The Terrifying Realm of the Possible: Darkly Funny Debut – Weird Short Stories from Stranger Things and Fleabag Star

by Brett Gelman

A daring, hilariously neurotic literary debut from the acclaimed actor and comedian Brett Gelman ( Stranger Things, Fleabag ). Enter the wonderfully weird, always uncomfortable, side-splittingly funny world of The Terrifying Realm of the Possible , where your worst fears of who you are or might become are always just around the corner. In these masterful short stories from the singular mind of the actor and comedian Brett Gelman, you’ll meet five individuals, each navigating a uniquely strange stage of   - ABRAHAM AMSTERDAM (the child) - MENDEL FREUDENBERGER (the teenager) - JACKIE COHEN (the adult) - IRIS BELOW (the senior) - Z (the dead) Our characters face the big issues; the ones we all face. As they traverse the prickly terrain of morality, family, sex, fame, religion, and death they search for answers to life's unanswerable questions. In the futility of that search comes the absurdity, along with the comedy. The composite portrait is an existential (mis)adventure of Rothian proportions. Gelman's remarkable first book is a bold, unforgettable debut that challenges our assumptions about what it means to be human.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Humor, Jewish, Audiobook

272 pages, Hardcover

Published March 19, 2024

Reviews

[Brooke Hammerling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ignore the hate. Don’t let that prevent you from reading this hilarious book. Can’t wait to give it to all my pals.

[Samantha Garelick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible! Hilarious and neurotic in all the right ways. Read, read, read!

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big fan

[Jacklyn Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brett is hilarious! All of the comedy I've seen on screen translates into this book. Such a good read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Book. Just loved this.

[Jonah Koppelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

[Zell Murdy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The sheer volume of fake reviews here is funnier than anything Gelman managed to write in this book.

[Gabriela Tscherniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, Entertaining, original enjoyed every second of it

[Yosi Sergant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite funny. Well worth a read. Get to it.

[Lisa Feldsher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply hilarious! I don’t remember a book that made me laugh so hard. I honestly couldn’t put it down!

[Kristian Villarreal · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times hilarious, at times interesting, and at times grating. I thought the Abraham and Iris chapters were peak, with other bright spots scattered throughout. Writing style can really hit the mark when it does, but has the feel of a grating Deadpool-loving redditor when it doesn't. Overall a quick and enjoyable read, and I'd recommend most people to at least read the Abraham chapters and decide if they want to continue from there. As a final note - the author Brett also narrates the audiobook, but I found reading it with my own internal vocal delivery a lot more funny than his. YMMV

[Johnette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. I hate to ever give a bad review because I feel like every book has the author’s blood, sweat and tears in it. I just didn’t see the humor in it. You might love it, so don’t pass it by on my account.

[Michele Knopp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not my kind of book.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, honest, and full of heart. This reads like a series of bedtime stories for Jewish adults. I saw myself and my family in this - the whole mishpucha - and will continue to think of these characters (especially Iris) for a while to come, I’m sure.

For fans of Aesop’s fables and people who wait impatiently for their turn to sing Chad Gadya at the Seder and then run out of breath before “two zuzim.”

[Aamna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite possibly the most boring, mediocre book out the there.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars. DNF at 39%. I finally received my copy 8 months after the giveaway ended. I found the stories to be bleak and uninspired and humorless. This book was a miss for me.

**********

Did not finish it because I did not start it because I won it in a Goodreads giveaway and never received it.

[Andrew Mackenzie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hated it, would not recommend

[Syd · Rating 1 out of 5]

BOOOOOOOOOOO

[Mia M · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a unique book ! I’m not quite sure how to feel.

