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Back, After the Break
Osher Gunsberg, one of Australia's most loved celebrities, opens up in a powerful, dark, funny and heartwrenching memoir about life, love and living with mental illness.
It's hard to remember a time when Osher Gunsberg (or Andrew G as he was then) wasn't on TV - he's just always been there, looking at ease in the spotlight, beaming a big smile, with a questionable haircut. He was there hanging out with The Offspring backstage at the Warped Tour on Channel V; announcing to a national audience of three million people that Guy Sebastian was our first Australian Idol; and later capturing the heart of the nation by hosting every season of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and now Bachelor in Paradise.
But while everything looks great from the outside, the real picture has not always been quite so rosy. Osher has always known he's different to most other people. Struggling with anxiety, panic attacks and weight issues since he was young, he tried for years to drink away the anxiety and depression. He ended up unemployed, divorced, suicidal and certifiable on the other side of the world, yet somehow he managed to put the broken pieces of his mind back together and make a life for himself again. He lives with a mental illness - and he's come to terms with it to live an authentic, rich and fulfilling life.
A revealing, raw, funny and heartfelt memoir from one of Australia's most well-known and well-liked celebrities.
It's hard to remember a time when Osher Gunsberg (or Andrew G as he was then) wasn't on TV - he's just always been there, looking at ease in the spotlight, beaming a big smile, with a questionable haircut. He was there hanging out with The Offspring backstage at the Warped Tour on Channel V; announcing to a national audience of three million people that Guy Sebastian was our first Australian Idol; and later capturing the heart of the nation by hosting every season of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and now Bachelor in Paradise.
But while everything looks great from the outside, the real picture has not always been quite so rosy. Osher has always known he's different to most other people. Struggling with anxiety, panic attacks and weight issues since he was young, he tried for years to drink away the anxiety and depression. He ended up unemployed, divorced, suicidal and certifiable on the other side of the world, yet somehow he managed to put the broken pieces of his mind back together and make a life for himself again. He lives with a mental illness - and he's come to terms with it to live an authentic, rich and fulfilling life.
A revealing, raw, funny and heartfelt memoir from one of Australia's most well-known and well-liked celebrities.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2018
133 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 175 reviews
January 30, 2019
Osher is utterly frank, honest and open in telling his story of battling his mental health issues and addiction. This is always helpful in confronting the stigma that still exists in facing these issues. He was very lucky in being able to access many therapists and confronted his psychotherapy with raw honesty.
I listened to the audio narrated by the author which were usually pretty funny, then after each (there were many) he would say ‘back to the book’. Osher talks about very serious and real issues with humour and candour. 3.5 stars rounded up. Recommended reading for those who suffer mental illness, those related to, or those who are just curious.
I listened to the audio narrated by the author which were usually pretty funny, then after each (there were many) he would say ‘back to the book’. Osher talks about very serious and real issues with humour and candour. 3.5 stars rounded up. Recommended reading for those who suffer mental illness, those related to, or those who are just curious.
August 27, 2018
“When we hear someone with a story similar to ours, the magnitude of our story diminishes and it’s no longer something we have to tackle alone, it’s now something we can get help dealing with — because someone else has dealt with it before and they can show us a path out of the pain.”
— Osher Günsberg.
I had the privilege of meeting Osher when HarperCollins announced the publication of his book. From the brief conversation we had that night, I imagine that this book is just like sitting down and having a conversation with him.
I missed the Australian Idol hype because I lived overseas at the time, so I mostly know of him from The Bachelor. In this book, Osher talks frankly about living with mental illness and the struggle of getting to a good place again, both mentally and physically, while being a public figure.
This is a really important read, and a step towards breaking the stigma and silence surrounding mental illness.
— Osher Günsberg.
I had the privilege of meeting Osher when HarperCollins announced the publication of his book. From the brief conversation we had that night, I imagine that this book is just like sitting down and having a conversation with him.
I missed the Australian Idol hype because I lived overseas at the time, so I mostly know of him from The Bachelor. In this book, Osher talks frankly about living with mental illness and the struggle of getting to a good place again, both mentally and physically, while being a public figure.
