Joyful Recollections Of Trauma

"It's a hilarious essay collection about trauma. Yes, really."--People Magazine

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.

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 na ve, cringeworthy characters, imbuing them with disarming charm and humanity. That daring openness is on display in the pages of 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 read for you.

About the Author

Paul Scheer is a Screen Actors' Guild Award-winning comedian, actor, filmmaker, and podcaster known for his roles in The League, Black Monday, Fresh off the Boat, 30 Rock, and Veep. He also co-created and starred in Human Giant and NTSF:SD:SUV::. He writes comics for Marvel and DC and can be heard on Big City Greens & Star Trek: Lower Decks. He cohosts the popular podcasts How Did This Get Made? and Unspooled. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.