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The Hilarious World of Depression
The Hilarious World of Depression illuminates depression in an entirely fresh and inspiring way.
"[A] path to deeper understanding and openness, by way of laughter in the dark."―The New York Times Book Review
For years John Moe, critically-acclaimed public radio personality and host of the Depresh Mode with John Moe 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 and then Depresh Mode with John Moe.
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.
"[A] path to deeper understanding and openness, by way of laughter in the dark."―The New York Times Book Review
For years John Moe, critically-acclaimed public radio personality and host of the Depresh Mode with John Moe 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 and then Depresh Mode with John Moe.
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.
Editorial Reviews
"If David Sedaris wrote a book about depression, this would be his take." --Lee Woodruff, author of In an Instant
"Laugh-out-loud funny." --Today
"Moe's edifying, enjoyable take on the realities of living with depression will uplift any reader." --Publisher's Weekly (starred review)
"Moe is exactly the right person to give an attentive, irreverent voice to those suffering with depression." --Susan Maguire, Booklist
"Deeply moving and, against all odds, life-affirming. It's an ode to the blues that makes you feel better about being human." --Susan Orlean
"While you'll be laughing throughout, you'll also have a few 'a-ha' moments in the mix." --Chicago Tribune
"Moe takes the stigma out of discussing mental illness and offers camaraderie to those who suffer from depression... [His] words should supply help, hope, and humor to many readers. " --Library Journal
"More than once I woke my husband up shouting, "Oh my God, THIS. IT IS EXACTLY* THIS" while reading this book. He was concerned but no more than usual." --Jenny Lawson
"A laughably relatable (and at times bittersweet) read for those who have experienced depression and an enlightening one for those who haven't but want to understand it better... Uplifting." --Mandatory.com
"Thoughtful and, yes, sometimes hilarious new memoir." --AARP
"A funny, honest book." -- Neil Gaiman
"I love this book!" -- Gary Gulman
"The feel-bad hit of the summer!" ?Colson Whitehead, author of The Underground Railroad
"Laugh-out-loud funny." --Today
"Moe's edifying, enjoyable take on the realities of living with depression will uplift any reader." --Publisher's Weekly (starred review)
"Moe is exactly the right person to give an attentive, irreverent voice to those suffering with depression." --Susan Maguire, Booklist
"Deeply moving and, against all odds, life-affirming. It's an ode to the blues that makes you feel better about being human." --Susan Orlean
"While you'll be laughing throughout, you'll also have a few 'a-ha' moments in the mix." --Chicago Tribune
"Moe takes the stigma out of discussing mental illness and offers camaraderie to those who suffer from depression... [His] words should supply help, hope, and humor to many readers. " --Library Journal
"More than once I woke my husband up shouting, "Oh my God, THIS. IT IS EXACTLY* THIS" while reading this book. He was concerned but no more than usual." --Jenny Lawson
"A laughably relatable (and at times bittersweet) read for those who have experienced depression and an enlightening one for those who haven't but want to understand it better... Uplifting." --Mandatory.com
"Thoughtful and, yes, sometimes hilarious new memoir." --AARP
"A funny, honest book." -- Neil Gaiman
"I love this book!" -- Gary Gulman
"The feel-bad hit of the summer!" ?Colson Whitehead, author of The Underground Railroad
Readers Top Reviews
Sue Ellen TrovatoHug
I have wondered for years how to describe to family what depression is and has been to my world. Now I have another man’s words that fit so well. Imagine, someone else to speak for me. Thanks John.
Jim F.
It's ironic that the author goes out of his way to discuss the fact that "words matter, " as his use of the word "hilarious" is troubling. Though some aspects may at times be (darkly) ironic, there is nothing "hilarious" about depression. Even if the term is used ironically, that still seems tone deaf. That said, the book itself has been written with a sustained ironic humor that blends comfortably with the author's poignant recounting of his battles with depression and some particularly unfortunate family events. Readers who are familiar with the topic for whatever reason may not find much that's new here (though what's presented is engagingly stated), but those with a minimal awareness or understanding are likely to find this a very valuable resource.
Cam
‘Man, I needed that.” I said that quite a few times while reading this. John Moe’s story, while unique to him, will resonate with anyone who has struggled with mental health issues. Too many times, I nodded silently as I read, knowing exactly what he was talking about and ready to read on to see how he tackled the problem. While no one thing can “cure” depression, it is enormously satisfying to know there are others dealing with it, who have made the same well-meaning mistakes and maybe tried something new...maybe something we can try. Let me be clear, this is not a book solely for people who have or had mental health issues. As a matter of fact, I think this book should primarily be for other people, the people Moe calls “the normies”...people who don’t struggle with mental health issues. This book will help you understand what it is like to be a “saddie” and maybe, just maybe, help you be a little more sympathetic and understanding. If that happened, it would be a HUGE win for everyone.
Kimberly Green
I've been dealing with Depression since childhood and have been in and out of psych wards since 12....This book is the first time I felt like I was heard.... a real connection. If you have Depression, this will help you feel ok about what you are....if you know someone who has Depression, this is a great way to understand what is going on with them in an understandable way. It's hard to describe if you aren't a wordsmith but this guy is. Buy many copies. Hand them out like candy. Give it to your kids so they understand early. Mental Health is not taken seriously in this country and this is an un-serious-ish way to explain the importance of taking care of yourself and recognizing the signs. Buy it even if you don't have depression or know someone who does.... you'll see through this book that those who seem happiest or funniest or struggling the hardest. So click the BUY NOW button and get schooled.
sup man
Have enjoyed both of the podcasts for almost a year now and learned so much. Finally got to reading John’s book and so glad I did. I am probably a normie but I have people in my life, family, friends, and customers who are struggling. I want to understand them if I can and support them when they need me. Thanks John for sharing your story it helps me help.