This is a really important read, and a step towards breaking the stigma and silence surrounding mental illness.
August 30, 2018
I decided to get this book after hearing a snippet of Osher's story via Todd Sampson on Twitter. I had no idea how much darkness Osher had been through, and the only memories I had of him was of Australian Idol back in the day, and his work on The Bachelor in Australia.
What a brave book. Osher recounts in detail his childhood, his rising career through radio and TV, and his alcohol and drug abuse. Osher is unflinching in his appraisal, and often it's tinged with dark humour: "I have an allergy to alcohol. If I drink it, I break out in fuckwit."
His road to recovery is long and drawn out, and he acknowledges it's an ongoing work in progress.
The honesty is what makes this book so compelling. It's hard to empathise with all the bad decisions along the way, but ultimately it highlights what the road to redemption can look like. This book is harrowing in parts, but the light it shines on self-care, mental health, and being a good human make it well worth reading.
What a brave book. Osher recounts in detail his childhood, his rising career through radio and TV, and his alcohol and drug abuse. Osher is unflinching in his appraisal, and often it's tinged with dark humour: "I have an allergy to alcohol. If I drink it, I break out in fuckwit."
His road to recovery is long and drawn out, and he acknowledges it's an ongoing work in progress.
The honesty is what makes this book so compelling. It's hard to empathise with all the bad decisions along the way, but ultimately it highlights what the road to redemption can look like. This book is harrowing in parts, but the light it shines on self-care, mental health, and being a good human make it well worth reading.
September 8, 2018
Beautiful. So much to relate to. Special surprise finding out he shares my psychologist and so nice to hear him described.
November 20, 2020
This was an enjoyable book to read written by Osher... Well, to listen to (audiobook). I laughed aloud a few times at the way his thoughts were and how he delivered them.
While I have never experienced anxiety, addiction and OCD to the level that Osher has, I can relate to thought patterns and behaviours that he went through and most likely still goes through. I think this book is a great insight into what living with not one, but two mental illnesses can be like and how debilitating it can be. I could not see any of this when I saw him on TV... mind you I was young then.
Osher describes his life with honesty and humour, from when his parents met and had Osher, to him becoming a well known public figure and changing into his new self.
I think this book would definitely help people who already have mental health issues or are having a hard time with life. It can help them realise that there is always something you can do to right your mind to become a healthier and happier self.
I definitely recommend this book.
While I have never experienced anxiety, addiction and OCD to the level that Osher has, I can relate to thought patterns and behaviours that he went through and most likely still goes through. I think this book is a great insight into what living with not one, but two mental illnesses can be like and how debilitating it can be. I could not see any of this when I saw him on TV... mind you I was young then.
Osher describes his life with honesty and humour, from when his parents met and had Osher, to him becoming a well known public figure and changing into his new self.
I think this book would definitely help people who already have mental health issues or are having a hard time with life. It can help them realise that there is always something you can do to right your mind to become a healthier and happier self.
I definitely recommend this book.
January 10, 2019
A great insight into Osher’s life and mental health journey, I really enjoyed it.
September 29, 2018
Life Changing
This book has entirely changed how I view and treat my own anxiety, but also that of my daughter's. It's incredibly open and honest, and goes into such a deep and personal view that you can't help but feel you've lived some of it. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
This book has entirely changed how I view and treat my own anxiety, but also that of my daughter's. It's incredibly open and honest, and goes into such a deep and personal view that you can't help but feel you've lived some of it. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
September 20, 2018
Really needed a good editor. The gimmicky “footnotes” were just condescending. Was desperate because I had a long drive and forgot to download anything
January 3, 2019
This book is a raw, revealing and heartfelt memoir. Osher recounts his life story so far and does so in this audio book with much authenticity, vulnerability and humour.
Although I don’t subscribe to the medical/illness/disease model in regards to addiction, anxiety, depression and eating disorders - this is a deep and extremely valuable book about the long journey back from complex and intergenerational trauma, and from the brink of one’s sense of brokenness. I did find myself feeling frustrated at times in relation to the obvious limitations of the medical and cognitive behavioural approach. Would also have loved more of an exploration around self-compassion and self-acceptance to do with his weight and other life struggles. Nevertheless - Osher is a wonderful advocate for psychotherapy throughout the book and an inspiration to those suffering similar issues.
