Laughing in the Dark: A Comedian's Journey through Depression

by Chonda Pierce

A Kind Friend to Walk with You...

For many, depression is associated with shame and humiliation -- even a lack of faith. But in this refreshingly honest and oh-so-very-real revelation of one woman's journey through depression, you'll hear the voice of a kind friend. And in her words you'll find hope and renewed confidence that will guide you through your own darkness and into the light.






Along with the humor, Chonda shares practical insight, biblical teaching, emotional support, and sympathetic concern. Whether you've experienced depression in your own life or in the life of someone you love, this friend has something to offer help, hope and, believe it or not, plenty of laughter.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Christian, Humor, Autobiography

240 pages, Hardcover

First published February 20, 2007

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a friend who recently went through a long, serious bout with depression. That same friend is a huge fan of Chonda Pierce and suggested I read this book. In doing so, I thought I would get some significant insight into depression, my friend's journey, and maybe even laugh a little as the author is a well-known comedian. The result? Not so much. I think there is probably a really interesting story here somewhere. There is something both fascinating and tragic about a woman who spends her life making people laugh but battles some very dark places and feelings off stage. Unfortunately, Pierce touches the surface on many of her issues but doesn't delve deeply into or resolve any of them. At only 240 pages, we get a nice surface skim on many issues - her precipitating serious illness, questions of faith during her ordeal, and almost no information on how this affected her relationships with anyone but her sister-in-law (a licensed counselor). The writing is so disjointed it was hard to follow the narrative, especially figure out a timeline, to make this readable. I understand why my friend wanted me to read it, but I wouldn't recommend this to others as good insight into depression.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing. My main takeaway is that this author, like most other Christians I've encountered, feels that depression can be prayed away. While there is talk of medicine and various treatments, it feels very simplistic and does not in any way feel genuine or even relatable. There were bits and pieces that were helpful, but overall, I ended this book feeling unseen and unheard.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, but mediocre.

[Ashley Mayhew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! Chonda writes about some dark stuff with wit. It will keep you engaged! But it also led to some much needed reflection.

[Azra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't normally have picked up this book. I hadn't even heard of the author before. It showed up several times on various used book shelves, so I decided to give it a try.

Ms. Pierce certainly speaks from experience when it comes to depression. There were many times I was nodding my head and thinking, "Yep. That's me" as I read. Also helpful were the pages at the end of each chapter, where a professional added some ideas on how to deal if you are in the depths of depression yourself.

This book, however, was definitely geared toward Christian women. I kept reading it because of the good advice but after the billionth bible quote or the author going on about Satan's cellphone (or whatever the hell it was, pardon the pun) Dorothy Parker came to mind.

"This is not a book to be set aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force."

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chonda candidly shares about her struggle with depression, a struggle that may seem shocking to those who have only known her as a comedian onstage at Christian women's conferences. But her depression kept her at home and off the road for quite some time while she sought treatment. Chonda share some of her past history, which makes it easy to understand why she would struggle with depression, and how counseling, medical treatment, and her faith in God helped her out of the dark. [return]This was an easy book to read, Chonda writes in a way that is very accessable and her story is fascinating. For anyone suffering with similiar problems this would give them hope as they see how depression can strike anyone--even comedians--and see how God and the right treatment can lead to healing.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I finally read this! I've ordered more to share because nothing is better medicine than faith, humor, honesty and a good book. Every chapter concludes with expert advice to wrap up Ms Chonda's point.

[Anita Stresnak · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who struggle with depression as a Christian, Chonda's story resonated with me. What I truly appreciated was the nonjudgmental approach and the rather light-hearted but brutal honesty. Please read if your walk as a Christian includes depression.

[Janet Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So funny loved her personal journey through life and it help me out of my depression state

[Joe Rodeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Laughing in the Dark* is an autobiographical tale of a comedienne’s battle against depression. Anyone who has a depression problem will find useful information here.

I was dreading the possibility that it would be all about prayer and Christ; but thankfully, aside from some biblical quotes, its not. Although Satan as a metaphor for a depression trigger is used to excellent effect.

