The author did an amazing job of balancing his own experiences with depression and the suicide of his brother with hilarious sarcasm that keeps the reader from getting depressed reading. This is a great read and the author's honesty about his battle with depression was inspirational.

Everyone should read this!
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As someone who has never listened to the podcast, I had no idea what this book would be like. And as someone who struggles with anxiety and seasonal depression (that occasionally shows its face throughout the better months as well) I had such a good time with this book—and think that it not only can help those WITH depression, but also those without! Humans with normal functioning brains who may not be able to grasp why their friend or family member seems to be having such a rough go at life due to mental illness.
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John Moe touches on different points of his life as a “Saddie” with depression; from childhood through to the now, what it was and is like living with “Clinny D”. It gets dark here and there (arguably the entire book is pretty dark but, hey, that’s what depression IS... It’s there, looming over you almost constantly. So, really, what did you expect??) but Moe is just so funny that it isn’t actually difficult to get through!
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I don’t know that I speak for every saddie who has read this book, but, personally I felt more “normal” than I have in a long time, which is something that (even in our world where depression is becoming less taboo) is not always the case. Being reminded that you are not alone, that help is available if you need it, and that you matter is so important. Can’t recommend this book (to saddies and normies alike) enough!
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I was given a copy of this title from @stmartinspress via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
#thehilariousworldofdepression#stmartinspress#Netgalley

One of Todays‘s Ten Best Inspirational Books, 2020 | One of Huff Post’s 10 Most Anticipated Book Releases Of May 2020

If you suffer from depression, you know there is nothing hilarious about it.

I’m glad that John Moe explores what it feels like to deal with this illness that to me, feels like wearing a heavy coat all day, every day. You just can’t shrug it off or snap out of it despite what well-meaning friends and family have advised.

I have been slowly reading The Hilarious World of Depression, which is part memoir, part stories from people who know what it’s like to deal with this feeling of profound sadness. The book is both funny and wise, people who suffer from depression will want to snuggle up on the couch and read this book

Here’s the premise:

For years John Moe, critically-acclaimed public radio personality and host of The Hilarious World of Depression podcast, struggled with depression; it plagued his family and claimed the life of his brother in 2007. As Moe came to terms with his own illness, he began to see similar patterns of behavior and coping mechanisms surfacing in conversations with others, including high-profile comedians who’d struggled with the disease. Moe saw that there was tremendous comfort and community in open dialogue about these shared experiences and that humor had a unique power. Thus was born the podcast The Hilarious World of Depression.

Inspired by the immediate success of the podcast, Moe has written a remarkable investigation of the disease, part memoir of his own journey, part treasure trove of laugh-out-loud stories and insights drawn from years of interviews with some of the most brilliant minds facing similar challenges. Throughout the course of this powerful narrative, depression’s universal themes come to light, among them, struggles with identity, lack of understanding of the symptoms, the challenges of work-life, self-medicating, the fallout of the disease in the lives of our loved ones, the tragedy of suicide, and the hereditary aspects of the disease.

I really cannot recommend this book enough! Out now… Get it on your kindle here.

John Moe is hilarious. Check out his "Pop Song Correspondences" on McSweeney's or his Twitter account. This book, though, isn't so much hilarious as wry and moving. It's a memoir of his lifelong battle with depression and trauma. For those not up for dealing with talk of suicide, there is plenty of that as he discusses his own suicidal ideation and his brother's death.

I don't think I've ever highlighted so much in my Kindle. The observations about what life with depression is like are profound. He identifies so many ways in which, in retrospect, depression was limiting his life or changing his reality. If you know or suspect you might have depression, or love someone who does, this book is a great resource for finding the words to discuss the often-taboo subjects related to mental illness.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.

This book feels like an old friend. A nice, warm blanket with a cup of tea. It feels weird to me to review this book and express how much I love and enjoy it because it goes over the crippling effects of depression. It is not something that comes up easily in conversations, but the way information is presented is something that I loved about this book. That people ALL OVER feel exactly the same way and can often recognize depression in others without even having to talk about it.

