Misfit

Growing Up Awkward in the '80s

De: Gary Gulman

Narrado por: Gary Gulman

This program is read by the author.

“One of my favorite books of all time.” ―Amy Schumer

A tour de force of comedy and reflection about the perilous journey from kindergarten to twelfth grade and beyond―from the beloved stand-up comic and creator of The Great Depresh

For years, Gary Gulman had been the comedian’s comedian, acclaimed for his delight in language and his bracing honesty. But after two stints in a psych ward, he found himself back in his mother’s house in Boston—living in his childhood bedroom at age forty-six, as he struggled to regain his mental health.

That’s where Misfit begins. Then it goes way back.

This is no ordinary book about growing older and growing up. Gulman has an astonishing memory and takes the listener through every year of his childhood education, with obsessively detailed stories that are in turn alarming and riotously funny. We meet Gulman’s family, neighbors, teachers, heroes, and antagonists, and get to know the young comedian-in-the-making who is his own worst―and most persistent―enemy.

From failing to impress at grade school show-and-tell to literally fumbling at his first big football game, in settings that take us all the way from the local playground to the local mall, from Hebrew School to his best (and only) friend’s rec room, young Gary becomes a stand-in for everyone who grew up wondering if they would ever truly fit in. And that’s not all: The audiobook is also chock-full of ‘80s nostalgia (scented markers, indifference to sunscreen, mall culture).

Misfit is an audiobook that only Gary Gulman could have written: a brilliant, witty, poignant, laugh-until-your-face-hurts memoir that speaks directly to the awkward child in us all.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.

©2023 Gary Gulman (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Just Delightful

Gary does an amazing job of narrating his memoir. This is the only book I’ve listened to where I’ve wanted to purchase the printed book after listening so I can reread individual sentences. Loved this book!

Well done Gary!

I laughed every line and got teary once or twice. I still have my teddy bear. Take care of that blankie!

Funny and moving

This book is a winning combination of humor and heartbreak. The elementary school stories are my favorite and I easily empathized with Gary the first grader. Most people will have at least some similar angst to recall from grade school. A very good book.

so so good

This book has everything that makes him the best comedian, but more than being hysterical, it is alternately heart wrenching and heart warming. He remembers every event with minute detail and the pure emotion of the moment it occurred. It's like time traveling with the funniest and sweetest person ever.

Outstanding

So glad I listened to the audio book. hearing Gary relay his story directly what's the perfect way to hear it. Absolutely admire his honesty and willingness to share. I was fortunate enough to see Gary at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City as in early start to his upcoming tour. The book was the perfect companion to his stand-up act. Great job Gar!

Hilarious and uplifting

I love Mr. Gulman's comedy and he is a great storyteller. As comedic memoirs go, this is among the better ones. Very relatable for me and I suspect for most.

Such a sweet story from such an odd boy!

Growing up in the 80s is not a prerequisite to enjoy this tale. If you felt like an outsider as a child waiting for an invitation to a world you didn’t think you deserved, Gary’s tale will resonate with you. Don’t tell anybody I cried listening or they’ll think I’m a wimp, or worse yet, a sissy.

The Gul Man strikes again

There is nothing Gary Gulman can do that I wouldn’t support. His honesty and transparency about his depression is inspiring and encouraging to those of us who suffer with mental health issues. Not to mention that he’s one of my favorite stand up comedians out there.

This memoir is a great book, though sad at times because the hero doesn’t always get the girl or the fame or the glory…but he is real and true, and we root for him because that looks more like our experience, or just because we want him to succeed.

Loved his stand-up, now love him as a person

His story, so relatable and nostalgic. I would listen while commuting and couldn’t wait until I could resume. His writing, phrasing and vocabulary are impressive. I now want to hear the next book…,

Laugh out loud

Gary has such a command of the English language! His self-deprecating humor and his take on being raised in the 1980’s is both endearing and relatable.