Member Reviews
I really enjoyed this book. Depression is a serious topic and I think everyone should take it seriously. I follow people that talk about mental health issues because I myself am suffering from depression and anxiety. The author talks about his own struggles and the loss of his brother. I love the sense of humor he has. I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and I have been researching ways to cope with it and reading books like this one makes me feel like I'm not alone in this world. I am thankful for the author and Netgalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Hilarious World of Depression.
I don't listen to podcasts so I had no idea who the author is, but I was intrigued by the title of the book.
The Hilarious World of Depression is anything but hilarious; well, there are some hilarious moments, but for the most part, the author takes the reader into his childhood, his family, and the gut wrenching loss of his older brother.
Mr. Moe is a deft writer; he writes as he speaks, I imagine, and his recollections are tinged with levity, dark humor and brutal honesty.
Part memoir, part anecdotes from celebrities suffering from depression (mostly comedians: I thought of Robin Williams a lot as I was reading), Mr. Moe offers insight into a topic rarely discussed, the stigma of suffering from mental illness and depression and offers support, feedback and advice on finding the path to getting well.
He touches upon how our childhood, our parents, and genetic destiny may predispose certain individuals toward depression, how trauma and traumatic events also play sinister roles in how we manifest the illness and deal with it, and how humor is just one of the ways some people cope and learn how to live with an illness that affects their lives.
Mr. Moe mentions the most critical aspect of depression and how to combat it:
Talk. Find someone to talk to. Call someone. Erase the stigma that society and familial expectations have created and talk about it. There is hope. There is help.
The Hilarious World of Depression ends on a positive note, but realistic note; Mr. Moe stresses that depression is an unending struggle, you won't get cured, but with hope and help, you can feel better.
Although I haven't before listened to the podcast, I was able to quickly follow and enjoy this! Easy reading and helpful.
I feel attacked... in a good way.
I found this to be really refreshing. I’ve read a lot of psych and self help books recently, but this was a really personal look into the matter. What got me was how relatable this was - the feeling of just not wanting to exist and the author’s excellent description of OCD blew me away. Yes, we know that we’re not unique, but not as many people can describe their experiences with depression and OCD like this author was able to in the first few chapters alone. It felt like someone actually put down those feelings, but was able to keep a “light” heart about the whole thing.
I think this would be good for anyone who wants to get a deeper look into depression or other people in general OR anyone who has been touched by depression. So basically everyone. I’ve enjoyed it!
Very funny and relatable. When coworkers asked me what I was reading most of them didn't get how depression was funny. There were a few who did, those are my people. I love how open the writer is about the things that happened in his life. I had never listened to his podcast before but I have started listening just because I like way he writes. I wish I was better at writing and this review wouldn't be so awful.
Having had listened to the Podcast of the same nameI was very curious and interested in reading John Moe's book.
John's story is intimate and moving. Through his story he has humanized and personalized the disease that so many suffer from. Gain some insight and make time to read this book.
Very interesting idea at a relevant time. Interesting how depression and comedy often are intertwined.
I received an advance copy of this book. It is about a mans battle with depression and how he dealt with it and how he got thru his brothers death. The memoir is well written. It held the readers attention.
The author has written an an intimate raw look at his lie.He suffers from depression It has effected every part of his life.At times this book is hilarious laugh out loud as he share his daily life.seeing the world through the eyes of the author was fascinating at times difficult to read .John Moe has written a very brave book at the same time very entertaining.#netgalley#st.martins
This is a heart-touching read that is tough going in parts. Whilst there is humour to be found, it is more of a narrative of the author's life. I have never listened to his podcast but, as a podcast lover, I will definitely be looking into subscribing. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an ARC egalley.
Thank you, John Moe, for candidly sharing your struggles with depression through this book! And for doing so in a way that felt completely real and relateable while also making me laugh aloud more than once. Interspersed with Moe's memoir were chapters with parts of interviews with other people who suffer from depression. If you struggle with depression, if someone you love struggles with depression, or if you just live in the world (where you will certainly encounter people who are struggling with depression) - read this book.