Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Jerusalem Syndrome | 2001 | Marc Maron | Buy |
| 2 | Attempting Normal | 2013 | Marc Maron | Buy |
| 3 | Waiting for the Punch | 2017 | Marc Maron | Buy |
Marc Maron’s three nonfiction books trace his evolution from struggling stand-up comedian to one of the most recognized voices in podcasting. The Jerusalem Syndrome (2001) is a raw account of his early career, his failed marriages, and his battles with drugs and alcohol. It was written before his podcast success and reads as the work of a comic who had not yet found his audience.
Attempting Normal (2013) came after WTF had made Maron famous again, and its essays are looser and funnier, covering everything from cat ownership to encounters with his heroes. Waiting for the Punch (2017) takes a different approach, organizing excerpts from WTF interviews by life topic to create a collaborative book about the human experience as told by comedians, actors, and musicians.