Guts: The Endless Follies and Tiny Triumphs of a Giant Disaster [Hardcover]

Kristen Johnston (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 13, 2012

“It felt like I was speeding on the Autobahn toward hell, trapped inside a DeLorean with no brakes. And even if I could somehow stop, I’d still be screwed, because there’s no way I’d ever be able to figure out how to open those insane, cocaine-designed doors.”

The two-time Emmy Award-winning actress has written her first book, a surprisingly raw and triumphant memoir that is outrageous, moving, sweet, tragic, and heartbreakingly honest. GUTS is a true triumph—a memoir that manages to be as frank and revealing as Augusten Burroughs, yet as hilarious and witty as David Sedaris.

With GUTS, Johnston takes us on a journey so truthful and relatable, so remarkably fresh, it promises to stay with the reader for a long, long time.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From Kirkus reviews

GUTS is immensely likable, and Johnston's rigorous honesty is admirable. Her reminiscences are amusingly candid, fleetly paced & eminently relatable. Vividly and memorably rendered, GUTS grounded in authentic pain,horror & surprising emotional resonance.

An honest, brave and funny memoir.

From the Back Cover

GUTS is at once deadly serious and wildly hilarious -- an impossible magic trick at which you are powerless not to stare.
- Rob Burnett Executive Producer, The Late Show with David Letterman
There's not a dull moment in GUTS. I literally couldn't put it down, and read the whole thing in one sitting.
--Amy Sedaris
GUTS is utterly brilliant, every page brimming with Kristen's sexy wit. Disarming in its honesty, hysterically funny, pure, real, and so heartbreakingly brutal.
--Kate Winslet
GUTS is written with a unapologetic ferocity and a generosity of spirit that instantaneously engages your heart. This is a spirited, raw and thrilling book.
―George C. Wolfe, Director and writer!
GUTS is the opposite of the usual "celebrity tell-all"-- It's actually a captivating, laugh-out- loud, totally vulnerable and excellently crafted book.
--Andy Cohen, VP of programming and host at Bravo
Johnston tells her story with fearless, devastating honesty, laser precision humor, and a refreshing lack of self-pity. This book should be required reading for anyone who is an addict, or simply cares about one. Which means everyone on the planet.
--Joe Schrank, National Youth Recovery Foundation & co-creator of TheFix.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Gallery Books; First Edition edition (March 13, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451635052
• ISBN-13: 978-1451635058
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (234 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,962 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 85 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent autobiography March 13, 2012

By Margaret Dybala VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

I've read a lot of "hollywood bios" and can be pretty cynical about them. And, as the author mentioned, yet another book about a person who becomes famous, drinks and uses too much, needs rehab isn't exactly unique.

But this biography is different. First, it is well presented, with a genuine sense of the personality of the author. Her personal history is moving and any kid who was ever a little different (I liked books too much and was also too tall) may have to endure a lot. So I empathized with her story. But even if I had had the best childhood on earth, I would have still been moved by the genuine voice she presents.

And then comes her experience in London when her guts burst (and this isn't a spoiler -- it's on the cover) and she has to spend a l o n g time in the hospital. She has so much time for real pain, genuine reflection on her life, and that rarest of all events in any life: the realization of the changes she needs to make (although I think most of that comes just after leaving the hospital).

It is so hard to change behavior and to face oneself honestly. This author has my total admiration. I used to work with a woman who had a brain injury and dealt with it by reciting to herself the very true mantra "everyone has SOME deficit," which is very true. And this author has made me twist that to "everyone has SOME addiction." So anyone with any personal honesty will read this book and come away with some serious thinking to do about the need for change.

Having said all that, somehow this is also a very funny book in places. This is a truly talented performer and author.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hold On Tight March 26, 2012

By Rooster

Format:Hardcover

Hold on tight. This book is a rollercoaster ride in words. I usually end up being disappointed when I read a celebrity auto-bio. Most are puff pieces written to stroke the authors own ego. Some are vendettas against all who have ever wronged them. Others are seem to be a very long wikipedia page, stating "just the facts ma'am". This book is like no other I've read. This is a searing look inside someone who has been to the precipice, and somehow survived, then thrived. It's funny as hell in parts and gut wrenching (sorry) in others.
There's nothing unique about a celebrity being an addict and being out of control. And folks, this lady was hanging on by a thread. What IS unique here, is that we get to see the process through which she finally decides that as painful as it will be, she must take stock of her own life. It's painful to read in parts. And I suspect anyone, addict or not, will recognize the truth written on these pages. It's a cautionary tale for all those younguns in Hollywood (or anywhere) who are facing the same temptations and demons as the author.
In the end, Kristen Johnston survives and has become the person she was meant to be. And she's a pistol! I hope she continues to write, as her narrative voice is unique and needed.
This is not one of those books you wait to buy from the remainder table at the mall. It's worth the price of admission and then some. You will definitely be entertained, likely moved, and hopefully inspired.

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good reminder...and better book March 13, 2012

By Sarah Foraker

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

First, I have to say that while there are many differences in my life compared to the author's, there are a lot of commonalities too.

It's amazing to realize that while we have these insecurities about ourselves, others see us in a totally different light.

Lastly, we need to remember the power of our words. They can be so powerful in positive and negative ways. Unfortunately, negative words really stick with us. Like the author, I can remember negative things that people said to me when I was growing up, but have a hard time remembering the good words too.

Now. The memoir. I love it. Poignant, yet funny. It was absolutely addicting to read. Yes, I do have addiction issues too...and I'm addicted to knitting. After reading the book, you will understand this.

Seriously, though. I read about this book in Entertainment Weekly and as a sober alcoholic, I like to know that there are others out there just like me. It was a powerful book and it was as if the author was telling me her story face-to-face.

I'm glad that I pre-ordered this book and it showed up on my Kindle this morning. .

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gutsiest book ever written March 14, 2012

By Morgan Craven

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

As I sit here thinking about what I've read, I realize that I've just finished the best book I've ever read in my life. Its certainly not the average "actress-becomes-addict-and-goes-to-rehab" book that most celebrities write. Its so much more than that, and I didn't doubt it for a second, even before I read it. I now admire Kristen in a whole new way, than I did before. It took a lot of courage for her share her story with the world, but I believe she made a great choice by doing so.
You gave me a different perspective on life and self-acceptance. Chapter 2 was the hardest for me to read, but also the one that taught me the most. It changed my way of thinking, towards other people and myself. Guts is going to make a difference in many, many people's lives-- I'm sure of it.
No matter who you are, everyone can relate to Guts. To say its worth the read and the money is an understatement. You won't regret buying it!