And Other Mind-Altering Mayhem - Saturday Night Live

Darrell Hammond's book gives a good insight into mental illness. It's heart wrenching to read the abuse he suffered as a child. The Saturday Night Live stories are fun because we are fans of the show. It's a gritty fast paced book, you will thoroughly love this man after reading it.

It's nice to get a personal perspective from such an established figure in the SNL history. It reads a bit disjointed at times, but not in a particularly bad way. There's no "dirt" on anyone in here except of course for Mr Hammond himself, but he bears it out for people and really exposes how he's felt and dealt with his life in comedy and SNL. Thanks for the book Mr Hammond, good luck to you.

If you love SNL, and you love a good autobiography, this book is for you. Darrell Hammond tells this story with a humble voice. It's refreshing to see someone so famous be truly grateful for everything in his life. By the end you will feel as if you know him well. He doesn't say a bad word about any of the SNL cast members, he expresses himself so clearly and so openly, this book is a page-turner until the very end. I highly recommend this book.

I was always amused and impressed with his work on SNL, saw him in an interview and he hinted at his past. his story is a cautionary tale for our times...we as a culture are quick to medicate. The family dynamic is more critical than we realize...when I got to the chapter on the things his mother did to him I gasped. The world is blessed that he did not become a serial killer. I hope he will keep us laughing and that with a real diagnosis will be happy.

I find books written by celebrities intriguing because we have an idea of who the person is before we start the book. The interesting part is finding out how much we don't actually know about them after all. I thought this look was a good mix of the expected behind-the-scenes stories and the less expected personal tragedies.

If you're interested in references to famous performers the author has known, and how to avoid treatment for psychological problems, then you may enjoy this book. Having seen an interview on TV, I was expecting insight into recovery, but he seemed unwilling to share what could have been helpful insights.

Yikes! I feel sorry for victims of abuse, but we all have to take an iota of responsibility for our actions. I would be interested to hear from his sister who is not hardly mentioned at all in this telling. I should think that inflicting such harm on a child would end in prosecution of the abuser. It seems to me that Mr. Hammond still has a long tough road ahead of him to deal with his personal demons. I am sorry for him.

This book was an exceptional read. I watched SNL for years and Darrell Hammond is, in my opinion, a comedic genius. I had no idea what went on behind the scenes, and I commend him for letting the world see his demons and I am rooting for him to stay sober and for many more years of success.

I read other people's reviews about having read this book in a day, it took me two, but what a great ride. Mr. Hammond is a gifted writer, carrying me from laughter to tears and back again. And I learned a few things on the way. I hope he keeps writing and writing and writing!

Poorly written with rambling prose, it is impossible to determine a timeline of events in Darrell's life. Certain chapters seem like nothing more than transcribed scrib notes from a diary or journal. This autobiography needed a good co-writer and better editor.

I was looking forward to reading this book. It's a quick read, but for me, it seemed to be a bit too repetitive. I have a lot of empathy and sympathy for what he had to go through as a child and deal with as an adult, but I got a little tired of reading about how thankful he was to have worked on SNL for so long and how wonderful the award winning cast and crew members were to him, etc. I know he say's he's not into politics, or doesn't care about those things when doing impressions, but I find it hard for someone to be so apolitical. However, knowing what he was going through and the struggles he was dealing with, then I can imagine that a person wouldn't have much time to be concerned about things outside of his/her own problems.

Bottom line, I would borrow this, or get it from a library. It doesn't take long to read, and while it provides some insight on his life, it doesn't go far enough for me.

If it would be healthy for Darrell shout, "I have arrived!" - This would be a good reason to do so (but don't:). I couldn't put the book down. What a wonderful example of how sobriety and getting ones life is progressive, not overnight. I have no doubt this book was very therapeutic for the author. If I could, I'd thank him for sharing his trudging down that road to destiny with me. More will be revealed.

i was expecting a book more about the author himself....it seems to be geared more towards political figures that he does impressions of with not so much about darrell hammond. i thought this book was supposed to be more of his personal struggles in life...maybe its because i hate politics so much, i found it annoying.
if you follow politics, this might be the perfect book for you, otherwise, i found it to be misleading.
kinda like a bad movie, i keep waiting for it to get better.

Darrell Hammond has offered our society a story about pop-culture by describing his work as a comedian. He has also generously shared that which we don't see beneath the mask of entertainer: the depths to which child abuse destroys the psyche. A writer who can tell this story of trauma, its ramifications, and recovery is generous enough to let others know that they are not alone. It is significant to solving social problems when a celebrity reveals that all that glitters is not gold; breaking the silence of child abuse is a courageous step toward awareness of the need for prevention. Mr. Hammond describes the crisis ridden life he led, which he fed with alcohol, drugs, and a constant need for intervention.

