I read this book because my Boston Asian book club chose it for our February read. It was cute in a way! I felt like I did learn some interesting tidbI read this book because my Boston Asian book club chose it for our February read. It was cute in a way! I felt like I did learn some interesting tidbits related to romance, like how decades ago people tended to meet their romantic partners through close geographical proximity (e.g., living in the same apartment) which has changed now with online dating. The issue of having “too many” options living in a city made sense to me too (so maybe it’s not just patriarchy’s socialization of men and white supremacy that’s made me romantically single for all of my life, but also living in predominantly urban environments?? intriguing!)
One glaring limitation of this book is the lack of discussion of amatonormativity. I find it almost laughable to write an entire book about romance without discussing heteronormativity and amatonormativity and how they shape the prevalence of romance and the wedding industrial complex in our society. Aziz Ansari kind of almost barely touches on this through mentioning that women’s increased economic power made it so they didn’t have to marry men to access financial security.
I also found a couple of small statements in the book… annoying in a mosquito bite-y sort of way. For example, Ansari makes a joke about having an “Indian stalker” and I was kind of eye-rolling about the stalker being Indian, like why do you have to implicate your own race (and it made me think of this broader criticism of Ansari and his lifting up of white women over women of color). And in another section of the book he implies that a man he meets isn’t a “stud” because he’s on the shorter side. Yawn! Where are our critical thinking hats in regard to desirability and gender norms??
I wouldn’t recommend this book though at least the writing was accessible and easy to read. I’m going to be taking notes *for sure* at my next book club meeting especially if anyone actually liked the book lol o_o If anyone is interested, I also write about amatonormativity on my blog....more
Overall I enjoyed this book! I liked how Elaine Hsieh Chou directly confronts topics of internalized racism and the racist underpinnings of Asian womaOverall I enjoyed this book! I liked how Elaine Hsieh Chou directly confronts topics of internalized racism and the racist underpinnings of Asian woman/white man relationships. I notice people, including fellow Asian Americans, often get defensive and reactive surrounding these issues and it felt refreshing to see a writer address these topics in a holistic and history-informed way. Furthermore, I appreciated seeing our protagonist Ingrid Yang’s growth from someone with a ton of internalized racism into someone who feels more comfortable and interested in fellow Asian Americans. By the end of the book she’s more on her way to contributing to social justice instead of hampering it, thankfully.
I had mixed feelings about the satirical narration of the book. First, I felt that Stephen Greene (Ingrid’s Japan-loving, fetishizing white boyfriend) wasn’t too helpful of a character. While I totally know white people who do fetishize Asian people and I recognize that that’s important to address, I’m concerned that readers might miss the nuance that internalized racism can underlie your attraction to white people *even if the white people aren’t explicitly problematic*. Second, this book really does center whiteness. I see how this book is important for Asian Americans with internalized racism and who want to disentangle themselves from whiteness. However, I hope more books can come out that center Asian Americans without white people being involved at all, similar to the television show Insecure that focuses on the complex, humorous lives on Black millennial adults. Then we can explore deeper topics within the Asian diaspora outside of whiteness. Kelly Loy Gilbert’s young-adult novels When We Were Infinite and Picture Us in the Light stand out to me as examples of Asian American books that center on Asian Americans without undue attention to white people.
An intriguing book that I could see eliciting engaging discussion. Not gonna lie, I really vibed with Vivian Vo and Alex, Eunice’s sister. I did laugh a few times, like when Vivian shares that she’s writing an article “Still Thirsty: Why Boba Liberalism Will Not Save Us” (LOL). Curious what other folks think of this one!...more
A funny and real essay collection! I liked how Phoebe Robinson inserts so much of her genuine voice into these essays that cover a wide range of topicA funny and real essay collection! I liked how Phoebe Robinson inserts so much of her genuine voice into these essays that cover a wide range of topics. My favorite parts of the book included the ones that focused on her choice to remain childfree, the importance of investing in Black narratives aside from those that solely about Black pain and anti-Black racism, and her wrestling with her natural hair within the historical and sociopolitical context of Black women’s hair. I also appreciated her tidbits centering her friendship with her best friend Mai. A few of the other essays felt a bit more meandering and unfocused (e.g., the essay about quarantining with her boyfriend or the one about dating a British person), however if you do not feel critical of that type of writing you may even enjoy those essays as well....more
Vulnerable and real, this book made other people laugh but had me amused at best. I just do not know if I have the capacity to find books funny? Like,Vulnerable and real, this book made other people laugh but had me amused at best. I just do not know if I have the capacity to find books funny? Like, I do not think I have ever given a "humor" book five stars. Still, I appreciate what Samantha Irby does with We Are Never Meeting in Real Life: she uses her unique voice to talk about issues like fatphobia, mental health among black women, messy relationships, and more. Overall, recommended to people who want a humorous read that may prioritize potential for laughs over depth of insight.
