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Sure, I'll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Humor (2023)From “weird, scary, ingenious” (The New York Times) stand-up comedian Maria Bamford, a brutally honest and hilariously frenetic memoir about show business, mental health, and the comfort of rigid belief systems—from Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, to Suzuki violin training, to Richard Simmons, to 12-step programs.
Maria Bamford is a comedian’s comedian (an outsider among outsiders) and has forever fought to find a place to belong. From struggling with an eating disorder as a child of the 1980s, to navigating a career in the arts (and medical debt and psychiatric institutionalization), she has tried just about every method possible to not only be a part of the world, but to want to be a part of it.
In Bamford’s signature voice, Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult, brings us on a quest to participate in something. With sincerity and transparency, she recounts every anonymous fellowship she has joined (including but not limited Debtors Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, and Overeaters Anonymous), every hypomanic episode (from worrying about selling out under capitalism to enforcing union rules on her Netflix TV show set to protect her health), and every easy 1-to-3-step recipe for fudge in between.
Singular and inimitable, Bamford’s memoir explores what it means to keep going, and to be a member of society (or any group she’s invited to) despite not being very good at it. In turn, she hopes to transform isolating experiences into comedy that will make you feel less alone (without turning into a cult following).
Maria Bamford is a comedian’s comedian (an outsider among outsiders) and has forever fought to find a place to belong. From struggling with an eating disorder as a child of the 1980s, to navigating a career in the arts (and medical debt and psychiatric institutionalization), she has tried just about every method possible to not only be a part of the world, but to want to be a part of it.
In Bamford’s signature voice, Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult, brings us on a quest to participate in something. With sincerity and transparency, she recounts every anonymous fellowship she has joined (including but not limited Debtors Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, and Overeaters Anonymous), every hypomanic episode (from worrying about selling out under capitalism to enforcing union rules on her Netflix TV show set to protect her health), and every easy 1-to-3-step recipe for fudge in between.
Singular and inimitable, Bamford’s memoir explores what it means to keep going, and to be a member of society (or any group she’s invited to) despite not being very good at it. In turn, she hopes to transform isolating experiences into comedy that will make you feel less alone (without turning into a cult following).
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,180 reviews
May 1, 2023
This book is chaos. I mean that in the most positive way possible.
Maria Bamford's "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult" is first and foremost, hilarious. It is hilarious at extremely inappropriate times. Admittedly, my family and friends agree that those are the funniest times. If you disagree, well, I don't know how much you'll like the book but you are missing out.
As funny as Bamford is, whether in this book or her amazing standup, I was not sure what this narrative would end up being. Memoirs can be a mixed bag because the subject may lack true insight, may not know where the funny is, or just thinks their life is interesting when it's not. Bamford almost lulled me into believing she was going to go hard into the humor of her life in the first few chapters. She talks about some heavy topics but it felt like she was going to her closer material to heighten the laughs. Slowly, Bamford reveals a lot more about how her brain works (her time in mental health facilities is especially eye opening) and becomes much more direct about her challenges. Don't worry, she never stops being funny in the book, but the latter half reveals the true intention of her book. She's had struggles and she hopes this book helps if you do, too.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Gallery Books.)
Maria Bamford's "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult" is first and foremost, hilarious. It is hilarious at extremely inappropriate times. Admittedly, my family and friends agree that those are the funniest times. If you disagree, well, I don't know how much you'll like the book but you are missing out.
As funny as Bamford is, whether in this book or her amazing standup, I was not sure what this narrative would end up being. Memoirs can be a mixed bag because the subject may lack true insight, may not know where the funny is, or just thinks their life is interesting when it's not. Bamford almost lulled me into believing she was going to go hard into the humor of her life in the first few chapters. She talks about some heavy topics but it felt like she was going to her closer material to heighten the laughs. Slowly, Bamford reveals a lot more about how her brain works (her time in mental health facilities is especially eye opening) and becomes much more direct about her challenges. Don't worry, she never stops being funny in the book, but the latter half reveals the true intention of her book. She's had struggles and she hopes this book helps if you do, too.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Gallery Books.)
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 2, 2024wanted to read for the cult stories but i listened to the audiobook. i find this author extremely quirky in an annoying way. she’s just sooo immature. i don’t think i’ll be able to make it through this audiobook
August 28, 2024
This book is very much for hardcore Maria Bamford fans, and not quite for everyone else. So be duly warned.
It's not an intro to her signature brand of mental oversharing, it's a deep dive. If you like that, then this memoir is great! Personally, I was introduced to Maria Bamford's charming/cringe comedy by my weird Hollywood friend years ago. She showed me the YouTube series back in the early 2000s era, with its lo-fi production in short chunks of weird storytelling, indeed that show was certainly ahead of its time.
I was even lucky enough to see Maria live in one of those small comedy clubs that pervade SoCal. I wanna say it was Los Feliz?
For me, I think I got it and continue to get it. But again: this kind of comedy is not for everyone.
There are broadly interesting chunks about show business, working on Arrested Development, going to auditions, voice-acting, and other insider stories of life in the industry. But those aren't the majority.
