How To Weep in Public: Feeble Offerings on Depression From One Who Knows

A perfect storm of comedy, memoir, and self-help guide, stand-up comic Novak's book is not a flowery tale of overcoming depression. Instead, it's a manifesto of sorts on how to embrace the condition's oppression and languish in its murky waters. Discussing her life from infancy to present, the author shares an insider's perspective on experiencing the illness without remorse, including using drugs and alcohol, eating almost nothing but soup, and wandering around naked. Biting, brash, unconventional, and thoroughly entertaining, Novak's stories and "advice" could be construed as disrespectful and offensive yet perhaps may also offer a window into a larger discussion. Best of all, her wry humor may indeed be just the thing for someone depressed to relate to, and, as she writes, "Even if you're feeling better, maybe you don't want to start telling people yet."