Although I don’t subscribe to the medical/illness/disease model in regards to addiction, anxiety, depression and eating disorders - this is a deep and extremely valuable book about the long journey back from complex and intergenerational trauma, and from the brink of one’s sense of brokenness. I did find myself feeling frustrated at times in relation to the obvious limitations of the medical and cognitive behavioural approach. Would also have loved more of an exploration around self-compassion and self-acceptance to do with his weight and other life struggles. Nevertheless - Osher is a wonderful advocate for psychotherapy throughout the book and an inspiration to those suffering similar issues.
October 17, 2023
Inspirational story by one of the most loved Australian TV celebrities
In this open, self-confessional and deeply personal life story Osher Gunsberg leads us through his life from the age when he was three years old, onwards. Osher shares his emotional sensitivity experiencing it very early in his life, experiences of growing up in migrants’ family, his straggles with weight and puberty/adolescent years challenges. His talent and love for stage and music got noticeable in his early years while it became the most beneficial skill in his life helping him to gain confidence and overcome easily acquired panic attacks as well as handle environment about himself better.
Osher's official music career started in primary school when he started to work with different musical bands by playing instruments. Music become essential part of his life leading him to gain career as radio host. Together with career progress Osher become radio star. Late nights with music bands, handling two jobs and career demands in order of being on top in his field lead Osher to start smoking weed. Narcotics temporarily helped Osher handle life and career demands better while on other hand it was start of his addiction which will have devastating consequences on his personal and professional life.
Further in his book he detailed his work while being in media spotlight on Australian television, mental struggles, highs and lows in personal and professional life plus his mental illness and addiction impact on personal relationships. This book was very informative for me so reading Osher’s story I gain insight in minds and struggles of people who deal with addictive substances and alcoholism that I was not aware before. Osher opened his heart and inside his book he shared with public most vulnerable parts of his life. I don’t have any doubts that his heart was on right place while he wrote this book. I decided not to revile more information in other not to spoil it for people who want to read book. However, I will say that this book keeps giving and giving with every chapter. It is beautiful and page turning story covering much more then mental health itself.
Special thanks to Audrey Griffin for sharing with us her love story with Osher. Their love story is great example how people in relationship and in love can help each other. It also demonstrates commitment of two people to each other and power of love.
I recommend Osher’s autobiography for mature audience in general and for young adults to teach them about alcoholism and consequences of addictive substance use.
My best wishes to Osher and Audrey in their future life and sincerely thanks for sharing with us their life and love story,
Stacy
In this open, self-confessional and deeply personal life story Osher Gunsberg leads us through his life from the age when he was three years old, onwards. Osher shares his emotional sensitivity experiencing it very early in his life, experiences of growing up in migrants’ family, his straggles with weight and puberty/adolescent years challenges. His talent and love for stage and music got noticeable in his early years while it became the most beneficial skill in his life helping him to gain confidence and overcome easily acquired panic attacks as well as handle environment about himself better.
Osher's official music career started in primary school when he started to work with different musical bands by playing instruments. Music become essential part of his life leading him to gain career as radio host. Together with career progress Osher become radio star. Late nights with music bands, handling two jobs and career demands in order of being on top in his field lead Osher to start smoking weed. Narcotics temporarily helped Osher handle life and career demands better while on other hand it was start of his addiction which will have devastating consequences on his personal and professional life.
Further in his book he detailed his work while being in media spotlight on Australian television, mental struggles, highs and lows in personal and professional life plus his mental illness and addiction impact on personal relationships. This book was very informative for me so reading Osher’s story I gain insight in minds and struggles of people who deal with addictive substances and alcoholism that I was not aware before. Osher opened his heart and inside his book he shared with public most vulnerable parts of his life. I don’t have any doubts that his heart was on right place while he wrote this book. I decided not to revile more information in other not to spoil it for people who want to read book. However, I will say that this book keeps giving and giving with every chapter. It is beautiful and page turning story covering much more then mental health itself.
