What do you think?
Rate this book
That Moment When...: Life Stories From Way Back Then
There's Mo to life... In 2016 a totally broke Mo Gilligan recorded and posted a funny video online about the 'Different Types of MCs'. He put his phone on silent and went to bed. When he woke, he'd gone viral... and there starts the story of one of the UK's biggest breakout comedy stars of a generation. This book is Mo's take on everything life has thrown at him - from meeting Drake, to dubious fashion choices starting out in comedy, his Rastafarian dad's nursery rhymes and much more. Find out to properly go out with the lads, how *not* to airkiss at the BAFTAS and how to stop being bored at work. Full of life lessons and hilarious stories, Mo is delivering pure gold entertainment in book-form for the first time. 'The Funniest Man in Britain' The Times
320 pages, Hardcover
Published December 1, 2021
12 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 17, 2025
Blog | Instagram
Rating: 4 stars
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I cannot get enough of the vibrant yellow used in this design and the pun highlighted in the title. I also like how the text colours match Mo’s outfit and contrast the yellow background.
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The authentic, conversational writing style brilliantly captures the essence of Mo Gillian’s personality and makes this an easy read. Mo’s emotions and reflections are also smoothly infused into the story, keeping it heartwarming and engaging.
“working in a team is always better than working by yourself”
Content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Starting with his childhood, Mo details his life and inspiring career journey. I especially loved that he touches on his financial struggles and the hardships of being a black comedian in the UK. While I wished his account had been more gripping, Mo’s hard work and dedication made it easy to root for him throughout this book.
Narration & Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Mo Gillian narrates this audiobook himself and does a terrific job of bringing his words to life. I also enjoyed the different voices and impressions he used to enrich the listening experience.
“giving kids the outlet to be creative is so important.”
In short, ‘That Moment When’ was both an inspiring and entertaining read. Mo Gillian authentically opens up about the ups and downs of his life, detailing all the hard work and commitment that led him to where he is in his career. Those looking for another entertaining biography by a comedian should check out Born A Crime by Trevor Noah.
____________________________________
For those who have read this and want to discuss it, here are a few questions:
Rating: 4 stars
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I cannot get enough of the vibrant yellow used in this design and the pun highlighted in the title. I also like how the text colours match Mo’s outfit and contrast the yellow background.
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The authentic, conversational writing style brilliantly captures the essence of Mo Gillian’s personality and makes this an easy read. Mo’s emotions and reflections are also smoothly infused into the story, keeping it heartwarming and engaging.
“working in a team is always better than working by yourself”
Content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Starting with his childhood, Mo details his life and inspiring career journey. I especially loved that he touches on his financial struggles and the hardships of being a black comedian in the UK. While I wished his account had been more gripping, Mo’s hard work and dedication made it easy to root for him throughout this book.
Narration & Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Mo Gillian narrates this audiobook himself and does a terrific job of bringing his words to life. I also enjoyed the different voices and impressions he used to enrich the listening experience.
“giving kids the outlet to be creative is so important.”
In short, ‘That Moment When’ was both an inspiring and entertaining read. Mo Gillian authentically opens up about the ups and downs of his life, detailing all the hard work and commitment that led him to where he is in his career. Those looking for another entertaining biography by a comedian should check out Born A Crime by Trevor Noah.
____________________________________
For those who have read this and want to discuss it, here are a few questions:
September 23, 2021
I actually listened to this as an audiobook, and Mo had me crying with laughter whilst talking about his childhood and his life before his comedy career took off. This brought back a lot of memories, and was highly relatable, (Reebok classics, garage tunes, group WhatsApp messages, being broke and needing some funds…)
This is the perfect addition to any fans merchandise collection and recalls exactly what happened during Mo’s rapid rise to fame.
I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by Mo’s mentions of the law of attraction and that he aims to still be representing the people from his community, no matter what the future holds for him. This allows the reader to go a lot deeper into Mo’s world and does a fantastic job in proving there’s a lot more to Mo Gilligan than jokes, comedy sketches and chat shows. He’s humble, ambitious and a relentless hard worker, deserving all the success that the universe has in store for him!
I listened to the whole audiobook in one session and had I been reading the physical book of this, I am confident I would have struggled to put this down.
An excellent nonfiction read that comes highly recommended!
This is the perfect addition to any fans merchandise collection and recalls exactly what happened during Mo’s rapid rise to fame.
