Tig Notaro's Comedic Catharsis

In 2012, comedian Tig Notaro experienced the worst period of her life. She was diagnosed with a rare intestinal disease that nearly killed her. Her mother died unexpectedly. She went through a painful breakup. Then, nine days before a show, she discovered she had Stage II bilateral breast cancer. Notaro went onstage anyway, opening with the risky line: "Hello. Good evening. Hello. I have cancer; how are you?" The bit went viral and catapulted her career. With the same wry humor and honesty that made her a star, Notaro's new memoir, I'm Just a Person (Ecco), chronicles her darkest moments as well as the light she found on her way out of the tunnel. And, as with the best comedy, it's not just about fighting pain with laughter -- it's about love, strength, and the very stuff that makes us human.

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