Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man

by Gucci Mane

Gucci Mane, one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures and a trailblazer in Atlanta’s rap culture, reveals his struggles with mental health and drug addiction that will provide fans and readers with insights into his career and life.

As one of hip-hop’s legendary figures and an indispensable fixture in Atlanta’s vibrant rap culture, Gucci was on an upswing in his career when he sold his debut memoir, The Autobiography of Gucci Mane in 2016. He had just been released from prison, sporting a slimmer physique and health-conscious diet; he announced his ninth album, the platinum-selling Everybody Looking; and became the face of a global campaign with the luxury Italian designer that inspired his name and persona. But underneath all that, he was hiding some of his darkest struggles from the world. Now he is ready to tell his full story.

In Episodes, Gucci revisits his life and shares what was really going on for the first time. The mental anguish, the pitfalls, the triggers no one speaks about. Each episode is Gucci experiencing something—something you may remember from the news or even heard in his music—and giving you the background of where he was mentally. He reveals how his fascination with money got the worst of him, why he committed certain crimes, the story behind his ice cream cone tattoo, and how his wife felt watching him overdose. Along the way, he interviews medical professionals and mental health experts to provide insight into mental health awareness.

Episodes is Gucci’s way of reaching beyond the “each one, teach one” approach of discussing mental illness behind closed doors, opting instead to cultivate a discourse amongst a culture that, while steadily improving how it regards mental health, still stigmatizes public discussions around the topic. This compelling memoir sheds light on both his inner struggles and his triumphs, offering an unflinching account of a man who defied the odds to leave a lasting legacy on music, culture, and conversations around mental health.

Genres: Memoir, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really didn’t expect Gucci to be talking about emergence delirium lol

[Brandi Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only do I love this man 10000%.
The fact he speaks out about mental health and addiction means so much to me!!! I LOVE GUCCI!! I was on the verge of tears most of the book. Especially when Keshia spoke. Ugh. So amazing!!

[(Adri)ana | TenPieceLemonPepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

they can never make me hate east atlanta’s finest. this was so raw, vulnerable and accountable. i’m so proud of gucci.

[CiCi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn’t call this an enjoyable read as much as I would call it impactful.

I appreciate the transparency and vulnerability Gucci displayed here. Hearing his personal account of how some of my favorite songs by him came about was really shocking. It’s one of those things as a fan you hear about what an artist is going through but hearing their version of events can really be eye opening.

My biggest critique is I wanted a little more depth/detail about his actual diagnoses/treatment.

[MA · Rating 5 out of 5]

like weezy once said shoutout gucci!!!!!

[Nicholas Seymour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest and raw outlook of Gucci’s struggles and very dark times he went through with his mental health

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love Gucci and am proud of him for opening up about his mental health struggles. My respect for Keyshia went up 100000000% more after reading this like what a wonderful woman and a lucky man.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so vulnerable, and very heartbreaking. I felt for him and really appreciated his honesty about how his mental health and addiction were causing suffering in his personal life, while to the public it was entertainment. My main critique was the end - addiction and mental illness are lifelong, and I wish he didn’t feel the need to tie it up with an “all better now” bow. 4.5! I’m rooting for him.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who went to college in Terre Haute while Gucci was incarcerated there, I was aware of some of his issues and enjoyed the music but I had no idea the full story. This opens up a discussion that is CRITICAL to have. Gucci Mane becoming a champion for mental health was not on my bingo card but here we are.

I chose to listen to the audiobook since Gucci has a distinctive voice and great accent, I really wish he narrated the entire thing instead of it switching to a voice actor for 80% of the book. It could also be a little clearer in audio format who was currently speaking in the specific chapters.

Overall, this is opening up an import conversation and I can’t wait to hear everyone’s thoughts. He did a fantastic job of explaining the struggles while still taking accountability.

[Julia Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gucci’s story shows that mental illness impacts all of us; despite him being a celebrity, he was not immune to the challenges of his Bipolar Depression & Schizophrenia. He shows immense vulnerability, and his memoir reflects the immense stigma, shame and lack of understanding that black men with mental illnesses face. His story is one of resilience, and highlights the importance of having people that truly care about you by your side. This was a heartbreaking, but eye opening read and I recommend it to anyone who suffers from or knows someone who suffers from a mental illness. ❤️

[Alex Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so proud of Gucci. I hope the transparency in this book is able to help someone with their mental health struggles. Been a fan a very long time and it’s beautiful to see how far he has come. After reading his first book which was great, I was excited to read this one. Did not disappoint. And LOVE to Keyshia! 👏🏽

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to the author & @simonbooks #SimonBooksBuddy for my gifted copy‼️

I’ve been a fan of Gucci Mane since 2008 when he released Chicken Talk 2 featuring one of my favorite songs I’m A Dog. Out of all his books this one is by far my favorite.

