Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20668 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-25
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Schimmel already had a hit HBO stand-up comedy special and a Stand-Up of the Year title from the American Comedy Awards when, in the spring of 2000, he was diagnosed with Stage III non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. His world changed instantly; success in the raunchy joke trade-he also had an edgy FOX series in development-was replaced by the struggle for survival, the rigors of chemotherapy and all the fear and uncertainty that goes with it. Schimmel also looks back on his son, whom he lost not long before to brain cancer. Among a crowded field of inspiring and straight-talking personal survival stories, Schimmel's conversational account is particularly ribald, emphasizing the importance a sense of humor can play in coping, learning and healing.
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Review
"Candid and surprisingly funny."—Malibu Times

"This excellent book is the deeply moving account of one man's battle with cancer...Both laugh-out-loud funny as well as deeply touching."—Tucson Citizen

"In his new memoir...[Schimmel] lets us tag along on a very personal, painful and yes, hilarious journey...Thoughtful as it is raw; and, it's consistently funny throughout."—Punchline.com

"The candid description of [Schimmel's] journey is alternately funny and moving."—Deseret News

"Like his comedy, his book is deeply personal...Like his stand-up act, the memoir is coarse and candid...Buy the book for the laughing and crying."—Cleveland Plain Dealer

[A] remarkable and riveting account Schimmel is fiercely candid and direct. This could be the most profanely adult book of inspiration you'll find. But inspiring it is, and moving, without being mawkish or phony. Schimmel is simply too laugh-out-loud funny, and his storytelling too compelling.—Cleveland Plain Dealer

Like his comedy, his book is deeply personal Like his stand-up act, the memoir is coarse and candid Buy the book for the laughing and crying.—Cleveland Plain Dealer

“[Schimmel’s] attitude through the entire ordeal should serve as inspiration to others…A truly inspirational person and story.”—Jewish Advocate 5/13/08

Devastatingly funny, ultimately healing.—The Naughty American

“Inspirational and positive—and has a lot of dark humor and dirty jokes, because it is written by one of the masters of raunchy standup…There aren't many inspirational memoirs that can get you thinking about mortality, feeling appreciation for the value of love and family, and laughing about oral sex and penis prosthetics all in the same volume…But the naughty humor is just a sprinkling over heart-wrenching and inspirational accounts.”—Kalamazoo Gazette

“It's engrossing and dark, with touches you'd expect from the rough-edged, ribald comic.”—San Diego Union Tribune

“A dark look at facing death—but one with plenty of laughter, which, of course, is the best medicine.”—Springfield Republican

About the Author
Robert Schimmel, named one of Comedy Central’s 100 Greatest Comics, has had Showtime and HBO specials, bestselling CDs, a Fox TV pilot, consistently sold-out club dates, and is a regular on both Howard Stern and Conan O’Brien. He lives in Los Angeles.

Customer Reviews

Thank You Mr. Schimmel!
I started reading after lunch today, and couldn't put it down. The writing is compelling and real, and inspiring in so many ways.
I am grateful that Mr. Schimmel lived through it all, and even more grateful that his book enriches our lives by reminding us about what really matters. As a survivor myself, and having lost many relatives to cancer, the book had my emotions all over the place...but through it all, the humor prevails. I can't remember ever reading a book that had me laughing and crying at the same time.

This book is in my collection after seeing him on Conan, and it's going to get a lot more readings from here on out. It's a keeper.

Absolutely Inspiring
Humor is a gift, and Robert Schimmel has the gift.

While some readers might think: "Cancer is no laughing matter", Schimmel's story shows how the use of laughter can lead a patient through the terror of cancer diagnosis and the devastating effects of treatment.

If you or someone you know has heard the dreaded words: "You have cancer", get this book. It's absolutely inspiring, and will help you to laugh through your tears.

Great book!
Robert has been one of my favorite comedians since the mid 80s. This is a very touching book. It sounds cliche, but it'll make you laugh and it'll make you cry. Being one of the worlds top comedians he is really able to tackle such heavy topics in a amusing way.

Definitely a must read for anyone experiencing something similar or for any of his fans.