It's mainly about her family--with all those great impressions--and mental health issues. And not so much cults specifically, rather the various twelve step programs she finds helpful. So much of that.
Her Mom, her mom's death, all the intricacies of her midwest mom that makes the impression so iconic, and also her sister she's jealous of and her dad and then more about her mom. When it's not about her childhood, or just as odd adulthood, it's about taking meds and talking to doctors and all the psychological issues she's dealt with and already talked about at length in her act.
Maria Bamford doesn't quite paint herself as a victim. She very much checks her privilege, and it seems mental illness may be genetic as much as because of any particular random traumas. There is something of an overarching theme encouraging readers (listeners, if you get the audiobook) to take care of themselves and deal with these illnesses. But there's not exactly a big lesson, not like a big cause that this book is going to bring awareness to. It's just that if you find her interesting, here's more of this with the appropriate responsible disclaimers. It just might help someone.
Sometimes she talked about how there's only certain audiences that get her, and how she doesn't do well with the mainstream if people at a casino or somewhere like that wander in. Bamford is an acquired taste. Personally, I'd argue the best comedy is unique and meta and for sophisticated fans who get it. There's enough lame content for the masses already. That's why I enjoy this as something entirely different.
Anyway, of all the comedian memoirs I've listened to, this is a pretty applicable addition to the canon. For me.
It's not an intro to her signature brand of mental oversharing, it's a deep dive. If you like that, then this memoir is great! Personally, I was introduced to Maria Bamford's charming/cringe comedy by my weird Hollywood friend years ago. She showed me the YouTube series back in the early 2000s era, with its lo-fi production in short chunks of weird storytelling, indeed that show was certainly ahead of its time.
I was even lucky enough to see Maria live in one of those small comedy clubs that pervade SoCal. I wanna say it was Los Feliz?
For me, I think I got it and continue to get it. But again: this kind of comedy is not for everyone.
There are broadly interesting chunks about show business, working on Arrested Development, going to auditions, voice-acting, and other insider stories of life in the industry. But those aren't the majority.
It's mainly about her family--with all those great impressions--and mental health issues. And not so much cults specifically, rather the various twelve step programs she finds helpful. So much of that.
Her Mom, her mom's death, all the intricacies of her midwest mom that makes the impression so iconic, and also her sister she's jealous of and her dad and then more about her mom. When it's not about her childhood, or just as odd adulthood, it's about taking meds and talking to doctors and all the psychological issues she's dealt with and already talked about at length in her act.
Maria Bamford doesn't quite paint herself as a victim. She very much checks her privilege, and it seems mental illness may be genetic as much as because of any particular random traumas. There is something of an overarching theme encouraging readers (listeners, if you get the audiobook) to take care of themselves and deal with these illnesses. But there's not exactly a big lesson, not like a big cause that this book is going to bring awareness to. It's just that if you find her interesting, here's more of this with the appropriate responsible disclaimers. It just might help someone.
Sometimes she talked about how there's only certain audiences that get her, and how she doesn't do well with the mainstream if people at a casino or somewhere like that wander in. Bamford is an acquired taste. Personally, I'd argue the best comedy is unique and meta and for sophisticated fans who get it. There's enough lame content for the masses already. That's why I enjoy this as something entirely different.
Anyway, of all the comedian memoirs I've listened to, this is a pretty applicable addition to the canon. For me.
November 13, 2023
I’m listening to the audiobook. I’m about halfway through but I wanted to write my review now so that I don’t forget my notes.
My first thought was “Who is this book for, and why did it need to be published?” I came because I wanted to hear about a woman’s experience with cults, but instead we get the autobiography of a rich, privileged narcissist and sociopath (self proclaimed), riddled with first world problems, who constantly does extremely selfish things then complains when people like her generous sister more than her. For example, the story she gleefully shares about parking in front of a fire hydrant at LAX for 10 days and only coming back to 1 $60 ticket, which she had the privilege to simply pay off, though she could have been responsible for killing thousands if there had been a fire. I’m sorry, I don’t see the “comedy” in that. Nor do I see the comedy in her describing her fantasies about molesting her mom and sister. I admittedly had never heard of this comedian before so perhaps this book was written for the niche “cult” of Maria Bamford fans with weird and cringe humor. If that is you, then I’m sure you will enjoy her endless babble. Also, note about the audiobook: the yelling and sound effects are EXTREMELY annoying. Who’s idea was it to put those terrible noises in an audiobook? They take away from the story and make it even MORE difficult to endure than it already is! Ugh. Anyway, if I do end up finishing the audiobook I will update my review with new notes. Hoping it gets better in the second half but not holding my breath.
Update: Decided to DNF. Life is too short to be purposefully annoyed.