Moe talks about depression in a way that will make you laugh, hence the title of the book. But depression (obviously) isn't funny. I think that Moe's approach to show depression makes it very readable, both for people who experience depression and those that don't.

I find myself highlighting many passages from this book. Many "ah-ha!" moments. Because to me, that is what made this book stand out: Moe is relatable and engaging with his audience. I had not previously listened to the podcast before this, but will have to look into it now.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book. I loved it and highly recommend it!

For me, depression is a topic that’s tough to discuss. Some people very close to me have been diagnosed with depression, and when one of those is your child and you’re trying to relate, and it can be difficult
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The Hilarious World is Depression is a memoir that comes from John Moe who hosts a podcast of the same name. It’s terribly honest, laugh out loud funny at times and an important read.
As he was talking about his middle school years, I thought back to my son’s seventh and eighth grade years in which a switch seemed to flip in him.
Reading a book such as this is a great catalyst for conversation and I learned a lot about what is going on inside through this book. I’m so grateful for people who are willing to share such deeply personal experiences.
If you have an interest in learning more or being able to empathize, #THWoD is a book that is enjoyable while educating.

Moe's book is relatable, my rating reflects my personal opinions- which is that despite being a "saddie" I had a hard time connecting with the writing and story and I felt that it got to be repetitive. There's nothing wrong with this of course, everyone has their own journey. I will still recommend the book.

With the virus going around and my living in Washington, my life has gotten turned upside down. I have not had enough time to read and critique this book wholly. What I did read however was wonderful. His perspective on depression and dealing with it was refreshing. A lot of different authors have discussed depression in their books but this one just really made it feel like I wasn’t alone with my condition. Gave me stories to refer back to when I’m having a really rough day and remind myself I am not alone in this endeavor.

As a "normie" with "saddie" days thrown in, I appreciated the information and the manner in which it's presented. So many people shy away from helping their friends and family who deal with "Clinny D", it's almost like they feel it's contagious. As John Moe shares his heart wrenching experiences with depression, he's sharing with us the gift of life and his varied means of living with what so many people work through on a daily basis. By putting faces, recognizable faces, on a subject that most avoid, he shows that depression is a fact of life no matter what standard of living you have. This is an excellent book written by an author who is all too well experienced with depression and it's devastating consequences. This book should be shared with everyone of your family and friends. It may start a conversation that saves a life.

You are never too old to learn and this book not only taught me more about depression and mental illness, it also taught me how to be more empathetic. The Hilarious World of Depression by John Moe, is just what its title says. Funny at times, and just heartbreakingly sad in others. When the author tells the story of his older brothers suicide, the tears fell hard and fast.


But I think what touched me the most or what gave me the biggest wake up call is when the author talks about having to write the obituary for his brother....
"Sometimes an obituary might throw in coded language like "he died unexpectedly at home" or "she passed away unexpectedly" to let readers know that yes of course it was suicide - one of the top causes of death in America- but we are too embarrassed to say. " "To me, that omission always has some bad side effects. One is to give camouflage to the disease itself, because if no one ever talks about it, then everyone is much less likely to detect it. To discuss addiction or depression or other mental illnesses is to provide information about them, including their pathologies and symptoms. "

It's like anything else in that if you stick your head in the sand and ignore it, it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. All it means is that your ass is in the air. And that goes for "saddies and normies". There is alot of work for us normies. We all need to recognize that not only does depression exist, but it is much more prevalent than we know AND we need to learn to communicate in a way that doesn't negate the way that saddies feel. Like I said, this book has a lot to offer everyone.


5⭐ Thank you so much to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. And a huge thank you to John Moe for being brave enough to write this book and share it with the world!

I really thought this was going to be a different read. I just couldn't get into it. If I say I couldn't relate because I haven't been clinically depressed then I sound like I can't empathize, but I have known many people close to me who have struggled with this. I just didn't find anything funny. However based on other reviews I have read, people are really enjoying this so I wouldn't count it out. I also had never heard of the Podcast, The Hilarious World of Depression so maybe that was part of it, I had never heard of the author and didn't connect with him.

