I Was a White Knight... Once: An Uncommon Memoir [Paperback]

Nathan Timmel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 16, 2011

What causes a man to stand on a cold and sometimes unforgiving stage, telling jokes and looking for the approval of strangers? For Nathan, the answer lies in his upbringing: ten cities, ten schools, and ten sets of friends within the first decade of his life. Parents whose volatile marriage sparked more than one horrific memory, including his mother’s ride on the hood of the family car to keep her estranged husband from taking the kids. Stories like these usually end with damaged children doomed to become damaged adults. Fortunately, Nathan turned his inner mayhem into a profession. It would be years before he understood what drew him to stand-up comedy, but once Nathan found the spotlight, the pieces fell into place. This memoir follows Nathan’s life through blissful childhood ignorance, self-loathing, overcompensation, and absolution. He takes the reader across the U.S. and into Iraq and Afghanistan, where he performed for American troops stationed far from home, had shows cancelled by incoming mortars, and heard applause punctuated by explosions. Funny, poignant and at times uplifting, Nathan’s story of personal downfall and redemption is at once universal and a unique glimpse into someone still looking for the approval of strangers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Personal stories captured by writing that is compelling, insightful and often hilarious!"
~ Ben Kieffer, host of The Exchange, Iowa Public Radio

"[Nathan's memoir] paints a poignant vignette of an era and an epoch that, while not necessarily relatable to all of our lives, still resonates with the reader. The exemplary writing and moving mood of the narrative is compelling without being bombastic or unbelievable."

~Dayton Most Metro Online

About the Author

Nathan has been writing since he could scribble using crayons. He has 2 CDs in rotation on Sirius/XM radio, and has appeared on The Bob & Tom Show. Nathan currently lives in Iowa with his wife, two kitties (one female, one gender-confused) and his doggy (named “Kitty”). He is an avid fan of Billy and the Boingers, and enjoys a fine pair of pants. This is Nathan’s first novel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: KLSP Publishing (September 16, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615539890
• ISBN-13: 978-0615539898
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 5.4 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (149 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,093,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Normally the way to play this would be either pithy, or straight, but I can think of nothing interesting on either side of that coin. I don't enjoy writing about myself in the third person, yet to have my wife write up something would subject the reader to all the "wrong" things I do around the house (spends more time talking to the animals to me, walks around house naked for absurd amount of time after showering, etc). I guess in all the most important thing to know is: I am a comedian, which means I feel it is my job to make people giggle. This should be reflected in my body of work, as well as my pasty, out of shape, shameful physical body.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Comically Endearing September 15, 2011

By Pamela Grewell

Format:Kindle Edition

Having been a long time e-friend/blog reader of Nathan Timmel and having had the opportunity to see him perform a few years ago, I was ecstatic to see a book released! I was not disappointed as his writing is genuine, authentic, unabashedly honest and replete with engaging imagery.

Nathan delivers life's unpleasant periods in a palatable read as he leads you on his journey through childhood development, political unrest, crackpot adolescence, comedy, relationships... and war... while leaving you feeling a bit more appreciative of the experiences that shape us and what we've learned from them rather than being defined by them.

When Nathan writes, you rarely know what to expect as mid-serious anecdote, he stealth-swipes you an interjection sure to well a few tears of laughter. His stories are easy to relate to and at times, invoke a bit of your own nostalgia.

It was definitely worth my first Nook purchase, though I foresee buying the paperback, too. It is, without question, something I would read more than just once.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most entertaining books I've read in while September 1, 2011

By K. Bjork

Format:Kindle Edition

This book has a little of everything; it's witty and funny, but also heartbreaking, humbling, and at times infuriating. Written by a comedian, but this is not a book that's just out for cheap laughs. The author is a natural-born storyteller, and I found myself experiencing his emotions as he re-told his life story--every chapter, he drew me in by laying everything out on the line... every dirty detail and intimate thought out in the open. From his (sometimes painful) past experiences, I see why he seeks the attention that being a comedian provides--and I think many can relate.

While it definitely has sections that will make you laugh and witty commentary throughout (such as taking his daily dump in the bushes as a kid or fending off a stalker who just wants to be loved), I felt a range of emotions that many authors don't quite draw out of me. I sympathized with his parents' messy and drawn-out divorce, related with his confusing teenage years, and wanted to strangle the girl who strung him along and broke his heart (and also wanted to slap some sense into him).

It was frustrating to hear an inside account of what it takes to succeed in the unfair, cut-throat world of stand-up comedy--a business that often overlooks talent only to reward hacks and cheap gimmicks. The tales of his trips to entertain the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan were both eye-opening and humbling. No matter your political leanings, he pays the utmost respect to those fighting for our country, and in the process, humbles those of us who do not have the courage or ambition to do so ourselves.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute must read. September 8, 2011

By Bradley J. Lowry

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I found Nathan Timmel through his stand up comedy. Upon hearing about the fact he had a book available, I decided to check it out and couldn't have been happier doing so.

This is a journey through his life told by someone who truly knows how to tell stories. While he is a comedian, this isn't a book that is focused on just getting laughs. It is a genuinely interesting story of someone and their progress through life. The story can go from laughing out loud to where you think you might want to wipe a tear away.

I highly recommend this book and know you'll love it also.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats! September 16, 2011

By kbefeler

Format:Kindle Edition

Timmel offers a glimpse into his past and present that had me laughing, and crying, his entire book. He shares some poignant memories from childhood, his time spent doing comedy in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some hard lessons learned. Through his memoir, I saw a man that is vulnerable but strong, courageous but not always unafraid, and overall humbled by life. The fact that Nathan was willing to lay it all out there in a humorous and easy to read way made it impossible for me to put the book down!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!!! September 14, 2011

By Theresa and/or Mike Dalton

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an excellent book from a first time author!!

If you've EVER wondered what it's like to fly through wartime Afghanistan, as a civilian, in a Black Hawk helicopter on your way to make people laugh... or even if you haven't... Nathan Timmel is the guy to ask.

His story, from the very first page, all the way to the end, will make you laugh, cry, and sometimes cringe. And you will do it at the precise time he wants you to.

The ONLY problem with this book is that it is TOO SHORT!!

Hopefully Mr. Timmel will not be a "one and done", but rather keep writing and keep the great stories coming.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh Out Loud Musings Mixed in with Somber Overtones. September 17, 2011

By Mister J

Format:Kindle Edition

Anyone with a pulse can relate to this book. The book is told from a first person perspective of that of the author, Nathan Timmel. From his years as a toddler growing up in the the Midwest all the way through where he is today. Anyone who grew up in a broken home, was shunned by the cool cliques in highschool, unsure what to do out of highschool, or for that matter anyone who has faced ups and downs of what we all call life will be enthrall from page to page.(Who hasn't?) It's a short read, but damn well written, you will have a difficult time putting it down. Too often did I find myself laughing out loud with some of the situations our dear author finds himself in. Though, that's not to say there isn't some melancholy among the chapters. Once read, you will feel to have a deep personal connection with the author even if you never even laid eyes on the fellow. Highly Recommended!

You will not be disappointed in the least with this purchase.