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Mike Epps
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Unsuccessful Thug: One Comedian's Journey from Naptown to Tinseltown Kindle Edition

by Mike Epps (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 291 ratings
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From Naptown to Tinseltown—legendary stand-up comedian and actor Mike Epps finally tells all in this outrageous, hilarious, no-holds-barred memoir.

Before starring in Def Comedy Jam and Showtime at the Apollo—before the sold-out comedy shows, Uncle Buck, and becoming his hero Richard Pryor in a biopic—there was Indianapolis. And not the good part. Mike Epps is one of America’s favorite and funniest people, but the path to fame was paved with opportunities to mess it up. And mess it up he did.

Growing up in “Naptown”—what people who live there really call rough-around-the-edges Indianapolis—Epps found himself forced to hustle from an early age. Despite his mother’s best efforts, and the love of his well-behaved brother, “Chaney,” and his beloved sister, Julie, Epps was drawn to a life of crime, but as he quickly discovered, stealing and dealing didn’t really fit his sweet sensibilities. Not to mention he wasn’t very good at it—take, for example, the day he had to call the cops on himself when a dog wouldn’t let him leave a house he was burgling. After several arrests and more than a few months in jail, Epps finally realized that he was an unsuccessful thug, and instead turned to the next most obvious career path: stand-up comedy.

Heading first to New York, then all over the country, and finally to Hollywood, Mike Epps carved out a unique place in American comedy, combining hysterical tales of his family and friends with a mordant take on life in the Naptowns of America. Comedy saved Mike Epps, and here he reveals exactly how he finally grew up and got out, barely. And when describing how he survived when so many of his friends didn’t, Epps makes clear what he’s thankful for and sorry about. Unsuccessful Thug is about growing up black in America, facing down racism in Hollywood, and ultimately how it feels to fail at thugdom, pull yourself up by the bootstraps, and end up selling out arenas and starring in movies across the country.

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  1. Print length
    274 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Harper
  4. Publication date
    March 27, 2018
  5. File size
    6.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Hilarious and deeply insightful.” — Salon.com

From the Back Cover

Before starring in Def Comedy Jam and Showtime at the Apollo, there was Indianapolis. And not the good part. Mike Epps is one of America’s favorite and funniest people, but the path to fame was paved with opportunities to mess it up. And mess it up he did.

Growing up in “Naptown”—what people who live there really call rough-around-the-edges Indianapolis—Epps found himself forced to hustle from an early age. Despite his family’s best efforts, Epps was drawn to a life of crime, but as he quickly discovered, stealing and dealing didn’t really fit his sweet sensibilities. Not to mention he wasn’t very good at it—take, for example, the day he had to call the cops on himself when a dog wouldn’t let him leave a house he was burgling. After several arrests and more than a few months in jail, Epps finally realized that he was an unsuccessful thug, and instead turned to the next most obvious career path: stand-up comedy.

Heading first to New York, then to venues all over the country, and finally to Hollywood, Mike Epps carved out a unique place in American comedy, combining hysterical tales of his family and friends with a mordant take on life in the Naptowns of America. Comedy saved Mike Epps, and here he reveals exactly how he finally grew up and got out, barely. And when describing how he survived when so many of his friends didn’t, Epps makes clear what he’s thankful for and sorry about.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0713W47LK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper; Reprint edition (March 27, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 27, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 274 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 291 ratings

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Mike Epps

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
291 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an easy read with a heartfelt story and humorous moments. They describe it as an inspiring, honest account of one man's journey written in a conversational tone. The humor keeps readers entertained and laughing throughout the book. Overall, customers find the book entertaining and worth purchasing.

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ReadabilityHeartfelt storyHumorValue for money
28 customers mention "Readability"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, heartfelt, and funny. It's a success story about an underdog.

"...Everyone has a story and it was great getting to read his and learn about his upbringing and rise to stardom...." Read more

"...This book is a success story, of how an underdog, born into a situation where the odds were stacked against him, lead him down a rough path that..." Read more

"...Love this read!" Read more

"...He is one crazy dude! The book was well-written and very honest. We follow Mike from childhood to adulthood to his success as a Comedian...." Read more

14 customers mention "Heartfelt story"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an honest and inspiring account of one man's journey. They describe it as a rich personal story with humor. The tone of the autobiography is conversational, and readers appreciate the heartfelt reflection and laugh-out-loud moments. The book provides great insights into growing up and making it out of the Nap.

