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Everything Is Horrible and Wonderful

A Tragicomic Memoir of Genius, Heroin, Love and Loss

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About this listen

The space between life and death is a moment. But it will remain alive in me for hundreds of thousands of future moments.

One phone call. That's all it took to change Stephanie Wittels Wachs's life forever.... Her younger brother Harris, a star in the comedy world known for his work on shows like Parks and Recreation, had died of a heroin overdose. How do you make sense of such a tragic end to a life of so much hilarious brilliance?

In beautiful, unsentimental, and surprisingly funny prose, Stephanie Wittels Wachs alternates between her brother's struggle with addiction, which she learned about three days before her wedding, and the first year after his death, in all its emotional devastation. This compelling portrait of a comedic genius and a profound exploration of the love between siblings is The Year of Magical Thinking for a new generation of listeners.

A heartbreaking but hopeful memoir of addiction, grief, and family, Everything Is Horrible and Wonderful will make you laugh, cry, and wonder if that possum on the fence is really your brother's spirit animal.

©2018 Stephanie Wittels Wachs (P)2018 Tantor Addiction & Recovery Entertainment & Celebrities Grief & Loss Parenting & Families Personal Development Funny Witty

Critic reviews

"Beautiful, funny, and epically poignant." (Sarah Silverman)
All stars
Most relevant
It's the sort of book that makes you appreciate your own, and love life with all it encompasses. Every time I though I was about to cry the story would change and make me laugh. So great. RIP Harris

So good

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This devestated me. Beautiful and poignant, an accurate depiction of the day to day of grief. Well written, well read.

Incredible

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I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. It is a beautiful way to remember how beautiful life is in spite of misfortunes.

Smile in sadness is possible. Lighting the darkness is also possible but it takes faith, patience and strength. It is very important not to give up in the process and ask for help.

Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and emotions. It will help others who are grieving or struggling with addiction and their families.

Lovely, honest and emotional.

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beautiful heartfelt book. absolutely gripping, a fitting tribute to a beautiful man. Rip Harris Wittels

Thought provoking

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amazing heart felt story told with such emotion. Very funny and really moving, a heart breaking story but told wonderfully

such a good book!

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