Special thanks to Audrey Griffin for sharing with us her love story with Osher. Their love story is great example how people in relationship and in love can help each other. It also demonstrates commitment of two people to each other and power of love.
I recommend Osher’s autobiography for mature audience in general and for young adults to teach them about alcoholism and consequences of addictive substance use.
My best wishes to Osher and Audrey in their future life and sincerely thanks for sharing with us their life and love story,
Stacy
August 4, 2019
4.5* I didn't actually know much about Osher, apart from remembering him as Andrew G back on Idol, so I picked this book up not really knowing what to expect beyond a focus on mental illness. I ended up really enjoying this memoir, and found it one of the most raw and in-depth recounts of mental illness I've read. Osher goes into his childhood a bit, through years of alcohol and drug abuse, his career, relationships, and what was going on in his head throughout all that time. I found that I really related to a lot that Osher said, and the way he writes with humour but also just so much honesty is really engaging. It was a little repetitive towards the end, but I think he was just trying to emphasise the importance of self care, his gratitude for family and friends etc, and it never felt preachy or overdone. Definitely recomend this one to anyone who struggles with mental illness, knows anyone that does, or even just anyone curious to know a bit more about Osher or read a good biography! I listened to the audiobook and having Osher narrate it really made it feel personal
September 23, 2018
Warning: I have inadvertently written an enormous review... I am sorry for all the typos and syntax/grammatical errors but I don't have time to edit this review Here I sat 'bye' to Back, After The Break and my Ipad's battery is flat so it is now or never. Below is my review:
The book starts strongly. During the first two chapters we learn about the vicissitudes that Osher's family and relatives had to face before they finally settle in Australia. I really enjoyed the initial chapters of this book, in them, Osher explores his childhood, and unveils events that exerted a powerful impact on his life and which helped shape his personality and passion for the show business. I was especially captivated by Osher's narration of his school years. I, however feel that Osher could have shared with the readers more details of his experiences as a teenager. For example, Osher frequently claims that at his school, he was regularly bullied by other kids; yet, he offers limited examples of it. Moreover, in certain paragraph Osher tells us that his school girlfriend was supportive, but he dedicates her less than a paragraph! We don't really know anything about her! Having further insight about Osher's interactions with girls even though he was attending a boys school would have been fascinating, especially considering the fact that he was socially awkward, obese and unpopular, so how did he meet her and how were their initial interactions? What are the memories he if his 'school sweetheart'?
Another thing that feels underdeveloped was the conflict in his home. He talks very little about the possible causes behind his parents divorce and how it affected him and his siblings. As a matter of fact, we don't really learn much about his siblings, for some reason Osher didn't think his interactions with his siblings deserved much attention, that even though he and all the other members of his family seemed to get along. In spite of these oversights, I felt that in general the first chapters of Back, After The Break were absorbing and flow well.
Alas, my initial interest in Osher's life story decreased as I kept reading. By page 150 I started feeling frustration. As I continued reading I noticed that the quality of the storytelling was diminishing dramatically. Later, when Osher starts disclosing his experiences during Australian Idol- chapters which should have been both engaging and compelling- I was so bored that all I wanted is to finish reading the book. At this stage of the book I felt that the Osher narrating the second half of the book was a different writer from the Osher narrating the first ten chapter part of the books. The second part of the was obscure but instead of being compelling it was redundant and flat. Osher refers incessantly to his experiences with alcohol, drugs, and careless sex, he also shares with us the many disrupting thoughts that continuously tormented him. All this is understandable, but most of the time the book was overly repetitive and the people that Osher mentions in his book did not feel real. Osher discloses the names of people who played a pivotal role in Osher's life yet, those people were lifeless, as if they had no life on their own. As a reader I was left wondered if Osher ever had real friends, not just therapists, fellow musicians, or girlfriends. There was a moment in which I realised that the book wasn't going to improve much, and I was correct for it never really reached a peak. It is sad to see a book that started sharply and that showed solid character development, going down precisely when it should have been at its highest. I must admit that Osher's narration of his lifestyle and thought processes during his Australian Idol chapters was gripping but again, it was the narration about him and we learnt very little about his relationship with other people, and the relationships we individuals build with other people and the experiences and feelings we share with them and they with us are vital thus, they should be explored in sufficient depth when sharing our life story and I do not think Osher did that.
