Review: Tragedy Plus Time – Adam Cayton-Holland

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Meet the Magnificent Cayton-Hollands, a trio of brilliant, acerbic teenagers from Denver, Colorado, who were going to change the world. Anna, Adam, and Lydia were taught by their father, a civil rights lawyer, and mother, an investigative journalist, to recognize injustice and have their hearts open...

Meet the Magnificent Cayton-Hollands, a trio of brilliant, acerbic teenagers from Denver, Colorado, who were going to change the world. Anna, Adam, and Lydia were taught by their father, a civil rights lawyer, and mother, an investigative journalist, to recognize injustice and have their hearts open to the universe—the good, the bad, the heartbreaking (and, inadvertently, the anxiety-inducing and the obsessive-compulsive disorder-fueling).

Adam chose to meet life’s tough breaks and cruel realities with stand-up comedy; his older sister, Anna, chose law; while their youngest sister, Lydia, struggled to find her place in the world. Beautiful and whip-smart, Lydia was witty, extremely sensitive, fiercely stubborn, and always somewhat haunted. She and Adam bonded over comedy from a young age, running skits in their basement and obsessing over episodes of The Simpsons.

When Adam sunk into a deep depression in college, it was Lydia who was able to reach him and pull him out. But years later as Adam’s career takes off, Lydia’s own depression overtakes her, and, though he tries, Adam can’t return the favor. When she takes her own life, the family is devastated, and Adam throws himself into his stand-up, drinking, and rage. He struggles with disturbing memories of Lydia’s death and turns to EMDR therapy to treat his post-traumatic stress disorder when he realizes there’s a difference between losing and losing it.

Adam Cayton-Holland is a tremendously talented writer and comedian, uniquely poised to take readers to the edges of comedy and tragedy, brilliance and madness. Tragedy Plus Time is a revelatory, darkly funny, and poignant tribute to a lost sibling that will have you reaching for the phone to call your brother or sister by the last page.

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After reading the synopsis of this book, it took me a few days to start reading. As a person, that deals with depression and anxiety I knew this book might stir up some emotions for me. I was correct, but it stirred up emotions in a beautiful way.

This wasn’t only just a memoir, but it was a beautiful dedication to his sister. I felt so much love from Adam for his sister, family, and those close to him. I thank the author for opening up and being honest when it comes to mental illness. Mental illness is one of those things that people tend to sweep under the rug. Mental illness is REAL!!

Adam Cayton-Holland is also a comedian, so there are some funny moments in the book that made me giggle out loud. In the middle of reading the book, I headed to google to search for some of his comedy skits.

I can’t imagine going through what Adam experience and finding the courage to keep moving forward. He is an inspiration to me. I’m sure once you read this book – you will feel the same way. Tragedy + Time has taught me that even though tragedy may visit us from time to time – we will carry that love forever.

Tragedy + Time is one of my favorite reads of 2018!

Reviewed by: Orsayor

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