Laughing in the Dark: A Comedian's Journey through Depression

This was very good. I like her books. They provide a lot more insight that might be missing in some of her tapes. I actually read this when I was going through my own depression and my doctor was struggling to find the right medication for me. So much of what she said hit home and was helpful to me. For that I am greatful.

How does someone who makes a living out of making people laugh become depressed? And not just depressed, but deeply, disturbingly depressed? And how does it happen to someone with a deep Christian faith?Chonda Pierce's story is dark and difficult. But she has written it beautifully. Her story is candid, frank, and real.Too often people who live very public lives are very open about sharing their successes and their victories. Then when they have setbacks or difficulties, they suffer them in private, leaving their fans believing they live charmed lives and never have problems. Sometimes it's a blessing that they keep their failings private because they don't handle them well. Chonda Pierce is definitely an exception. She has opened herself up to share the fun and laughter of her life. And she has also bravely shared her darkest troubles in a way that gives hope and encouragement.Depression is not pretty and this book makes no effort to sugarcoat anything. But the author's journey is truly an inspiration.

Chonda is not only a very funny woman, but she is honest and open about her struggles with her husbands addiction, his death and her ultimate walking through depression. Leaning on the Lord and her friends and family is a good lesson for us all. Powerful story about a wonderful woman!

I loved this book. Chonda Pierce has always been hilarious but in this book she shares the authentic personal struggles she's had with mental illness. She speaks honestly and transparently giving a realistic and empathetic look at mental illness in a society that deeply stigmatizes and judges people that suffer from it...(even though we are the brightest and funniest people) that frequently hide behind masks while we silently struggle. Thank you Chonda for speaking out for all of us.

Chonda Pierce is a wonderful comedian with a touching life story. However, this book was a disappointing purchase. The problem is with the editing or publishing company. The font styles vary, the sentences run together without breaks, and the size of the words differ from page to page. It made for a confusing read.

I actually read this book quite some time ago. I bought two more copies to give to friends to read because I thought they would find it helpful. I've been a Chonda Pierce fan for years and it was hard to think that someone like her would struggle with depression, but then, "why not her?" Just as cancer or heart disease, or any other illness can strike anyone, why do we think depression is some kind of separate disease; and, why don't we feel like we can talk about and treat it just as we would any other? I found her honesty about what she went through compelling and helpful. She also added her typical humor periodically, which lightened the mood just enough. I think many people try to put on a front that everything's fine in their world, all the while suffering. Christians especially sometimes think that a mental illness is different than a physical illness. Chonda helps us realize we're not alone and there's nothing wrong with admitting we may need treatment and there's help available.

While this was true Chonda Pierce, it was her struggle with depression dealing with her husband's alcoholism, children's abandonment, finally reconciling with her husband before his death...and still keeping her commitments as a Christian comedienne. She chronicled her painful walk through the valley and how she realized God never left her side and gave her some very precious friends who walked with her to the other side.

I like this book because a Christian celebrity has dared to share her real life pain and sickness, and treatment and recovery from mental illness. I can soooo relate to what she went through. I can relate to how people in the "Christian" community treat people that are in ministry and have issues with depression and anxiety. People do not treat others the same way if someone in the ministry gets pneumonia or cancer; so why do they still look down of those of us in the ministry who have mental illness? Either way, only our Lord Jesus really know the reasons and the answers.

A good read for those who struggle with depression to give light at the end of the black tunnel.A light hearted look at life through the dark specs. Nice to know we are not alone and the people who you think are fine are not always!