"Here’s the Deal…                                       Don’t Touch Me!” 
by HOWIE MANDEL

Review #125 
A Memoir

In this reflective autobiography, written with extraordinary honesty and passion. Actor, comedian and game show host, Howie Mandel, alternates between funny anecdotes and stories of intense personal problems. He opens with a description of his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the situations in his Toronto childhood that shaped his comedy career. On top of the OCD, Mandel also has Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a severe germ phobia.

Early in his life, Mandel developed what he calls "Obsessive Prankster Disorder," a need to stage elaborate practical jokes, some amusing…some not so amusing…some would even say cruel at times! (Ex: He was expelled from high school for impersonating a member of the school board and signing a construction company to make an addition to his school.) Mandel also describes how mental disorders and medical crises have impacted his career, and balances his triumphs with lengthy surveys of failed performances.

In 1980, after appearing in local comedy clubs for a couple of years and, despite little other experience, Mandel left Canada for Los Angeles to pursue stand-up comedy, where he eventually moved from the clubs to cable specials, an album and numerous late-night talk show appearances, success he parlayed into film roles and a 6-year stint on NBC hospital drama, “St. Elsewhere”. He had several TV shows before being asked to host “Deal or No Deal” in 2005. He is also, a panelist judge on the "America Has Talent" TV program.

This is an interesting book even though there were times when I didn't like HIM very much!
Warning: This book contains language and a few references you may find offensive.

(The audio book is read by Howie Mandel…in 4 hours)