A frank, funny, no-holds-barred memoir that reveals the Deal or No Deal host’s ongoing struggle with OCD and ADHD–and how it has...
read full description
reviews
Jun 15, 2011
Liberty
rated it: 
OMG! This is laugh out loud funny! but at the same time you're thinking, "What the hell was he thinking?"
I have always loved Howie Mandel for as long as I've known who he was. I think he is sexy as all get out one of the funniest people I have ever seen.
The book focuses on his rise to stardom, told to us through stories of his childhood, teen and adult years. I was amazed at some of the stuff he went through, appalled at some of the things he put people through, a More...
I have always loved Howie Mandel for as long as I've known who he was. I think he is sexy as all get out one of the funniest people I have ever seen.
The book focuses on his rise to stardom, told to us through stories of his childhood, teen and adult years. I was amazed at some of the stuff he went through, appalled at some of the things he put people through, a More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 06, 2010
Jonny99
rated it: 
Here’s the deal: as literature it’s substandard, as auto-wreck rubbernecking, it’s fascinating. If you remember Mandel’s act from the early 80s, his bizarre, discomforting, freak show may have very well made you ask: “what’s wrong with this guy?” His relatively brief autobiography, with ghost-writing help, convincingly answers the question with stark and largely unattractive personal revelations. Mandel cops to a raging germ-phobia, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, an inability to
More...
Feb 11, 2012
Leah
rated it:
Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me by Howie Mandel
★ ★ ★ ★
I've been a fan of Howie Mandel for quite sometime. His humor has always made me laugh and I've enjoyed him in everything I've seen him in thus far. So I was excited to read his memoir and was not disappointed. Besides delving into his long comedic career (spanning well over 30 years now) he delves into his personal life and his life-long struggle with OCD, ADHD, along with other mental illnesses. He leaves no rock unturn More...
★ ★ ★ ★
I've been a fan of Howie Mandel for quite sometime. His humor has always made me laugh and I've enjoyed him in everything I've seen him in thus far. So I was excited to read his memoir and was not disappointed. Besides delving into his long comedic career (spanning well over 30 years now) he delves into his personal life and his life-long struggle with OCD, ADHD, along with other mental illnesses. He leaves no rock unturn More...
May 05, 2010
Paulinerose
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 20, 2011
Kellygirl
rated it:
I really enjoyed reading this biography on Howie Mandel. I like getting to look into their lives as "real" people, from their own perspective. This book was a quick read and there were a couple times when I laughed out loud. Mostly what I took from this book is how blessed I am to have the life that I do. It is not glamorous, I don't have much money, etc... but after reading stories of how celebrities got to where they are, I much prefer my calm, normal, predictable life. I have a
More...
Oct 14, 2011
Robert
rated it:
I bought Howie's book right after seeing him in Oneonta, NY in October 2010. He made no secret about the fact that being in Oneonta was not the thrill of his life. He told us at his performance that he was walking through downtown Oneonta, and someone said to him "Howie, so you're in town, huh?" He had no idea how to respond to that. I don't blame him. Anyway, if I ever see him again, I will be sure not to get too close or try to shake his hand. The second part of the title to hi
More...
Dec 09, 2011
Stephanie
rated it:
Well, I wasn't sure what I was going to be getting into when I started this book. First off, I did this on audio book. It is read by Howie Mandel himself and I definitely think this is the way to read this. He does his voices and sound effects through out and it makes it all the more enjoyable. A flavor you definitely wouldn't get with the printed word.
He is articulate and painfully candid in his writing. Being a witness to all of his issues; OCD, ADHD, a Hypochondriac, being color More...
He is articulate and painfully candid in his writing. Being a witness to all of his issues; OCD, ADHD, a Hypochondriac, being color More...
Jan 11, 2010
Nicholas
rated it: 
I know it's not a prerequisite to have to, even in some small way, connect to the author and find similarities in your personalities. However, I still do that when reading an autobiography, and if I can find a connection then I tend to enjoy the book a lot more.
This wasn't remotely the case with Howie Mandel. While I love humor, I don't revel in people's misfortune and purposely irritate, annoy, and humiliate others for sake of a laugh. Several things should have clued him in th More...
This wasn't remotely the case with Howie Mandel. While I love humor, I don't revel in people's misfortune and purposely irritate, annoy, and humiliate others for sake of a laugh. Several things should have clued him in th More...
Jan 12, 2010
Jenny
rated it:
I HIGHLY recommend this book. Even if you're not a frequent reader of autobiographical works or non-fiction, there's very little chance that you won't enjoy this book. Howie is brutally honest, modest and neurotic, a wonderful person and a complete jerk-off...all at the same time. Only one thing stays consistent throughout this book: humor. I can't count the number of times I laughed aloud at the absurdity of life and the way Howie tells a story. His pranks were laughable even when they we
More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Sep 05, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
Wow... this guy has a weird sense of humor. I honestly can't believe his wife stayed with him so long. He gets a kick out of practical jokes. Most of these jokes are hilarious as long as you are not at the other end of them. He once pretended that he was the cashier at a costume store ( the real owner hoping to get on TV with Howie's home video's) and a woman came in wanting a chicken costume. He told her to go in the back and take her pants off. Of course she was a little shocked and afte
More...