My first thought was “Who is this book for, and why did it need to be published?” I came because I wanted to hear about a woman’s experience with cults, but instead we get the autobiography of a rich, privileged narcissist and sociopath (self proclaimed), riddled with first world problems, who constantly does extremely selfish things then complains when people like her generous sister more than her. For example, the story she gleefully shares about parking in front of a fire hydrant at LAX for 10 days and only coming back to 1 $60 ticket, which she had the privilege to simply pay off, though she could have been responsible for killing thousands if there had been a fire. I’m sorry, I don’t see the “comedy” in that. Nor do I see the comedy in her describing her fantasies about molesting her mom and sister. I admittedly had never heard of this comedian before so perhaps this book was written for the niche “cult” of Maria Bamford fans with weird and cringe humor. If that is you, then I’m sure you will enjoy her endless babble. Also, note about the audiobook: the yelling and sound effects are EXTREMELY annoying. Who’s idea was it to put those terrible noises in an audiobook? They take away from the story and make it even MORE difficult to endure than it already is! Ugh. Anyway, if I do end up finishing the audiobook I will update my review with new notes. Hoping it gets better in the second half but not holding my breath.
Update: Decided to DNF. Life is too short to be purposefully annoyed.
December 31, 2023
4 Stars
To be clear, this rating is not a review or judgment of Bamford’s life, struggles, or journey. It’s just a reflection on how much I enjoyed the book as a reading experience.
I was raised on standup comedy and have always loved Maria Bamford's quirky AF delivery/shtick.
If you love Bamford's comedy like I do, you will most likely enjoy this a lot. Conversely, if you are unfamiliar with Bamford and her comedic style, you might not. As I said, she is quirky AF.
I inhaled this via audio book, which again, if you are familiar with Bamford's style, you will agree with my belief that this is how this book will be most enjoyed as Bamford narrates herself. If you know, you know.
But I digress.
I enjoyed this a lot. Bamford tackles some tough subjects with her usual humor. Bamford fans will enjoy.
To be clear, this rating is not a review or judgment of Bamford’s life, struggles, or journey. It’s just a reflection on how much I enjoyed the book as a reading experience.
I was raised on standup comedy and have always loved Maria Bamford's quirky AF delivery/shtick.
If you love Bamford's comedy like I do, you will most likely enjoy this a lot. Conversely, if you are unfamiliar with Bamford and her comedic style, you might not. As I said, she is quirky AF.
I inhaled this via audio book, which again, if you are familiar with Bamford's style, you will agree with my belief that this is how this book will be most enjoyed as Bamford narrates herself. If you know, you know.
But I digress.
I enjoyed this a lot. Bamford tackles some tough subjects with her usual humor. Bamford fans will enjoy.
June 26, 2023
“I’m not suicidal, but I’m also not particularly psyched.”
Maria Bamford has long been my favorite comedian — I think she’s the single funniest person on the planet — so this book was always going to land in my sweet spot, but I have to say that it exceeded even my high expectations. Bamford is a hysterical miner of lived experience, and she shares so much of who and how she is in this book. A delight.
Maria Bamford has long been my favorite comedian — I think she’s the single funniest person on the planet — so this book was always going to land in my sweet spot, but I have to say that it exceeded even my high expectations. Bamford is a hysterical miner of lived experience, and she shares so much of who and how she is in this book. A delight.
May 8, 2023
Really loved this, and if you love Maria’s comedy this will not disappoint. I truly loved the honest talk about mental health and more importantly mental health care in our world….which is full of platitudes and not much else. I’ll read again! Hilarious and meaningful:
September 26, 2023
OMG, I just can’t…fake laughing, sound effects, dumb voices, and random yelling. She is like an unfunny clown on crack. My hands were shaking, I couldn’t stop the book fast enough. 0⭐️
May 27, 2023
Considered by Judd Apatow to be the "funniest woman in the world," Maria Bamford has long been one of the comedy world's most brutally honest and relentlessly transparent voices with a brand of comedy that can be controversial yet is fiercely embraced by the millions, myself included, who resonate with her transparency, weirdness, and refreshingly brave commentary on herself and the world around her.
This is the Bamford that you should expect to come to life in "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere," Bamford's literary debut and a book that possesses everything we've come to know and love about Bamford in her typically self-deprecating style and with a frenetic pace that will make it an exhausting experience for those who can't quite sync with Bamford's unique rhythms.
Bamford has long been open about her diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, her nearly daily struggles with suicidal ideation, and her seemingly lifelong experiences with mental illness that have both challenged her daily existence while also fueling her comedy success.
It would be impossible to not completely love Bamford, and that sincerity and love come to life beautifully here, and you can't help but worry about her even as you're laughing right along.
"Sure, I'll Join Your Cult" is a different sort of memoir. It's less about Bamford's life journey and more about her journey toward something resembling belonging. Bamford's memoir of mental illness is a journey through the various groups, rigid structures, and organizations that most often temporarily gave her a place to stay like Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and Richard Simmons to 12-step groups like Debtors Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and others. Seemingly in a better, or at least less precarious place now, Bamford's nearly ten-year marriage to Scott Cassidy seems to have provided her a grounding she's long craved and a stability that still feels as if it could dissipate in any moment.
There's an edginess to "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult" that is simultaneously exhilarating and more than a little frightening. Bamford invites us, as much as possible, inside her daily existence in a mind that survives yet constantly struggles to do so. She humanizes mental illness - not just by making us laugh but by allowing us to see her in a natural "as is" state of being. Seldom has an author felt so incredibly honest and brave and authentic as is the case with Bamford and "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult."
