Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the '80s

Written 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Sep 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781250902290

Gary Gulman

Gary Gulman is one of the most popular touring comics, selling out theaters nationwide including Carnegie Hall. He has been a guest on every major late-night comedy program. Gulman’s four comedy specials include HBO's The Great Depresh, a highly acclaimed look at mental illness. In 2019 he appeared in the international blockbuster Joker. He has a recurring role on the Hulu comedy series Life & Beth. A product of Boston, Gulman was previously a scholarship college football player, an accountant, and a high-school teacher. Misfit is his first book.

Reviews for Misfit

[fionamcatee · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am so glad I happened upon this guy on the internet scrolling thru comedy clips. It was the one on state abreviations and I could not stop laughing! I thought to mysel, ' Who is this guy? Why have I never heard of him?' I mistakenly thought he was from back in the day and I had just run across some old clip of his. But I was wrong and very happily so. I saw a clip on Trader Joe's and then another one. I heard him later talk about his fight with depression. Then I heard about this book. Wow! What a journey this man has taken. The book is an open, honest and hilarious look into his misery. Thank you Mr. Gulman for sharing your struggle. I am truly grateful for your courage in speaking out about your mental health. You have tackled a touchy subject with perfectly executed humour, and have made it ok to talk about (and laugh at) mental health issues.