This Book IS For:
- Readers looking for an accurate—and chaotic—look at what it’s like to live with mental illness
- Fans of dark humor and sharing a good laugh with someone at their darkest moments
This Book is NOT For:
- People who are phobic of long titles
- Those that are triggered by talk of suicide, eating disorders, or really any mental illness whatsoever, but mostly those first two
- Zealots of 12-step programs
Brief Review With Minor Spoilers
I discovered Bamford’s memoir through her segment on the podcast Lovett or Leave It. At the time, I had no plans to read the book, but then it popped up as an audiobook included in Spotify Premium and I thought: What the hell? Why not this one? I’m glad I did because while often confusing and manic, this is a naked, hilarious, and often heartbreaking look at what living with bipolar is like.
It’s hard to make light of abuse both directed and at the hands of the author, but Bamford does it in style. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook as her impressions and delivery of each section were key factors in my enjoyment. There were parts in the middle where I started to get lost, drift off, and stare into the horrible ghost face of ADHD reading, but I always came back and found enjoyment. As an added bonus, Bamford made me laugh out loud while describing involuntary hospitalizations and severe symptoms of withdrawal, which is a true talent.
It’s always awkward to write a review of a memoir because it inevitably feels like you’re assigning a star rating to someone’s life. Instead, I’m trying to focus on Maria’s writing style and storytelling ability. Look, it’s not high literary, but it is an honest story, and well told—coming from a guy who writes about giant shrimp fighting lobsters. Bamford is consistently entertaining throughout and somehow managed to bring me down to the pits of her rock-bottom moments and then soften the fall with a joke or two.
If you’re a fan of mental illness—sometimes thinking everything is going to kill you is fun and funny—or just enjoy reading about famous people, pick the book up. There are all sorts of fun addendums and recipes that make for a unique reading experience. I wasn’t familiar with Bamford beyond that initial podcast bit, and it didn’t feel necessary to enjoy her writing. Plus, finding out why she’s famous as story beats is part of the fun.
4.5/5 Stars – If you don’t like it, then you hate people who are mentally ill, so you better buy two copies just to be safe
More info about how I rate things here.
Ashton Macaulay 