"Sure, I'll Join Your Cult" is destined to be a difficult read for some and a freeing read for others. It's an exhausting experience, however, it's also the kind of reading experience that makes you feel like maybe, just maybe, you can tell your own secrets and your own stories.
Maybe, just maybe you can find a place to belong.
I already absolutely loved Maria Bamford. "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult" helps me understand why and makes me love her even more.
This is the Bamford that you should expect to come to life in "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere," Bamford's literary debut and a book that possesses everything we've come to know and love about Bamford in her typically self-deprecating style and with a frenetic pace that will make it an exhausting experience for those who can't quite sync with Bamford's unique rhythms.
Bamford has long been open about her diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, her nearly daily struggles with suicidal ideation, and her seemingly lifelong experiences with mental illness that have both challenged her daily existence while also fueling her comedy success.
It would be impossible to not completely love Bamford, and that sincerity and love come to life beautifully here, and you can't help but worry about her even as you're laughing right along.
"Sure, I'll Join Your Cult" is a different sort of memoir. It's less about Bamford's life journey and more about her journey toward something resembling belonging. Bamford's memoir of mental illness is a journey through the various groups, rigid structures, and organizations that most often temporarily gave her a place to stay like Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and Richard Simmons to 12-step groups like Debtors Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and others. Seemingly in a better, or at least less precarious place now, Bamford's nearly ten-year marriage to Scott Cassidy seems to have provided her a grounding she's long craved and a stability that still feels as if it could dissipate in any moment.
There's an edginess to "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult" that is simultaneously exhilarating and more than a little frightening. Bamford invites us, as much as possible, inside her daily existence in a mind that survives yet constantly struggles to do so. She humanizes mental illness - not just by making us laugh but by allowing us to see her in a natural "as is" state of being. Seldom has an author felt so incredibly honest and brave and authentic as is the case with Bamford and "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult."
"Sure, I'll Join Your Cult" is destined to be a difficult read for some and a freeing read for others. It's an exhausting experience, however, it's also the kind of reading experience that makes you feel like maybe, just maybe, you can tell your own secrets and your own stories.
Maybe, just maybe you can find a place to belong.
I already absolutely loved Maria Bamford. "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult" helps me understand why and makes me love her even more.
September 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ah, here we go again. Pull me in with the term “cult” when you don’t really mean it! So, every day fringe groups; culty, but not cults. 😂 I’m not mad, it’s a clever title. Bamford is a solid storyteller. This memoir in essays is largely about self discovery and mental health, battles and successes. I think Jenny Lawson fans will appreciate, but quell your expectations a bit. Looking forward to discussion with my #bookclub.
January 1, 2024
I gave this two ⭐️ because I did laugh at least a couple times. I actually think she’s funny… even if most of this book was not.
I felt like the whole book was just, “Hey look at me, look how ccCcRRrraaaaaazzzzZzzyyyy I am! Bet you never saw someone this CccRrrrRrAaaaaAAzzzZzZZYyyy before! And also look at my PRIVILEGE!”
As someone who has struggled with mental health and body image issues, I hated it. I honestly can’t imagine how people with similar experiences could find this entertaining. And why why why does she insist on telling us her exact weight not just once but several times?! Why?! If she’s experienced ED, she should KNOW this is triggering.
K bye 👋
I felt like the whole book was just, “Hey look at me, look how ccCcRRrraaaaaazzzzZzzyyyy I am! Bet you never saw someone this CccRrrrRrAaaaaAAzzzZzZZYyyy before! And also look at my PRIVILEGE!”
As someone who has struggled with mental health and body image issues, I hated it. I honestly can’t imagine how people with similar experiences could find this entertaining. And why why why does she insist on telling us her exact weight not just once but several times?! Why?! If she’s experienced ED, she should KNOW this is triggering.
K bye 👋
October 8, 2023
Maybe this is “hilarious” but I found it insufferable. Could just be me.
March 16, 2025
To be honest, I had no idea who this comedian was until I read a fellow Goodreads friend’s review of this book. I was so intrigued with the review and the author’s story I thought it would be interesting to read her book.
This is another reason I appreciate my friends here on Goodreads. They introduce me to books I may not have otherwise read.
Apparently, Bamford has starred in a Netflix show for 2 seasons, entitled “Lady Dynamite” playing a character that is not unlike herself. Her sense of comedic humor comes through the pages, with her jokes about herself. We soon discover that she finds humor necessary to her own healing and recovery.
In this 3-section book with 23 chapters, she shares her life with readers by shining a light on family, fame and mental health care. On page 13 she tells readers “How to Use this Book.” It is clear through her memoir, that her sense of humor reigns. Still, as she describes her various misadventures, some not always funny, she does have a way of making a joke at her own expense. Thus, helping her to embrace her messy life and come to a place of self-acceptance. This book feels like her journey to find what will work best for her in best addressing her mental health.
Readers will quickly appreciate her recipes at the end of each chapter, which are not meant for traditional baking.
Her openness definitely allows readers to laugh and cry at the same time. Grateful that she chose humor to address her life challenges.
