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Life Is Funny Until It's Not: A Comic's Story of Love, Loss, and Lunacy
One of America’s funniest women opens up in this real and raw memoir, encouraging readers to face life’s trials with unshakeable faith and joy.
A stand-up comedian beloved for her combination of feisty wit and Southern charm, Pierce knows all too well that life is funny—until it’s not. But she also knows that it will become funny again. She’s held on to that hope—and that promise—through tragedy and triumph.
And now she’s finally ready to tell her full story.
In Life Is Funny until It’s Not , Pierce recounts a preacher’s daughter’s childhood filled with heartbreak, including abuse, her parents’ divorce, and the sudden deaths of her two sisters in the span of two years. Even after she achieved success in her comedy tours, trials and tragedy dogged her through marriage, motherhood, and widowhood. But God was there with her through every sorrow and every joy.
This story of unshakeable hope and faith will inspire readers to turn to God and trust his faithfulness.
Chonda Pierce has a white-knuckle faith—the kind you almost dare to have taken from you. And she wants her readers to share her unapologetic courage to hope—as well as a few laughs along the way.
A stand-up comedian beloved for her combination of feisty wit and Southern charm, Pierce knows all too well that life is funny—until it’s not. But she also knows that it will become funny again. She’s held on to that hope—and that promise—through tragedy and triumph.
And now she’s finally ready to tell her full story.
In Life Is Funny until It’s Not , Pierce recounts a preacher’s daughter’s childhood filled with heartbreak, including abuse, her parents’ divorce, and the sudden deaths of her two sisters in the span of two years. Even after she achieved success in her comedy tours, trials and tragedy dogged her through marriage, motherhood, and widowhood. But God was there with her through every sorrow and every joy.
This story of unshakeable hope and faith will inspire readers to turn to God and trust his faithfulness.
Chonda Pierce has a white-knuckle faith—the kind you almost dare to have taken from you. And she wants her readers to share her unapologetic courage to hope—as well as a few laughs along the way.
- GenresMemoir
256 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2024
38 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 24, 2024
Just finished it and wow! First of all, props to her for being so open, honest and raw about so many parts of her life. I have been a fan of hers for years and always enjoyed her storytelling version of comedy in her shows and on DVDs. This book is like a “peak behind the curtain” into many of the untold stories of her life. She’s very brave. I highly recommend this book to her current fans but more than that, to anyone who has had experienced enough bumps in the road to appreciate a candid approach to life.
May 15, 2024
Touching! I’m still crying!
Oh my gosh! This raw hones book truly touched my heart! I’ve been a Chonda fan for about 20 years; her story of depression resonated with my own and her dvds describing it were healing for me. She divulges some heart-breaking context for some of her most difficult moments, a lot of them I had read snippets of in her other books and dvds. But I found such a sweet treasure in her story-telling, wrapping up her brokenness together with the faithfulness and love of her Savior for her which helped in her healing. I found myself wiping away my tears of compassion and empathy all thru the book, and was saying “amen” every time she lifted high the name of Jesus and His grace and mercy. This book was different than her former books in a way I can’t quite put my finger on except that it was her best work! I felt so close to her and felt that very similar feeling of recognizing His grace in my own life of brokenness. God is all over the pages of this book, weaving Himself into all those dark, painful pages, and is lifted high for His loving sufficiency for every part of her broken life-our broken lives! Thank you for sharing, Chonda! It blessed me profoundly!
Oh my gosh! This raw hones book truly touched my heart! I’ve been a Chonda fan for about 20 years; her story of depression resonated with my own and her dvds describing it were healing for me. She divulges some heart-breaking context for some of her most difficult moments, a lot of them I had read snippets of in her other books and dvds. But I found such a sweet treasure in her story-telling, wrapping up her brokenness together with the faithfulness and love of her Savior for her which helped in her healing. I found myself wiping away my tears of compassion and empathy all thru the book, and was saying “amen” every time she lifted high the name of Jesus and His grace and mercy. This book was different than her former books in a way I can’t quite put my finger on except that it was her best work! I felt so close to her and felt that very similar feeling of recognizing His grace in my own life of brokenness. God is all over the pages of this book, weaving Himself into all those dark, painful pages, and is lifted high for His loving sufficiency for every part of her broken life-our broken lives! Thank you for sharing, Chonda! It blessed me profoundly!
May 14, 2024
About the Book:
One of America’s funniest women opens up in this real and raw memoir, encouraging readers to face life’s trials with unshakeable faith and joy.
A stand-up comedian beloved for her combination of feisty wit and Southern charm, Pierce knows all too well that life is funny—until it’s not. But she also knows that it will become funny again. She’s held on to that hope—and that promise—through tragedy and triumph.
And now she’s finally ready to tell her full story.
In Life Is Funny until It’s Not , Pierce recounts a preacher’s daughter’s childhood filled with heartbreak, including abuse, her parents’ divorce, and the sudden deaths of her two sisters in the span of two years. Even after she achieved success in her comedy tours, trials and tragedy dogged her through marriage, motherhood, and widowhood. But God was there with her through every sorrow and every joy.