Unlike his other books Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man felt more personal. Readers and fans get to see the real Gucci or shall I say Radric Davis. And a lot of questions we’ve all probably had regarding his career, situations with other artists, and going to prison were addressed in the book.

In Episodes, he takes readers back to the beginning of where it all started recounting the many manic episodes he experienced sometimes with no recollection, his struggle with addiction and how it affected his relationships with the people around him. Some people didn’t have his best interest at heart and watched him self-destruct on the sidelines. While he had others in his corner that knew something wasn’t right and that Gucci needed help. I feel it took a lot of courage for Gucci to not only tell his story but to take accountability for his actions and the part he played in not taking his mental health seriously.

Overall, this was another solid read. The writing is honest, raw, and truly captures the complexities of mental health, trauma, detachment, and how the road to recovery is an ongoing journey. The most fulfilling parts of the book was hearing Gucci speak on his artist’s especially Big Scarr, how the media tried to portray him, and the breaking and mending of so many strained relationships. Whether you’re a fan or not I highly recommend reading this book.

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️

[Marc-Elie Remarais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gucci kept it so real in this book about what he was going through and how he got there. He’s self aware and understands his triggers. The way he portrays when he’s having an episode “Lights out…lights on” showing how impaired his memory is only remembering some parts and hearing the rest of what happened from someone else. I know a lot of people can relate to his story in someway. His journey of getting right and finding a routine that works for him can give so many people who are battling with the same thing hope. Thank you for keeping it real Gucci

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly vulnerable story from Gucci!!! Black men especially do not have a lot of mental health support—men in general are excepted to “tough it out” etc. Mental health issues are real, and people deserve the help they need!!! Mixing these things with drugs only heightens the problem. I am honestly so proud that Gucci was able to self reflect and believe in himself, to grow more familiar with himself and take better care of himself ♥️ 5.0 stars!

[Fran+Milly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! A really open and informative perspective on bipolar disorder, drug addiction, and overall mental health. Some hard truths about the music industry and life of an artist but all important! Loved his biography and this as well!

[Julie De La Torre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gucci 4ever

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

to say i was obsessed with gucci mane in my late teens early twenties is an understatment. his music played such a pivotal role in who i was and who i wanted to be at that age. to look back at that time through his eyes, his pain, his mental health struggles and addiction is such a beautiful gift, it healed a part of me i didnt know needed healed. your honesty and vulnerability will save lifes.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't know much about Gucci Mane before this book. Kudos to bringing awareness to mental health and the less glamorous parts of fame/fortune. His wife is the real GOAT, no question.

[Henry Molot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic artist and shows a lot of bravery to share his mental health struggles. Im very glad he is doing better and i will never stop bumping his music

[Megan Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

great listen! vulnerable account of gucci mane’s struggle with addiction,bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and the music industry.

[Traci Batcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the vulnerability here♥️

[LATOYA LEWIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whewwww this book explains so much. Over all these years this man was struggling with his mental health and didn't know how to handle it. He numbed himself with lean, pills, and weed. Those close to him took advantage of him, took his money (Even his momma) and cars. When he was having an episode he made some of his most popular songs (pills and Icy). Those songs were made by his split personalities (schizophrenic), hence why he went by so many names, Guap, Icy, Gucci. How and where he grew up added to his mental health struggles. This book was raw, vulnerable and eye opening. Many people think he's a clone and you know why they think that....His own momma put that narrative out because she was trying to get a conservatorship and take over his money, although she already took a huge amount of money. she went through leaps and bounds to try to do it, but failed. Gucci forgave his mother, however never went to see or visit her again afterwards. He paid her bills and took care of her, but that was that. When she passed away, he didn't attend her funeral, he paid for the expenses. Boundaries are important even for those you love, because often they are the ones who hurt us the most. Soooooooo many talk junk about his wife, Keisha but she is the one who make sure he takes his meds, make sure he's surrounded by those who genuinely care about him, cares about his whole-being, and much more. I also didn't know that Gucci discovered so many artist, which give him zero acknowledgement (Nikki Minaj, Migos, French Montana, and so much more. He also highlighted how Drake and Waka was understanding of his struggles and gave him grace when others didn't. By him speaking out/writing this book, hopefully it helps others struggling with their mental health especially those in the Black/hip hop community. As a mental health professional, it helps in removing the stigma that comes from getting help or looking at symptoms/signs. He was able to see it in Rich Homie Quan, but unfortunately it was too late. The record label executives are dirty too, they played/play a huge role in the downfall of these artists while the collect the funds off their likeness/image/work. This book is a must read 📚 👏🏾 👌🏾. I already liked Gucci mane, but after reading this I have a new found love for him. #Book11of2025 #BookWorm #Whatsnext

