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 shaped his life and career. Howie Mandel is one of the most recognizable names in entertainment–respected by his peers and beloved by audiences as the host of the enormously popular prime-time game show Deal or No Deal. With a career that spans three decades and many different show-business platforms–he’s a renowned stand-up comedian who continues to perform more than 150 sold-out shows a year, he created the award-winning TV show Bobby’s World, he’s starred in feature films and the hit TV series St. Elsewhere, and he’s also hosted his own daytime talk show–he’s one of the most versatile performers anywhere. But there are aspects of his personal and professional life he’s never talked about publicly–until now. Eleven years ago, Mandel first told the world about his “germophobia.” He’s recently started discussing his adult ADHD as well. Now, for the first time, he reveals the details of his struggle with these challenging disorders. He catalogs his numerous fears and neuroses and shares entertaining stories about how he has tried to integrate them into his act. “If I’m making myself laugh,” he writes, “then I’m distracted from all the other things going on in my head that are, at times, torturous.” And he speaks frankly and honestly about the ways his condition has affected his personal life–as a son, husband, and father of three. Fans who’ve been dying to know “the deal” behind Mandel’s remarkable rise through the show-business ranks will be rewarded with many never-before-told anecdotes, each one generously leavened with Mandel’s trademark humor. There are tales from every phase of his colorful career–from his early days as a teenage carpet salesman and aspiring stand-up comic to his stint opening for Diana Ross, his six years on St. Elsewhere, and beyond. As heartfelt as it is hilarious, Here’s the Deal: Don’t Touch Me is the story of one man’s effort to draw comic inspiration out of his darkest, most vulnerable places. It’s sure to please Howie Mandel’s legion of fans–and provide hope to the millions who strive to succeed in spite of OCD and ADHD.
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"This was absolutely hilarious!! I loved his story and the humor that he uses to face every day. I think if I knew him he would drive me crazy, but to read his story was quite entertaining. And I love that he gives a face to a problem that so many suffer from. Highly recommend!"
— Anna (5 out of 5 stars)
" I have to say, I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. It's written well, and I read it fairly quickly. Entertaining. "
— Katie, 2/14/2014" I am not a fan of Howie Mandel's comedy, so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed listening to his memoir on audio. Though I am not particularly intersted in him or his career, I found myself enjoying his stories of growing up OCD, his prankster antics, and his relationship with his wife. He was very engaging and honest in the book, and his personality really came through in the audio book. If you are looking for somethig to pass the time while driving or working out, I recommend "Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me." "
— Erin, 2/11/2014" This book talks about Howie's OCD, adult ADHD, and how he got started in comedy. It was really interesting, and quite humorous! At times, I laughed out loud but at the same time, I thought "man, he can be a prick!" I really enjoyed it. "
— Stacy, 2/5/2014" Not funny and pretty much a bore. Poorly written and I wonder why I kept reading? Don't waste your time on this one! "
— Chelsea, 1/22/2014" What a funny book. Some of his stories were truly unbelievable. I was getting nervous for him just reading it. "
— Joan, 1/22/2014" I LOVE this guy!!! :) "
— Kelsey, 1/4/2014" This was a very excellent read especially for anyone who works in the mental health field. "
— Trish, 12/31/2013" Very well written with a mix of humor on a very serious subject. It opened my eyes to the problem some of my family and friends have experienced. "
— Rick, 11/30/2013" I feel bad for that dude! He's such a goof-ball. Very good insight to his life. I would have never known. Awesome and funny! "
— Jenny, 10/21/2013" He's not the greatest of writers, but this book paints a picture of who Howie Mandel is. "
— Andie, 9/11/2013" I was pleasantly surprise by this book. It was sad & funny at the same time. I liked it. "
