. It's a delightful and super-fast read. The only reason that I gave it four stars instead of five is that Bill Cosby's stories are better heard than read! It's too bad there isn't an audio book version available.

[David Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did not disappoint, and my favorite part was when Bill Cosby was telling a story about his grandson and his obsession with Godzilla. He told that he took his grandson trick or treating when his grandson was wearing a Godzilla costume, but his grandson literally wanted to be Godzilla, an example being, when people told him to roar he stood in place silently, implying that he thought he was Godzilla and couldn't understand them. One thing that makes this book bad, is the constant rambling in the chapters, so much that the rambling can just divert from the stories he tells. So he rambles about different and unrelated stories within stories. But that's Bill Cosby for ya, so it's not too much to complain about. I can recommend this book to everyone, because most of his stories can relate to anyone. This is one of my favorie books because the way he writes, in a way that a person with a lot of experience with life would type, like putting life lessons in the stories.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting compilation of humorous essays from Bill Cosby. It's a quick read and spans a variety of topics. My Mom and I thought it wasn't quite as funny as some of his other books, but my Dad, who is quite close in age to Mr. Cosby, laughed out loud many times while reading the book. So maybe you'd have to be a guy from his generation to understand. I appreciate his candor and wisdom and I have loved his humor for years, so although this wasn't my favorite book by him, I still liked it.

In any case, my whole family enjoyed reading this book and will certainly look in our local library for other books by him that I have not yet read.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some parts of this book that made me laugh out loud (his description of the plight of penguins in the chapter on the Bible's missing pages stands out) but like some other readers I didn't really get the point of the illustrations, since very few of them seemed to have much to do with the story in which they were placed. This was a very fast read because some of the stories were very short and they flowed nicely except for the times when he veered off course. I read this in a little over an hour. I enjoyed when he talked about his wife and his grandchildren, so maybe I would like his other books better. This wasn't bad, but it just wasn't really what I expected. I think some of his rambling, even though it made sense, took away from the humor a bit.

[Stephanie McCown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book to be as humorous and down to earth as you would expect from Bill Cosby, and I enjoyed it. However, as I typically read books that are more on the serious side, it was difficult for me to read through some of his "spaghetti" passages. I use the term "spaghetti" to describe conversations or writing that start in one place, move in a multitude of different directions, ends up in a completely different place, and you aren't quite sure where it started or ended or how it got there. All that said, though, I enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to someone who was looking for some light reading. I appreciate Cosby's humor because it is clean, it's relevant, and it's subject matter is stuff nearly every adult can relate to. You can't go wrong!

[Davina Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed it!!!! As always, with Bill Cosby, you can always expect good, clean, wholesome comedy and get it. He asks and answer questions all of us wonder, but we do not have the guts to speak them into existence. I really liked "Missing Pages' and "I Didn't Asked to be Born". I believe anyone over the age of 25 can relate to his stories and observations. As a wife, I enjoyed his views on marriage. As a parent, it was good to know that my children are not the only ones who annoy their parents (though you still love them dearly!:D). He made me missed the past with its Cabbage Patches and Godzilla movies!!! Ha!!! Ha!!!! Wonderful read!

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't want to rate Cosby 1/5 because I love him, but I probably won't remember much of the tales he told to tell in this collection. One of my favorite things about him is that it's not just his voice that's distinctive, it's his delivery. I felt I read his words EXACTLY as he meant them to be absorbed. That is his success.

And while his stories are sweet, amusing and often thought-provoking, I felt the substance of the tales he chose for this book were lacking in punch. My favorite was the Adam and Eve musing. And even so, I don't always agree with his beliefs and therefore, could only appreciate his process to a certain extent.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Three grandchildren...These kids have an energy and my wife loves these people, but they have decibels." (p. 181)

This is the only book I've read by Cosby so I don't really have a point of comparison. On the whole this is enjoyable and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. I tended to enjoy the material from his youth or about his family more than the material that's based on supposition ("The Missing Pages," etc.). I mostly read this to help decide if I want to drop $40 to see Cosby when he comes to town next month. Some of the humor (or at least the stance of the humor) seems dated, but the sense of goodness I tend to associate with the author is palpable throughout.

[Michael Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't exactly what I expected. I was expecting outlandish, outrageous humor, and the humor in this book is mostly of the Prairie Home Companion variety. Not that that's bad at all; it's certainly a fun book to read, and it's very Bill Cosbyesque. But it's much more warm and fuzzy than sharp and witty. That said, I'll certainly read more from Bill Cosby if he writes more... the man is a legend, and I had a great time with this book! Come into it expecting gently, family-friendly humor and you won't be disappointed.

[Kate C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book by a comedian that I have read in the past six months, the first one being Ellen's. I guess I just prefer the talent live. Was it funny? Yes. Did I laught out loud at some points? Yes. But I also felt that some chapters were forced just to add pages to the book. I'm not sure that I felt a theme stringing the book together at all. It was more like an afternoon lunch with your grandfather telling you some snippits of old stories that he can't quite remember in full but make him happy all the same to recall. If you're taking a long flight, pick it up. Otherwise, eh.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

*If I could, I would have given this book a 3 1/2 stars*

At times, very light-hearted, but very thoughtful at other times in the book. My favorite chapters in the book were, "The Morphamization of Peanut Armhouse", "The Missing Pages", "Erectile Dysfunction", and "My Son's First Bad Word." Be forwarned, Bill does a lot of jumping around with his thoughts and this can get a little confusing, but it helps keep it "real" to me. He kind of reminds me of Grandpa Simpson on "The Simpsons" but his stories do eventually have a point. :)

[Nick James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give this 5 1/2 stars if I could because I think Bill Cosby is awesomely hilarious. I've seen quite a good bit of The Cosby Show, I've seen his standup, he's a funny man and you have to admit it. This was my first book by him that I read. I really liked it, and it's got some pretty memorable, funny stories packed in the book. From missing Bible pages to a Godzilla-crazed grandson of Bill, this book has got it all. It's a very decent book that I suggest that you read if you're a Cosby fan or comedy lover.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you don't have a grandpa (or grandpoppy) and want to experience what it's like, here's a book for you. Interesting, sometimes rambling stories is what you'll get. I'm torn with the use of smartphone tags at the end of each chapter; they slowed me down a bit, but the extra video tidbits from Mr. Cosby are good. Thanks Mr. Cosby (@billcosby) for another good respite between my regular reading, though I still think you're wrong about Cabbage Patch dolls -- mine are truly adorable, especially compared to dolls of today (well, except maybe American Girl dolls). ;)

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The kids in the carpool really love listening to Bill Cosby's old sketches in the car. So as I read this, I could hear it just as if it were playing in the car, with all of Cosby's inflections and sound effects. I really enjoyed the chapter entitled "Missing Pages" about Adam and Eve. I was laughing out loud. I would give it 3 1/2 stars because it just couldn't top Fatherhood, but it was still really funny.