Synopsis
In his keenly observed graphic memoir celebrated cartoonist Julia Wertz chronicles her haphazard attempts at sobriety and the relentlessly challenging, surprisingly funny, and occasionally absurd cycle of addiction and recovery.
Opening at the culmination of a disastrous trip to Puerto Rico, the first page of Impossible People finds Julia standing stupefied in the middle of the jungle beside a rental Jeep she's just crashed. From this moment, the story flashes back to the beginning of her five-year journey towards sobriety that includes group therapy sessions, relapses, an ill-fated relationship, terrible dates, and an unceremonious eviction from her New York City apartment.
Far from the typical addiction narrative that follows an upward trajectory from rock bottom to rehab to recovery, Impossible People portrays the lesser told but more common story: That the road to recover is not always linear. With unflinching honesty, Wertz details the arduous, frustrating, and hilarious story of trying and failing and trying again.
NPR Books We Love
San Francisco Chronicle Favorite Books of the Year
Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year
Library Journal Best Books of the Year
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Julia Wertz is a professional cartoonist, amateur historian, and part-time urban explorer. Her books include The Fart Party, Museum of Mistakes, Drinking at the Movies, The Infinite Wait and Other Stories, and Tenements, Towers, & Trash: An Unconventional, Illustrated History of New York City. She does monthly comics and doodles for the New Yorker and the New York Times. After leaving New York City, she settled down in Northern California with Oliver (yes, that Oliver) and their son, Felix.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story
Seller Image
Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story
Seller: Greenway, Chattanooga, TN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Very good condition. In very clean condition. Ships quickly. Seller Inventory # 225753
Seller Image
Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story
Seller: Greenway, Chattanooga, TN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Good condition. Dust Jacket Condition: Good condition. Cover shows some wear & tear; clean inside. Ships quickly. Seller Inventory # 225755
Stock Image
Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story
Seller: Roundabout Books, Greenfield, MA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Condition Notes: Clean, unmarked copy with some edge wear. Good binding. Dust jacket included if issued with one. We ship in recyclable American-made mailers. 100% money-back guarantee on all orders. Seller Inventory # 1766087
Stock Image
Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00105516152
Stock Image
Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story
Seller: HPB Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_472332538
Stock Image
Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story
Published by
Black Dog & Leventhal (edition ), 2023
ISBN 10: 0762468254
ISBN 13: 9780762468256
Used
Hardcover
Seller: BooksRun, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting. Seller Inventory # 0762468254-8-1
Stock Image
Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story
Seller: MusicMagpie, Stockport, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. 1781446359. 6/14/2026 2:12:39 PM. Seller Inventory # U9780762468256
Buy Used
US$ 14.64
US$ 7.33 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story
Seller: Textbooks_Source, Columbia, MO, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Good. Ships in a BOX from Central Missouri! May not include working access code. Will not include dust jacket. Has used sticker(s) and some writing or highlighting. UPS shipping for most packages, (Priority Mail for AK/HI/APO/PO Boxes). Seller Inventory # 011626100U
Stock Image
Impossible People : A Completely Average Recovery Story
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 50150017-6
Stock Image
Impossible People Format: Hardback - Paper Over Boards
Seller: INDOO, Avenel, NJ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Unread copy in mint condition. Seller Inventory # TW9780762468256