Unlike what many readers may expect, Osher offers little insight about his work experience in The Bachelor/The Bachelorette franchise. I find this peculiar because I firmly believe that one of the reasons why Osher has published his biography now is because thanks to The Bachelor franchise he is back on the spotlight. This is the era of social media and with Facebook and Instagram being so popular many of Osher's new fans follow him because of The Bachelor, not because of his past shows or podcats, and those people are probably wanting to learn more about Osher experience as host of the show, and rightly so as that is also a very important part of his life, he met Audrey,his great love, while working on the show and he found stability whilst working in that franchise. Curiously, almost all Osher's previous jobs discussed in this book received more attention than The Bachelor.
The main issue I have with Osher's autobiography is that his writing unconsciously dehumanises most people around him. AsI already observed, Osher never shares the stage with partners, friends and colleagues, for they are always on the background, as if they had no soul and were mere figments of his imagination when they are clearly human beings who had their own triumphs and tribulations and shared those with him. I certainly wanted to know about Osher's struggles but I did not expect to read about his life written in black and white. It is a pity because as I have previously noted, the book had a solid start potential.
The book starts strongly. During the first two chapters we learn about the vicissitudes that Osher's family and relatives had to face before they finally settle in Australia. I really enjoyed the initial chapters of this book, in them, Osher explores his childhood, and unveils events that exerted a powerful impact on his life and which helped shape his personality and passion for the show business. I was especially captivated by Osher's narration of his school years. I, however feel that Osher could have shared with the readers more details of his experiences as a teenager. For example, Osher frequently claims that at his school, he was regularly bullied by other kids; yet, he offers limited examples of it. Moreover, in certain paragraph Osher tells us that his school girlfriend was supportive, but he dedicates her less than a paragraph! We don't really know anything about her! Having further insight about Osher's interactions with girls even though he was attending a boys school would have been fascinating, especially considering the fact that he was socially awkward, obese and unpopular, so how did he meet her and how were their initial interactions? What are the memories he if his 'school sweetheart'?
Another thing that feels underdeveloped was the conflict in his home. He talks very little about the possible causes behind his parents divorce and how it affected him and his siblings. As a matter of fact, we don't really learn much about his siblings, for some reason Osher didn't think his interactions with his siblings deserved much attention, that even though he and all the other members of his family seemed to get along. In spite of these oversights, I felt that in general the first chapters of Back, After The Break were absorbing and flow well.
Alas, my initial interest in Osher's life story decreased as I kept reading. By page 150 I started feeling frustration. As I continued reading I noticed that the quality of the storytelling was diminishing dramatically. Later, when Osher starts disclosing his experiences during Australian Idol- chapters which should have been both engaging and compelling- I was so bored that all I wanted is to finish reading the book. At this stage of the book I felt that the Osher narrating the second half of the book was a different writer from the Osher narrating the first ten chapter part of the books. The second part of the was obscure but instead of being compelling it was redundant and flat. Osher refers incessantly to his experiences with alcohol, drugs, and careless sex, he also shares with us the many disrupting thoughts that continuously tormented him. All this is understandable, but most of the time the book was overly repetitive and the people that Osher mentions in his book did not feel real. Osher discloses the names of people who played a pivotal role in Osher's life yet, those people were lifeless, as if they had no life on their own. As a reader I was left wondered if Osher ever had real friends, not just therapists, fellow musicians, or girlfriends. There was a moment in which I realised that the book wasn't going to improve much, and I was correct for it never really reached a peak. It is sad to see a book that started sharply and that showed solid character development, going down precisely when it should have been at its highest. I must admit that Osher's narration of his lifestyle and thought processes during his Australian Idol chapters was gripping but again, it was the narration about him and we learnt very little about his relationship with other people, and the relationships we individuals build with other people and the experiences and feelings we share with them and they with us are vital thus, they should be explored in sufficient depth when sharing our life story and I do not think Osher did that.