Also, I did chuckle at the line when she asks her partner "has anyone in the patriarchy oppressed you lately?" before having sex with her. Because I would totally do that, too....more
A lighthearted and sincere memoir by Trevor Noah, a South African comedian and current host of The Daily Show. In Born a Crime, Noah details his experA lighthearted and sincere memoir by Trevor Noah, a South African comedian and current host of The Daily Show. In Born a Crime, Noah details his experience growing up in apartheid South Africa, where his parents - a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss father - committed an illegal act just by conceiving him. Throughout this memoir, Noah shares many funny coming-of-age stories, ranging from his awkward first romantic encounters with girls as well as how he once set a neighbor's house on fire. While he maintains a jocular tone throughout the book, he also delves into more serious topics, such as the racism and discrimination he faced and witnessed as a child, the negative effects of colonialism on South Africa, and his mother's abusive second husband. This quote captures the concept of "the black tax," and it features just one slice of how much Noah cherishes and commemorates his mother in Born a Crime:
"So many black families spend all of their time trying to fix the problems of the past. That is the curse of being black and poor, and it is a curse that follows you from generation to generation. My mother calls it 'the black tax.' Because the generations who came before you have been pillaged, rather than being free to use your skills and education to move forward, you lose everything just trying to bring everyone behind you back up to zero. Working for the family in Soweto, my mom had no more freedom than she'd had in Transkei, so she ran away. She ran all the way down to the train station and jumped on a train and disappeared into the city, determined to sleep in public restrooms and rely on the kindness of prostitutes until she could make her own way in the world."
I only have a couple of criticisms of Born a Crime. Its structure felt a bit disorienting, as Noah jumps back and forth in time without any real reason for doing so. This jumbled chronology, while not super appealing, does leave room for another book by Noah, as he does not explore his comedic career in depth. His consistently cheerful tone also did not sit well with me at times. While Noah may just be a generally bubbly and optimistic person - which I respect a lot, considering the hardships he's overcome - there were chapters in which I wanted more introspection, more nuance, and more emotional vulnerability. For example, the last chapter that focused on his mother's abusive relationship moved me, but it felt odd that all of those events got squeezed into one sequence at the end, when they could have been woven in throughout the book.
Overall, a great memoir from an important voice in society today. Recommended to fans of Trevor Noah, to those who like coming-of-age stories, and to those who do not mind a lighter memoir with more humor than melancholy. Glad to see so many Goodreads folk getting into this one. ...more
Any book that makes depression a humorous subject without glamorizing or trivializing it deserves an award. Allie Brosh's chapters on mental illness, Any book that makes depression a humorous subject without glamorizing or trivializing it deserves an award. Allie Brosh's chapters on mental illness, motivations, and thoughts and feelings all made me laugh out loud. The combination of crude drawings and self-deprecating insight just took my breath away (in the form of giggles).
Overall, I would have given Hyperbole and a Half a higher rating if I found stories about dogs or geese funny. While not a life-changing or deep read, this book showcases Brosh's talent in storytelling and in comedy. Would recommend to fans of graphic novels and lighthearted humor....more
A light, humorous, and overall forgettable memoir about Mindy Kaling's upbringing and her success as an actress and television writer. The content ranA light, humorous, and overall forgettable memoir about Mindy Kaling's upbringing and her success as an actress and television writer. The content ranges from her childhood as a self-proclaimed chubby kid to her feelings about romantic comedies. Kaling injects humor into even ordinary anecdotes, and I even laughed aloud a couple of times (e.g., when she writes that she went to Dartmouth to pursue her love of white people and North Face parkas).
Overall, recommended to fans of Kaling and to those who feel curious about her life. Having never watched The Office (or much TV at all) I also received a decent amount of background about the show and its other stars. I do think that Kaling could have delved deeper into certain issues and could have conducted a more rigorous self-analysis, though perhaps we will read that in her next release, Why Not Me?...more
Let's Pretend This Never Happened acts as the autobiography of Jenny Lawson, better known as The Bloggess. She writes about various anecdotes, rangingLet's Pretend This Never Happened acts as the autobiography of Jenny Lawson, better known as The Bloggess. She writes about various anecdotes, ranging from her experience with a talking squirrel to her social anxiety issues at parties. Written in a stream-of-consciousness style, it will most likely please fans of her blog, as well as others who want a funny book to read.
While I liked Jenny Lawson's voice and her crazy life, I myself did not find Let's Pretend This Never Happened funny, which was the foundation of the book. It seemed like she was trying too hard, though I doubt this was the case; the humor felt forced and couldn't compare to Tina Fey's in Bossypants. Certain sections contained too much inanity that could have been edited down or removed entirely.