The audience of Saturday Night Live may enjoy the behind-the-scenes activity of Hammond's career on the show. However, audiences of his award-winning acting may not have known the origin of his genius. Apparently, his voice was not heard as a child, until he noticed that his mother would often stop abusing him when he mimicked others' voices. He tells the readers how he developed this talent as a means of self-protection. Hammond writes poignantly about his father and their relationship, or lack thereof. Meanwhile, Hammond felt scared to death of the world at large. The fear shadowed him, and showered him with insecurities that led to multiple self-destructive behaviors. The pressurized public life as an entertainer and the intense private life as a trauma victim was his reality in paradox.

The writing style seems appropriate for the man and the material. There is no sensationalizing of the trauma he endured; he tells this story as it unfolds for him, in unbearable explosions of flashbacks and nightmares. Hammond is tortured, as was his cold father and cruel mother, but he does not torment the reader with unnecessary scenarios of abuse. He gives the reader enough details of the child abuse to understand his inner hell. After countless rehabs and psych wards, misdiagnosis and medications, he also gives the reader reason to hope for Hammond's continuation in recovery and contentment in relationships.

Review completed by Lynn C. Tolson, author of Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story

I read this memoir in two days after seeing Hammond on Damages and becoming intrigued with his career--a comic with a seriously creepy streak, I had to Google him, only to learn about his memoir. (I live under a rock most of the year so it takes me a while to find out what's going on in the world.)

While the writing lurched clumsily in places and I'm not a baseball fan, I still managed to zip through this book, mostly savoring the parts about Hammond's childhood--the abuse he suffered both by his mother's and his own hand.

The juxtaposition of his SNL experiences--including meeting and mingling with both celebrities and presidents--alongside his alcoholism, cutting and childhood trauma emphasized the important message, one that I still forget in my own creative pursuit, that all the success in the world--and Hammond's had a huge share--cannot rescue you from your demons. Well, maybe all you have to do is look at Lindsay Lohan to see this. Still, Hammond's book feels like an important one, for fans, artists and sufferers alike.

I understand why a reviewer might have wished for a more heavily edited book or more details, but for me this was so very well done, so naturally told, and I read it in one sitting without putting it down for a meal because I COULDN'T put it down.

Darryl Hammond does not blame his parents - what a refreshing change from just about every other addict/alcoholic bio. The abuse he relates comes from a child's place of puzzlement and self-blame; any interpretation of parental blame is an inference (projection???) of the reviewer. The several and successive medical misdiagnoses and resultant improper medication were another form of abuse, also from a trusted authority figure (the medical community). After reading the whole book, you almost exhale that he DIDN'T go into deeper detail. And, after absorbing his harrowing experiences, you easily conclude that despite his current place of peace and forgiveness, it is still so very raw, and that depth of vulnerability does not go away quickly. None of us spills all the details of deep wounds after recently getting to the other side, and few of us spill all the details period. Other people don't have the right to every intimate detail of your life simply because it's expected or demanded.

This memoir blew me away with its depth of honesty and its a powerful snapshot of a very gifted comedian/actor. It goes on my Christmas Wish List because this is a bio I will read several times. It is a powerful example of about hope, courage, humility and healing.

Darrell Hammond has offered our society a story about pop-culture by describing his work as a comedian. He has also generously shared that which we don't see beneath the mask of entertainer: the depths to which child abuse destroys the psyche. A writer who can tell this story of trauma, its ramifications, and recovery is generous enough to let others know that they are not alone. It is significant to solving social problems when a celebrity reveals that all that glitters is not gold; breaking the silence of child abuse is a courageous step toward awareness of the need for prevention. Mr. Hammond describes the crisis ridden life he led, which he fed with alcohol, drugs, and a constant need for intervention.

The audience of Saturday Night Live may enjoy the behind-the-scenes activity of Hammond's career on the show. However, audiences of his award-winning acting may not have known the origin of his genius. Apparently, his voice was not heard as a child, until he noticed that his mother would often stop abusing him when he mimicked others' voices. He tells the readers how he developed this talent as a means of self-protection. Hammond writes poignantly about his father and their relationship, or lack thereof. Meanwhile, Hammond felt scared to death of the world at large. The fear shadowed him, and showered him with insecurities that led to multiple self-destructive behaviors. The pressurized public life as an entertainer and the intense private life as a trauma victim was his reality in paradox.

The writing style seems appropriate for the man and the material. There is no sensationalizing of the trauma he endured; he tells this story as it unfolds for him, in unbearable explosions of flashbacks and nightmares. Hammond is tortured, as was his cold father and cruel mother, but he does not torment the reader with unnecessary scenarios of abuse. He gives the reader enough details of the child abuse to understand his inner hell. After countless rehabs and psych wards, misdiagnosis and medications, he also gives the reader reason to hope for Hammond's continuation in recovery and contentment in relationships.

Review completed by Lynn C. Tolson, author of Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story

I read this memoir in two days after seeing Hammond on Damages and becoming intrigued with his career--a comic with a seriously creepy streak, I had to Google him, only to learn about his memoir. (I live under a rock most of the year so it takes me a while to find out what's going on in the world.)