Unlike what many readers may expect, Osher offers little insight about his work experience in The Bachelor/The Bachelorette franchise. I find this peculiar because I firmly believe that one of the reasons why Osher has published his biography now is because thanks to The Bachelor franchise he is back on the spotlight. This is the era of social media and with Facebook and Instagram being so popular many of Osher's new fans follow him because of The Bachelor, not because of his past shows or podcats, and those people are probably wanting to learn more about Osher experience as host of the show, and rightly so as that is also a very important part of his life, he met Audrey,his great love, while working on the show and he found stability whilst working in that franchise. Curiously, almost all Osher's previous jobs discussed in this book received more attention than The Bachelor.
The main issue I have with Osher's autobiography is that his writing unconsciously dehumanises most people around him. AsI already observed, Osher never shares the stage with partners, friends and colleagues, for they are always on the background, as if they had no soul and were mere figments of his imagination when they are clearly human beings who had their own triumphs and tribulations and shared those with him. I certainly wanted to know about Osher's struggles but I did not expect to read about his life written in black and white. It is a pity because as I have previously noted, the book had a solid start potential.
October 15, 2018
Raw, witty and insightful.
I had so many things I wanted to say about this book...but as we all know, ideas and thoughts often fly away if you don't write them down when you think of them...In this case, I actually did EXACTLY that...wrote down some witty, charming thoughts to put into my review when the time came, because I loved this book so much. But as fate would have it, the paper I wrote it on was rained upon. My notes quite literally ran away, and I learned the hard way that Kikki K pen ink is NOT water proof.
But I digress.
I hate trying to rewrite something I wrote in the moment. I just feel like it loses a certain, je ne sais quoi.
So instead, I will just try to summarise my main thoughts as best I can.
This book is important.
Read this book.
If you a high functioning person who has struggled with mental health, DEFINITELY read this book.
I hope more people in the public eye will continue to open up about things like this because when we speak out about these things, they seem less frightening and suddenly, we are not alone in the battle any more.
I had so many things I wanted to say about this book...but as we all know, ideas and thoughts often fly away if you don't write them down when you think of them...In this case, I actually did EXACTLY that...wrote down some witty, charming thoughts to put into my review when the time came, because I loved this book so much. But as fate would have it, the paper I wrote it on was rained upon. My notes quite literally ran away, and I learned the hard way that Kikki K pen ink is NOT water proof.
But I digress.
I hate trying to rewrite something I wrote in the moment. I just feel like it loses a certain, je ne sais quoi.
So instead, I will just try to summarise my main thoughts as best I can.
This book is important.
Read this book.
If you a high functioning person who has struggled with mental health, DEFINITELY read this book.
I hope more people in the public eye will continue to open up about things like this because when we speak out about these things, they seem less frightening and suddenly, we are not alone in the battle any more.
September 27, 2020
MY LORD the footnotes need to go, they really took away from the quality of the memoir and stumped the reading experience. I’m annoyed just thinking about them.
Otherwise... I admire Osher’s vulnerability in publishing this memoir & his deep dive on his mental health journey. I found the repetition of booze/drugs/bad decisions could have been done so in a more concise and impactful manner. I enjoyed the book as it got further into is sobriety journey.
Otherwise... I admire Osher’s vulnerability in publishing this memoir & his deep dive on his mental health journey. I found the repetition of booze/drugs/bad decisions could have been done so in a more concise and impactful manner. I enjoyed the book as it got further into is sobriety journey.
October 5, 2018
A tremendously honest account of what it is like to live with a mental health disorder. Osher is brave and raw in his describing his life. The world needs more courageous mental health advocates like him to continue to break down the barriers that still surround this crippling illness.
March 17, 2021
Don’t do drugs.
January 31, 2019
3.5 - a quick and easy read, but it needs more editing!
October 6, 2018
Interesting book. VERY heavy in parts, Osher talks about alcohol addiction, drug abuse, mental health issues (including suicidal thoughts), terrorism and everything in between that was affected his life.
