From award-winning actor and comedian Paul Scheer, a candid and hilarious memoir-in-essays on coming to terms with childhood trauma and finding the joy in embracing your authentic self.

Paul Scheer has entertained countless fans and podcast listeners with stories about the odd, wild, and absurd details of his life. Yet these tales have pointed to deeper, more difficult truths that the actor and comedian has kept to himself. Now, he is finally ready to share those truths for the first time--but, of course, with a healthy dose of humor.

Blending the confident, affable voice that has won him a dedicated following with a refreshing level of candor, Joyful Recollections of Trauma chronicles Paul's often shocking, admittedly tumultuous childhood and how the experiences of his youth have reverberated throughout his life. In his comedy, Paul has always been unafraid to "go there," to play naïve, cringeworthy characters, imbuing them with disarming charm and humanity. That daring openness is on display in the pages of this memoir, but in true Paul fashion, it is also surprising, eye-opening, and side-splitting. In this madcap journey through the inner working of his mind and creative process, Paul Scheer demonstrates once again that the truth is often stranger--and funnier--than fiction.

"I loved this deeply vulnerable book with its original style, revealing stories, and profound lessons. It made me cry with compassion but I also cried from laughter, because--true to its title--this is also a laugh-out-loud read. Don't miss it." -- Jane Fonda

"This book is a SCHEER delight!! (Note: Patton Oswalt was committed to a low-security mental help facility after writing this blurb.)" -- Patton Oswalt