A bit ... coarse, but I liked it

I had not heard of the author until I stumbled across this book. First two-thirds centering on her breakdown, and recovery, easily held my interest; last part was more a straight memoir that, while well written, seemed more like a coast to the finish. Didn't bother me much, but if you're opposed to crude language, don't get this one!

2 people found this helpful

A Fun Read

Part of the book's appeal for me is that I can relate to many parts of the author's life; that made some of the funnier parts and the sadder parts more deeply felt for me.

However, there were a couple of sections in the book that moved a little slow, and I wondered numerous times--especially during the first third--how much I would enjoy this book if I were reading it. The author is a fine storyteller, but not a great writer, so I think the book is better listened to. She is not a bad writer; I just think there is a good reason she (and many other comics) are better on stage than as writers. Writing is much more than just telling stories--much of it is the ability to manipulate language, themes, rhythms, etc.

Anyway, I do recommend this book, which is a memoir of her late teen and young adult years. Benincasa suffered from panic attacks, anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia, and I think anyone who also suffers from any of these diseases will enjoy this book (at least the parts focused on these topics).

I also enjoyed her trip to Sicily when she was in high school, and anyone who has ever felt foolish in high school (all of us, right?) will most likely enjoy this section. The Sicily trip includes a little history of Sicily, and there are a few places in the book where she did research and gets some facts in, which i always enjoy. (In fact, I am now going to seek out an interesting history of Sicily, with the emphasis on interesting).

Folks interested in comedians' memoirs will also enjoy this book, as will folks who struggled in college and are looking to read a kindred spirit.

1 person found this helpful

Wasn't my bag,

I struggled to get through this, I didn't find the story as humorous as expected. I also feel it might have went better in the hands of a voice artist.

1 person found this helpful

More Fun than a Good Cry in a Bathroom Stall

Sara Benincasa addresses anxiety and depression; suicide and run-of-the-mill high school antipathy from a perspective that lets you know— not that everything will be ok, but that you can cry and laugh at once at the same thing.

Agorafabulous! began as a one woman show. What Sara brings to this audiobook is the skills to enthrall an audience. She can tell a yarn about standing in line for two hours in order to donate blood, and you are ready to hear more. She's spontaneous, genuine, and awkward when it suits.

5 people found this helpful

“A” for effort

I too have suffered from agoraphobia and felt that this book is not exactly relatable. I appreciate the humor behind the story although she hardly gets into the debilitating power agoraphobia and panic attacks had on her life, though to her credit she does mention a few (urine in bowls and not eating.) This book is essentially a timeline of her sex and work life throughout her 20’s when I expected more detail of how she overcame the fears and anxiety of agoraphobia. I expected more of the psychological aspect to it. Dealing with agoraphobia isn’t as simple as taking a pill and a new job. Someone reading this book would definitely not walk away with a clearer insight on the nuances behind Agoraphobia and how to manage/ overcome it. No hate, just trouble understanding the intention behind this book. Power to the author in her courageous journey.

Loved it.

I loved this book/performance. While I have never peed in bowls, I have certainly felt these feelings & worked for crazy people & had always encounters & to be honest, I loved this book because I felt like it could have been me. If I had grown up in New Jersey.

1 person found this helpful

Not for me

Didn't finish it. Not for me. Might help someone or help them to understand someone else though...but maybe download a sample before buying.