— Jenefer, 8/26/2013" There are a few laugh out loud stories which make this book worth reading "
— Zoe, 5/24/2013" average. it has it's funny moments but nothing great literary wise. language (i mean, it's howie mandel). "
— Kara, 5/16/2013" This was a fascinating insight into living with OCD and ADHD, but some of it was grating and overwrought. "
— Margaret, 3/22/2013" Funny and honest. Made me laugh out loud in places. Still a cutie! "
— Jerilyn, 2/14/2013" loving this book so far. love the fact that he will write f--- instead of the real word, which is nice. "
— Clistyb, 10/4/2012" Howie is so funny and honest. Great read, just don't touch him! "
— Laura, 6/23/2012" After reading this book, you really get a feeling of who Howie Mandel is. The struggles, the positives, the negatives, etc... After I read this I knew so much Howie facts that I had my friend quiz me! LOL! And I answered every question right :) This is a truly awesome book! "
— Chris, 6/20/2012" I thought this book was interesting. Parts of it were very funny, other parts were kind of scary. I do think it was pretty courageous of Howie Mandel to write about his own mental illness. "
— Ritawendy, 5/13/2012" I like Howie Mandel. I don't know if we would trade jokes or if I would punch him in the face. But regardless this is an interesting and fun read. "
— Ed, 4/2/2012" He kind of has a mean sense of humor. It was nice to read about him though since I just saw him at America's got talent. Not much about OCD though. "
— Heather, 3/17/2012" Howie Mandel had to be brave to write this book. He tells things he did that are mortifying, mean and cruel. They aren't even funny. But it sure gives an insight into him! Parts of this book were laugh out loud funny, and I enjoyed it! "
— Carrie, 12/3/2011" It's never going to be considered a work of literary genius. But, for what it is - a candid and often funny glimpse into Howie's life-, it's pretty dang interesting. "
— Cristen, 10/14/2011" GREAT book. Not enough memoirs touching on OCD and he really gives a good insight for those who have not dealt with it. "
— Covermonkey, 5/19/2011" I was a little disappointed...I was hoping to learn more about his OCD issues. Although that was the undertone for all his "decisions" throughout his career, the book was really more about his career. "
— Andrea, 4/27/2011" This book made me laugh out loud. "
— Robert, 4/7/2011" He kind of has a mean sense of humor. It was nice to read about him though since I just saw him at America's got talent. Not much about OCD though. "
— Heather, 3/16/2011" Not a bad book but it was a bit all over the place and Howie's sense of humour= not my sense of humour... "
— Brittany, 3/3/2011" You have to wonder with his propensity to joke is all of this really true? Fun and interesting I've always been curious about his OCD. "
— Yiotula, 2/16/2011" Wow i laughed so hard in several parts of this book... I could relate to his fears of germs and his ADHD.<br/>Great book about his up bringing and how he finally got to where he is today . "
— Heather, 2/1/2011" There were a few laugh out loud moments, but not enough to give it three stars. "
— Kevin, 1/16/2011" I really enjoyed this book. It's not something I would have ever picked to read but I'm glad I did. "
— Jen, 1/7/2011" I LOVED this book. I understand more about OCD and ADHD now. This book made me laugh a lot. "
— Ajs, 1/4/2011" You will fall on the floor laughing. What a fun book to read. "
— Angela, 12/24/2010" Mental candy. Mostly documents his severe OCD, pranks on relatives and comedic ventures, and his rise to a game show host. Interestingly, only 10 pages covering his most notable gig that earned his most recent fame (out of 211). Laughed out loud several times. "
— James, 12/15/2010" Liked him a lot less After reading this. Offensive language throughout. "
— Bev, 11/28/2010Howie Mandel is a Canadian comedian, actor, television host, and voice actor. He is well known as host of the NBC game show Deal or No Deal. Before his career as a game show host, Mandel was best known for his role as rowdy ER intern Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere. He is also known for being the creator and star of the children’s cartoon Bobby’s World.
Josh Young’s work has appeared in Entertainment Weekly, George, Talk, Esquire and the New York Times.