"...The book was a easy read, heartfelt, and funny!" Read more

"This book kept my attention from start to finish. Mike is very open and honest and the tone of this autobiography is conversational...." Read more

"This book is as rich in personal story as it is with Mike’s classic humor. It’s incredible how far he has come and what he has lived through...." Read more

"...He is one crazy dude! The book was well-written and very honest. We follow Mike from childhood to adulthood to his success as a Comedian...." Read more

13 customers mention "Humor"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it entertaining and easy to read. The author's wit keeps them laughing and reminiscing.

"...The book was a easy read, heartfelt, and funny!" Read more

"Great for someone who chose the wrong to love ve life. Good for someone to laugh at themselves for a change" Read more

"This book is as rich in personal story as it is with Mike’s classic humor. It’s incredible how far he has come and what he has lived through...." Read more

"Mike Epps is one of the funniest comedians of today. He is one crazy dude! The book was well-written and very honest...." Read more

4 customers mention "Value for money"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worth the purchase and reading. They say the story is inspiring.

"...Worth the purchase!" Read more

"...funny and Mike Epps was bad as hell as a kid...but very funny and worth reading..." Read more

"...Overall this book is well worth the time to sit and read." Read more

"If you love Mike Epp's comedy you will love his book as well. Worth every penny. Thank you Mike!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very easy read and entertaining!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I have always been a fan of Mike so when I came across his book, I couldn't wait to read it. Everyone has a story and it was great getting to read his and learn about his upbringing and rise to stardom. The close relationship he has with his mom and siblings is a beautiful thing. The book was a easy read, heartfelt, and funny!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Florita Davis
    5.0 out of 5 stars My Sister n in custody loved this book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great for someone who chose the wrong to love ve life. Good for someone to laugh at themselves for a change
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  • Brandon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the purchase! Inspiring story!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book kept my attention from start to finish. Mike is very open and honest and the tone of this autobiography is conversational. I think anyone who is a fan of Mikes and comedy would love this read. This book is a success story, of how an underdog, born into a situation where the odds were stacked against him, lead him down a rough path that opened up to his calling. Worth the purchase!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Bookworm
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book is as rich in personal story as it is with Mike’s classic humor. It’s incredible how far he has come and what he has lived through. Comedy saved his life and his book is filled with as much heartfelt reflection as it is with laugh out loud humor. Love this read!
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Passionate Book Reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Honest and Laugh Out Loud Funny 😂
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Mike Epps is one of the funniest comedians of today. He is one crazy dude! The book was well-written and very honest. We follow Mike from childhood to adulthood to his success as a Comedian. Mike grows up in the tough streets of "naptown" and becomes a drug dealer, a drug user, and an unwed father all at an early age. Sadly, his drug abuse hindered him from many opportunities, but also I believe Mike has low self-esteem. Even when he becomes famous, he struggles with accepting his fame. He also has trust issues. I think he could benefit from a psychological evaluation. I believe Mike has come a long way, but he could have much more success if he believed in himself and not allowed fear to stumble him. Not just success as a Comedian but better success in life in general, starting with himself and battling his vices.

    I gave the book 4-stars because towards the end it was overly preachy and we as readers didn't really need the lengthy explanation as to why he is the way he is, we can see and understand that.

    Other than that, I enjoyed the book.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • DaveSincere
    5.0 out of 5 stars I got this book for my mother and she absolutely LOVES IT
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    5/5 Rating

    Me and my mother have a Book group that consists of just us two. Every month I send her 3-4 books and she usually breezes through them if she likes them, if she doesn't like them it will take her weeks to get through them. She read this book in a matter of 2 days. She told me there were moments her neighbors would look at her as she laughed uncontrollably loud as she read on her front porch.

    She knew of Mike Epps but never really followed him. Once she picked up the book she remembered the movies she's seen him in.

    This book deserves a 5 star rating and MORE as it's kept my mom happy and laughing over the past week. Thank you Mike!!! and also, we love the new show on Netflix - The Upshaws.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Travis Deon Shackleford, Jr.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Read!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I read this on my flight to Vegas, The backstory is quite interesting and notable. Mike kept me entertained with his wit and flow of writing. I'll be sure to visit Naptown one of these days!
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  • Jewel M. Hudson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Authenic Storyline
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is an unapologetic account of one man's journey and a decision he made that changed the trajectory of his life. The transparency of the story should be valuable information for others as they find themselves in a similar situation.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Channon Gore
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    5 Star
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