Introduction
Samuel L Jackson is an American actor and producer who has starred in many popular films, including Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained, and The Avengers. However, in 2011, Jackson became famous for a different reason – his narration of the children’s book “Go the F**k to Sleep.” The book was written by Adam Mansbach and illustrated by Ricardo Cortes, and it quickly became a best-seller due to Jackson’s hilarious and profane reading of the story.
The Story Behind “Go the F**k to Sleep”
“Go the F**k to Sleep” was first released in 2011 and quickly became a viral sensation. The book is a humorous take on the frustrations that parents often feel when trying to get their children to go to bed. The story follows a tired and frustrated parent who desperately wants their child to fall asleep so that they can finally get some rest themselves. However, as the night wears on, the child becomes more and more awake, leading the parent to curse and swear under their breath.
The book was written by Adam Mansbach, a novelist and professor at Rutgers University, and it was illustrated by Ricardo Cortes. Mansbach wrote the book after struggling to get his own daughter to go to sleep, and he based many of the story’s details on his own experiences as a parent.
Samuel L Jackson’s Reading
While “Go the F**k to Sleep” was already a popular book, it was Samuel L Jackson’s reading of the story that really propelled it to fame. In a video that was released online, Jackson can be heard narrating the story in his signature style, complete with curse words and exasperated sighs. His performance perfectly captured the frustration and exhaustion that parents often feel when trying to get their children to go to bed, and it quickly became a viral sensation.
The video of Jackson’s reading has been viewed millions of times on YouTube, and it has been shared on social media countless times. Jackson’s performance even earned him a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album.
Criticism and Controversy
Despite its popularity, “Go the F**k to Sleep” has also been the subject of controversy. Some critics have argued that the book is inappropriate for children and that it promotes the use of profanity around young people. Others have accused the book of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about race and class.
Adam Mansbach has defended the book, arguing that it is meant to be a humorous take on the frustrations of parenting rather than a serious guide to child-rearing. He has also pointed out that the book is clearly labeled as being intended for adults only, and that parents should use their own judgment when deciding whether or not to read it to their children.
The Legacy of “Go the F**k to Sleep”
Despite the controversy that has surrounded it, “Go the F**k to Sleep” remains a popular and influential book. It has spawned numerous sequels and adaptations, including a Spanish-language version narrated by actor Diego Luna and a children’s book adaptation called “Seriously, Just Go to Sleep.” The success of “Go the F**k to Sleep” has also inspired other authors to write similar books, such as “You Have to F**king Eat” and “All My Friends Are Dead.”
Conclusion
Samuel L Jackson’s reading of “Go the F**k to Sleep” has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring laughter and controversy in equal measure. While some have criticized the book for its use of profanity and its portrayal of parenting, others have praised it for its honesty and humor. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that “Go the F**k to Sleep” has left a lasting impact on popular culture.
