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Everything Is Horrible and Wonderful cover art

Everything Is Horrible and Wonderful

Written by: Stephanie Wittels Wachs
Narrated by: Stephanie Wittels Wachs
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Publisher's Summary

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

What the critics say

"Beautiful, funny, and epically poignant." (Sarah Silverman)

What listeners say about Everything Is Horrible and Wonderful

Average Customer Ratings
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Phenomenal Book!

I am an avid reader and I read over a hundred books a year. This is the first time that I have wished that I could give a book more than five stars. This book is tragic and heartwarming and devastating and uplifting. This book will stay with me for a long, long time.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

It’s just good.

Funny guys as described by his sister. Slightly spit shined. She leaves out much of his story. How much could she know I suppose.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

honest and touching

If you were just a fan of Harris or have also dealt with a family member who struggled/struggles with addiction (or both) this is an honest and emotional look inside what it is like to fight for, lose and grieve a family member. A relatable, honest, bittersweet, sad and funny recounting of the tight bond between a brother and sister.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • KP
  • 2019-04-15

Mhm!

I’m in love with Harris Wittels! So, duh, I loved this book. If you have dealt with loss and/or grief, I think this is a very validating book. Plus....IT’S ABOUT HARRIS!!! ♥️

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

in-depth insight into grief

good book. great insight into grief and a little insight into addition. although I enjoyed the book, I felt it dragged on and on about how she could have saved her brother. but that isn't possible. I wished so badly she could have recognized that earlier.

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