I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by Mo’s mentions of the law of attraction and that he aims to still be representing the people from his community, no matter what the future holds for him. This allows the reader to go a lot deeper into Mo’s world and does a fantastic job in proving there’s a lot more to Mo Gilligan than jokes, comedy sketches and chat shows. He’s humble, ambitious and a relentless hard worker, deserving all the success that the universe has in store for him!
I listened to the whole audiobook in one session and had I been reading the physical book of this, I am confident I would have struggled to put this down.
An excellent nonfiction read that comes highly recommended!
January 30, 2025
A very funny and hilarious read by a brilliant comedian, thoroughly enjoyed reading about his life growing up and where he came from to where he is now as a massive comedian in UK and globally. Well worth a read if you like your comedy.
September 10, 2021
Mo kept it real throughout, detailing his struggles whilst navigating his way through the world of comedy in the UK. It was heart warming and emotive! Especially when you look at his success today!
There was lots going on in each chapter & there were bits of course that I thought weren't relevant to the chapters titles, but to be honest I didn't care, because I really gelled with the stories that were told.
This is a non-fiction book that really gave it it's all! It was so relatable and authentic! From shopping at Netto's, to them Saturday market runs (I say runs but the real ones know those were some all day marathons kmt). From Sound Nightclub (Did any of you go there?), to 'The Sunday Show'. From skid marks, to Rastafarian rappers. I loved it all!
But most of all, I loved Mo's exploration of class, culture & childhood and the disparity between race and the above. It didn't have to be wordy & referencing a barrage of case studies to get to the point of what so many of us encountered whilst growing up, and what many of this generation and future generations are likely to experience. I remember reading a part and thinking "Thank goodness I wasn't the only one".
As I was saying in my previous posts I tend to prefect fiction because it opens up my mind to the escapism I crave, but "This
Moment When" did the job just fine. You may have seen in my post last night that I found out that one of my uni friends sadly passed away. I'm not the greatest person at expressing how I feel, I tend to just try to swallow the feelings, but reading Mo's book last night really helped to keep my thoughts at bay & give me some much needed laughs.
If you're looking for a laugh and an easy read or just something new, please pick up a copy and support. I'm so proud of this guy & his come up! You may have never got a wheel up before @mothecomedian but I'll be wheeling a few (if not all) of these chapters up again!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
There was lots going on in each chapter & there were bits of course that I thought weren't relevant to the chapters titles, but to be honest I didn't care, because I really gelled with the stories that were told.
This is a non-fiction book that really gave it it's all! It was so relatable and authentic! From shopping at Netto's, to them Saturday market runs (I say runs but the real ones know those were some all day marathons kmt). From Sound Nightclub (Did any of you go there?), to 'The Sunday Show'. From skid marks, to Rastafarian rappers. I loved it all!
But most of all, I loved Mo's exploration of class, culture & childhood and the disparity between race and the above. It didn't have to be wordy & referencing a barrage of case studies to get to the point of what so many of us encountered whilst growing up, and what many of this generation and future generations are likely to experience. I remember reading a part and thinking "Thank goodness I wasn't the only one".
As I was saying in my previous posts I tend to prefect fiction because it opens up my mind to the escapism I crave, but "This
Moment When" did the job just fine. You may have seen in my post last night that I found out that one of my uni friends sadly passed away. I'm not the greatest person at expressing how I feel, I tend to just try to swallow the feelings, but reading Mo's book last night really helped to keep my thoughts at bay & give me some much needed laughs.
If you're looking for a laugh and an easy read or just something new, please pick up a copy and support. I'm so proud of this guy & his come up! You may have never got a wheel up before @mothecomedian but I'll be wheeling a few (if not all) of these chapters up again!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 15, 2022
Although I’m not Mo’s target audience for this book (middle class, middle age white woman) it was a very valuable read. He’s incredibly honest & open about his journey to success and although I borrowed the book from the library to see if I liked it before investing in a copy (ever the cheapskate) I WILL be buying a copy. It’s a book to have on your bookshelves to return to for future inspiration.
However, a word of warning - if you’re not a young black person reading it, like me you might need to keep the Urban Dictionary tab open on Google when reading it, for some of the terms he uses. Who knew “creps” means cool trainers 😳?
However, a word of warning - if you’re not a young black person reading it, like me you might need to keep the Urban Dictionary tab open on Google when reading it, for some of the terms he uses. Who knew “creps” means cool trainers 😳?
November 20, 2025
I loved this book. I find it so interesting to read about people's backgrounds and how hard they had to work before making a breakthrough
I loved that he wanted to shine a light on and represent black people and their comedy talent.