[Ivoree Malcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Episodes is a powerful, eye-opening read that further solidifies Gucci Mane as not just a musical icon, but a deeply important cultural figure. I applaud him for being so openly transparent about his mental health journey—the highs, the lows, & everything in between. That level of honesty takes real courage. As a Black man, Gucci is breaking barriers & trailblazing by speaking so candidly about mental health, accountability, & personal growth in a space where silence is often expected.

The level of accountability he expresses throughout this book is truly admirable. He doesn’t shy away from his mistakes or place blame elsewhere; instead, he owns his actions & reflects on the lessons they taught him. If I thought I couldn’t love Gucci Mane more before reading this, I was completely fooled. This book deepened my respect for him.

Gucci is a living testament to the idea that what God has for you is for you — & no person, situation, or setback can stop that. His resilience, self-awareness, & evolution prove that he is a complete & utter genius, not just musically but spiritually & mentally as well. I was especially moved by his dedication to maintaining peace within his family & committing to being a better man & a stronger example.

One of the most gut-wrenching parts of the book was reading about how deeply the deaths of Scarr & Chant weighed on him. You can feel the pain & heaviness in his words, & I genuinely pray that God frees him from any guilt he carries surrounding those losses. That vulnerability made the book even more real & human.

Gucci Mane is a legend & deserves respect as such—even with the reality that many artists he discovered eventually left & signed elsewhere. What stood out most is how he takes responsibility for the role he played in those situations, rather than simply labeling others as disloyal or ungrateful. That kind of maturity speaks volumes.

Overall, Episodes is raw, reflective, & inspiring. I wish Gucci Mane nothing but the best on his continued path toward mental wellness, peace, & happiness. This book is a must-read & a powerful reminder that growth is possible, no matter where you start.

#LLScarr
#LLChant

[Shadira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gucci Mane’s “Episodes” Redefines Men’s Mental Health and Recovery

In Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man, Gucci Mane presents one of the most compelling explorations of men’s mental health in recent literature. Written with Kathy Iandoli, the book traces his evolution from chaos and self-destruction to clarity and healing an arc that will resonate deeply with readers who understand the complexities of mental health recovery.

What distinguishes Episodes is its fearless honesty. Gucci Mane opens up about trauma, addiction, and emotional instability without romanticizing them. Instead, he uses his story to challenge the stigma that too often prevents men particularly black men from seeking psychological support. His journey underscores that true resilience is not about suppressing pain, but confronting it with honesty and accountability.

The book’s strength lies in its balance of vulnerability and empowerment. Gucci Mane normalizes therapy, reflection, and self-care as essential parts of recovery. His perspective dismantles the toxic notion that masculinity requires silence, showing instead that healing begins when men are given permission and language to express what hurts.

Episodes is not just a memoir; it is an urgent contribution to the conversation on mental health equity. It reminds readers that rehabilitation is not linear, and that every setback can be an opportunity for growth when supported by compassion, structure, and self-awareness.

A powerful and necessary read for clinicians, advocates, and anyone committed to advancing men’s mental health.

[Misho · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it disappointing. It doesn’t really dig deep into his schizophrenia, and a lot of the stories and reflections don’t feel deep enough or sincere. I find there is a lot of discovery of issues but not enough reflection or personal responsibility. For someone focused on self improvement and healing like Gucci it’s interesting how spirituality is not discussed much until the epilogue.

It felt stale without A clear structure, compared to Mark Hoppus’ Fahrenheit 182 that I read this year. I found the formula to be similar in this: Gucci brings up a relationship he had with a friend, they had issues that got in the way, Gucci identifies that he did them wrong then hits us with the “but still…” and it just feels like it’s not tied off and he’s petty. Furthermore, I know this is a book and not music, but when you co-release an album with the same cover and title, I feel it’s fair to lump the music’s lyrical content in to the review: and just go through those songs it glorifies the flesh and there is barely anything deep or lyrical on it. In the book, perhaps the best part of it, he talks about how incredible his wife is for holding it down for him through his episodes, but then you go to the music and there are various instances of womanizing lyrics. I’m not against this, and i understand his wife probably understands that’s how they can make money, just to me, how can you offer vulnerability as a sales point in promoting the book, but show the opposite on the album. It feels incongruent.