There have always been depressed people who are successful and write books and attain fame. And John Moe does acknowledge his “privilege” and the ridiculousness of celebrities rah-rah-ing about how we can all achieve our dreams and to never quit… The Hilarious World is well-written and entertaining, but I’m not sure it does much good for the masses of depressed people who can barely make it out of bed.

This was an entertaining, moving peek behind the curtain of clinical depression ("Clinny D"). I wasn't familiar with Moe or THWoD online, but love the idea. Bringing well-known celebrities and personalities into the conversation to talk frankly about their struggles and successes is a brilliant way to begin to demystify and de-stigmatize depression, and Moe's meld of his own experiences with those of his interviewees was an engaging, entertaining, and heartfelt way to do this. There are truly laugh-out-loud moments (hard as that may be to imagine), followed by stories that will break your heart. The highs-and-lows of this presentation style mimic the highs and lows experienced by those living with clinical depression, and made for a very authentic read that resonated.

This was somehow even heavier than I was expecting (I guess I should have figured from a book about depression) but still a fascinating and often humorous read. Would recommend for fans of the podcast—it has the same voice and strength in its ability to put humor in one of the hardest subjects to talk about.

Can I just say - "wow!" I have been listening to Moe's podcast, "The Hilarious World of Depression" for just over two years now. Through conversations and coping with his mental illness, he saw patterns of behavior and coping mechanisms come to light. This book is three parts an investigation of depression, Moe's memoir, and interviews with some amazing minds that face similar mental illnesses. I have been dealing with depression for over 10 years, and this book really spoke to me. If you have experience with mental illness, are fascinated by the subject, or have a funny bone with a little bit of darkness, you should read Moe's "The Hilarious World of Depression".

***Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

This is definitely a book for people suffering for depression. John Moe shows heart and humor and let's others know they're not alone.

There is someone who I love who battles depression. Many times I have heard her use self-deprecating language and have always been surprised that she doesn't seem to recognize her own value. Today she and I were talking and a phrase that she used sparked in my brain. "Oh!" I thought. "That's her depression speaking!" After 20 years of relationship with her, it was *this* book that helped me finally see it, and that's reason enough to be so glad that I read this!

I'm a "normie", not a "saddie". I found "The Hilarious World of Depression" incredibly enlightening while also being funny, inviting, and heartwarming. This is such a valuable book- both in giving "normies" insight into the lives of so many that we love, and in letting "saddies" know that they are absolutely not alone. Definitely recommend!

I received this book from #NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion, which I am always happy to give. :). My thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity! #TheHilariousWorldOfDepression

This is a really important read for anyone who suffers from clinical depression, or knows someone who does. I think this is an essential for public libraries to own. I have ordered for my library because it augments and complements the mental health collection nicely.

Read if you: Want a bracing, thoughtful, heartbreaking, and yes, hilarious look at depression.

I have never listened to John Moe's podcast (although I will definitely check it out now!), so I was unfamiliar with his life story. I have never dealt with clinical depression, although I know people who do. Not only is this a moving account of Moe's personal struggle with depression (as well as a family member's suicide), but it's also a great examination of what depression is/isn't, methods of treating it, and more.

Librarians and booksellers: A definite purchase. Your patrons/customers who deal with depression, as well as those who know someone who is dealing with it (which is probably all of us!), will be drawn to this.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Hilarious World of Depression by John Moe is a book that hit close to home for me. Fellow saddies where you at? I could relate to a lot of the things John discusses in this book and I really appreciated how honest he was about his feelings growing up with depression, navigating his career and dealing with his brother’s suicide. Throughout the book are these snippets of hilarious sarcastic wit that shine to make this book not a complete downer to read. Honestly I read this one quite slowly not because I didn’t like it which is normally the case when I read books slowly but because the issues are so intense and especially during this difficult time in the world I don’t think my saddie self could handle it all at once. I recommend this book to all the saddies out there who need some reassurance that you are not alone in your feelings and to all the normies to get a glimpse of what we saddies have to deal with every single day.