Joyful Recollections of Trauma

"It's a hilarious essay collection about trauma. Yes, really."—People Magazine
From award-winning actor and comedian Paul Scheer, a candid and hilarious memoir-in-essays on coming to terms with childhood trauma and finding the joy in embracing your authentic self.
Paul Scheer has entertained countless fans and podcast listeners with stories about the odd, wild, and absurd details of his life. Yet these tales have pointed to deeper, more difficult truths that the actor and comedian has kept to himself. Now, he is finally ready to share those truths for the first time—but, of course, with a healthy dose of humor.
Blending the confident, affable voice that has won him a dedicated following with a refreshing level of candor, Joyful Recollections of Trauma chronicles Paul’s often shocking, admittedly tumultuous childhood and how the experiences of his youth have reverberated throughout his life. In his comedy, Paul has always been unafraid to “go there,” to play naïve, cringeworthy characters, imbuing them with disarming charm and humanity. That daring openness is on display in the pages of this memoir, but in true Paul fashion, it is also surprising, eye-opening, and side-splitting.
In this madcap journey through the inner working of his mind and creative process, Paul Scheer demonstrates once again that the truth is often stranger—and funnier—than fiction. Joyful Recollections of Trauma offers a unique perspective on universal themes: growing up, working through a challenging childhood, staying true to yourself, and finding success, fulfillment, and happiness in often strange and difficult circumstances. Throughout, Paul shares both the hard-fought lessons and the laughter that can be found in the darkest parts of life, and reminds us that what matters is not what you’ve been through but who you are becoming. If you loved recent memoirs by Molly Shannon, Maria Bamford, RuPaul, and Jennette McCurdy—or any book that moves you to both laughter and tears—Joyful Recollections of Trauma is the perfect read for you.

Reviews

"Paul Scheer delivers a deeply funny, personal and moving account of how joy and pain are the perfect ingredients for a happy and funny life." — Amy Poehler"I loved this deeply vulnerable book with its original style, revealing stories, and profound lessons. It made me cry with compassion but I also cried from laughter, because—true to its title—this is also a laugh-out-loud read. Don’t miss it." — Jane Fonda"Paul’s book is full of heart, humor and heartache. So proud to call him a friend and fellow author." — Phoebe Robinson"This book is a SCHEER delight!! (Note: Patton Oswalt was committed to a low-security mental help facility after writing this blurb.)” — Patton Oswalt"At once wildly entertaining and achingly poignant. Paul Scheer takes you on a courageous dive through the darker waters of his past, and his irrepressible spirit shines through and beckons us to join him in the light." — Casey Wilson"Read Paul Scheer’s Joyful Recollections of Trauma for an unexpected journey where humor and heartache collide. Scheer masterfully navigates the tightrope of life's absurdities, delivering a poignant, yet uproariously funny, exploration of personal tales that resonate deeply and delight endlessly." — Jessi Klein"Paul Scheer is good at everything. A writer, performer, and director who’s entertained millions onscreen and in podcasts over the years, it’s almost unfair he’s also a fucking amazing memoirist, too. The stories in this book are funny and dark at the same time. Honest and true. The kind of writing that sticks with you." — Ed Brubaker"An endearing underdog story that will have readers cheering for the author from a troubled beginning to a sweet, happy end." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"Scheer is able to pack in the laughs that fans of his irreverent comedy will expect as well as showcase a uniquely intimate writing voice that successfully tackles topics as wide ranging as an adult ADHD diagnosis and his own love story with fellow comedian June Diane Raphael. Scheer’s recollections add up to something entirely substantial that fans of comedy and confessional memoir writing will appreciate." — Booklist (starred review)"Charming, disarming, candid, and warm . . . Readers will find the sincerest form of self-acceptance through hard lessons learned. . . . Scheer’s memoir addresses somber truths of adolescence and abuse while never losing a sense of hope and humor along the way." — Library Journal (starred review)"It's a hilarious essay collection about trauma. Yes, really." — People"Blends the horrifying and the self-deprecatingly funny, often within the same chapter, sometimes within the same sentence." — Los Angeles Times"His ability to juxtapose his darkest moments with humor results in a memoir that is as emotionally jarring as it is entertaining." — Paste Magazine