Misfit

Growing Up Awkward in the '80s

By: Gary Gulman

Narrated by: 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

Laugh Out Loud, When You Weren’t Crying

So well written and narrated. Gary is a terrific comedian and a great storyteller. Highly recommend.

Holy Smokes!! This is so funny.

This book is a feast. I cannot get enough of Gulman’s stand-up. I found every moment I could to get back to listening to this personal story. Gilman captures the angst and obsessive doubts that plague so many people growing up and well into adulthood. My family members would find me alone with headphones laughing so hard I was bent over unable to continue with my tasks. My relaying of the scenario or jokes couldn’t get close, so I resorted to playing it directly for them. Even out of context, Gulman’s takes on the mundane or highly gripping situations slay. Reading this will make anyone feel less alone in the world and possibly find humor in some of the cringy moments they endured. This comic slinging, Converse high-top huffing, fish killing scamp is one of the greats. I could have listened to 7 more hours. So many vivid characters in his life.

Incredible Memoir

Gary Gulman is hysterical, insightful, and poignant. Thank you for this beautiful book. I recommend it whole heartedly. 10 out of 10.

Get on this one

This quintessential Gen-Xer and fellow misfit... a tall girl who just wanted to sing, get good grades, and NOT play basketball... also gives it 5 gold stars of the lick and stick variety from elementary school.

Funny, intelligent, relatable, and moving. A must read.

And please... save your boxes for moving, gift wrapping, and entertainment for the cats. No human is going anywhere fast in a corrugated vessel made of kraft paper.

What a gift, this guy

Gary Gulman is a master storyteller and wordsmith. The fact that he is a brilliant comedian is almost secondary to his story of growing up in the 80s. This is a wonderful book, fully engaging and delightful. Spoiler alert: A very happy ending.

Dear, funny, raw and truthful

Having grown up in the same region in the same period, and having suffered through so many of the same experiences—and tried to help others do who were likewise suffering in a dark fog and through feelings of isolation—this book hit home for me in many ways. I’ve always loved Gary Gulman’s smart humor. Now I really like and respect the guy himself. We’ll done, GG.

Funny and deep

I love this book! First it is hilarious and superbly written. Second i felt so much empathy and camaraderie with Gary as a child and through every stage of his life. I am thankful he has so honestly portrayed his vulnerabilities and sensitivities- it is a mitzvah to share that men and boys have complex inner lives that they should be able to express without fear of being seen as weak. In the end I came away awed by his self reflection and resilience. Also fun: Such great details and descriptions that took me back (the knees of tough skin jeans and that amazing little golden book!) Thank you for this great book Gary!!

A different kind of comedy memoir

Gulman impresses with his compulsion for detail, whether it’s obscure adjectives or memories from shortly beyond the womb. He offers a re-enchantment of the world, where the obstacles of youth still deserve to be imbued with glory. Gary’s story reminds me of Steve Martin’s, which is one of the best in the category.

Hilarious and relatable

Such a great book - it was hilarious and aways interesting! I loved that Gary Gulman read it so we can hear it from his voice. I started getting anxiety that it was going to be over because I was enjoying it so much and then saw I had 5 1/2 hours left. I loved his honesty and expansive vocabulary. He did an amazing job at painting the picture of his childhood and life into stories.

Highly recommend!

Very funny, heartfelt and entertaining. I love how vulnerable he is with his story and how tremendously funny and relatable it is.