She relates the experiences of her medical visits, quoting the doctors and explaining the treatments.

Some of this book is more female specific. One chapter is titled “Perinormal, Perimental, or Perimenopause.”

It’s a bit lightweight and would be best suited for reader’s not interested in the heavy research. Chonda is very funny!

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars...3 for humor and 5 for content. I read it in hopes of better understanding my friends who suffer from depression. And it provided that very well. Enough detail to get the important information across and enough personal stories to enlighten me but not drag on. I thought the beginning was a little slow with description of her personal religious things that used to bring her joy and energy before the depression, which I didn’t relate to. But once she got past that, I found it all interesting and helpful.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chonda, keeps it real as she write about trying to overcome her darkness year's in her life. We all get there, in one point of another or know someone who has. She helped me get my laughter back as I went into a deep dark hole after our son Justin passed due to our house fire. Thank You Chonda, this book meant to me, probably as much as you needed to write it for yourself. Take Care of Yourself & know we are always keeping you in our prayers. This is a must read, for anyone! 👍👍

[CarolBeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew this one would not be funny, although it did have its amusing moments. Each chapter has a section where Chonda tells her story, and a section called "Expert Insight" with practical advice by Vicki Graham, a psychotherapist.

This book is not a difficult read, even emotionally. I think it would give great hope to those who might be suffering from depression. I gave it 4 stars because, although it was a very good and encouraging book, it didn't leave me feeling like "WOW!"

[Leila Kern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very interesting book. As someone who struggles with depression this book gives one food for thought. I respect Chonda Pierce for being honest about her struggles. Details are not necessary, but forging ahead to get through is necessary. And, if help is needed, by all means, reach out. Chonda Pierce is a person I would like to get to know; she seems real. The book provides suggestions as to who one can turn to. I thought this was a good read.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, Christian-based memoir/advice book for dealing with depression. Includes both humorous and not-so-humorous anecdotes in addition to acknowledging and reiterating the need for medical and psychiatric care to those suffering with mental illness. Reinforces what I have been saying for years: God gave us medicines; use them.

[Ruth Ropper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, written very honestly about living with depression as a Christian, the challenges and heart searching but also the humour and support of close friends.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comedian, Chonda Pierce, talks about her journey through depression. Very transparent & inspirational.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chanda’s ability to speak lightheartedly and bring humor to a subject that is heavy on the heart amazes me!

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest, straight forward look at being depressed and how the people around her and her faith helped work through the various pits and hurdles.

[Jane E.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, honest, read. Raw and real laced with humor.

[James N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vulnerable, transparent! Anyone struggling with depression--or knows someone struggling--needs this book.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how honest the author was about her depression and what she went through.

[Pam Huffine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Very inspiring and uplifting. With God all things are possible. Chonda backs her story with meaningful scripture and Christian principles. I loved this book.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

"They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind." "Parents and grandparents must be very careful what they sow, because it may reap the wind in their own lives and the whirlwind in the lives that follow."

This was a very in depth daily, weekly, monthly, yearly look into the life of someone that went thru a lot of loss early in life and did not know what to do with it, and internalized it, and one day the mind could not take no more and sent the body on a journey thru depression. This story is how this woman fought and fights still today to stay out of the dark.

I have seen Chondra Pierce in concert twice. She is so funny. My abdominal muscles need a few days to recover from all the laughing I do at her shows. So glad that she has used her ministry to help those of us that suffer from the same debilitating disease.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

About two weeks ago, I learned that Chonda Pierce was releasing a movie called LAUGHING IN THE DARK. It's a one-night showing--Tuesday, October 27--only. Curious about the movie, I did an online search about it and found that she'd also written a book with the same title. I immediately ordered it and began reading it as soon as it arrived.

As usual, Chonda Pierce tackles a difficult subject--depression--with humor, lightness, and hope. I had no idea until I started reading this book that she had dealt with [severe] depression. I have watched Chonda's videos for as long as I can remember and have laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed through every single one. Her story is a true testament to the fact that we never know what the person next to us is going through--just because he/she has a smile on his/her face and/or is laughing doesn't mean that all is well in his/her world/life.

