Brain Humor

by Matty Goldberg

Matty Goldberg was a nerd who never fit in. Surviving a brain tumor at age 20 only made things worse. Stand-up comedy became Matty's only way to connect with others, advancing through the ranks of the New York scene, doing commercials with NBA star Dwayne Wade, and playing the legendary clubs of Los Angeles, he never had any close friends... until he met Angelo Bowers. After Angelo's tragic death, Matty was left once again living in his sister's basement with comedy as his only defense against loneliness, self-doubt, and depression. Having embraced the lessons learned on his journey, the simple message Matty carries is not only true in the world of stand-up comedy, but everywhere: Success isn't about fame or fortune or revenge or tricking someone into sleeping with you. It's all about doing what you love.

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2013

Reviews

[Scot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a vivid memory of when Matty G slipped into my reality. It's not that I had not seen him over the last year or two, it was just that moment when I realized that there was more to this awkward kid then a desire to give the proverbial finger to the world. We were on the long bus ride to school and I noticed the kid who was picked on incessantly did not care one iota and I finally came to appreciate it. So I sat a row back and engaged, we talked about music and a few days later he handed me a mix tape filled with classic punk tunes and over the top hardcore, every time I listened to it I felt like I was in another world that I did not understand, but really appreciated and enjoyed.

Now here twenty or so years later, I picked up a copy of Matty's book and got some insight into why I felt that way, a little glimpse into who Matty really is in his own words and all the trials, tribulations, struggles, successes, and elations he has experienced since that time. I am not normally a memoir guy, but this one was special, not just because we were acquaintances, but because it was authentic - no bs, no pretension, just raw Matty.

We weren't close enough that I would have known about the brain tumor but reading his description of suffering through the pain, the surgery and the after effects made me feel like I was there. And then the comedic career was priceless because of his desire to perform and the description of how it feels to really nail it on stage. It wasn't a name drop fest, it was an opportunity to really see how a true love for something can drive someone without expectation only appreciation.

I re-connected with Matty while he was pursuing his dream to play Dwayne Wade one on one and it was wonderful to hear the back story and understand the motivations so I could really appreciate the final project. Most touching of all was his friendship with Angelo, who really felt like the perfect complement to Matty - they both shared the love for comedy, the drive to perform, and really simply seemed like brothers from another mother.

I would recommend this highly to anyone that loves comedy, digs memoirs, ever felt like an awkward kid, or digs an honest, insightful yet non-pretentious look at the world.

[Kevin Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic odyssey through a life that created a funny comedian and a great man. Reading about Matty's life made me laugh and empathize with his tragedies and achievements. Sometimes I couldn't help but laugh at the humorous ways he wrote about heartbreaking events and at the same time marvel at his courage to not break.

The writing is great and filled with uninhibited emotion. There moments that made me laugh, parts that made my heart ache at undeserved pain, and paragraphs that had my eyes begin to well and then put a huge smile on my face.

This is a great tale of survival, perseverance, and most importantly about following a dream-not because following a dream will lead to fame and fortune, but because the journey that dream takes you on makes you a better person and gives you unbelievable experiences. Matty's writing puts you on his shoulders and as a reader experience an extraordinary life.

A Very funny and moving book.

The best thing is that if your life is lacking anecdotes of loneliness, romance, struggle and triumph, and social awkwardness, steal them from Matty Goldberg and his book Brain Humor.

[Sean Sorrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. It will make you laugh, make you cry and best of all make you want to live.

[Claire Sternberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stand up comics have always amazed me with their ability to entertain people with the power of words and stories alone. Matty's book sheds light on all of the work that goes into delivering comedy, and he tells his story in a relatable and humble voice. Whether or not you enjoy stand up comedy, it's impossible not to connect with the story, and to cheer for Matty as his career evolves. This book will inspire you to keep on keeping on, no matter what your chosen pursuit is.

[Stefani · Rating 4 out of 5]

He writes about the part of comedy the public doesn't know or think about; the part dedicated to honing the comedic craft by doing any gig for the love of stage time and hopes of getting more... The years of unglamorous hard work before making it to bigger and better venues.

Through his experiences Matty describes the trenches, the weird venues, the egos, the shitty and wonderful people that make up an up and coming comedian's life.

[Stacey Garratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against the trend of snarky essay collections, Brain Humor is a straight up memoir, following Goldberg's journey from brain surgery to NYC comedy to a heartbreaking story of friendship in Los Angeles. It's got hilarious moments, great insights (especially in the contemporary advertising world) and a firm sincerity rarely found in a comedy memoir, even moreso in such a quick, fun read.

[Melissa Villasenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Matty's experiences made me open my eyes and be thankful for every second we have to be alive.