The subject matter may seem dark (i.e., discussions of suicide, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder {OCD}) but she is empathetic and honest in giving readers insight into her mind. In many ways, her story shines an important light on mental illness. And, through our reading experience, we find understanding.
Be sure to read her ‘Appendix’ titled: The Twelve (Silly) Steps of (Super Stupid) Twelve-Step Programs.
This is another reason I appreciate my friends here on Goodreads. They introduce me to books I may not have otherwise read.
Apparently, Bamford has starred in a Netflix show for 2 seasons, entitled “Lady Dynamite” playing a character that is not unlike herself. Her sense of comedic humor comes through the pages, with her jokes about herself. We soon discover that she finds humor necessary to her own healing and recovery.
In this 3-section book with 23 chapters, she shares her life with readers by shining a light on family, fame and mental health care. On page 13 she tells readers “How to Use this Book.” It is clear through her memoir, that her sense of humor reigns. Still, as she describes her various misadventures, some not always funny, she does have a way of making a joke at her own expense. Thus, helping her to embrace her messy life and come to a place of self-acceptance. This book feels like her journey to find what will work best for her in best addressing her mental health.
Readers will quickly appreciate her recipes at the end of each chapter, which are not meant for traditional baking.
Her openness definitely allows readers to laugh and cry at the same time. Grateful that she chose humor to address her life challenges.
The subject matter may seem dark (i.e., discussions of suicide, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder {OCD}) but she is empathetic and honest in giving readers insight into her mind. In many ways, her story shines an important light on mental illness. And, through our reading experience, we find understanding.
Be sure to read her ‘Appendix’ titled: The Twelve (Silly) Steps of (Super Stupid) Twelve-Step Programs.
January 2, 2025
This was very chaotic a little unhinged at times but I still had a good time. An interesting memoir
September 19, 2023
This memoir is, above all, hysterical. The best stand-up show I've ever seen was Maria Bamford, and the audiobook had me roaring laughing as much as I did at the show. It obviously isn't some grandiose piece of literature, but it is raw and honest about family and mental illness while also making me howl with laughter, and that makes it a success.
December 29, 2023
Dnf @20%.
I tried extremely hard to find the humour. I really did. But alas, it's not me, hi, I'm not the problem, it's not me.
I get now why this didn't win the Goodreads choice award. I went in thinking it would be a comedic take on actual cults but it wasn't. Far from it. I can't waste any more time on this. I'd hate for this book to be my last read of the year.
I tried extremely hard to find the humour. I really did. But alas, it's not me, hi, I'm not the problem, it's not me.
I get now why this didn't win the Goodreads choice award. I went in thinking it would be a comedic take on actual cults but it wasn't. Far from it. I can't waste any more time on this. I'd hate for this book to be my last read of the year.
March 24, 2024
Nope, not a clue where I got the idea to read this. Must have been some internet thing, some site where I’d shared my info and interests, like Goodreads or something.
Or it could be that sketchy, quiet, skinny guy with the red Camry. Heavens to Murgatroyd, my dude is ALWAYS there, every time I leave the house. “Hey, target’s on the move…and he wants to read a memoir from a comedian about mental health. And he’s limping a little. All units, converge on my mark…” Can’t fool me, Bourne…
Anyway, it does fall in line with lots of other stuff I’ve read, even though I’d never heard of this person before. I live rent-free under a rock, but it means funny people like this never get through.
The writing style was a little rambling at first, but then I figured that was the point. It got more structured, maybe easier to read, about three chapters in. I had to refer to her “Dummies”-like chart once in a while, a clever little touch. I felt a more Samantha Irby style here, essentially several distinct essays, but then it fell into a clearer chronological framework.
Bamford’s intelligence shows through: she can really identify and express herself through simple language. She finds smart and insightful ways to tell us her scary feelings, digging into a depth I’ve not often seen in memoirs. For example, she’s obviously given a lot of thought to her mother’s personality, situation, and mannerisms, and communicates them with understanding and reflection. Same for other family members, including her husband.
I appreciated getting to know her from childhood, and her memories are sad but true. I felt awful for her, all those intrusive thoughts at such a young age. I suppose this is where the comic genius comes in, because her explanation of her version of OCD and of controlling her thoughts had me laughing out loud. Again, the anxiety and the depression are communicated so vividly through her simple words and hilarious outlook. It’s the kinda thing that’ll keep you on your toes: it’s “cringe comedy” at its best. Not a lot in the sex department, but if self-harm or self-destructive thoughts trigger something for you, maybe skip it.
Though I didn’t think it permeated the novel, I appreciated the regular references to twelve-step programs. And oh boy, those inpatient programs, those rehab-like programs don’t come off well. Nor does insurance, or Target. (I vaguely remember her appearances in that ad campaign fourteen or so years ago.) I liked the way it ends, too: not overly rosy, or too hopeful, just “present.” In the moment, ready for what’s next. At age 52 there’s still plenty of life left. I’m about that age, and I need that reminder once in a while.
It's one of the clearest, more forthcoming memoirs of mental health I’ve read in a while. I laughed the way I laugh at absurd stuff like Hunter S. Thompson, but laugh I did. Seriously funny, seriously crazy, and a strong reminder to talk and get help.
