I'm Just a Person
My year of death, cancer and epiphany
Published on 16. June 2016
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-1-5098-3208-8 (ISBN)
Description
In the span of four months in 2012, Tig Notaro was hospitalized for a debilitating intestinal disease called C. diff, her mother unexpectedly died, she went through a breakup, and then she was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. Hit with this devastating barrage, Tig took her grief onstage. Days after receiving her cancer diagnosis, she broke new comedic ground, opening an unvarnished set with the words: 'Good evening. Hello. I have cancer. How are you? Hi, how are you? Is everybody having a good time? I have cancer.' The set instantly went viral, and was ultimately released as Tig's sophomore album, Live, which sold one hundred thousand units in just six weeks and was later nominated for a Grammy.
Now, the wildly popular star takes stock of that no good, very bad year - a difficult yet astonishing period in which tragedy turned into absurdity and despair transformed into joy. An inspired combination of the deadpan silliness of her comedy and the open-hearted vulnerability that has emerged in the wake of that dire time, I'm Just a Person is a moving and often hilarious look at this very brave, very funny woman's journey into the darkness and her thrilling return from it.
Now, the wildly popular star takes stock of that no good, very bad year - a difficult yet astonishing period in which tragedy turned into absurdity and despair transformed into joy. An inspired combination of the deadpan silliness of her comedy and the open-hearted vulnerability that has emerged in the wake of that dire time, I'm Just a Person is a moving and often hilarious look at this very brave, very funny woman's journey into the darkness and her thrilling return from it.
Reviews / Votes
The book is heartbreaking, and brilliant, and funny. . . it's fantastic. * Ellen Degeneres * Notaro's thrilling, candid, and hilarious memoir is a provocative and convincing rallying cry to seize the day * Booklist * I'm Just a Person will make you laugh, or cry, or both. * Marie Claire * A tragedy turned into a thing of beauty * Elle UK * Notaro's story is funny not because it's true (although it is), but because it's told by the world-class stand-up with wit and vulnerability. * O Magazine * Anyone who can write a sharply funny-and bravely optimistic-story about losing her mother, going through a break up, and being diagnosed with breast cancer all in the span of four months is an absolute heroine in our book. All hail, Tig Notaro! -- Glamour Comedian Tig Notaro takes pain and successfully converts it into laughs in I'm Just a Person... It's an intriguing and inspiring look at one woman's way of pressing on * Bustle * I'm Just a Person is Tig's journey in her own words, taking us through the repeated and unexpected heartaches of loss, the awkwardness and humiliation that comes with being ill, and all the social and personal struggles that come with either of those taxing situations. And yet, she has penned a very funny, deeply moving narrative. This isn't emotional torture porn or blandly uplifting treacle; this is hardcore honesty and sincerity told through a hilarious, sardonic lens.Not only is it a terrific, meaningful read, but it was a wonderful guidebook that helped me be there for a friend who endured a similar loss. Knowing what to say and what not to say is just one worthwhile lesson Tig provided amongst all those laughs and poignant words. * Glen Dallas, Manhattan Book Review *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pan Macmillan
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 135 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
417 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5098-3208-8 (9781509832088)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Tig Notaro is an American stand-up comic, writer, actor, and radio contributor. In 2015, Tig's HBO stand-up special premiered along with the Netflix original documentary about her life. She also returned for season two of the critically acclaimed series Transparent. Tig remains a favourite on Conan and This American Life, tours internationally, and enjoys bird watching with her partner at their home in Los Angeles.