This story of unshakeable hope and faith will inspire readers to turn to God and trust his faithfulness.
Chonda Pierce has a white-knuckle faith—the kind you almost dare to have taken from you. And she wants her readers to share her unapologetic courage to hope—as well as a few laughs along the way.
My Review:
Oh my Gosh, y'all!!!!! Loved reading about Chonda. Amazing lady that has had some hard obstacles thrown in her path and with grace she has overcome each and every one of them. By reading her words you will see it was definitely a hard road. But with God's help--she did it! I loved reading about the "good old days". What I also loved about the book was it was like Chonda was literally there telling me the story. I could just imagine her telling me everything instead of me reading it in a book.
I know she has had some definite downturns in life and I dont want to spoil everything by mentioning them here. but she has tried her best to move on from the ashes and rebuild. And because she has, we get to benefit from that. Great book, Ms Chonda! I'm still your biggest fan!
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
One of America’s funniest women opens up in this real and raw memoir, encouraging readers to face life’s trials with unshakeable faith and joy.
A stand-up comedian beloved for her combination of feisty wit and Southern charm, Pierce knows all too well that life is funny—until it’s not. But she also knows that it will become funny again. She’s held on to that hope—and that promise—through tragedy and triumph.
And now she’s finally ready to tell her full story.
In Life Is Funny until It’s Not , Pierce recounts a preacher’s daughter’s childhood filled with heartbreak, including abuse, her parents’ divorce, and the sudden deaths of her two sisters in the span of two years. Even after she achieved success in her comedy tours, trials and tragedy dogged her through marriage, motherhood, and widowhood. But God was there with her through every sorrow and every joy.
This story of unshakeable hope and faith will inspire readers to turn to God and trust his faithfulness.
Chonda Pierce has a white-knuckle faith—the kind you almost dare to have taken from you. And she wants her readers to share her unapologetic courage to hope—as well as a few laughs along the way.
My Review:
Oh my Gosh, y'all!!!!! Loved reading about Chonda. Amazing lady that has had some hard obstacles thrown in her path and with grace she has overcome each and every one of them. By reading her words you will see it was definitely a hard road. But with God's help--she did it! I loved reading about the "good old days". What I also loved about the book was it was like Chonda was literally there telling me the story. I could just imagine her telling me everything instead of me reading it in a book.
I know she has had some definite downturns in life and I dont want to spoil everything by mentioning them here. but she has tried her best to move on from the ashes and rebuild. And because she has, we get to benefit from that. Great book, Ms Chonda! I'm still your biggest fan!
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
June 28, 2024
I have followed Chonda Pierce for a number of years. The concert I went to in the 90s was unforgettable. I was deeply touched by her story and by her ability to see the humor and irony in her story -- and also communicated the heartbreaking tragedy of her youth. Chonda does a great job of telling her story in the book. She doesn't sugar coat any of the trauma and tragedy of her early years.
In fact, Chonda is quite transparent about her journey through the seasons of her life. All the ups and downs and is willing to pull the curtain back on what was wonderful, what was hard, and what was just plain tragic. But by the grace of God, there is no reason Chonda Pierce should be a healthy, functioning woman, after all the "stuff" she's gone through. Truly a testimony of God's love and grace extended to His daughter, which she extends to those of us fortunate enough to come into her orbit for a time.
In fact, Chonda is quite transparent about her journey through the seasons of her life. All the ups and downs and is willing to pull the curtain back on what was wonderful, what was hard, and what was just plain tragic. But by the grace of God, there is no reason Chonda Pierce should be a healthy, functioning woman, after all the "stuff" she's gone through. Truly a testimony of God's love and grace extended to His daughter, which she extends to those of us fortunate enough to come into her orbit for a time.
August 4, 2024
If you want to relive your experience with a loved one’s manic depressive effects on your own life, then go ahead and read this book. I so greatly enjoyed Chanda’s first ever published book that I decided to read them all. But Ihad to stop on page 10 or so when I began to cry. I still have PTSD moments of my experiences and my dr taught me to remove myself from such triggers, so I had to stop reading this book. She already wrote about her dad in her first book. Why she felt that 30 years later it would be a good idea to reveal even more deeply the details of his sins against her family and in particular her is beyond me. I will put this book published in 2024 in my donation box. Maybe someone else needs to be reminded.
October 15, 2025
This book by a Christian comic looks at the author's life. The reader learns of the hardships in her family, and while growing up. Chonda's father was a preacher but he also suffered from bi-polar issues. She was the middle daughter with an older brother and sister, and a younger sister. When she married the love of her life at a young age she thought her world was secure. But her husband's lack of self confidence, and his alcoholism added to the fact that she made more money than he did were not the makings for a solid marriage. As the reader learns more about this woman you see what a struggle her life has been and you marvel at her ability to do comedy and do it well. I gave this book a 4.3 stars. It is a good read.