Overall, through her humor (that I'm sure some will adore) Lawson incorporates a few great themes in her autobiography. Here are a few words of wisdom I liked, and while I wouldn't recommend the book to everyone, it's worth checking out if you're intrigued by its synopsis.
"You are not defined by life's imperfect moment but by your reaction to them... There is joy in embracing - rather than running away screaming from - the utter absurdity of life."
"It is an impressively arrogant move to conclude that just because you don't like something, it is empirically not good. I don't like Chinese food, bu"It is an impressively arrogant move to conclude that just because you don't like something, it is empirically not good. I don't like Chinese food, but I don't write articles trying to prove it doesn't exist."
Tina Fey is an impressively intellectual woman. It is sad when people assume that just because a woman is beautiful or attractive, she cannot be smart or funny, and vice versa - because women like Tina Fey turn that stereotype upside down. In Bossypants, she shows her famous sense of humor, as well as her deeply developed thoughts on topics ranging from American beauty standards to the show business.
"Gay people don't actually try to convert people. That's Jehovah's Witnesses you're thinking of."
The best thing about this book is how Fey smoothly uses comedy to talk about pressing problems such as the struggles gays must overcome in contemporary society. I agreed with her take on almost everything she touched upon, and I loved how she was able to admit her own weaknesses and insecurities. It takes courage to display oneself in such a way, and Fey, especially in the ending of the book, revealed it all.
"I feel about Photoshop the way some people feel about abortion. It is appalling and a tragic reflection on the moral decay of society... unless I need it, in which case, everybody be cool."
I honestly did not know anything about Tina Fey before reading this book besides the fact that she had appeared on SNL (a show I don't regularly watch) and that she has imitated Sarah Palin. However, after reading this, I want to view more of her work. Biographies are usually not my thing, but I don't regret reading Bossypants one bit.
Stumbled upon a copy of this at Target and read it with my younger cousin. We had a good laugh over it, and now I've decided to add it to my GoodreadsStumbled upon a copy of this at Target and read it with my younger cousin. We had a good laugh over it, and now I've decided to add it to my Goodreads shelf to help me meet my reading goal for people interested in children's books. I am curious as to why someone would stuff a backpack full of underwear, and I'm also curious as to why a bear would proceed to try on the underwear (let's hope they're new) with his friends in the hope of finding the perfect fit. But, I suppose the book is for kids.
I can already imagine how much I'll enjoy this book once I'm a parent. Definitely worthy of the hype it's receiving.I can already imagine how much I'll enjoy this book once I'm a parent. Definitely worthy of the hype it's receiving....more
I wish I had enough money to buy every girl attending my high school a copy of Beauty Queens. Actually, I wish I had enough money to buy every girl frI wish I had enough money to buy every girl attending my high school a copy of Beauty Queens. Actually, I wish I had enough money to buy every girl from the age of 15 to 21 a copy of this book. I bow down to Libba Bray for pulling off such a crazy concept - a plane of beauty pageant contestants crash on an island - when it could have gone horribly wrong in the hands of a less competent author.
On the outside, Beauty Queens is about an ensemble of shallow, teenaged girls surviving on an island. But, just like the girls themselves, it offers much more. Bray tackles a wide array of tough subjects like male vs. female double standards and GLBT tolerance with skillful satire and impressive honesty.
Some books you read in silence. Beauty Queens isn't one of those books. Libba Bray holds nothing back in her upbraiding of the superficial nature of society, yet it never gets overwhelming - the humor in this book is wonderfully witty and refreshing. I laughed out loud so many times I regret not buying a copy so I could note when the funniest moments took place. Almost every other page contained a joke or wisecrack that made me smile, like when one contestant states the importance of aiding non-Americans after being asked her favorite color.
I probably haven't done this book justice, so I'll just tell you to go out and get a copy to read. ASAP. I had my doubts after reading and disliking Going Bovine by Bray, but Beauty Queens has placed her on my list of authors to watch out for. Definitely recommended.
I came into this book expecting the voice of a pretentious, self-indulgent white male, and I finished this book smirking along with this funny, pretenI came into this book expecting the voice of a pretentious, self-indulgent white male, and I finished this book smirking along with this funny, pretentious, and self-indulgent white male. I cannot judge David Sedaris as I do not know his true personality, but he portrays a quirky character in these essays. He reflects on concepts such as speech and family, and several of his pieces draw inspiration from his experience as an American living in France. While some of Sedaris's creative nonfiction - emphasis on the "fiction," according to several sources - veers into hollow and pompous territories, I still found myself chuckling as he detailed his struggle with his speech therapist and his thoughts on crossword puzzles.
My favorite essays include "Go Carolina," "21 Down," and "Picka Pocketoni," entertaining anecdotes in which Sedaris takes himself down a peg or two. I would recommend this collection if you enjoy snark and can stomach some pretentiousness along with your rants and your humor....more
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