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Can I Have My Ball Back?

By: Richard Herring
Narrated by: Richard Herring
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Summary

This exclusive recording includes 4 audio extras that are unique to the audiobook, including interviews with Richard's wife Catie and oncologist Dr Sharma.

If we are cowardly, we are told to grow some

If we're brave, we're said to have huge ones

If it's cold, they are liable to fall off - even if you're a brass monkey

If we're in trouble, someone will threaten to break them

If we have to work hard, we might very well bust them

If we're in somebody's thrall, then they've got us by them

About fifteen years ago, Richard Herring first took part in a campaign to encourage men to have a little (non-sexual) feel of their balls every now and again. But it was embarrassing and weird, and if there was something wrong, he didn't want to know about it.

Anyway, that kind of stuff only happens to other people, doesn't it?

At the start of 2021 Richard Herring was diagnosed with testicular cancer. For a man whose output includes a stand-up tour titled Talking Cock and who regularly interrogates our attitudes towards masculinity, it was a diagnosis that came with additional layers of complexity.

Telling Rich's personal story alongside an exploration of what defines masculinity and 'maleness' in society, Can I Have My Ball Back? is not your typical cancer memoir. Whether they're nuts, bollocks, gonads or family jewels; from the phrase 'grow some balls' to infamous WWII songs about Hitler; Rich unpicks the tangle of emotions around his own testing times.

©2022 Richard Herring (P)2022 Hachette Audio UK
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Critic reviews

'A bollockbuster!' ADAM BUXTON

What listeners say about Can I Have My Ball Back?

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A Right Ball Up

a very finny and interesting memoir that actually gave me the push I needed to seek medical advice for a potential love spud problem, so thanks for that, Dicky.

despite the serious subject this is very funny and Richard reads it in his usual bumbling way that makes it much more fun than the physical book.


get it, and always check your junk jugglers

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A Vulnerable Herring

It’s interesting to hear our podcast pal Richard in an honest and moving (but still silly) re-telling of his experience of testicular rebellion. I feel like I know him more as a man now and not just as a comedian. Thanks for letting us in Richard.

The audiobook extras make this an extra special listen.

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Funny and moving

Great read/listen. Well read but also moving in places. Richard performs it very well.

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Movember Spawned a Monster

A brilliant read, funny and moving. Ball history and fact filled too!
Not only that but this book might literally save your, or your loved ones, life (check those balls people). Ball bustlingly good.

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Funny, honest and moving

Balls are funny. They’re about as attractive as the last turkey in the shop and they dangle at just the right height to be head butted by a rambunctious toddler or struck by a well aimed football.

So, what happens when a comedian starts to worry that all is not well with one of his testicles and has to face up to the possibility that he might not be around to watch his two young children grow up?

This is a very personal account of Richard Herring’s experience of testicular cancer, and is funny as well as containing lots of useful information for anyone in the same situation.

Seriously, check your balls guys, and don’t put off going to see your doctor if you think anything is wrong.

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Excellent book. Making cancer funnier than it should.

Great book by great comedian. Lots of stuff explained well. Now I will not fear ball cancer.

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A topic all men should read up on

First of all it was funny. Second it was open and honest story about cancer. Get it.

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A great listen

Enjoyed it a lot, laughed a lot but also winched when Richard described acts to his, and others, balls!

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This the dogs dangly bits ;)

Richard’s narration and honest insight through his life affirming cancer is a strange delight to listen to. Not one to be morose his writing is a colourful and entertaining history lesson, biology and everything else all in one. I love how he has taken full advantage of a rubbish situation. A must listen. There is also great interviews at the end with his oncologist, wife and cancerous ball bag.

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Very Funny, informative And interesting

I loved the whole thing and I don’t even have any balls. I feel this book could really help people who are going through a really hard time. I just found it bloody funny. ( also maybe it could help me understand a family member if they have to go through this.)

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