Jul 01, 2010
Lorraine
rated it:
Howie has personal difficulties (OCD, ACHD) and deals with them as best he can while having an incredible career. He describes his childhood and the reader get an understanding for OCD as it appears his mother and maternal grandmother also suffered. Several very funny stories, and some stories which show the maniac and badly thought out practical jokes he plays on his nearest friends. I leave this book understanding his afflictions a little better, and glad that I don't have them. (e.g., whe
More...
Mar 28, 2011
Nikki
rated it:
I was never bored reading the book, so I guess that's a plus. Also, it's always exciting to hear some inside dirt on famous people. But as a whole, I was pretty underwhelmed by this book. I appreciate and respect Mr. Mandel for being honest about his ADHD, OCD etc. but most of the book isn't about his struggles. Time after time he recounts in often uncomfortable detail that "pranks" that he has pulled on both strangers and those closest to him. Maybe I don't have a well developed
More...
May 31, 2010
Heather
rated it:
First, I love reading autobiographies from celebrities - when I see them at the library, like this one, I snatch 'em up and inhale them.
I was interested in reading about Howie Mandel's experiences with OCD, but this book only touches on it briefly, it's mostly a history of his career. It was hilarious - loved reading about his experiences with his kids and the practical jokes he's played. If he came to town, I would definitely see his show.
Easy book to read, funny, and More...
I was interested in reading about Howie Mandel's experiences with OCD, but this book only touches on it briefly, it's mostly a history of his career. It was hilarious - loved reading about his experiences with his kids and the practical jokes he's played. If he came to town, I would definitely see his show.
Easy book to read, funny, and More...
Dec 18, 2011
Meredith
rated it:
Hubby and I listened to this book on the way to and from vacation. It was a good car listen, although it made my hubby laugh so hard that was worried about his driving abilities being compromised. hubby loved the book and while I enjoyed it a lot some of the stories he told were a little offputting to me. Still I love biographical books because they give me an insight into the celebrities' lives and usually end up with me liking the celebrity much more than before. This book didn't disappoint in
More...
Nov 02, 2010
Dominique
rated it:
I liked this book.
It's always nice to read about the real life/background of high profile people. I never knew much about Howard Mandel, but learned about his interesting but complicated life. Success came easy to him, and he achieved a lot in his life. There are many laugh-out-loud moments, but I am somewhat turned off by all the extreme pranks he plays on people. As he mentions in his book, he feels embarrassed about some of the "real" bad pranks he played on his friends, but More...
It's always nice to read about the real life/background of high profile people. I never knew much about Howard Mandel, but learned about his interesting but complicated life. Success came easy to him, and he achieved a lot in his life. There are many laugh-out-loud moments, but I am somewhat turned off by all the extreme pranks he plays on people. As he mentions in his book, he feels embarrassed about some of the "real" bad pranks he played on his friends, but More...
Jul 09, 2011
Nikki
rated it:
I do not quite know why I own this book, although Howie being a fellow germophobe might be the answer. I wanted a quick read and this certainly fit that bill. There were some humorous parts, more serious parts than I expected and the OCD/germ issues which I could totally relate to. I've never been a big fan of "6 year old humor" (Howie claims this is the state he is stuck in), so I do not find many of the things he does all that entertaining. I must say, the chapter where he causes his
More...
Mar 12, 2010
Megan
rated it:
This book is just confusing. Just plain confusing.
Is it about Howie's OCD? No, not really. It starts off with a little bit about it. He attributes his germaphobia to his upbringing and talks just a bit about his other problems with OCD. I could actually identify with a lot about what he was saying. I "check" things a lot. I don't think I have OCD, but I can identify with his helpless need to go back and make sure the door is locked over and over while realizing that it's si More...
Is it about Howie's OCD? No, not really. It starts off with a little bit about it. He attributes his germaphobia to his upbringing and talks just a bit about his other problems with OCD. I could actually identify with a lot about what he was saying. I "check" things a lot. I don't think I have OCD, but I can identify with his helpless need to go back and make sure the door is locked over and over while realizing that it's si More...
9 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Feb 16, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
Howie is so funny and it totally comes out in his book. I laughed all the way through. His sense of humor is off the wall at times and his love of practical jokes and candid camera type situations gets him in trouble with family and friends. His childhood contributed to his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (obsessed with germs...constantly washing and not shaking hands with people...etc). He also has ADHD. His career had its ups and some downs but through it all he's never lost his sense of humor
More...
Mar 25, 2010
Tara
rated it:
Although not a fan of Howie Mandel, I had heard this book was funny and decided to read it. (I enjoy reading biographies.) The book reads very much like the comedian himself. He talks about his attention span and ADHD, and the book reflects that. Mr. Mandel has recounted some very funny situations, so there the book was enjoyable. Otherwise, his impulsiveness has also convinced me his friends and family are exceedingly patient and generous. The book is a quick read, and was overall enjoyable.