THOUGHTS:

Writing: The writing of this book was quick-witted and fast-paced, but also very tedious at times. There were often moments where characters would go off on some long internal monologue about pretty much nothing of consequence, most likely for comedic effect, but to me it just came off as annoying. That being said, I still found it entertaining most of the time, so while it wasn’t my favorite I didn’t hate it. 3/5

Plot: This is not a plot-focused book at all, so I can’t really be too upset that the plot that was there wasn’t great. Some chapters were simply a series of emails between 2 characters, or a diary entry, etc. However, there was connection between the different events that happened in the book, so I think there was a plot, just not a very good one. It was strange, and downright disturbing at times, but again I think it was supposed to be comedic. I thought the twist at the end was clever, but the story was just not my cup of tea. 1/5

Characters: The characters were all disturbing. They were all bad people, who were not aware that they were bad, and they were all Jewish. This is on purpose, as you find out at the end, and I suppose it makes sense considering they are supposed to reflect the worst parts of our personalities. However, I just found them disturbing and annoying, and I did not enjoy reading about them. 1/5

Relationships: The relationships were one part that I (sadly) found relatable. None of the characters seemed to have any strong relationships with others, and they usually felt (and were) pretty alone. This is something I unfortunately relate to so I didn’t mind this part as much, but some of the relationships were (again) disturbing, but passed off as comedic, and that is something that just doesn’t sit right with me. 3/5

Comedy: This book is a comedy, so a lot of things that I found disturbing or annoying I’m pretty sure were meant to be funny. But I was never a comedy person, and a lot of the jokes felt distasteful and rude. That is just not my kind of humor, but I understand that some people will find this book funny. I, however, did not. 1/5

Overall: This book was definitely not for me. If you are someone who enjoys raunchy and coarse humor, and who doesn’t take things too seriously, you will probably enjoy this book ! While I understand what the author was going for, this book was unfortunately not my cup of tea. 2/5

[Shradha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway without knowing much about Brett Gelman beforehand. The blurb states he has contributed to shows such as "Stranger Things" and "Fleabag." I have heard of the former, and have not seen a single episode of either. My interest therefore was in the summary of the book, about it supposedly being a funny look into the lives of five characters, all of whom supposedly intertwine in some way. After finishing all the stories, I can say that Gelman's sense of humor most assuredly does not match my own.

The main issue I had with this book is the way Gelman sets up the audience's expected take on these characters. We are supposed to find them sympathetic, as desperate individuals who occasionally find or do sometimes horrible things. The problem is that he sets them up as being so pathetic and so cringeworthy that it dives off the realm of comedy or sympathy, and straight into just actual awfulness. Think edgy, insecure emo teenage boy mode all the time, and you might have an idea what I am talking about. Better yet, I can show you that by displaying some of the fine writing below of one of the characters attempting to woo a girl he likes:

"I'm damaged as fuck. The other day I thought of you maybe not loving me and I almost stabbed myself in the stomach with my Swiss Army knife. I went to do it and then stopped myself right before the blade reached my stomach. Just one more centimeter and I would have gutted myself. See? That's damaged."

That's just a sample of some of the "humor" on display in this book. Other moments include a Hollywood comedian who stresses in the middle of being accosted by a bunch of producers and directors accused of sexual misconduct, not because he's talking to a bunch of sexual predators openly disparaging and mocking their victims, but because he's afraid of what others will think about him and his philandering ways. There is also an ending on par with the "it was all a dream" trope that has been overdone to death.

Gelman hints that much of the book has autobiographical elements sprinkled in, and I do hope that he means it in a very loose, very exaggerated way. Because as it is, I did not enjoy what the dialogue and characterization had to say about the characters in a fictional sense, let alone translating it over to real life.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't know who Brett Gelman was when I entered the Goodreads Giveaway for this book, and I only read about him after I won. He's someone who holds extreme views with which I cannot agree. So I wondered if I should bother devoting any energy to this book or not. If I truly believe that art should be viewed separately from the artist, then I should give it a fair share. And why not? It's not like any money was transferred from me to him when I received the book. He's not receiving any support by my giving his work a fair shot.

