Misfit

Growing Up Awkward in the '80s

By: Gary Gulman

Narrated by: Gary Gulman

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

This program is read by the author.

“One of my favorite books of all time.” ―Amy Schumer

A tour de force of comedy and reflection about the perilous journey from kindergarten to twelfth grade and beyond―from the beloved stand-up comic and creator of The Great Depresh

For years, Gary Gulman had been the comedian’s comedian, acclaimed for his delight in language and his bracing honesty. But after two stints in a psych ward, he found himself back in his mother’s house in Boston—living in his childhood bedroom at age forty-six, as he struggled to regain his mental health.

That’s where Misfit begins. Then it goes way back.

This is no ordinary book about growing older and growing up. Gulman has an astonishing memory and takes the listener through every year of his childhood education, with obsessively detailed stories that are in turn alarming and riotously funny. We meet Gulman’s family, neighbors, teachers, heroes, and antagonists, and get to know the young comedian-in-the-making who is his own worst―and most persistent―enemy.

From failing to impress at grade school show-and-tell to literally fumbling at his first big football game, in settings that take us all the way from the local playground to the local mall, from Hebrew School to his best (and only) friend’s rec room, young Gary becomes a stand-in for everyone who grew up wondering if they would ever truly fit in. And that’s not all: The audiobook is also chock-full of ‘80s nostalgia (scented markers, indifference to sunscreen, mall culture).

Misfit is an audiobook that only Gary Gulman could have written: a brilliant, witty, poignant, laugh-until-your-face-hurts memoir that speaks directly to the awkward child in us all.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.

©2023 Gary Gulman (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Been there...

Me and Comedian Gary Gulman can't have a more different background. But the teen-voices in his head are the same voices that have been harassing me since age 12.

Wonderful!

I grew up on Massachusetts at the same time and recognized so much! I walked around listening to this book and kept laughing out loud—so much fun!

Gary Gulman at his Gary Gulmaniest

Gary Gulman has been my family’s favorite comedian for almost 20 years, and his book is everything I expected it would be and more. His jokes are so relatable, unique, thoughtful, intelligent, kind, and caring, and delivered with an exceptionally eloquent vocabulary. It translates beautifully to the book, and I think the book will appeal to multiple audiences: comedy fans, folks who grew up in the 70s and 80s, and/or folks who have/were struggling with their mental health or love someone struggling with their mental health. He’s checking all the boxes for me, and I’ve been so moved by this book while also laughing out loud. Hope he enjoyed writing the book and has plans for more!

10hrs of Gulman…yes please

Just Gulman digging into the littlest details of his life and choosing the most hilarious descriptors throughout.

Hilarious and heartfelt

I hope he writes another book I thoroughly enjoyed this. Very hopeful message for anyone who is struggling.

I Understand

A humorous look at what makes us. And it’s okay to not be okay. Thanks, Gary.

Intellectual hilarious easy read

I was a huge fan of Gary Gulman‘s standup, and this book does not disappoint. It is cover to cover witty wordplay, classic Gary Gulman comedy, and such a great story.

Gary is hilarious & makes me feel normal

There were so many moments in listening to this book, where I observed that I had a style of thinking that, when, expressed by Gary, was clearly irrational and unhealthy. I will certainly relist to this book, and I am very grateful to Gary for putting in the timefor me

Laugh Out Loud, When You Weren’t Crying

So well written and narrated. Gary is a terrific comedian and a great storyteller. Highly recommend.

Holy Smokes!! This is so funny.

This book is a feast. I cannot get enough of Gulman’s stand-up. I found every moment I could to get back to listening to this personal story. Gilman captures the angst and obsessive doubts that plague so many people growing up and well into adulthood. My family members would find me alone with headphones laughing so hard I was bent over unable to continue with my tasks. My relaying of the scenario or jokes couldn’t get close, so I resorted to playing it directly for them. Even out of context, Gulman’s takes on the mundane or highly gripping situations slay. Reading this will make anyone feel less alone in the world and possibly find humor in some of the cringy moments they endured. This comic slinging, Converse high-top huffing, fish killing scamp is one of the greats. I could have listened to 7 more hours. So many vivid characters in his life.