SELF-HELP

The Hilarious World of Depression

by John Moe

St. Martin’s. May 2020. 304p. ISBN 9781250271761. $27.99. PSYCH

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Moe, creator of the podcast The Hilarious World of Depression, has found absurd humor in dealing with, as he says, a disease that’s trying to kill him. Through his own experience and interviews with comedians, musicians, and writers who deal with clinical depression, he found that comedy offers hope and the slim possibility that it’s not the person who’s broken, but the world. This offers great comfort. Comedians can talk about complex things in a way that allows audience members to see that others feel the same way they do and to laugh with an exhalation of relief. Essentially, Moe takes the stigma out of discussing mental illness and offers camaraderie to those who suffer from depression.

VERDICT Although primarily a memoir, Moe’s words should supply help, hope, and humor to many readers.

Reviewed by Deborah Bigelow , Mar 01, 2020

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