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Rory's Story: My Unexpected Journey to Self-Belief
Nobody thought Rory O’Connor would make it – written off as ‘thick’ at school, he struggled to find a career he felt he could succeed in. When a hot tip led to a win on the horses it was the beginning of a dangerous spiral into a gambling addiction that gnawed away at his self-esteem even further.
How did the man who thought he had nothing to live for go on to become a stand-up comedian selling out venues around Ireland and reaching 800,000 people through his social media platforms?
This is Rory’s Story.
Told with his trademark humour, this straight-talking memoir is a book for anyone who wants to be inspired by an ordinary man’s mental health journey.
How did the man who thought he had nothing to live for go on to become a stand-up comedian selling out venues around Ireland and reaching 800,000 people through his social media platforms?
This is Rory’s Story.
Told with his trademark humour, this straight-talking memoir is a book for anyone who wants to be inspired by an ordinary man’s mental health journey.
275 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2020
19 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 11, 2021
A remarkable story of a man who triumphed against all of the odds.
NOTE: This Book does contain some strong language. I got through this book in no time at all. I admired Rory's honesty and humility. As a man who lives in Rural Ireland, I very rarely see such qualities in the men around me. A lot of Rory's story resonated with me, as a man who struggled internally in silence since childhood. I found the section where Rory detailed the waves of depression that he goes through from time to time, and he finds it hard to talk to people about it as he is going through it, to be very enlightening, as this happens to me sometimes as well. I am glad that I am not the only one. I would recommend this book for everyone in Ireland, as the mental health stigma still exists in my country in certain sections of society.
NOTE: This Book does contain some strong language. I got through this book in no time at all. I admired Rory's honesty and humility. As a man who lives in Rural Ireland, I very rarely see such qualities in the men around me. A lot of Rory's story resonated with me, as a man who struggled internally in silence since childhood. I found the section where Rory detailed the waves of depression that he goes through from time to time, and he finds it hard to talk to people about it as he is going through it, to be very enlightening, as this happens to me sometimes as well. I am glad that I am not the only one. I would recommend this book for everyone in Ireland, as the mental health stigma still exists in my country in certain sections of society.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
I read this in 2 evenings which I thing is the best thing you can say about a book. The conversational tone & honesty me showed me what Rory's about & proud to be from Ashbourne....& to reiterate what he said it's not Dublin its county Meath 💚💛😀
February 3, 2021
This book was very interesting and easy to read. I didn't actually get the book as I didn't know him (oops) but I got this as a present for Christmas. I didn't read it straight away because I have no interest in GAA but luckily there wasnt much of it in the book. I admit I did skip one chapter about the sports stuff but other than that I was hooked and I flew through the book. He had such a hard upbringing, a little of which I can relate to, by teachers who arent as supportive and embarrass you just cause they can. If you aren't a high achiever, you can get kind of forgotten about and unsupported. He showed those teachers. This is a very insightful and inspiring story. I can also relate to feelings of depression creeping in and feeling like there's something wrong with you. It's amazing the work he has done for promoting people to talk about their mental health. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone.
October 21, 2021
There's a Clickhole article which has stuck with me for a long time, about a man whose resentment for cows was so strong that he became a Michelin-starred BBQ chef in order to unambiguously come out on top after killing them.
I bought this eBook after a friend kept sending me Rory's Stories clips, leading me to slide too far into a sadistic rabbit hole and probably became as qualified to write Rory's autobiography as the man himself. Rory's seeming aversion towards grammar and basic sentence structure almost makes me wish that I had. The guy had a ghostwriter, but how much artistic and grammatical freedom was the latter given by a man who likely found enjoyment in holding smaller classmates down and spitting into their mouths? Ghostwriter Mr. Crowe wonderfully captures Rory's Jack-the-lad smugness in anecdotes involving stealing from his employer and throwing human faeces at his friend.
If you must!
I bought this eBook after a friend kept sending me Rory's Stories clips, leading me to slide too far into a sadistic rabbit hole and probably became as qualified to write Rory's autobiography as the man himself. Rory's seeming aversion towards grammar and basic sentence structure almost makes me wish that I had. The guy had a ghostwriter, but how much artistic and grammatical freedom was the latter given by a man who likely found enjoyment in holding smaller classmates down and spitting into their mouths? Ghostwriter Mr. Crowe wonderfully captures Rory's Jack-the-lad smugness in anecdotes involving stealing from his employer and throwing human faeces at his friend.
If you must!
November 9, 2020
Enjoyable and very honest read from Rory. Loved all the bits about Meath in it.
January 11, 2021
Very inspiring book. Alot of knocks but he shows you can get up and get better. Very aspiring content and story. Let nobody define you except yourself.
September 18, 2021
This book is a must read for everyone. It shows that no matter what education or put downs you get growing up you can succeed in life. There is some curse words used but if that can be got over you will be able to see the true value of the book. A great read in my opinion
November 22, 2021
Excellent book. Rory is hilarious but it was so good to get a deeper understanding of both the current and past Rory on a more personal level. Such a down to earth fella and his book really shows that as it appeals to all types of people young old, rich poor, dry or funny! The luck of the Irish shines through!
October 18, 2024
I didn’t really know much about him. Saw a few videos on Facebook. Read the book on a flight back to the states after getting in airport. I didn’t like a lot of the way he tried to belittle teachers etc people who devote their lives to educating others. Then he tried to suggest promoting mental health awareness after ridiculing those who tried to help him. I couldn’t disagree more with his perspectives. The book is an honest writing of his life. I feel it was important for him to write it for his own needs and health.
March 21, 2021
What to say??
I really enjoy Rorys videos online. The book wasn’t for me...
I learnt that reading is tough when dealing with settling back into school, and i had a lot of work to do, I also learnt that I can’t read two autobiographies in a row.
Really though, I wouldn’t say I despised the book but I didn’t feel like I needed to know loads about his problems. They can be interesting but too deep. The GAA was something I didn’t really care about to put too much focus on. I may give it a second chance some time but for now it’s only getting a two stars, and it’s mainly my experiences and the fact that it’s a mature concept for me. Because I have seen many people that have read it and liked it, but way too much and mature for me right now sorry 😟
Two stars for me ⭐️⭐️
I really enjoy Rorys videos online. The book wasn’t for me...
I learnt that reading is tough when dealing with settling back into school, and i had a lot of work to do, I also learnt that I can’t read two autobiographies in a row.
Really though, I wouldn’t say I despised the book but I didn’t feel like I needed to know loads about his problems. They can be interesting but too deep. The GAA was something I didn’t really care about to put too much focus on. I may give it a second chance some time but for now it’s only getting a two stars, and it’s mainly my experiences and the fact that it’s a mature concept for me. Because I have seen many people that have read it and liked it, but way too much and mature for me right now sorry 😟
Two stars for me ⭐️⭐️
October 2, 2020
I bought this book because i started to follow rory's stories on facebook a few months ago to he honest i knew nothing about him apart from his funny stories on fb but i especially loved all he done for mental health reading this book has been such an eye opener for me and reading all ablut what he went through and came out the other side the way the book is written is brilliant there is no fancy pants words just truth well worth a read
October 7, 2020
This is a big anyone who is struggling with their mental health or has struggled in the past should read. An absolutely amazing story from a great man
January 4, 2023
A brilliant insight to this inspirational man! Very easy to read and enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews