Laughing in the Dark: A Comedian's Journey through Depression

From Publishers Weekly Starred Review. Christian comedienne Pierce reminisces about a recent 18-month period that should have been a time to recharge from a rigorous speaking and traveling schedule. Instead of relishing this particular winter break, Pierce had a "winter breakdown." She discusses this bout with depression breezily, yet punctuated within the confines of every jest is the reality of deep despair and helplessness. Pierce's message is both poignant and telling, markedly so for a Christian who makes her living making others laugh. Pierce discusses her troubled childhood, explosive inner fears and the self-questioning that left her emotionally bereft and spiritually unfettered. She attributes her eventual slow recovery to the combined efforts of faithful friends and family, the prescription drug Zoloft, deliberate and extended bodily rest and weekly counseling. Pierce sprinkles humorous asides to leaven her tale's tragedies (struggling with emotional darkness, losing two sisters and enduring an abusive father) and quotidian misery (a recriminating self-image, overbusyness and the onset of peri-menopause). Citing "deliverance" as an offense tactic akin to donning the spiritual armor of God found in Ephesians, Pierce encourages those who struggle to "maintain, maintain, maintain," and proactively stay on the road to recovery. Pierce's loyal fan base will be all the more supportive after reading of the popular comedienne's dark night of the soul. (Feb. 13) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. "For years we've known the voice and have seen the smiles of Chonda from her light side, and we've always been encouraged. In this new book, she gives us the privilege of experiencing another side that's equally as brilliant and engaging. She's real, transparent, insightful, and honest. Who could ask for more from an author or friend?" Mary Graham -- President, Women of Faith"Chonda is a dear friend and a brave soul. What you'll find in this all-out honest book is that there is light on the other side of darkness; there is hope if you'll just hang on. If you're in the dark, you'll laugh and cry as you find answers, hope, and a reason to keep going in the pages of this amazing book." Sandi Patty -- Music Artist; Author, Broken on the Back Row and Life in the Blender "Chonda Pierce has brought laughter into the homes of LIFE Today viewers all over the world. Like many comedians, she has experienced pain and darkness, which she shares with humor and candor in these pages. She inspires us to receive the grace necessary to fight the good fight of faith and win." James & Betty Robison -- LIFE Outreach International, Fort Worth"Chonda allows us to see depression from the inside out. You don't just gracefully walk out of depression; you fight your way out. It takes courage and determination, and Chonda's account of this battle offers hope and freedom from the myths that hamper progress." Alison Y. Evans, PsyD -- Licensed Professional Counselor With an audience of two million faithful fans and five gold-certified comedy albums, Chonda Pierce has been a popular guest of the Women of Faith Conferences for ten years. She has appeared with everyone from Billy Graham to Garth Brooks, sells out most concerts on her schedule, and has made the list of largest touring audiences in most entertainment magazines.She is the author of eight books, including I Can See Myself in His Eyeballs and It's Always Darkest before the FUN Comes Up, and eight comedy videos, such as Four-Eyed Blonde, Have I Got a Story for You! and A Piece of My Mind. Chonda is also a spokesperson for World Vision and president of the Christian Comedy Association. She resides in middle Tennessee with her husband, David, and their two children. Read more