Audiobook Sample
Listen to the sample to experience the story.
Please wait while we verify your browser...
- Title: Idiot: Life Stories from the Creator of Help Helen Smash
- Author: Laura Clery
- Narrator: Laura Clery
- Length: 0.303055556
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 24-Sep
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
- Genre: Biography & Memoir, Comedy, Essays & Memoirs, Arts & Entertainment, General Comedy
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Every once in a while, an audiobook comes along that feels less like a performance and more like a candid confession shared over coffee with an old friend. Laura Clery’s ‘Idiot: Life Stories from the Creator of Help Helen Smash’ is precisely that kind of listening experience—raw, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt. Narrated by Clery herself, this audiobook is an unfiltered account of her chaotic journey from addiction and self-destruction to redemption and self-discovery.
Listening to ‘Idiot’ reminded me of a moment in my own life when I was driving solo across the Atacama Desert in Chile. Audiobooks were my companions on that lonely, expansive road, and the right narrator could make me feel as though someone sat beside me, telling their story under the vast desert sky. Laura Clery’s narration achieves that same level of intimacy. Her voice, brimming with comedic timing and emotional honesty, pulls you into her world with an ease that makes it impossible to hit pause.
Laura’s story unfolds like a chaotic sitcom that somehow manages to hit you in the feels. She recounts her early struggles with addiction and self-worth with a disarming mix of humor and vulnerability. This is someone who can make you laugh out loud one moment with an anecdote about her one-eyed rescue pug and choke up the next as she describes her darkest days. You can almost hear the cracks in her voice as she reflects on her journey, adding layers of authenticity that a printed page simply couldn’t convey.
One of the most memorable parts for me was her description of hitting rock bottom. It’s a moment that echoes with universal truth—the kind of raw honesty that can only come from someone who’s lived through it. I couldn’t help but think back to evenings spent in Oaxaca, listening to the grandmother of a family I stayed with. Her stories, delivered with perfect pauses and emotional weight, carried a similar sense of earned wisdom. Clery’s narration captured that same magic, turning her audiobook into an oral storytelling experience rather than just a performance.
What sets ‘Idiot’ apart from other comedic memoirs is its balance of light and dark. Clery doesn’t shy away from the messiness of her past, but she also doesn’t wallow in it. Instead, she uses her sharp wit and quirky humor to frame her struggles in a way that feels empowering rather than pitiful. Her transition from a ‘cocaine-addicted narcissist’ to a meditating, vegan yogi is nothing short of inspiring, and she tells it with a self-awareness that’s both refreshing and relatable.
As a narrator, Clery is a powerhouse. Her comedic background shines through in her delivery—she knows exactly when to punch a joke and when to let a moment of silence linger. It’s the kind of performance that feels alive, as though she’s reliving each story in real-time. The audio quality is impeccable, with clear production that allows her voice to take center stage. If you’ve ever appreciated the art of stand-up comedy or the intimacy of spoken word, you’ll find a lot to love here.
Of course, no audiobook is without its limitations. At times, the frenetic pace of Clery’s storytelling can feel overwhelming, as though you’re being hit with a barrage of anecdotes without enough time to let them fully sink in. Additionally, while her humor is undoubtedly her strength, some listeners may find her irreverent style a bit too edgy for their taste. But for those who can appreciate comedy with a side of chaos, these moments only add to the charm.
Comparatively, ‘Idiot’ holds its own against similar works like Samantha Irby’s ‘We Are Never Meeting in Real Life’ and Jessi Klein’s ‘You’ll Grow Out of It.’ Like Irby and Klein, Clery weaves humor with deeply personal moments, but her unapologetically offbeat personality gives her memoir a unique flavor. If you’re a fan of these authors, you’ll likely find Clery’s style equally engaging.
I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, anyone who’s struggled with inner demons, or anyone simply looking for a good laugh. It’s a perfect companion for road trips, long walks, or even a quiet evening at home. And if you’re the kind of person who appreciates the art of storytelling as much as I do, you’ll find Laura Clery’s narration a masterclass in authenticity.
In closing, ‘Idiot: Life Stories from the Creator of Help Helen Smash’ is more than just a collection of comedic essays—it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Laura Clery invites you into her life with open arms, and by the end of the audiobook, you’ll feel like you’ve gained a friend. So grab your headphones, find a cozy spot, and let Clery take you on a wild, unforgettable ride.
With gratitude for the transformative power of storytelling,
Marcus Rivera
With gratitude for the transformative power of storytelling, Marcus Rivera
