Turning Gut Punches into Punch Lines: A Comedian's Journey Through Cancer, Divorce and Other Hilarious Stuff (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780983025030)

In 2023, veteran stand-up comedian and motivational humorist Greg Schwem found himself a member of a fast-rising demographic: The "Gray Divorcee." Married for 29 years but suddenly alone and facing an unfamiliar world where mates meet via iPhone apps, income is earned through "gig work" and a cocktail takes 10 minutes to produce, Schwem embraces this new lifestyle via a combination of humor and bewilderment. He drives for Uber, scans packages for Amazon during the Christmas rush and feels a surge of pride knowing he has been "Super-swiped" on Bumble.

All while continuing his career as a corporate speaker HuffPost called "Your boss's favorite comedian." Then he receives a cancer diagnosis. After years of helping others find happiness by laughing at life's twists and turns, Schwem realizes he must do the same for himself. Desperate not to let health woes or uncertainty deter him, Schwem discovers laughing at life's revolving door of challenges, and emerging happy, is more important than fame, money, or anything produced by Artificial Intelligence.

Written in locations throughout the world, Schwem spent nearly two years being, as he described it, "the least interesting person in the room" while on his personal journey to health, happiness and humor. That included meeting new friends, losing old ones and realizing it's never too late for reinvention and new experiences. Some observations from the book:

Round the world cruises - They are becoming quite popular, with multiple lines offering them and the itineraries becoming lengthier until, I feel, one line will add a day in space providing everybody can be back on board by early dinner seating.

Rideshare employment - If you are not currently incarcerated, you are qualified to drive for Uber.

Divorce - It's friends responding with "I'm sorry...or congratulations." It's detecting a hint of envy and admiration in some of their voices.

One reader, who is not even a friend or family member, and who received no monetary compensation for his review, summed up Greg's book perfectly:

Told with brutal honesty, and incredible wit and humor, Greg Schwem gives a few life lessons and reminds us what's truly important. Possibly the best book I've read all year!