Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me

Comedian and television host Howie Mandel presents his life story, focusing on his experiences with OCD and ADHD. The memoir chronicles his rise in the entertainment industry while managing these conditions, which have profoundly impacted his daily interactions and career choices. This autobiography balances serious medical discussion with humorous anecdotes from Mandel's life and career. Throughout the book, he recounts his practical jokes and comedic moments, maintaining his characteristic wit while discussing challenging personal subjects. The narrative includes insights into Mandel's relationship with his wife, who has supported him through decades of managing his conditions. His experiences with book tours, public appearances, and the entertainment industry showcase the real-world challenges of living with OCD and ADHD in the public eye. The book serves as both a personal memoir and an advocacy piece for mental health awareness, highlighting the importance of seeking professional help and destroying stigmas around mental health conditions. Through his candid storytelling, Mandel demonstrates how one can achieve success while managing mental health challenges.

Readers found Mandel's memoir honest and straightforward in discussing his OCD and mental health challenges. Many appreciated his balance of humor with serious topics, making complex psychological issues accessible. What readers liked: - Personal anecdotes from his career and family life - Clear explanations of how OCD affects daily activities - Behind-the-scenes stories from Deal or No Deal and America's Got Talent What readers disliked: - Scattered timeline and organization - Some found the humor forced - Several mentioned the book feels padded with filler content - A few noted repetitive stories Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (380+ ratings) Common reader comments: "Helps you understand what living with OCD is really like" "Could have been condensed into a long article" "Made me laugh while learning about mental health" "Too much focus on his TV career rather than his condition"

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🌟 Mandel wrote the book without ever physically touching it, dictating the entire manuscript due to his severe mysophobia (fear of germs). 📺 The book's title was inspired by Mandel's signature fist-bump greeting, which he adopted as an alternative to handshakes on "Deal or No Deal" due to his OCD. 🎭 Mandel wasn't diagnosed with OCD and ADHD until he was in his 40s, despite showing symptoms since childhood - a fact he discusses extensively in the book. ❤️ His wife Terry, featured prominently in the memoir, has been married to him since 1980 and helped him develop coping mechanisms for his conditions before they were officially diagnosed. 🎤 During his early career as a comedian, Mandel would often use his mental health challenges as material for his acts - a strategy he reveals helped him cope with his conditions while connecting with audiences.