Mortified

by Pax Assadi

A joyfully chaotic memoir about what we gain by embracing our shameful moments, from award-winning comedian and TV writer Pax Assadi.

What do we lose by hiding our shame, and what do we gain by sharing it?

From herding ducks in West Auckland to catastrophic culture shock in Pakistan, to being catfished, conned, heartbroken and humbled. In this hilarious and painfully honest memoir, Pax retraces his story by interrogating the memories he's tried to keep in the dark.

Do children of refugees embarrass themselves because they're trying to navigate across cultures? Do teenagers do stupid things because they are teenagers? When does painful experience become 'good material' - and should it?

The things that make us cringe are also the things that make us who we are. Mortified is a true celebration of laughter and vulnerability, for readers of Trevor Noah and Jennette McCurdy.

Genres: Memoir

Audible Audio

Published June 30, 2026

Reviews

[Bridget · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because it showed up as available in the public library app and I have been thinking about buying a copy for school.

Because I am 'of a certain age ', I find it really a bit annoying that there is an absolute mountain of memoirs being published at the moment which are by people who are barely in their 30s. This book is one of those. Not terribly much has happened to Pax so far. He's mortified himself a few times as a kid, he made some errors while getting better at stand-up, he has embarrassed himself by wearing the wrong clothes to a sports prize-giving.... he met the wrong policeperson while getting home from a party one time and got beaten for giving cheek, this is probably the worst thing that happens to him. I mean, this is not earth-shattering stuff. It is normal stuff. It is not enough to write a book about.

I stuck it out to the end. I'll probably buy a copy for school if there is enough money in the pot at the end of the year, but I won't rush out any buy it quickly.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed the print book from the library but as yet that version has not been added to Goodreads. This was an honest and very entertaining read. It was also very informative. What is it like to be the child of immigrant parents growing up in New Zealand. You are a New Zealander but you have a social and cultural background that means you don't quite know what is okay in a situation. Pax Assadi writes this experience really well and makes some very insightful remarks along the way. He might be a comedian but he has the wisdom of a therapist. Each chapter is so good. I liked especially his encounter with the policeman, it was a very poor example of policing, but a good description of the racism inherent in NZ. I also liked his explanation of Iran and the Bahá I Faith, because of the understanding I gained. I laughed often, but paused too to reflect.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first hslf was hilarious, the 2nd half not so much. I found the bit where he was knocked unconscious by a cop shocking. I was shocked by the cop's actions but also I think it is clear by now that lots of police should never have been in the force in the first place due to their anger management issues, their racism, their history of raping women or their predilection for exploitative pornograpjy. I also thought Pax was too gently trying to explain that racism exists in NZ as if this might be a shock to some of his readers. But I think NZers who still deny racism exists here and are shocked by the notion are probably not going to be reading his memoir.

[Julie Schooler · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Kiwi I have watched the author on the comedy scene and on various TV shows. His comedy is smart, honesty and very funny and this book is too. There are some truly mortifying situations that I cannot quite believe the author has committed to print. The audiobook was professionally narrated by the author, although, weirdly, one early chapter cut a few words off right at the end. I would have liked a bit more about the author's life and not just embarrassing stories but if you want a lighthearted memoir, this is recommended.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quick and easy listen. Pax retells mortifying and embarrassing stories from his life with his usual humour. I spent half the time snort laughing and the other half cringing from the second-hand embarrassment. Well worth a listen/read if you are a Pax Assadi fan.

[Jo-Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pax Assadi has written a very funny and introspective look at his life's most embarrassing moments. I am impressed with the care and forgiveness he shows to his younger self, and thoughtful insights into his faith and culture.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super smart and funny

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, easy read. Pax comes across a sweet guy. A few chuckles out loud.

[Celeritas2 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry to say it's just dull.