While the writing lurched clumsily in places and I'm not a baseball fan, I still managed to zip through this book, mostly savoring the parts about Hammond's childhood--the abuse he suffered both by his mother's and his own hand.

The juxtaposition of his SNL experiences--including meeting and mingling with both celebrities and presidents--alongside his alcoholism, cutting and childhood trauma emphasized the important message, one that I still forget in my own creative pursuit, that all the success in the world--and Hammond's had a huge share--cannot rescue you from your demons. Well, maybe all you have to do is look at Lindsay Lohan to see this. Still, Hammond's book feels like an important one, for fans, artists and sufferers alike.

DO-
Even if you’re only mildly interested, read this book. It is transformative in ways you wouldn’t expect from a celebrity autobiography. This is a beautiful thing. You’ll wade through a lot of tripe before you find another book this good.

DON’T-
Whatever you do DO NOT Read the COVER blurbs for this book. There are spoilers. I HATE it when publishers do this. They’ll ruin it for you.

Darrell Hammond was always one of my favourite SNL cast members. He can do so many impressions. I don't care too much for politics so I liked it when he did stuff like portraying Sean Connery on Celebrity Jeopardy. When you see him on TV, he makes comedy look easy and natural.

Now that I read what was happening to him behind the scenes, I am amazed that he could function at all on stage. (Stuff like cutting himself and having panic attacks.) Sounds like his mother was extremely mentally disturbed and terrorized him constantly and he is still traumatized. Even though he seems to be able to find medical help, he still has flashbacks and breakdowns, even as recently as within the last couple of years.

Don't give up, Mr. Hammond.

I really enjoyed this book for a lot of reasons. For one, I live in Melbourne, Florida so it was nice to read a lot about the history of my town. I also went to Melbourne High School and I went to Brevard Community College. However, I wasn't tortured and abused by my parents. On the other hand, I don't think I turned out much better than he did LOL. Kidding aside, there's something very sad and engaging about his life and personal struggles. I'm amazed that someone with such incredible and beautiful talent could make it through such an awful and torturous upbringing. His voice and narration throughout the book is very natural and hilarious. His memoir gives you incredible insight into traumatic events with both his father, and (especially) his mother, that shaped his talents that we've grown to enjoy and love on SNL. He also gives you a very intimate and angst ridden point of view throughout his years with SNL. This gives the reader a sense of wonder and thoughtfulness at being present during writing, casting, acting, joking, etc. during the show. There is also ample amount of behind the scenes observations of both cast and hosts throughout the years that is very entertaining. This book is very well written and I hope to see more books from him in the future.

Not knowing much about Darrell Hammond, my mom suggested that I read this book. I think she heard him on Fresh Air. From page one until the very end, I was entertained, saddened, surprised and smitten with Darrell. I mean, I do have a serious thing for Bill C., who is old enough to be my dad. Mr. Hammond is the next best thing. Sort of. I usually try to read serious literature like Booker Prize winners and other smart people crap like that. I don't know why. I'm just as dumb as I was before I started reading thirty years ago. This book was just fantastic. I had no idea what Darrell's life was/is like. I have a great respect for this man. AND, he's freaking FUNNY! So darn funny. My only disappointment is that the author is a Gator. Darn him for choosing the wrong school. Other than that one fatal flaw of rooting for the wrong team, it's a great book. It's an easy read and would be a great read for the plane, shower, or while you're getting a colonoscopy.

P.S. I left Florida for the big city life almost eight years ago. I love/hate Florida, but I thought the author's descriptions of Florida were spot on. I was reading this book while eating dinner a few minutes ago and Tom Petty was on the radio. Fate, I tell you.

As a recovering addict and alcoholic who works with recovering addicts and alcoholics this book hit home in so many ways. As a person who has survived an abusive upbringing this book reminded me how important it is just stay alive so that our stories can be told and we may heal. I can't wait to go to work and suggest this book be sold in our gift shop so that others in recovery may be inspired by its contents.

It doesn't matter how many celebrity biographies or auto-bios you've read in your life; you've never experienced anything like this raw open wound written by former SNL cast member Darrell Hammond. I've read it three times, and it still speaks to me like very few other books.

This is easily the best autobiography I've ever read. I couldn't put this book down. Consequently, I finished it in a day. Darrell Hammond is an amazing talent and this book could have made it based simply on his career, but the story of the torturous life he's lived (battling through an abusive mother, a shell-shocked veteran father, his own mental health issues, and addiction) made it impossible for me to stop reading. This book took me through all ranges of emotion, and only increased my love of one of SNL's greats.

As a big Chris Farley fan also, I kept thinking to myself: "God, I wish this was being written by Farley." Not that I won't cherish this book, but just that I wished we could have seen Farley overcome his demons also.

Wow... a really introspective look into his life. It's not a barrel of laughs the whole time, as he's had some serious issues. He also talks about how he got to doing all those characters on SNL.
A really interesting read.