Mar 13, 2010
Katie
rated it:
Thoroughly enjoyable - but Howie Mandel needs an off switch when he's thinking about playing practical jokes. He tells really great stories that had me laughing out loud at times, and since they were generally stories of his mishaps and errors in judgement, he comes off very humble and well spoken. I know that this event didn't cause his OCD exactly, but it would've in me if I had had sand flea larve hatching under my skin as a child, I would've found that a rather life-disturbing event as wel
More...
Jul 01, 2011
Gerald
rated it:
I really had no interest in learning about Howie Mandel until I learned that he is germaphobic with compulsive disorder. How, I wondered, could he have those limitations and do what he does.
Narrating his own story in a fun and humorous way, it was a delightful experience to learn how he got his diseases and how he has worked around them and become the popular and entertaining star that he is.
I just wish he hadn't used so much vulgar and crude language.
Narrating his own story in a fun and humorous way, it was a delightful experience to learn how he got his diseases and how he has worked around them and become the popular and entertaining star that he is.
I just wish he hadn't used so much vulgar and crude language.
Oct 13, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
It's defiantly Howie! The book starts with a "hilarious bang". Only Howie could pull this off. Ive never reviewed a book at the 3rd chapter, but I just had to share. Howie tells the story of his life, his battle with his sidekick, OCD. hard to put down, the pages can't turn fast enough. For Howie fans and anyone who wants a laugh. It's laugh loud kind of funny. OCD can be tragic. Howie delivers how he tries to keep it in perspective. Very, very difficult.
Mar 30, 2010
arterialturns
rated it:
A very quick read. An interesting insight into a person with OCD, especially as I'm also reading "I Slept With Joey Ramone" by Mickey Leigh (which also delves into a person w/OCD-Joey Ramone). Have never been a huge fan of Mandel's comedy over the years, though I do appreciate his observations occasionally. He very much comes across as a jackass more than a few times, but this is ultimately a frank and revealing tale. Worth a read, quick as it is.
Dec 11, 2010
Stanley
rated it:
I have OCD, like Mr. Mandel, but he seems to have it much worse than me. And he, like me, also has an impulse to stir up trouble and then regrets it later, but again, he's got it worse than me. He's played some nasty practical jokes on his friends over the years, so I'm glad I don't know him personally, but I can still identify with him. Or as someone says to him in the book -- in one of the most pivotal moments in his life -- "Me too."
Nov 18, 2010
Tricia
rated it:
Not a bad read, it has some funny parts and "man, that was just wrong, parts," most of all, it shows Howie dealing with a high profile career and severe mental issues and how he overcame those issues (well, maybe not overcame, but works with) to become a comedian, movie star, game show host, husband and father. It did draw you in so you were anxious to see what he was going to do next or how a particular prank would end for him or his family/friends.
Not a long read eithe More...
Not a long read eithe More...
Feb 09, 2011
Stacey
rated it:
This was a very funny read. I have to admit that I always thought OCD was just a personality trait, rather than a disease. He shined a lot of light on the mental disorder that it is. However, the book is not even remotely all about his OCD, but a trip through his career with a LOT of stories that had me laughing and even in tears. Great vacation read, but be warned you might laugh out loud in front of strangers!
Oct 05, 2010
Pinky
rated it:
I do not know what prompted me to read this. I would not describe myself as a Howie Mandel fan and can't stand Deal or No Deal. I do appreciate comedy memoirs (usually female comedians), so I guess it's not a huge stretch that I picked this up, though. What a great story! Man, can this guy write! Very readable, tragically funny. Makes OCD very accessible. At times, a little too close for comfort. I was starting to itch and the desire to wash my hands was overwhelming.
May 03, 2010
Karen
rated it:
I listened to Howie read his book and add occasion ad-libs. I would suggest listening to it because of the ad-libs.
The time order is confusing and the book strays from the topic, although he does tie it in at the end. Everything in between is the story of his life and professional career, which is mostly entertaining.
I found some of the stories hard to listen to as his idea of a joke can be very hurtful to people. A man I once thought was a funny comedian I now think o More...
The time order is confusing and the book strays from the topic, although he does tie it in at the end. Everything in between is the story of his life and professional career, which is mostly entertaining.
I found some of the stories hard to listen to as his idea of a joke can be very hurtful to people. A man I once thought was a funny comedian I now think o More...
Jul 28, 2011
Mary Elizabeth
rated it:
Laugh out loud funny with a touch of self-reflection. I grew up watching Howie Mandel & enjoyed Deal or No Deal, that's why I read the book. Here is his honest portrayal of trying to make people laugh while also facing the demons of OCD, ADHD & other difficult psychatric & physical problems. Way to go Howie! He shows how we can all overcome the difficulties we face in life, even if we have to laugh about it once in a while.
Jan 22, 2011
Victoria-Lynn
rated it:
I loved this book. It's frank and funny stories made me roar with laughter. It's great to find out all the things that I didn't know about Howie and his earlier life. All the misshaps and Hijinks are truly amazing and if it was anyone else I wouldn't believe it. He alluded to the possibility of another book and I really hope that it becomes a reality. I would deffently give this book a read.