Or it could be that sketchy, quiet, skinny guy with the red Camry. Heavens to Murgatroyd, my dude is ALWAYS there, every time I leave the house. “Hey, target’s on the move…and he wants to read a memoir from a comedian about mental health. And he’s limping a little. All units, converge on my mark…” Can’t fool me, Bourne…
Anyway, it does fall in line with lots of other stuff I’ve read, even though I’d never heard of this person before. I live rent-free under a rock, but it means funny people like this never get through.
The writing style was a little rambling at first, but then I figured that was the point. It got more structured, maybe easier to read, about three chapters in. I had to refer to her “Dummies”-like chart once in a while, a clever little touch. I felt a more Samantha Irby style here, essentially several distinct essays, but then it fell into a clearer chronological framework.
Bamford’s intelligence shows through: she can really identify and express herself through simple language. She finds smart and insightful ways to tell us her scary feelings, digging into a depth I’ve not often seen in memoirs. For example, she’s obviously given a lot of thought to her mother’s personality, situation, and mannerisms, and communicates them with understanding and reflection. Same for other family members, including her husband.
I appreciated getting to know her from childhood, and her memories are sad but true. I felt awful for her, all those intrusive thoughts at such a young age. I suppose this is where the comic genius comes in, because her explanation of her version of OCD and of controlling her thoughts had me laughing out loud. Again, the anxiety and the depression are communicated so vividly through her simple words and hilarious outlook. It’s the kinda thing that’ll keep you on your toes: it’s “cringe comedy” at its best. Not a lot in the sex department, but if self-harm or self-destructive thoughts trigger something for you, maybe skip it.
Though I didn’t think it permeated the novel, I appreciated the regular references to twelve-step programs. And oh boy, those inpatient programs, those rehab-like programs don’t come off well. Nor does insurance, or Target. (I vaguely remember her appearances in that ad campaign fourteen or so years ago.) I liked the way it ends, too: not overly rosy, or too hopeful, just “present.” In the moment, ready for what’s next. At age 52 there’s still plenty of life left. I’m about that age, and I need that reminder once in a while.
It's one of the clearest, more forthcoming memoirs of mental health I’ve read in a while. I laughed the way I laugh at absurd stuff like Hunter S. Thompson, but laugh I did. Seriously funny, seriously crazy, and a strong reminder to talk and get help.
November 18, 2023
I first got to know about Maria Bamford from an episode of the podcast "Conan O'Brian needs a friend". She had a fantastic sense of humour and I also liked her voice acting and her life experiences and when she said she had written a book I immediately jumped in.
This book is her memoir and the most overwhelming element of this book is her dealing with mental illness.
This book is not depressing
It's quite informative both for those people who have a mental condition and for everybody else on how to behave and talk to people who have mental illness.
The humour is really good and made reading it much easier and in general it was a joyous experience.
The humour alone is enough for me to recommend this book to nearly everyone.
This book is her memoir and the most overwhelming element of this book is her dealing with mental illness.
This book is not depressing
It's quite informative both for those people who have a mental condition and for everybody else on how to behave and talk to people who have mental illness.
The humour is really good and made reading it much easier and in general it was a joyous experience.
The humour alone is enough for me to recommend this book to nearly everyone.
October 1, 2023
For some reason, the audiobook chose to have a tire screeching noise as their version of a trigger warning so it's extremely stressful if you choose to listen while driving
March 10, 2025
I mainly listened to the audiobook, which I rented from Libby, but I also had the Kindle version, also rented from Libby.
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This is a memoir written by Maria Bamford and discusses her background from Suzuki violin lessons, to her participation in 12-step programs, to her experiences in show business. She is fully honest in a vulnerable fashion as she talks about her life up to this point in time.
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I feel kinda bad that I was bored through so much of this book. I think that's why I mostly listened to the audiobook rather than read the book through my Kindle. I even fell asleep in the last 45 minutes of the book, which makes me feel even worse.
I normally don't fall asleep while listening to audiobooks but this was the exception. I didn't relate to a lot of the book, which also makes me feel bad. I enjoy a good memoir most of the time but I didn't enjoy this one as much.
I don't want to sit here and bash the book the entire time, which is one of the reasons I rated this book 3 stars instead of 2 stars. I thought it was okay but not great. I wasn't rooting for Maria like I feel like I could have.
I almost DNF'd the book and I'm proud of myself that I didn't. I wanted to add it to the books that I actually finished so I pushed through to the end. Next time, I won't be doing that. I won't be afraid to DNF the next book I feel this way about. lol
I normally don't hesitate to recommend a book but this time I am. I feel bad for saying that - I feel bad about a lot of things I'm saying this time, it seems - but I'm going to keep my recommendation to myself this time. I do want to hear what you think if you've read this book, though.
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This is a memoir written by Maria Bamford and discusses her background from Suzuki violin lessons, to her participation in 12-step programs, to her experiences in show business. She is fully honest in a vulnerable fashion as she talks about her life up to this point in time.
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I feel kinda bad that I was bored through so much of this book. I think that's why I mostly listened to the audiobook rather than read the book through my Kindle. I even fell asleep in the last 45 minutes of the book, which makes me feel even worse.