June 13, 2025
I’ve loved Chonda Pierce for decades. She’s one of the funniest women comics around. I’d read her book, Laughing in the Dark, and thought I knew about her life. But this book is a “tell-all,” and I’ll be honest, some things I’d rather not have known. BUT, this book moved me in so many ways. When she was going alphabetically through gospel songs and came to “ What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” it brought tears to my eyes. So many other revelations she came to through her tellings just touched me. She went through a lot, but she came through it with Jesus!
June 11, 2024
Beloved Christian comic, Chandra Pierce, reveals her feisty wit and Southern charm in her memoir, Life is Funny Until It’s Not (2024). Comedian Chondra’s many challenges—rascal father, deaths of sisters, crooked career managers, and her own inner demons—are framed in stories of love, loss, and lunacy, as her subtitle suggests. You’ll smile, you’ll cry, and you may even belly laugh, especially near the end when you read about the mayhem with family plots in the cemetery.
November 18, 2024
I am not sure what compelled me to pick this book up. Before reading it, I had never heard of Chonda Pierce. However, I am so glad that I did. This woman's story was full of impact and honesty. She gave a powerful testimony! I admire her for being able to put her story out in the open. I can't wait to read another by Chonda and maybe check out a show sometime. She definitely gained a new fan. (:
4/5
Found: Hoopla
4/5
Found: Hoopla
July 28, 2024
Thank you, Chonda Pierce, for writing such a heartfelt and open view of your life. Parts of your story touched my heart. I think we all feel depressed and hurt when life does not go as we plan or when unexpected events happen. God does have a plan for each of us, but what is it? One does have to go on in life, though. Thank you for opening up your life and letting people in!
September 23, 2024
I laughed, I cried, I was triggered… but this book has brought to light pieces of myself that have started to heal as well as those pieces I have buried in the dark for far too long. But mainly, it has shown me I am not alone. Thank you Chonda for your bravery- from one pastors kid to another- thank you!
June 23, 2024
Absolutely real!
Chonda shared the good, the bad and the ugly. Her story touched my heart. I've seen her in person years ago, never knowing so much of what she wrote in this book. She's a hero.
Chonda shared the good, the bad and the ugly. Her story touched my heart. I've seen her in person years ago, never knowing so much of what she wrote in this book. She's a hero.
July 4, 2024
Great book
This book had me laughing one minute and crying the next. Chonda you are one tough lady. Thank you for sharing your life and for the honesty and rawness of it. I truly admire you and your faith. What a beautifully written book.
This book had me laughing one minute and crying the next. Chonda you are one tough lady. Thank you for sharing your life and for the honesty and rawness of it. I truly admire you and your faith. What a beautifully written book.
September 6, 2024
I loved this book!! Chonda always cracks me up, leaves me in tears, convicts me, and then cracks me up some more. I love how open and honest she is in the book, allowing us to see deep inside her soul. The things she's been through just blow my mind!
October 7, 2024
Just WOW! I had not idea Chonda had been through all of this. I can so relate to much of her story. I could not put this book down! Thank you for your candid words and vulnerability. I’m recommending this book to all my reader friends!
December 12, 2024
3.5/5⭐️
had never heard of chonda before reading this & have conflicting thoughts on how i felt about this book… multiple traumatic events in her life but i felt detached from it (like she was)… happy she is finding the joy in life!
had never heard of chonda before reading this & have conflicting thoughts on how i felt about this book… multiple traumatic events in her life but i felt detached from it (like she was)… happy she is finding the joy in life!
July 21, 2025
To be honest, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this….based on the title, it didn’t pull me in. However, once I read the first chapter, I was hooked. I had to know what happened!
Chonda has a witty demeanor and she is honest and kind. I’m so glad to know a little more of her personal story.
Chonda has a witty demeanor and she is honest and kind. I’m so glad to know a little more of her personal story.
May 13, 2024
Incredible story of love & loss and trusting God no matter how hard the journey is.
June 16, 2024
Loved this book!
This is the 1st book I have read written by Chondra Pierce and I loved it. I will be reading more that she has written. Totally recommend.
This is the 1st book I have read written by Chondra Pierce and I loved it. I will be reading more that she has written. Totally recommend.
August 13, 2024
It amazes me that with everything that she went through, she still managed to find laughter through the pain. I enjoyed the book!
January 1, 2025
I’m reminded throughout this book that laughter and faith are the things to cling to until our final days.
January 8, 2025
This is an autobiography that is really worth reading.
February 16, 2025
Difficult topics discussed by this sweet funny lady. Men claiming to serve God have a lot to answer for.
March 23, 2025
Have tissues handy!
June 28, 2025
Chonda spills her life story in her wonderful Chonda way with humor and sad truth. I was touched emotionally and spiritually by this book.
Read
November 17, 2025She was funny and good to see at an event.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews