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The Hilarious World of Depression Kindle Edition

by John Moe (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 708 ratings
Editors' pick Best Nonfiction

One of Today's Ten Best Inspirational Books, 2020
By the creator and host of the acclaimed mental health podcast Depresh Mode with John Moe

"[A] path to deeper understanding and openness, by way of laughter in the dark" ―The New York Times Book Review

"Filled with heart, humor and hope." ―People

"A funny, honest book." ―Neil Gaiman

"Candid and funny and intimate." ―Susan Orlean

For years John Moe, critically-acclaimed public radio personality and host of The Hilarious World of Depression 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.

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.

The Hilarious World of Depression illuminates depression in an entirely fresh and inspiring way.

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  1. Print length
    296 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    St. Martin's Press
  4. Publication date
    May 5, 2020
  5. File size
    1.6 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. Depression steals your ability to feel happy and proud even at the moments you should be happiest and proudest.
    Highlighted by 291 Kindle readers
  2. Depressed people have an urge to make good things into ugly messes to better match their state of mind.
    Highlighted by 283 Kindle readers
  3. Depression can’t be cured by positive life circumstances because depression is not a reaction to circumstances.
    Highlighted by 245 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS PUBLISHED IN SUMMER 2020 BY THE Chicago Tribune | One of Huff Post's 10 Most Anticipated Book Releases Of May 2020

"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


"Is it appropriate to say that I loved a book about depression? Well, if it's as candid and funny and intimate as this one, 'love' seems right. Moe's book is also 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


"Depression is no laughing matter, but radio personality John Moe makes it accessible... While you'll be laughing throughout, you'll also have a few 'a-ha' moments in the mix." ―Chicago Tribune


"John Moe's book is the feel-bad hit of the summer!" ―Colson Whitehead, author of The Underground Railroad

"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

"[This book] takes a deep dive into his painful past and blends it with wisdom...The result is part memoir, part self-help..." ―MinnPost

"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

"[This] thoughtful and, yes, sometimes hilarious new memoir of the same name details his decades-long roller-coaster ride with the illness and realization that when he discusses it, funnily enough, people laugh and are encouraged to talk about their own struggles... wonderful memoir." ―AARP

About the Author

John Moe is the creator and host of the acclaimed mental health podcast Depresh Mode with John Moe; he has served as host of national public radio broadcasts such as Weekend America, The Hilarious World of Depression and Wits. His writing and reporting has been heard on All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Marketplace, Day to Day, and more. He's the author of four books and his writing appears in humor anthologies, The New York Times Magazine, McSweeney’s, and The Seattle Times. He’s a much in-demand public speaker.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0818PT5TD
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Press (May 5, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 5, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.6 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 708 ratings

About the author

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John Moe

John Moe

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John Moe is the author of the memoir, The Hilarious World of Depression and creator/host of the podcast Depresh Mode with John Moe. He has dedicated his career to normalizing conversations about mental health so more people can get the help they need. That way, more people we love can stick around and be happier so we can love them more. He was also the host and creator of the podcast The Hilarious World of Depression.

John is also the host and head writer of the comedy and music variety program Wits and a long-time contributor to McSweeney's. His writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine and numerous humor anthologies. He has hosted the national public radio programs Weekend America and Marketplace Tech Report. On Twitter @johnmoe.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
708 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book humorous, appreciating how it takes a good look at depression in a funny way. Moreover, the information quality receives positive feedback, with customers noting it provides good information about depression and helps them feel better about mental illnesses. Additionally, the book is well-written and easy to read, with customers comparing it favorably to the podcast.

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25 customers mention "Humor"19 positive6 negative

Customers find the book humorous, appreciating how it takes a good look at depression in a funny way, with one customer noting it provides opportunities to laugh while reading.

"...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...." Read more

"Thank you for this book. I appreciate the humorous way to take a good look at depression. Yep, I'm a saddie...." Read more

"...The stories are enlightening and also entertaining. They make you feel like you’re not alone." Read more

"Funny, but gets to the heart of what it feels like to be depressed...." Read more

20 customers mention "Information quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides good information about depression and helps them feel better about mental illnesses.

"...The warnings are good, but the suggestions are terrific." Read more

"...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...." Read more

"...Moe does a wonderful job at capturing and detailing the horrors of clinical depression in a way that is honest, human, and even humorous...." Read more

"...to this podcast of the same name and it had helped me feel better about mental illnesses. The stories are enlightening and also entertaining...." Read more

19 customers mention "Readability"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read, noting that it matches the quality of the podcast.

"...not aware of this, even if you're not depressive, this is a book well worth reading...." Read more

"...If you are looking for great writing, or a literary masterpiece, this may not be the book for you...." Read more

"...This was a very easy read. Onto the podcasts!" Read more

"...Definitely worth reading, whether you're dealing with depression, know someone who is (believe me, you do), or might someday encounter someone who is." Read more

Book in excellent condition
5 out of 5 stars
Book in excellent condition
I have been listening to this podcast of the same name and it had helped me feel better about mental illnesses. The stories are enlightening and also entertaining. They make you feel like you’re not alone.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Hugh Foster
    5.0 out of 5 stars funny and filled with really practical advice
    Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I've been clinically depressed for at least 40 years, probably longer. John Moe makes plain that Depression's main goal is to kill you, and he cites no end of evidence; if you're not aware of this, even if you're not depressive, this is a book well worth reading. "The hilarious world of...." Good thing we depressives can find the whole business at least a little bit amusing, or we'd all be off killing ourselves. Not a good thing; leaves too much "junk" behind. The best thing about the book might be the last chapter which details things we can do about it. The warnings are good, but the suggestions are terrific.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Kimberly Green
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you have Depression or know someone who has Depression, BUY THIS BOOK
    Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    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.
    18 people found this helpful
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  • Kassidy Singh
    4.0 out of 5 stars Profound Book on Depression
    Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book. Moe does a wonderful job at capturing and detailing the horrors of clinical depression in a way that is honest, human, and even humorous. If you are looking for great writing, or a literary masterpiece, this may not be the book for you. However, if you, or a loved one, is suffering with depression, or if you simply want to know more about depression I would recommend this book. I came away learning more about depression, and I can say this book has helped me address my depression, and the depression of others that I treat better. I especially enjoyed the parts going over medication, imposter syndrome, the “only if” phenomenon, EMDR, CBT, and Moes struggles with his brothers passing from suicide. I also greatly appreciated Moes recognition of him speaking of depression from a place of privilege and mentioning how depression impacts people of color, and LGBT individuals differently. My only critique would be the overall flow of the writing, there was a lot of fluff, and sometime I thought the humor was crass and not needed, although this is a minor critique. Overall great book!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very relatable
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Thank you for this book. I appreciate the humorous way to take a good look at depression. Yep, I'm a saddie. I didn't realize it until recently though because MY problems aren't big enough to be called problems and all we have to do is keep busy busy busy so feelings can't catch up with us. Until you can't possibly be any busier. It was valuable to me to see how depression affects so many people and what the causes are. This was a very easy read. Onto the podcasts!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • catlover
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book in excellent condition
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have been listening to this podcast of the same name and it had helped me feel better about mental illnesses. The stories are enlightening and also entertaining. They make you feel like you’re not alone.
    Customer image
    catlover
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Book in excellent condition

    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
    I have been listening to this podcast of the same name and it had helped me feel better about mental illnesses. The stories are enlightening and also entertaining. They make you feel like you’re not alone.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Gail Ledbetter
    3.0 out of 5 stars Depressing...
    Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Couldn't really get into it. Too much detail about author was depressing.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • rosebud512
    5.0 out of 5 stars Struck a million nerves
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Funny, but gets to the heart of what it feels like to be depressed. I had a number of "aha" moments when I recognized things I've felt and didn't know how to express them. Definitely worth reading, whether you're dealing with depression, know someone who is (believe me, you do), or might someday encounter someone who is.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Jim F.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, easy to read, informative ... but not "hilarious."
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    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.
    19 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Bettina van Brummelen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book when you're depressed
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on December 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    You think you need information on how to get out of your situation. You don't, you will get out of it, but not by being more informed. I'm not saying this book will get you there, but it will help you deal with it in the moment.
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