Strong Ending: A Journey from Combat to Comedy

by Michael Garvey, Mary-Louise Parker (Narrator)

This heartfelt Audible Original, narrated by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Mary-Louise Parker, follows three military veterans as they reclaim their most painful memories and turn them into comedy. Michael Garvey, Isaura Ramirez, and Patrick Harth left combat zones to challenge themselves in a stand-up comedy boot camp. As they learn to transform their raw emotions into cathartic experiences, they face the daunting challenge of trying to make an audience laugh with jokes about war, trauma, and mental health. This audio documentary details their move from military service to sharing their searing honesty and gritty strength while performing in front of packed crowds.

Strong Ending also features insight from professional comedians Rob Riggle (The Daily Show, The Hangover) and Maria Bamford (Lady Dynamite, Arrested Development) as it explores the science behind the healing power of comedy and the role of military comedies in popular culture. A perfect mix of wit and warmth, this is an inspiring and honest listen that unearths the anxieties of readjusting to civilian life and the powerful potential of finding light in the dark.

About ASAP & Comedy Bootcamp:
The Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) is a nonprofit with a mission to cultivate community and growth with veterans, service members, military families, and caregivers through the arts. ASAP promotes expression, skill-building, and camaraderie through classes in stand-up comedy, improv, storytelling, creative writing, acting, and the visual arts. ASAP's approach provides veterans with transferable life skills, a renewed sense of purpose, and improved well-being, while strengthening ties between veterans and their communities through the arts.

Genres: Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Audiobook, Humor, Comedy

95 pages, Audiobook

Published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Lanie J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good information on PTSD, and veterans

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring, funny, insightful.

[Thera Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Getting to hear the stories of veterans and their journey to figure out their experiences is captivating.

[Katie Storer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an Audible exclusive. That means if you have a premium membership, you can listen to this book for free. It also means that no one outside of Audible can hear the book. I wish there was a way for non-members to access important stories like this one.

How do our service members return to civilian life after being thrust into a war zone? Unless we have been there, we have no way of comprehending the needs of these brave people. I was uplifted to know that laughter/comedy is one way that is helping these valiant people assimilate back into civilian life. This book tells of about the program and people who help turn their individual traumas into comedic shows.

If you have access to this book, I highly recommend it to you.

[Rachel Koay · Rating 3 out of 5]

felt that the audiobook was a bit too promotional of Comedy Bootcamp but i must say that the narrator does a good job of bringing the stories to life. however, I would have liked to hear more about the specific ways that comedy helped the veterans to heal, and about how other veterans and civilians can use comedy to cope with trauma and adversity.

[Dally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned something new -- that comedy is an effective 'therapy' to heal PTSD.

Some of the personal stories shared were heartbreaking -- how the war really damaged the lives of these war veterans. It was then such a relief that they were able to find their place in comedy, and give them a new purpose, a new love, something to keep them going ❤️

I guess redemption really can be found anywhere.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought that performing comedy routines would be the saving grace for many war veterans with PTSD? Thankfully, it is. This is a peek into the journey of four veterans who have found this to work for them.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a wonderful time listen to it. It is short but I guess it is better like that. I love that it gives an insight of why humor is important to deal with trauma, but at the same times gives us a beautiful example of it.

[X · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting and some of the jokes were funny. I wish it had gone into a bit more depth at points.

[Marisa Carpico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also forgot to log this at the time, but a compelling story well-told.

[Cookie E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting piece about former military members using comedy to deal with combat trauma and address reintegration issues.

[Brad Brodersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mental health and PTSD is a real thing! I enjoyed listening to this creative therapy option.

[Christine Fiordeliso · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful read.

[Krisssy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this!! Even though I’m not a Vet, having PTSD i can understand certain aspects of his they are feeling. Loved this quick read.