Joyful Recollections of Trauma

By: Paul Scheer

Narrated by: Paul Scheer

Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

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, featuring content exclusive to the audio edition, including excerpts from live shows and audio clips from home movies.

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 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 listen for you.

©2024 Paul Scheer (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Such an amazing book!!

I had high hopes for this book, I adore Paul and have listened to his podcast, How Did This Get Made, since it began. This book was so much deeper than I expected, it wasn’t just comedy - it was an insight into his soul. I love his love for June, his kids, his family - it shines in this book.

couldn't stop listening

what a wonderfully funny and inciteful book. highly reccomend to anyone who loves a good laugh and had a heart.

absolutely fantastic storytelling

Hello people of earth! i have been a fan of Paul for a long time remembering him from VH1's " I love the" series, big fan of unspooled and of course HDTGM. Paul's narration was fantastic (as expected) and added so much to the overall experience I bought a physical copy as well and sincerely hope we get a follow up.

That this was a real life story about the adversity a person faces in life, rather than a safe sugar coated celebrity autobio.

Not what I expected, but pleasantly surprised. Engaging story about dealing with a difficult uncontrollable life situation and coming out okay on the other side of it, with some classic Scheer humor sprinkled in.

Absolutely accurate title

I have never laughed so hard or consistently through such a tale of traumatic events. I appreciate that Scheer has found a way to treat himself so tenderly and grow into a strong-willed and successful adult (and family-man), given the poor examples of parenting and frequent shortcomings in the adults in society who one would normally expect to look after a kid.

This audiobook has a lot of bonus content not in the book, which itself is a generous tale. This whole experience is above and beyond what I expected.

great book

Paul's stories are funny, heartwarming and gut wrenching! A great listen to hear these stories directly from him.

If you need a second opinion, Five Stars!

Paul Scheer is a one-of-a-kind human being and a multifaceted talent for sure. I really connected with this work of art and listened straight through. Genuine, vulnerable, and hilarious! A must listen or read.

I’ve been waiting for this book.

Been listening to HDTGM podcast and I’ve been looking forward to this book. It didn’t disappoint!

Wonderful Trauma!

Listened with joy and loved the way you shaped the trauma! Can’t wait for volume 2.

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