06/30/2014
In his debut, Bishop, sidekick on The Adam Corolla Show, turns the story of his inoperable brain tumor into a comedic memoir of illness, courage, despair, and hope. Not long before Bishop's wedding, a doctor told the thirty year old that he had "six months to a year" to live. Though this may not seem like an ideal jumping off point for an amusing book, much of its charm is in the humorous prose (on being conceived despite his mom being on contraception: "This can only mean I am the Chosen One"). Bishop never pulls punches, and writes openly about the doctors (and others) he detests most and why, the stressful issues that came between his wife and parents, and even the humiliation of soiling himself. Still, whether he is being serious or funny, the heart of the book lays in his battle with cancer, which, though it causes him to lose his mobility, voice and masculinity, never causes him to lose hope. It is this unflinching positive spirit of survival, as well as the steadfast strength and devotion of his wife Christie, that proves true the old adage—comedy is tragedy plus time. The book provides a relatable and informative look at cancer treatment that will benefit anyone who is or knows someone living with the disease. (Apr.)
Shrinkage: Manhood, Marriage, and the Tumor That Tried to Kill Me
Narrated by Bryan Bishop
Bryan BishopUnabridged — 8 hours, 50 minutes
Shrinkage: Manhood, Marriage, and the Tumor That Tried to Kill Me
Narrated by Bryan Bishop
Bryan BishopUnabridged — 8 hours, 50 minutes
Audiobook (Digital)
Free with a B&N Audiobooks Subscription | Cancel Anytime
Already Subscribed?
Sign in to Your BN.com Account
Related collections and offers
FREE
with a B&N Audiobooks Subscription
Overview
At thirty years old Bryan Bishop's life was right on track: as the sidekick on The Adam Carolla Show, his career was taking off and, newly engaged, his personal life was soaring to new heights. Then he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.
Suddenly Bryan's promising future was looking at a troubling schedule of radiation and chemotherapy.*But having found refuge in comedy, “Bald Bryan” recounts his alternately heartbreaking and hysterical experience of cancer treatment and recovery, from writing his will with the bravado of a pulp novelist, to taking chemo in a strip club, to achieving his life-long dream of getting another woman in the shower with him and his wife (even if it was only for physical therapy). These and other charmingly twisted scenes make the serious truly a laughing matter. Now four years since his initial diagnosis, Bryan celebrates how his*aggressive treatment shrunk his tumor*and*gave him a new lease on life.
Through odds and obstacles, blunders and dilemmas, Bryan radiates through his narrative with wonder and humor. This profound, honest, and surprisingly*funny recovery audiobook is a Cancer Schmancer for the Jimmy Kimmel Live! crowd.
Length: 8 hours and 01 minutes
Editorial Reviews
Told in dude-style prose just waiting to be filmed by Judd Apatow…Bishop writes powerfully about the frightening reality of his disease and the desperate search for treatment. Occasionally he offers a 'Tumor Tip' that gives advice in refreshingly plain, readable language…Scene after scene is both sad and funny.” —The Washington Post
“If ever there was a book that combines laugh-aloud humor and heartbreak, Bryan Bishop's Shrinkage is it. It will grab hold of you and it won't let go.” —T. C. Boyle, New York Times bestselling author and PEN/Faulkner Award winner
“Since none of us is getting out of this alive, we are all measured, in a way, by the prospect of that mortality. Bryan Bishop has faced his ultimate truth with wit, compassion, honesty and art, providing the rest of us with what we need most—inspiration.” —Ken Burns, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning Filmmaker
“In his debut, Bishop, sidekick on The Adam Corolla Show, turns the story of his inoperable brain tumor into a comedic memoir of illness, courage, despair, and hope…Still, whether he is being serious or funny, the heart of the book lays in his battle with cancer, which, though it causes him to lose his mobility, voice and masculinity, never causes him to lose hope. It is this unflinching positive spirit of survival, as well as the steadfast strength and devotion of his wife Christie, that proves true the old adage—comedy is tragedy plus time. The book provides a relatable and informative look at cancer treatment that will benefit anyone who is or knows someone living with the disease.” —Publishers Weekly
“A candid recounting of this funnyman's navigation across cancer's rocky terrain and his trek back to health. Bishop's narrative brings a much-appreciated dose of human warmth to a dark and scary place.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Bishop delivers a moving testament to the goodness of friends, family, and strangers during times of need.” —Booklist
“Bishop's …positive attitude remains intact…It's an attitude that no doubt can inspire others…[a] very engaging and uplifting book.” —San Antonio Express-News Review
“Bryan is smart and knows it. And wants you to know it. As you read this book you'll see just how sharp and clever he is.” —from the Foreword by Adam Carolla
“This is a must read for anyone with a pulse.” —Dr. Drew Pinsky, Loveline and Dr. Drew on Call
“Bald Bryan puts the can in cancer and the bone in boner!” —Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“Greatly supplementing the heartfelt...funny account that follows are Bishop's Tumor Tips—extremely useful nuggets of advice for anyone navigating a scary battle with a life-threatening disease.” —Penthouse