The book is separated into five separate sections. Each one is about a different character. They're described as the darker sides of Gelman's personal extremes (although, in the context of reality, they're actually a bit more mild). That means they're intentionally unlikeable characters often in unlikely situations where they can be annoying, selfish, and/or vulgar. These are things I have a high tolerance for, so I wasn't put off by that. But it all ended up being uninteresting. Save for wanting to read through to the end, there was nothing gripping enough to make me want to read more about these characters. There really wasn't a lot of substance. Even as a slice of life, things didn't work because they were so unlikely.

Then you get to the last chapter, which was an unearned self-indulgent bit where Gelman inserts himself into the story. It's supposed to be somewhat self-deprecating, saying that writing the story and feeling the need to continue writing stories is some sort of hell -- but even that rubs me the wrong way because he's in such a privileged position to get this "hell" published based, I imagine, more on his name being known than on the quality of the work produced. Which is a shame because the premise is really interesting. We have five character studies of characters at five different points in their existence. It's something that, handled well, would be pretty insightful.

There were a handful of laughs in the book. I wish I had found more of it funny.

[Guy Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brett Gelman's "The Terrifying Realm of the Possible" isn't just a book; it's a roller coaster of emotions wrapped in a blanket of wit. Right from the first story, Gelman draws you into a world that's at once familiar and outrageously unique. Each character, from Abraham to the enigmatic Z, is a masterpiece of depth and hilarity, leaving you to wonder where you end and they begin.

With a narrative as intricate as a finely woven tapestry, Gelman invites you to question the big issues—morality, family, fame, and even the afterlife. But it's not all heavy; the laugh-out-loud moments are plentiful, making the philosophical ponderings go down like a spoonful of sugar.

Whether it's the awkward adolescence of Mendel Freudenberg or the unapologetic candor of Iris Below, "The Terrifying Realm of the Possible" delivers a smorgasbord of relatable yet outlandish experiences. Gelman's writing style is a genre in itself—imagine if irony had a lovechild with satire, and you're halfway there.

If you're a fan of sharp comedy with a side of existential musings, this is your next must-read. Gelman crafts a narrative so engaging you'll want to devour it in one sitting—but don't. Savor it. Embrace the absurdity. After all, as Gelman deftly illustrates, life's too mysterious to take too seriously.

[Groucho Maccabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Terrifying Realm of the Possible" feels like strapping in for an off-kilter ride through the funhouse of Brett Gelman's mind. This collection is a blend of the existential and the absurd, the kind of book that pulls you out of the algorithm-fed mainstream and into the back alley of narratives where the real magic happens.

Gelman's wit is razor-sharp, each story in this anthology slicing through societal norms with the precision of a master storyteller. From the youthful Abraham to the beyond-the-grave insights of Z, the book weaves a tapestry of lives that are as outlandishly unreal as they are deeply human.

"The Terrifying Realm of the Possible" is a cultural critique wrapped in a laugh-out-loud package, a book that would resonate with anyone who appreciates the artistry of a well-crafted narrative and the punch of a well-timed joke. It's a book for those who like their cultural commentary served with a side of existential dread and a generous helping of humor.

For readers who thrive on the edge of pop culture and hunger for the authentic, consider this your next read. It's not just a book; it's a perspective shift, courtesy of one of the most distinctive voices in modern comedy. Brett Gelman doesn't just tell stories; he holds up a mirror to the oddities of life itself.

