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Joyful Recollections of Trauma

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Joyful Recollections of Trauma

Written by: Paul Scheer
Narrated by: Paul Scheer
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About this listen

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
Comedy & Humor Entertainment & Celebrities Personal Success Celebrity Comedy Funny Witty Inspiring
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What listeners say about Joyful Recollections of Trauma

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Funny and thoughtful.

This title was a joy to listen to. I am recommending it to everyone I meet

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Honest and heartfelt

Love Paul Scheer from his podcast and other podcast guest spots. This book is so captivating and a bit heartbreaking, but I can’t stop listening. Great book and love hearing Paul read it himself.

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Super satisfied HDTGM fan

This book means a lot to me because it so relatable and seeing how well Paul is doing gives me hope I can one day make a difference in my own life to improve. Thank you so much for sharing these stories!

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Moving and sweet memoir

As a long time fan of the how did this get made podcast, I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Paul‘s memoir. It was such a beautiful and heartbreaking tale, made all the more poignant as he narrated the audiobook. I really thought this was a brave memoir and a lot of good life advice can be found within the chapters. I wish Paul and his beautiful family all the best in the future, and can’t wait to share more laughter and tears in the years to come!

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Fantastic audiobook

Paul Scheer’s performance of the audiobook really brings something special to the stories. This is more than just a narrator reading words on a page out loud

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I was riveted!

I listened to this book over the weekend, it had me in its grip and I couldn't escape! Paul's familiar voice wove through an unfamiliar tale with such a deft touch, I see him now in a whole new light. The stories he shares about his childhood are sometimes shocking, heartbreaking and almost tragic; but they are also funny, full of life and utterly, devastatingly relatable. I hope Mr Scheer writes many more books, he is an accomplished and elegant writer with a sincere heart that makes his work so engaging. In a world full of 'alpha males', Mr Scheer instead exemplifies co-operative, supportive, uplifting and joyful masculinity. He's a man who can say sorry (imagine!) and is clearly on a journey of growth, I really hope he shares more stories in the future. Also, he was chosen by June Diane herself, you know he must be pretty darn special.

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exceptional

I have been a fan of the Podcast since jump. this book is a rollercoaster of stories. I loved it!

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Highly entertaining, emotionally astute, and hilarious memoir with fantastic narration

“...For the first time, I am opening up my boxes and putting my collection of stories on display for all to see, and I think some might surprise you as much as they surprise me.”

So begins Joyful Recollections of Trauma, a highly entertaining, emotionally astute, and hilarious memoir by Paul Scheer.

I’ve been a fan of Paul’s for decades. Since his bit roles on TV in the early 2000s, to more recognizable turns in the years to follow, to his hit podcast How Did This Get Made, Paul has always brought joy & light to whatever he does. He’s one of those actors who makes every project he is in better, always adding a certain exuberance that is uniquely his…so I was so excited for him to tell his story.

An imaginative only child of divorced parents, Paul takes us through his life in a series of essays which shine a light on the moments that shaped him. He shares the good, the bad & the ugly, always with his signature joy and levity. Touching on childhood abuse and its impact on his sense of self, Paul also shines light on the moments that shaped his love for movies and comedy, and how he found love and created a family. Each story is its own highlight, and I loved reading about his battle with lactose intolerance (relatable), awkward encounters with celebrities…the list could go on. Paul’s stories and empathetic insight show that we are the sum of all the pieces of our lives, and how we choose to move through these moments says a lot about who we are.

What I’ve always appreciated about Paul on his podcasts is his honesty and willingness to be vulnerable, and the sense of nostalgia he always carries with him in his stories. And in this book, it really is the best of Paul. He manages to be insightful, tender, and introspective while laughing at himself and his situations along the way. I could be crying and laughing all within the same couple minutes. As someone who loves to laugh but is incredibly emotional and sentimental, really connected with me.

I recommend listening to this one as an audiobook; there’s nothing like hearing the stories in Paul’s voice, which is always sincere, bright, and colourful.

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Honest relatable book

Paul's honesty and openness offered an incredible tale about how he grew up and became who he is. Humor, insight, and great storytelling. 5 stars!

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Honesty and Humor

Loved listening to Paul's story in his own words. Great comedic breaks with clips from HDTGM. This will be a book I'll listen to again.

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