I normally don't fall asleep while listening to audiobooks but this was the exception. I didn't relate to a lot of the book, which also makes me feel bad. I enjoy a good memoir most of the time but I didn't enjoy this one as much.
I don't want to sit here and bash the book the entire time, which is one of the reasons I rated this book 3 stars instead of 2 stars. I thought it was okay but not great. I wasn't rooting for Maria like I feel like I could have.
I almost DNF'd the book and I'm proud of myself that I didn't. I wanted to add it to the books that I actually finished so I pushed through to the end. Next time, I won't be doing that. I won't be afraid to DNF the next book I feel this way about. lol
I normally don't hesitate to recommend a book but this time I am. I feel bad for saying that - I feel bad about a lot of things I'm saying this time, it seems - but I'm going to keep my recommendation to myself this time. I do want to hear what you think if you've read this book, though.
September 18, 2024
I loved this! I did the audiobook, and Maria Bamford's delivery makes this. I really enjoy her guileless brand of self-deprecation, hyperbole, and raw honesty, mostly about her mental health, but other areas of dysfunction as well. Leaving the two-week rented violin under her desk for three months, for absolutely no reason other than a nameless dread? I felt that.
As some people have done, please don't think this is a memoir about a woman who joins a succession of cults. It is a memoir of the author's mental health, and how she is continually drawn to groups with cult-like atmospheres, mostly 12-step programs. It's very tongue in cheek, and the author is aware that she has not actually joined a cult. Instead, we get very funny essays about her journey through life, structured around her various "cults" (the first of which is her family, with her mother as cult-leader). She walks us through her struggles with OCD (very distressing intrusive thoughts that she didn't understand at all), an eating disorder, vicious debt, depression, being hospitalized for a breakdown, and adjusting to living with Bipolar II.
It's very hard to convey the tone of this book. I recommend that you just head on over to your audiobook dealer of choice and sample the first five minutes. That will give you more than I give you here in this review.
Good job on this book, Maria, if you see this review! All those editors you gave all that money to were worth it.
As some people have done, please don't think this is a memoir about a woman who joins a succession of cults. It is a memoir of the author's mental health, and how she is continually drawn to groups with cult-like atmospheres, mostly 12-step programs. It's very tongue in cheek, and the author is aware that she has not actually joined a cult. Instead, we get very funny essays about her journey through life, structured around her various "cults" (the first of which is her family, with her mother as cult-leader). She walks us through her struggles with OCD (very distressing intrusive thoughts that she didn't understand at all), an eating disorder, vicious debt, depression, being hospitalized for a breakdown, and adjusting to living with Bipolar II.
It's very hard to convey the tone of this book. I recommend that you just head on over to your audiobook dealer of choice and sample the first five minutes. That will give you more than I give you here in this review.
Good job on this book, Maria, if you see this review! All those editors you gave all that money to were worth it.
December 18, 2023
Just because anyone can write a memoir doesn’t mean anybody should- this one was not for me. Bamford’s comedy style is very specific, and it just didn’t translate to the page. It ricochets between jokes and very dark tidbits about her mental health and its just not cohesive. Also the title is super misleading- the cults she is referring to are things like family, and AA.
September 13, 2023
The best thing about this was the use of Comic Sans for any potentially triggering content which was both thoughtful and hilarious. The worst was that the bit about the dead pug was not set in Comic Sans.
September 15, 2023
This book made me anxious.
March 11, 2024
I first saw Maria Bamford on the old Conan O’Brien show back in the day and she was always someone who stuck out to me. Easy to remember. So when I saw this I picked it up immediately. I always found her funny and this book was not like I remember her act being at all.
This was like listening to that wild guy on the street corner that begs for change and talks to himself. It was absolute chaos. All over the place, super manic, verbal diarrhea, frantic writing that was a little hard to follow at times, yet still funny in parts. Interesting way she wrote about her family and experiences.
One thing I thought was funny was her talking about therapy and the meds she’s taken and what didn’t work and to never try these methods ever, and they are all the methods I’m currently using to deal with anxiety. Just thought it was funny.
Overall not bad. If this is your type of humour I’d recommend. 3 and a half stars.
This was like listening to that wild guy on the street corner that begs for change and talks to himself. It was absolute chaos. All over the place, super manic, verbal diarrhea, frantic writing that was a little hard to follow at times, yet still funny in parts. Interesting way she wrote about her family and experiences.
One thing I thought was funny was her talking about therapy and the meds she’s taken and what didn’t work and to never try these methods ever, and they are all the methods I’m currently using to deal with anxiety. Just thought it was funny.
Overall not bad. If this is your type of humour I’d recommend. 3 and a half stars.
December 15, 2023
*Audible audio *
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I hadn't heard of Maria before this, I saw her book on a goodreads giveaway and the title really intrigued me.
Snagged this at the audible 85% off sale :).
Like Jenny Lawson, I felt a kinship with Maria. Our situations are different but we are all battling our own brain 🧠 monsters and doing the best we can every day. It warms my heart that these books are out in the world 🌎 and will help people feel less alone .
