Trainwreck: My Life as an Idoit

by Jeff Nichols

Book Overview

Growing up a privileged Manhattan kid, Jeff Nichols should have had it all. Instead, he got a plethora of impairments: learning disabilities, a speech impediment, dyslexia, ADD, and a mild case of Tourette's syndrome.

In Trainwreck, his weird

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416599169
• ISBN13: 9781416599166
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Touchstone PR
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

And I thought my life was a mess...

This book is hilarious! Not for the timid or bashful. Jeff's honest recounting of his life will cause others to reflect on their own past. I felt so good about my life after reading this, I bought two more copies! I can only imagine what a nightmare it was for his editor and copy-reader to decipher his dyslexic manuscript. I admire Jeff for his ability to stay sober for so many years, working in the entertainment business. Buy a copy - it's funny. Mark A. Tuschel - Author: Living Sober Sucks (but living drunk sucks more).Living Sober Sucks! (but living drunk sucks more)

I found myself laughing outloud in a grocery store checkout line.

I thought this book was something most everyone could relate to on some level. We have all found ourselves in situations where things are not going as we expected them to go. One can either find humor or dwell in utter despair. I was literally standing in line at the grocery store on a Saturday night( how pathetic) when I found that I had the book in my bag, and started reading. I was laughing so hard, 2 other people in line asked me about the book. It's definately funny, and though it happens to be about someone with many diagnosed problems, I could relate to most all of it!

When Life Gives You Lemons ..........

"......... not everyone makes lemonade, but in the case of "Train Wreck", Jeff has done just that. Thank the Universe (or whatever cosmic deity you choose) this book is politically incorrect, because if it wasn't, it would have been a bore. As someone who has spent years in the NYC alternative comedy / performance art / Way Off Broadway lowest level of show business (lower than Jeff), I understand how cruel, bleak and depressing the reality of being a writer / performer / performance artist / comedian can be. Whenever Jeff experienced yet another failure, real or imagined, I could relate to having been there -- to the horrible, soulless day jobs -- and to his struggle to persevere. He laments that life ultimately ends up being a series of administrative tasks. Regarding Jeff's background -- the grass is not always greener in the world of the cold, unhappy, moneyed WASP and his non-giving "holding pattern". And as much as I respect the fact that 12 Step programs have saved countless lives, I am so grateful to my Higher Power that Jeff made fun of how ridiculous, indulgent and hypocritical 12-Steppers can be (including himself), in the process showing himself to be an independent thinker, and not just another maxim-spouting participant in the herd mentality. Through all of this, "Train Wreck" vividly portrays the absurdity of the "Broadway Danny Rose" nature of the New York City demi-monde. If you want to stay sober, read this book!!!!! (JUST KIDDING -- go to a meeting -- LOSER!!!!!) .......... -- Stephen C. Bird, author of "Hideous Exuberance: A Satire""

WELL DONE

I found myself laughing aloud when reading the literary account of Jeff's experiences. A combination of self deprecating humor and downright bizarre, but incredibly funny experiences makes for a hilarious romp. All in all, a great read. I would highly recommend the book to anyone, particularly those who are close to people with learning disabilities. Once you stop laughing (not easy), and somewhat masked by the humor in the book, is the serious subject of how those who know and love people with learning disabilities need to adapt to better understand the reality of their daily lives. I commend the author for his candor and wit and salute his work. This book may turn out to be a classic and I wish him the very best.

Hilarious

From the first shocking page, I couldn't stop laughing... this is a clever, funny, and CRAZY read. A perfect beach book!!!