I loved that he wanted to shine a light on and represent black people and their comedy talent.
March 7, 2024
(Audiobook) I love Mo and I loved that he kept doing accents, but I feel like this book was just not it
March 4, 2023
I read this after I'd just finished reading Malorie Blackman's and I had to remind myself that one was a literary expert, the other was not. Mo was telling his story in his own way; it reads more as a series of anecdotes and things he's remembered, some of which were interesting and held a level of humour, some of which I don't think really translated into book form.
What was of particular interest was learning about his journey as a comedian; the level of grind he's put in to get to where he is today. There can often be a lot of assumptions made about the people we see on TV; the thought that they've just 'arrived'. When in actual fact that journey has been tough;
The main thing I get from reading this book, is that Mo deserves the level of success he is currently experiencing. He has earned it.
What was of particular interest was learning about his journey as a comedian; the level of grind he's put in to get to where he is today. There can often be a lot of assumptions made about the people we see on TV; the thought that they've just 'arrived'. When in actual fact that journey has been tough;
The main thing I get from reading this book, is that Mo deserves the level of success he is currently experiencing. He has earned it.
2021-reads
September 21, 2021I needed some laughs and knew I would get them listening to this audiobook - could have listened for hours more! Mo Gilligan consistently delivers with his banter & realness and I enjoy being in his company (via TV, Internet and now via Audiobook).
What I particularly love about this audio is that he goes into character for everyone he speaks about - celebs, managers, friends & family, teachers - everyone. I was "bussin' up" (a phrase he says a lot in this book) a lot. You won't get to enjoy this aspect reading it in print format.
Its not all bants though, he opens up about growing up and some of the struggles of the comedy scene. It's inspiring to see his growth and I look forward to following the rest of his journey.
*highly recommend listening to the audiobook*
What I particularly love about this audio is that he goes into character for everyone he speaks about - celebs, managers, friends & family, teachers - everyone. I was "bussin' up" (a phrase he says a lot in this book) a lot. You won't get to enjoy this aspect reading it in print format.
Its not all bants though, he opens up about growing up and some of the struggles of the comedy scene. It's inspiring to see his growth and I look forward to following the rest of his journey.
*highly recommend listening to the audiobook*
January 15, 2024
I always approach comedian biographies with a bit of trepidation because they can sometimes meander into a stand up routine halfway through a chapter and while I'm laughing along, I'm thinking, I just want to know what happened to your Great Nanna Agnes and her watermelon. Or whatever.
That Moment When... struck that perfect balance where I was laughing throughout, but there were breaks from that with more serious elements.
I loved the cultural references and memories throughout as well. Panda pops, playing out with mates, the spice girls all them 90s and early 00s things that you forget until someone mentions them. Took me down my own memory lane while I read.
What struck me as well was how much this book made me think as well about Black comedy. I feel like, again, struck the balance between raising those related issues without trying to suffocate me with the point.
All around, I really enjoyed it. Loved the audiobook with Mo reading it as well. I can not think of a single thing that I did not like.
That Moment When... struck that perfect balance where I was laughing throughout, but there were breaks from that with more serious elements.
I loved the cultural references and memories throughout as well. Panda pops, playing out with mates, the spice girls all them 90s and early 00s things that you forget until someone mentions them. Took me down my own memory lane while I read.
What struck me as well was how much this book made me think as well about Black comedy. I feel like, again, struck the balance between raising those related issues without trying to suffocate me with the point.
All around, I really enjoyed it. Loved the audiobook with Mo reading it as well. I can not think of a single thing that I did not like.
October 5, 2021
The Stormzy of comedy, doing it his way and ensuring that he represents black Britain. Lots of good yarns, especially about his time at the Sunday Show, and the second half is exponential. He pulls the reader from childhood in Denmark Hill to selling out the O2. Thank goodness we didn't lose him to the USA. The world's his oyster and this brand positioner of a book is useful.
August 22, 2022
I love Mo Gilligan, hes one of my favourite comedians so I'm happy I got to listen to this newest book on audio. Its definitly worth a read, it's an honest and strong read which is inspiring. It makes me so happy that Mo Gilligan was found and has reached the achievements he has today so we can all enjoy his comedy
April 30, 2025
It’s very rare that I read non fiction but I love Mo and I’m going to watch him at the o2 next month so it’s been fun learning about his career journey. It was a bit slow at first but I think that was just me getting used to the genre and he talked about retail a lot 😂 but I got more into it as it went along and I loved the chapters about his growing success and the last chapter especially!