“Instead of giving up, Bryan found refuge in comedy. Within the page of Shrinkage, Bryan recounts several experiences of his treatment and recovery through a comedic lens while never losing sight of the stark reality of his diagnosis.” —Star & Lamp Review
“I laughed out loud and even shed a few tears. I learned something too: he taught me facts about having cancer that aren't in medical textbooks… the book speaks eloquently of the power of having good friends, and that, together with good chemotherapy, a sense of humor, love, determination and self-belief, it is possible to survive ordeals such as this while remaining uncompromisingly yourself.” —Lancet Oncology Journal
“Cancer is not funny. But...this book about Bryan's cancer is VERY funny. I'm so confused.” —Bobby Moynihan, Saturday Night Live
“Bryan is truly the most underrated of comedic sidekicks and talents in radio and new media. What makes Bryan's book even more special is his life journey, which will inspire all who read it.” —Maria Menounos, New York Times bestselling author and host of Extra
“Bryan's story is heartwarming, funny as hell, and as inspirational as they come.” —Jerry O'Connell, actor
“[An] insightful memoir of Bald Bryan who maintains his sense of humor and positive outlook on life while battling brain cancer. An honest, smart read...” —Natalie Coughlin, 12-time Olympic medalist swimmer
“Bryan's book gives the reader a glimpse into how to approach one of life's true nightmares with complete pragmatism and calm. This book is a must read.” —Jay Mohr, actor
“It's honestly brilliant.” —Teresa Strasser, bestselling author and host of The List
“As a fan of the show, I loved the insight into a time I only had glimpses of via the podcast. Expected it to break my heart a bit, didn't expect all the funny.” —John Cho, Harold & Kumar and Star Trek
Bryan is truly the most underrated of comedic sidekicks and talents in radio and new media. What makes Bryan's book even more special is his life journey, which will inspire all who read it.
If ever there was a book that combines laugh-aloud humor and heartbreak, Bryan Bishop's Shrinkage is it. It will grab hold of you and it won't let go.
2014-04-02
Radio personality Bishop, aka "Bald Bryan" from the Adam Carolla Show podcast, depicts his battle with an inoperable brain tumor. In 2008, surfing a wave of personal and career success in radio, the 30-year-old author began experiencing troubling health issues beginning with numbness in his lips and tongue and a lack of coordination. He would consume a beer or two and become extremely drunk. For five months, he kept quiet regarding his symptoms. Finally, Bishop confided to the love of his life and live-in girlfriend, Christie, that something was wrong. Initially given six months to live, Bishop began radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Combining humor with the stark reality of his situation, Bishop shepherds readers through his life following the bleak diagnosis. From being fitted for his radiation mask to his bachelor party in Las Vegas, a comical trip to a sperm bank, his wedding and honeymoon in Maui, the author chronicles both the highs and lows of his journey through the disease. "Things started to get significantly worse after our honeymoon," he writes. "For the next month, my symptoms worsened almost by the day." The author adroitly weaves his family story and professional exploits into the tale of his illness, and he also mixes in the personal touchstones of his journey, including the playlists he used during his treatment; photos; a list of his greatest regrets; and down-to-earth advice for those facing this serious illness ("Tumor Tips"). Bishop recounts the pressures on his new wife, the financial stress the couple faced and his guilt over a family breach spawned by the emotional stress of his illness. A candid recounting of this funnyman's navigation across cancer's rocky terrain and his trek back to health. Bishop's narrative brings a much-appreciated dose of human warmth to a dark and scary place.
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940171846916 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Penguin Random House |
| Publication date: | 04/29/2014 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
Read an Excerpt
PROLOGUE
If you’re reading this, it means I’m already dead.
Just kidding. I’m not dead. (Spoiler alert.) I’ve just always wanted to say that. It’s one of three things I’ve always wanted to say with 100 percent sincerity but never had the right opportunity. The other two:
“I suppose you’re all wondering why I’ve summoned you here tonight” and . . .
“Can your casino please provide me with a security escort so I can safely transport my winnings back to my helicopter?”
Of those three phrases, you can clearly see why I chose the first one to start off this book. Although, it’s technically not the first time I’ve used that line. Or maybe it is. You be the judge.
When I was first diagnosed with brain cancer at age thirty, my fiancée (Christie) and I decided to make out a last will and testament. In a sad reflection of my (im)maturity, I cared far less for what was in my will than how it started out. I insisted that it start with the line “If you’re reading this, it means I’m already dead.”
This was comedy of the highest order to me. To Christie, not so much. But this gallows humor would, I believe, help me get through whatever challenges cancer was going to throw at me. So please bear that in mind as you read this book. If a joke seems morbid or twisted or in some other way irreverent, just remind yourself, “This is the guy who thought it would be funny to start his last will and testament with ‘If you’re reading this, it means I’m already dead.’ ”
Please, enjoy.
Videos
