Author event! Paul Scheer with Jessica St. Clair

We're thrilled to host comedian and actor Paul Scheer to celebrate the launch of his memoir, Joyful Recollections of Trauma! Paul wil be joined in conversation by actress and writer Jessica St. Clair!

About the book:

From award-winning actor and comedian Paul Scheer, a candid and hilarious memoir-in-essays on coming to terms with childhood trauma and finding the joy in embracing your authentic self.

Paul Scheer has entertained countless fans and podcast listeners with stories about the odd, wild, and absurd details of his life. Yet these tales have pointed to deeper, more difficult truths that the actor and comedian has kept to himself. Now, he is finally ready to share those truths for the first time—but, of course, with a healthy dose of humor.

Blending the confident, affable voice that has won him a dedicated following with a refreshing level of candor, Joyful Recollections of Trauma chronicles Paul’s often shocking, admittedly tumultuous childhood and how the experiences of his youth have reverberated throughout his life. In his comedy, Paul has always been unafraid to “go there,” to play naïve, cringeworthy characters, imbuing them with disarming charm and humanity. That daring openness is on display in the pages of this memoir, but in true Paul fashion, it is also surprising, eye-opening, and side-splitting.

In this madcap journey through the inner working of his mind and creative process, Paul Scheer demonstrates once again that the truth is often stranger—and funnier—than fiction. Joyful Recollections of Trauma offers a unique perspective on universal themes: growing up, working through a challenging childhood, staying true to yourself, and finding success, fulfillment, and happiness in often strange and difficult circumstances. Throughout, Paul shares both the hard-fought lessons and the laughter that can be found in the darkest parts of life, and reminds us that what matters is not what you’ve been through but who you are becoming. If you loved recent memoirs by Molly Shannon, Maria Bamford, RuPaul, and Jennette McCurdy—or any book that moves you to both laughter and tears—Joyful Recollections of Trauma is the perfect read for you.

About the speakers:

Paul Scheer is a Screen Actors’ Guild Award-winning comedian, actor, filmmaker, and podcaster known for his roles in The League, Black Monday, Fresh off the Boat, 30 Rock, and Veep. He also co-created and starred in Human Giant and NTSF:SD:SUV. He writes comics for Marvel and DC and can be heard on Big City Greens & Star Trek: Lower Decks. He hosts the popular and multi award winning podcasts How Did This Get Made? and Unspooled. He can next be seen in the upcoming Knuckles, mini series event on Paramount+ (April 26th). He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.

Jessica St. Clair, actress and writer, initially gained notoriety by performing at the legendary Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York and Los Angeles.She went on to co-create and co-star (with her writing partner, Lennon Parham) in BEST FRIENDS FOREVER on NBC in 2012 and the critically-acclaimed PLAYING HOUSE, in 2014, which ran for three seasons on USA Network. She starred in not one—but two—space comedies: SPACE FORCE, opposite Steve Carrell, for Netflix and AVENUE 5, opposite Hugh Laurie, for HBO.Other television credits include recurring appearances on HBO’s award-winning comedy VEEP and guest starring appearances on CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, THE GOLDBERGS, HOW I MET YOUR FATHER, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, WEEDS and BOB'S BURGER'S.Jessica has also appeared in the critically-praised independent films AFTERNOON DELIGHT and ENOUGH SAID. One of her most memorable roles was in 2011’s blockbuster hit BRIDESMAIDS (in the unforgettable bridal salon/food poisoning scene.) Other film credits include, Sacha Baron Cohen’s THE DICTATOR, THE HOUSE, WANDERLUST, SHE’S OUT OF MY LEAGUE, LIFE AS WE KNOW IT, and Christopher Guest's FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. Jessica currently co-hosts the weekly Lemonada podcast, THE DEEP DIVE, with co-host, June Diane Raphael. THE ART OF SMALL TALK (with Casey Wilson) is her first book project.

Host or Publisher Zibby's Bookshop