[Denae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a vulnerable and eye opening read! I appreciated the honesty and the vulnerability shown by Gucci. It was heartbreaking reading some of the things he was dealing with due to his mental health. He details some events that happened publicly(ie the infamous twitter rant) and how during those moments he was actually going through an episode. He details his time at Terre Haute and how that prison sentence actually changed his life for the better! It is there where the first steps to healing began. He talked about his relationship with his mother, OJ the Juiceman, and of course popular artists that he discovered. He talked of betrayal, heartbreak, REDEMPTION, and ultimately HEALING.

Keyshia is a god send to this man and the way she has protected him, his privacy, and his dignity every step of the way. I have been a Gucci fan since my high school days(circa early 2000s lol) and I felt proud to see the positive changes he has made in his life to not only be better for himself but his wife and children as well. His healing made him a better husband, friend, father, business partner.

Upon his release from prison- Gucci came out with a new look, new physique and new attitude. People publicly accused him of being a clone(including his own mother, according to the book). While reading this, and reading this yes he does seem different than the persona of Gucci that we knew. But he should be. This is a healed man, substance/drug free, matured, husband and father.

[Mia Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I went into this book thinking that it was going to be a pretty simple read (which it was pretty short) however, the subject matter was extremely heavy. I didn’t have much background knowledge about Gucci, other than a few of my favorite songs of his. His story is beyond heartbreaking from start to finish. His upbringing never really gave him much of a chance and his addiction got in the way of so many of his opportunities. The book mainly focuses on bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, which is extremely prevalent and overlooked across the Black American and African diaspora. I wish he read the entire audiobook, not just the introduction and the epilogue, but retelling these stories was probably quite traumatic for him to say aloud.

The final chapter about his childhood friend is soooo rushed. There is definitely more that could’ve been shared. Also, the epilogue should’ve been used to open what could’ve been 3-4 more chapters. Overall, this really puts it into perspective that a lot of entertainers are struggling with mental health challenges and addiction and the world is so desensitized that we just consume, consume, consume without realizing that people are indeed suffering/crying out for help. I hope this book is the first domino that calls more entertainers to share about their stories to bring not only awareness, but effective change.

[Jean Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the Episodes audiobook on Audible, and honestly, it hit different hearing Gucci Mane tell his own story in his own voice. It made the whole experience feel more personal and real, like he was talking straight to me instead of reading from a script.

The way he reflects on his past—addiction, fame, mistakes, growth—felt raw and honest. You can hear the emotion behind certain parts, and that made the tough moments even more powerful. There were times I had to pause just to take in what he said. Other times I caught myself laughing or nodding along because the lessons were so relatable.

I really enjoyed the pacing and the way the chapters flowed. It never felt boring or dragged out. If anything, I wished it was a little longer because the audiobook pulled me in from the beginning.

If you like memoirs, redemption stories, or you’re a long-time Gucci Mane fan, the Audible version is definitely worth it. Hearing him narrate his own life adds a whole extra layer of depth.

[Jason Skyfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a big fan of Gucci's music since 2017 when I heard his music and especially Droptopwop with super producer and one of my idols Metro Boomin. I read his first autobiography that breaks down his life till his prison sentence but Episodes puts a way bigger emphasis on mental health, dealing with his journey with being bipolar and paranoid schizophrenic, along with his former drug addictions

It's genuinely a great book that also is the biggest warning not to do drugs because after reading about what Gucci's been through at his lowest.

There's a moment where at his worst and most gone in 2013, he is pretending to rob people outside his studio, by cornering people with his glock, patting them down then throwing their money in their face, just to inflict pain and suffering.

It's a scary read but it's honestly great to hear about him actively improving and getting his mental health sorted out & it's great that he is helping normalise mental health talk in rap.

[Toya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible book!! I have followed him for so many years. To hear this is simply amazing. I am proud of him for sharing this story, and I believe many people should read it. I feel that all of us have someone like this in our lives, whether they have been close to us or not. It also saddens me for all the people who will never receive the help they need, just like he did. People with this type of illness often find it challenging to cope on their own. They require support and companionship from others. However, it can also be physically and emotionally draining to be there for someone who is battling this illness.
He has a strong wife and is a strong man for sharing this. Thank you so much.