Reading wise it’s a casual read, feels more like I’m sitting next to someone who is telling me about their life, given the content, a casual read was definitely the best choice
Reading wise it’s a casual read, feels more like I’m sitting next to someone who is telling me about their life, given the content, a casual read was definitely the best choice
February 1, 2019
This book was a surprise for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Andrew/Osher is a similar age to me and reading about his childhood in Qld and his early step into radio and the Top 40 Hits brought back memories of the 80s and my own childhood growing up in Qld….. posting in song requests to the local radio station and compiling cassettes of all my favourite hits.
I first became aware of AndrewG when I lived in Brisbane and he was often on my car radio spruiking from the B105 van giving out freebies. It seemed his life was blessed as whenever he appeared in a magazine or newspaper his career was going from strength to strength with stints overseas followed by hosting Australian Idol and the Bachelor. Little did I realise, until reading this book the darkness of mental illness and addiction he was locked into and dealing with everyday.
His raw, honest and heartfelt telling of his difficulties and struggles impressed me and makes him a more interesting and rounded human being in my eyes. Unfortunately not everyone can access the level of help that he was able to but by simply telling his story and being brutally honest he will no doubt make a difference and help many people suffering from mental illness and addiction.
Andrew/Osher is a similar age to me and reading about his childhood in Qld and his early step into radio and the Top 40 Hits brought back memories of the 80s and my own childhood growing up in Qld….. posting in song requests to the local radio station and compiling cassettes of all my favourite hits.
I first became aware of AndrewG when I lived in Brisbane and he was often on my car radio spruiking from the B105 van giving out freebies. It seemed his life was blessed as whenever he appeared in a magazine or newspaper his career was going from strength to strength with stints overseas followed by hosting Australian Idol and the Bachelor. Little did I realise, until reading this book the darkness of mental illness and addiction he was locked into and dealing with everyday.
His raw, honest and heartfelt telling of his difficulties and struggles impressed me and makes him a more interesting and rounded human being in my eyes. Unfortunately not everyone can access the level of help that he was able to but by simply telling his story and being brutally honest he will no doubt make a difference and help many people suffering from mental illness and addiction.
July 7, 2019
Finally, a memoir that tackles the nitty gritty elements of mental illness!
I am so thankful to Osher Günsberg for sharing his story with the world because mental health is such an important issue that is so easily misunderstood.
It was comforting to have someone reference ‘passive suicidal ideation’ and speak about the re-occurring thoughts of suicide because this was something I experienced myself in 2016.
Despite the need for a few more edits, I laughed, cried, and enjoyed the powerful and resonating moments of Back, After the Break.
I am so thankful to Osher Günsberg for sharing his story with the world because mental health is such an important issue that is so easily misunderstood.
It was comforting to have someone reference ‘passive suicidal ideation’ and speak about the re-occurring thoughts of suicide because this was something I experienced myself in 2016.
Despite the need for a few more edits, I laughed, cried, and enjoyed the powerful and resonating moments of Back, After the Break.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2019
I feel like I’m scoring this quite high for a celebrity memoir, but I was pleasantly surprised by how eloquent and entertaining this book was. Osher outlines the incredible amount of work that’s gone into his career and speaks with great self awareness and humility about what a tool he was for much of it.
The mental health topic comes up frequently and I really appreciated the detail that went in. It’s not like “I have demons and I’m ok now”, but a serious discussion about every aspect of what it takes to get to a med free place. The climate change psychosis phase went on for a little too long but hey I only had to read about it, he actually had to endure it.
If you’re coming for inside view of The Bachelor, you won’t get much. This only becomes part of his story three quarters of the way through the book and the focus is more on his mental health by then.
It’s quite lengthy but I really enjoyed the story and appreciated the depth and insight into his life he gave so openly (he even outlines the psoriasis on the penis experience he had briefly, so literally warts and all). I applaud him for being so honest with his audience and recommend it as a solid good read.
The mental health topic comes up frequently and I really appreciated the detail that went in. It’s not like “I have demons and I’m ok now”, but a serious discussion about every aspect of what it takes to get to a med free place. The climate change psychosis phase went on for a little too long but hey I only had to read about it, he actually had to endure it.