[Joseph Varet · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute riot wrapped in the guise of a book. Imagine delving into the bizarre and hilariously neurotic stages of life from childhood to the afterlife, with characters so vividly odd, you'll start questioning your own sanity. Gelman, the beloved oddball from two of my favorite TV series "Stranger Things" and "Fleabag," has crafted stories that are so absurdly funny yet touch on the existential dread we all try to ignore. It's like going on a rollercoaster ride through the human condition, but the safety harness is made of Gelman's twisted humor. If you're into laughing out loud while simultaneously pondering the meaning of life, this collection of nearly true stories is your ticket to a delightfully uncomfortable world where your deepest fears and existential musings are served with a side of chuckles. Trust me, you don't just read this book; you experience it. Gelman has outdone himself, making us laugh, think, and maybe even cry a little (from laughing too hard, of course). Philip Roth is applauding and chuckling from the beyond.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confession: I’d never heard of actor/comedian Brett Gelman before learning about his book “The Terrifying Realm of the Possible: Nearly True Stories” (Dey Street Books). I also didn’t remember seeing its title on any list of upcoming books with Jewish themes. Even when I received an e-mail about it, I wasn’t sure I could review it for the paper. Although the characters seemed to have Jewish names, it wasn’t clear the stories contained Jewish content. Fortunately, I answered the publicity person’s e-mail and asked that question because not only are its characters Jewish, but Gelman’s very dark and strange work offers the most jaundiced and jaded look at Judaism and God since Shalom Auslander’s “Beware of God.” His characters, though, reminded me of early Woody Allen films, the ones filled with nebbishes and their overbearing families.
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/book...

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I genuinely think no description can really do it justice, because it was truly weirder than I expected and very unlike other short story collections I've read. I'm not sure I even know how to articulate what I thought about it. Gelman writes with wit and clarity, exactly as I imagined. He has a great ability to capture characters as real people--though none of them had a lot of 'page time', as it were, they all felt fleshed-out and solid. I can say with certainty that the last section, Z, was my absolute favourite. I adored the bits with God and Satan, and I would read an entire novel about them. The ending was great too. Perhaps a little heavy-handed, but not too much. I do always like a good "characters realize they're fictional" twist. Recommended for sure, but it's best to come in with no knowledge whatsoever. Let the story take you on its journey.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This masterpiece of tragedy and comedy is a truly unique view into the imagination of one of the more progressive and outrageous comedians of our time. In one particular vignette, he manages to evoke both the sentimental nostalgia and utter anguish of childhood; in others he paves a path of introspection. He weaves between images of beauty and brilliance to disturbing and demented - but to know Brett Gelman is to appreciate this signature.

Boundaries are pushed to new limits in the way that we only expect of this creative mind. Be prepared to laugh (and cringe) aloud… and to continue to pick it up again, even when you think you’ve had enough.

With this the debut, I truly cannot wait for the next opportunity to jump inside the mind of the one and only Brett Gelman.

[Martin Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "The Terrifying Realm of the Possible" by Brett Gelman, I was intrigued by the title's promise and the book did not disappoint. Gelman's flair for crafting a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally gripping is second to none. The interplay of characters, each a masterclass of development, mirrors the complexities of our own world, making you ponder the 'what-ifs' of life. I recommend "The Terrifying Realm of the Possible" wholeheartedly. It's a standout read for thinkers and leaders, for those who thrive on innovation and the challenge of what could be. Dive in and prepare to be transported.

[Jason Schlosberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ludicrously neurotic and unabashedly vulnerable, Gelman is the hairy baby birthed by Philip Roth and Charles Bukowski and who spent some time with his Uncle Henry Miller at a Jewish overnight camp. Having listened to Gelman’s own voice in the audiobook version, I hadn’t had this much fun with a book in a long while despite the dark topics of suicide and toxic narcissism. Revealing his dark fantasy life, with its genesis in childhood trauma, Gelman makes the unimaginable relatable, finds empathy even in the most annoying and disturbing characters, and dabbles in wonderfully absurd existentialism.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

(copy received via goodreads giveaway)

Finished this last week but forgot to review it until now; take from that what you will. The characters are evocative, and enjoyable to read about, whether I was pitying them, indulging in their bad behavior, or drawn to their bad behaviour. But nothing all that interesting is said, and the ending is creative writing class trite.

All that said though, I did genuinely enjoy reading the stories, especially those centered on the first two characters. I just don’t think this adds up to some sort of intellectually savvy examination the way it seems to think it does.