Maria is a quirky person. Some may find that annoying but it I loved her :). She has a certain quality about her that draws you to her.
She lays it all out in here and I think that's brave of her.
Struggling to find words so I'll just say I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it 👌.
Will be looking her work up next time I have a day off.
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I hadn't heard of Maria before this, I saw her book on a goodreads giveaway and the title really intrigued me.
Snagged this at the audible 85% off sale :).
Like Jenny Lawson, I felt a kinship with Maria. Our situations are different but we are all battling our own brain 🧠 monsters and doing the best we can every day. It warms my heart that these books are out in the world 🌎 and will help people feel less alone .
Maria is a quirky person. Some may find that annoying but it I loved her :). She has a certain quality about her that draws you to her.
She lays it all out in here and I think that's brave of her.
Struggling to find words so I'll just say I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it 👌.
Will be looking her work up next time I have a day off.
December 6, 2024
Speaking as The Man Who Has Read Too Many Mental Illness Memoirs, this was just such a perfect treat. Bamford is funny and perceptive and willing to be cringey without that willingness ever becoming shtick. This book is a grab bag of autobiographical moments, often depicting Bamford's relationship with her husband and her complicated family, stitched together with a series of asides and diversions that are gimmicky, but in a good way - they pull you out of the narrative for a bit and allow you to look at individual pieces of the whole tapestry from a fresh angle. Bamford has a rare form of self-deprecation, and I think it stems from experience; this book could only be written by someone in middle age, who's slouched past the "life lit by fire" romanticism of early mental illness and come to understand the grubby banal reality. This book is so unromantic and so much funnier for it. I really loved it; I don't share the exact same perspective on mental health culture as Bamford, but she made me feel less alone by so effectively avoiding the toxic cliches of the insanity industry.
January 25, 2024
"Being the grocery store orchid that I am... that is literally so poignant 👌
There's not as much focus on cults/organizations that prey on vulnerable groups or people with mental illness... I expected more of a clear through line of this.
Also, it's so weird to admit, but I'm not a person with a huge sense of humor 😅 ... maybe that's why I lean towards darker/twisty fiction so often. For that reason, the very distracting ping-ponging between jokes and storytelling is a little rough for me to get along with.
Feels like a book that if you are a huge podcast listener, this would be a great read - especially the audio!
It is very honest and open
The recipe portions... SKIPPED
I really liked the authors commentary on her experience with mental health struggles and taking medication
I do think the second half of this book gets really interesting and definitely enjoyed more!
Why do I feel like the book just ends....I kind of expected some sort of wrap-up chapter or conclusion to draw it together.
OMG THIS JOKE STOPPED ME FOR LIKE 10 MINS ROLLLLLING: " I know mostly from pro-life billboards that Life is a gift and I like to call anti-abortion clinics and have them take the time to prove it to me."
Review to come
There's not as much focus on cults/organizations that prey on vulnerable groups or people with mental illness... I expected more of a clear through line of this.
Also, it's so weird to admit, but I'm not a person with a huge sense of humor 😅 ... maybe that's why I lean towards darker/twisty fiction so often. For that reason, the very distracting ping-ponging between jokes and storytelling is a little rough for me to get along with.
Feels like a book that if you are a huge podcast listener, this would be a great read - especially the audio!
It is very honest and open
The recipe portions... SKIPPED
I really liked the authors commentary on her experience with mental health struggles and taking medication
I do think the second half of this book gets really interesting and definitely enjoyed more!
Why do I feel like the book just ends....I kind of expected some sort of wrap-up chapter or conclusion to draw it together.
OMG THIS JOKE STOPPED ME FOR LIKE 10 MINS ROLLLLLING: " I know mostly from pro-life billboards that Life is a gift and I like to call anti-abortion clinics and have them take the time to prove it to me."
Review to come
August 14, 2023
In 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘑𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵, comedian and actress Maria Bamford shares the story of her life, career in show business, and mental health journey via the various social groups and self-help communities she’s belonged to over the years. Bamford tells you upfront: 1) this memoir is her first book, 2) it is meant to be comedic and she is not an expert on the topics she discusses in it, and 3) it does not have the “trauma, healing, and victory” trajectory typical of the genre. It is a much-appreciated disclaimer, because while I can see this book being an excellent read for those who are big fans of her stand-up or relate to her personal experiences, I found my interest waning over time. At its best, the book is honest and amusing, but there is also a good deal of frenzy and disorderliness in her writing style that made my attention wander. The book wasn’t for me, but I’m glad it exists for her fans and for those will benefit from reading her health discussions. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2024
I have never heard of Maria Bamford before picking up this book. I was drawn to it by the title and in the past I have enjoyed other comedians books. They are terrific story tellers.
I listened to the audio of this book which at first I found annoying. I felt like I was being yelled at. Like I said I don’t know this comic or her style. I stuck with it and I acclimated. Maria does have an important message to spread about mental illness and I give her so much credit for sharing her experiences with the world.
I listened to the audio of this book which at first I found annoying. I felt like I was being yelled at. Like I said I don’t know this comic or her style. I stuck with it and I acclimated. Maria does have an important message to spread about mental illness and I give her so much credit for sharing her experiences with the world.
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