In today's world, "depression" is a dirty word in the context that the people around us don't want to deal with our sadness. Depressed people are difficult people to be around. To those who have never dealt with it, they seem to think that if a depressed person would JUST quit focusing on the negatives in his/her life, he/she wouldn't be depressed anymore. Or the depressed person should JUST pray more...or JUST worship more...or JUST read the Bible more...or JUST get filled with the Holy Spirit...and the list goes on and on.

I've heard it from those around me, "JUST 'get over it'"! Honey, if I could "just get over it," don't you think I would have already?! Who in their right mind WANTS to live in a constant state of sadness--severe depression?!

Chonda's story brings a very serious subject into the light and discusses it laughter, but great tact and the realization that EVEN Christians can have severe depression and we need to be supportive rather than judgmental of those who do.

Thank you, Chonda, for your openness and honesty. I can't wait to see your movie on October 27.

[Cheryl Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chonda Pierce makes folks laugh, but what happens when the laugh maker loses their sense of humor?
Laughing in the Dark explores the journey of one women along the path of Depression. As a Christian, Chonda struggles with the very real illness and manages to find wit and humor within the dark, dank walls of depression. Relying on God, yet still caught in the darkness, she slowly begins the journey to come out of that darkness and manages to even laugh sometimes while in the throes of depression.

Depression is a menal illness that has become confused with just feeling blue or a little down. We toss the word depressed about as in "Oh am I ever depressed, they didn't have that dress in my size." But this is not true depression. It is a very real mental illness that affects many people. The term mental illness scares some folks. What do you do or say to someone with a mental illness? It is not like a broken leg where you can see the cast and you know to not say, let's go dancing or something silly like that. When people tell others they have diabetes, most folks know what that means and know that the person shouldn't eat extra sweets, etc. but with depression there are no outward bandages, casts or wraps. There are no clear understandings. As a person who battles depression, I have many times heard well meaning people say, "Oh I get depressed, you just have to snap out of it." I reply, "yes I get depressed on occassion but lucky me I also have depression." A lot of times, the other person just doesn't understand.

Laughing in the Dark is one woman's experience with this disease and she does a great job of explaining how she feels when a depressive episode happens. Using her very own quirky sense of humor and her strong faith in God, Chonda Pierce helps us to see what it is like to be laughing in the dark.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Chonda...its so good to hear how others suffer in the dark too. She can be so funny and yet she is tired and depressed like everyone else. I know the feeling - trying to act happy and funny and the life of the party when you could barely get out of bed that morning and feel like giving up on the inside...I read parts of this book over and over and keep it next to my bed so I can grab it when I feel like I need it. Everyone is different, but really on the inside we all suffer from similar fears and trials. She addresses the continual questions I always have to confront about where is God when I need him? Why does he let us suffer in the darkness when we are yearning for his light? Great book, hope for more from this wonderful woman.

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

After seeing one of Ms Pierce's shows, I picked up this book. For anyone who suffers from depression, this book will help you to know you are not alone. And it often seems the people who are the life of the party, laughing and cutting up on the outside, are crying inside. Ms Pierce is very transparent as she shares her diagnosis of clinical depression and how she journeyed back to mental well being. She points out that in Christian circles, mental illness is often seen as a lack of faith. Many Christians hide their pain by acting out in other ways. Told with compassion and humor, I enjoyed reading this book and I think it will help others who struggle with mental illness.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian circles aren't typically willing to be open about depression. This book is great for Christians struggling with depression--the book opens up as a friend who can relate. Included are some tips from the medical field on how to be helpful to a friend going through depression, what to expect of yourself if you are going through depression, and more.

Great read. Funny. Real. Vulnerable.

[Debbie Lockledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for anyone who is or ever has dealt with depression, or knows someone who has. In Laughing In The Dark, Chonda Pierce talks about her own personal battle with depression while also keeping it light where appropriate. I strongly recommend this book as a great first step into dealing with what can become a very debilitating illness if not addressed.