So Help Me Gosh

A Memoir of Faith and Other Awkward Things

By: Brooke Barker

Narrated by: Brooke Barker

Length: 4 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

From the creator of the New York Times best-selling Sad Animal Facts series, Brooke Barker, comes a quirky, hilarious memoir-in-essays about her journey from a childhood in the Mormon church to a Jewish adulthood, and all the wonder and weirdness of faith.

When she was a teenager, Brooke wanted all the things she assumed every other girl her age wanted: boobs, a first kiss, and a spot in the Celestial Kingdom, the top Mormon heaven. But for all her praying and studying and modesty, she still hadn’t received a personal revelation from the Holy Ghost - a still small voice that sits with all worthy church members and whispers them advice and comfort. The voice told other people who to marry, what to major in, and which lane on the freeway would be the fastest, but Brooke heard nothing but silence. It seemed like a bad sign. And things only got more complicated from there. 

In her first ever audio project, Brooke takes listeners through some of the most awkward moments of her adolescence - from a heaven-themed carnival, to surviving a school field trip she was sure would be interrupted by the Second Coming - as she continues to find faith in unexpected places. So Help Me Gosh, perfect for fans of Jenny Lawson and Jessi Klein, will delight and entertain anyone who’s grappled with their own beliefs and show just how powerful it can be to speak up when everyone tells you to keep listening.

©2020 Brooke Barker (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Charming and Funny

I really loved this book and hearing the author read it made it especially enjoyable. She has a warm, friendly voice - it felt like sitting with a friend who was telling me stories from her childhood. There was a lot of humor woven into poignant stories about family and faith. The author's description of so many childhood and teenage trials was spot-on and hilarious. Hearing about decision to leave the LDS church was thought provoking. As a Jew who joined the LDS church, I found it interesting, though, to hear her assert that Judaism is okay with gay marriage, which definitely isn't true in traditional Judaism. Nevertheless, I'm glad she found a place where she is happy and I look forward to enjoying more of her work!

Wow! Listen to this book!

So funny and a delight to listen to - couldn’t stop once I started! Highly highly recommend!

I wanted it to go on forever.

Due to life and kids and things it takes me forever to finish books, even audio books. But now that I have finished "So Help Me Gosh" I am grateful it took me as long as it did. I am now sad that it is over. I enjoyed hearing Brooke Barker's voice and feeling really invested in these snippets of her life. Her writing is clever, intelligent and charming. Some chapters shocked me, some made me laugh out loud. And by the last few chapters my heart felt warm and my eyes teared up. During these current, uncertain pandemic times, this book brought me the pleasant little escape I have been craving.

Hilarious and Thoughtful

I really enjoyed this quirky audiobook. it was funny and thought provoking. I hope the author writes more!

If you love stories of faith...

I wasn't expecting this story, but I'm so glad I got it. I love the It's Different Everyday page-a-day calendar. So I thought this would be a fun read. Brook did not disappoint. She has a lovely personality and a really great cozy writing style.

Coming from a conservative religious background I could really resonate with her even though my upbringing was quite different.

This is an easy listen , perfect for a person who grew up in the the late 90-early 2000s, and wants bits of thought provoking moments.

Great writing, so relatable.

I have a similar background to the author and I always enjoy listening to the stories of how one navigates their truth. She is smart and honest in her recollections and interpretations of her life thus far.

I snort-laughed a few times

I loved this book so much! I was raised Mormon as well and left the church several years ago, and so many of the author’s thoughts and experiences were very relatable. It was funny and charming and interesting, and I loved the sort of deadpan way she shares her story. I would LOVE to hear more from her!

Such a Fun Listen

I really loved this audiobook. It reminded me a bit in style and tone of “The Mystery Show” podcast, which is one of my favorites ever. I have no background in the LDS church, but was raised evangelical and can really identify with Brooke’s evolution of beliefs towards the church’s teachings on social issues. I enjoyed every minute of it and just texted the link to some friends encouraging them to listen to it as well.

Delightful!

Oh my gosh! This was just delightful! Especially because I also grew up in a conservative religious tradition. Her perspectives are so fresh and touching.

I loved this!

I wish there was more! This is probably the fastest I’ve ever listened to a book. The stories were great and told with such amazing humor. I loved hearing them all and found the way she changed and the information about the different religions very interesting and easy to listen to.