If you’re coming for inside view of The Bachelor, you won’t get much. This only becomes part of his story three quarters of the way through the book and the focus is more on his mental health by then.
It’s quite lengthy but I really enjoyed the story and appreciated the depth and insight into his life he gave so openly (he even outlines the psoriasis on the penis experience he had briefly, so literally warts and all). I applaud him for being so honest with his audience and recommend it as a solid good read.
November 11, 2024
4.5🌟
A bit slow to get started but I’m glad I stuck with it to hear about how he got his first careers breaks, the environments that those jobs put him in, and how this would all build up to his experiences with managing his mental health.
This story just goes to show it’s true that you never know what someone is going through behind closed doors, and that people can be very good at putting on the mask that they want you to see. But like Osher says, it’s so important to tell these stories (even the awkward parts) because everyone has something they’re going through and it’s important to know you’re not alone.
I felt there were so many important takeaways for anyone who is experiencing mental health struggles, or if you know /love someone who is. It was incredible hearing about the work that he is doing every day to stay one step ahead of his brain. With the right scaffolding around us we can overcome anything.
A bit slow to get started but I’m glad I stuck with it to hear about how he got his first careers breaks, the environments that those jobs put him in, and how this would all build up to his experiences with managing his mental health.
This story just goes to show it’s true that you never know what someone is going through behind closed doors, and that people can be very good at putting on the mask that they want you to see. But like Osher says, it’s so important to tell these stories (even the awkward parts) because everyone has something they’re going through and it’s important to know you’re not alone.
I felt there were so many important takeaways for anyone who is experiencing mental health struggles, or if you know /love someone who is. It was incredible hearing about the work that he is doing every day to stay one step ahead of his brain. With the right scaffolding around us we can overcome anything.
February 26, 2019
I listened to an interview with Osher where he confessed to working on edits of this book in the cab to the studio! The interview was fascinating so when I saw the book at the library I was curious to give it a read.
I wasn’t prepared for how compelling a book it is - this is honest, frank and brave writing. While some of his decisions and aspects of his lifestyle are not easy to empathise with, many of the insights he has on his road to redemption I found very relatable.
I had tears in my eyes when he writes about reclaiming a sense of identity through changing his name. His stability and sense of worth have been hard won. His excellent, compulsively readable book shines a bright light on mental illness and works hard to dispel the stigma around it. It’s a very important book and one I won’t forget in a hurry.
I wasn’t prepared for how compelling a book it is - this is honest, frank and brave writing. While some of his decisions and aspects of his lifestyle are not easy to empathise with, many of the insights he has on his road to redemption I found very relatable.
I had tears in my eyes when he writes about reclaiming a sense of identity through changing his name. His stability and sense of worth have been hard won. His excellent, compulsively readable book shines a bright light on mental illness and works hard to dispel the stigma around it. It’s a very important book and one I won’t forget in a hurry.
March 28, 2021
This book is so important in de-stigmatising mental health issues. Explained in raw detail, Osher bares all of his struggles with poor mental health and how he’s come out the other side and is able to live a happy life. We should all see through this book that even with mental health problems, you can live a happy and fulfilling life. Very important work on display in this book, and I feel grateful to have been allowed access to his personal journey.
February 1, 2020
I will never understand how people can be so open and honest about their lives.
I remember Andrew G from tha Channel V bus, and i would never have imagined that handsome, smiling face had been through so much trauma. Osher is extraordinarily brave for sharing his journey.
I loved the audiobook as Osher himself was the narrator.
I remember Andrew G from tha Channel V bus, and i would never have imagined that handsome, smiling face had been through so much trauma. Osher is extraordinarily brave for sharing his journey.
I loved the audiobook as Osher himself was the narrator.
March 19, 2019
Fascinating read. So well written. For someone who has never suffered depression or a mental health issue, I feel like Osher gets the reader as close as possible to understanding what it must be like to live life with these challenges.
January 28, 2019
What a raw read. Thanks for being so honest, Osher!! Books like this will change the stigma behind mental health.
May 9, 2020
I knew from the media that Osher struggled from mental illnesses but reading it in his own words was really eye opening. I could barely put the book down.
October 13, 2024
Listened to on Spotify
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