November 28, 2021
Really great book. Was interesting to hear his journey and how he overcame obstacles. Very inspiring. He wants others to win too not just himself. Loved the jokes throughout the book. I was cackling on the bus.
June 25, 2022
Mo is a great comedian and I love what he represents. His book shows how with hard work and determination you can achieve your dreams. The sections about his childhood were very relatable - the joy of playing out as a kid and stocking up on pre-drinks before a night out. A really enjoyable read.
October 5, 2022
I enjoyed this book and find mo really likeable and relatable. Had no idea he had family in Wales! However I wish we learnt more about his personal life rather than just his work achievements. Still, props to him!
September 30, 2023
As you would hope from a comedian it's funny.
I found the last fifth(ish) of the book moved a lot faster and was a lot more just what happened than amusement but overall a very good read.
If you like Mo as a comedian you'll find this funny
I found the last fifth(ish) of the book moved a lot faster and was a lot more just what happened than amusement but overall a very good read.
If you like Mo as a comedian you'll find this funny
May 18, 2024
Quick read, interesting to read a comedian who took a more a social media internet route. After finsihing I watched momentum and the use of music was great. Love reading about peoples stories and learning how they got to where they are
December 27, 2021
It was lovely to read about his journey to success and how far he has made it.
March 1, 2022
You have to love Mo ❤️
March 12, 2022
Love Mo Gilligan and see him a few times. Enjoyed reading about how he got to where he is now. Totally relatable too when talking about his struggles and childhood.
March 16, 2022
A nice easy read that made me love Mo even more. His story is so interesting and he's worked so hard to be where he is today! One of my favourite biographies I've ever read
April 9, 2022
This book made me smile so much ☺️ shows that so much hard work can pay off.
December 19, 2022
Mo had me crying with laughter from the on set and it was brilliant. His high energy levels and sheer down to earth personality I really did enjoy this one.
March 6, 2023
Funny, poignant and inspiring autobiography.
Check out the audiobook. Mo does loads of different funny voices.
Check out the audiobook. Mo does loads of different funny voices.
April 23, 2023
Really enjoyable book! Loved following the journey and inspired by all he's done, and will continue to do, for the Black community! ✊🏾
June 15, 2025
Audiobook listen - Great to hear snippets of Mo's life so far and learn more about how he became the comedian/TV personality he is today. Kept me engaged throughout as he narrated his book!
July 12, 2022
I feel bad that I only gave this book two stars, which is not the authors fault. It is a great story or Mo's life, in which he should be very proud but I don't know who he is. I have never seen his comedy or shows.
I picked it up, in the hope of a laugh but I didn't get that from this book, there are very little jokes or anecdotes. Or if there were, I didn't get them.
To conclude, great story of someones life but not funny if that's what you are after
I picked it up, in the hope of a laugh but I didn't get that from this book, there are very little jokes or anecdotes. Or if there were, I didn't get them.
To conclude, great story of someones life but not funny if that's what you are after
November 24, 2022
This book starts of way back when… in Mo’s earlier days, struggling from pay cheque to pay cheque and ‘so broke you pray’. 🙏🏾
From working in retail in 2017 to now being a critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, Mo has come a long way.
He is undeniably a slick, assured entertainer, more than enough honesty and likeable humility shines through.
What a likeable guy, his energy is infectious and his laugh contagious!! Play it forward Mo …continue shining the light on others …rooting for you 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
From working in retail in 2017 to now being a critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, Mo has come a long way.
He is undeniably a slick, assured entertainer, more than enough honesty and likeable humility shines through.
What a likeable guy, his energy is infectious and his laugh contagious!! Play it forward Mo …continue shining the light on others …rooting for you 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
November 20, 2022
Part 1. Great start hearing about early life
Part 2. Blabbing on about famous people he hung with and dodgy mindset then regurgitating his show.
Part 3. Bigging up black British comedy - saved the book
So kinda lost interest in the middle but glad I did finish.
Got a bit bored with the - I was really nervous and couldn’t believe it then everyone loved it/ me - bit predictable. But liked it/ him 2/3 of the time. 3.4
Part 2. Blabbing on about famous people he hung with and dodgy mindset then regurgitating his show.
Part 3. Bigging up black British comedy - saved the book
So kinda lost interest in the middle but glad I did finish.
Got a bit bored with the - I was really nervous and couldn’t believe it then everyone loved it/ me - bit predictable. But liked it/ him 2/3 of the time. 3.4
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews