This review is for the audio version of this book. As a public service announcement, I recommend that you check in with your local library to see if they support OneClickdigital or other apps that let you download audiobooks to your smartphone via library membership. I have listened to a lot of hot bestsellers this way for free! Free!
This book has been reviewed at least a few times on this site already. While Why Not Me? was less expansive than her first book, I found myself laughing out loud more in this one. I also appreciated the essays and advice in the back half of the book. The complexity of Mindy Kaling is what I like the most about her. She contains multitudes. She is someone who loves McDonald’s, admittedly shallow pursuits, tequila, American opportunity, positively impacting young lives, changing ideas about body image, good comedy, fantasizing about the President, and Girl Scout cookies. Her willingness to share her range of silly and inspiring ideas is much appreciated in a world of carefully crafted celebrity brands.
At least three of the essays in this book show that Kaling has thought a good amount about her role in Hollywood and about the criticism she gets. Some of her observations: a Hollywood woman who doesn’t hate herself makes people uncomfortable; feeling “entitled” isn’t bad if it means you have worked hard and you have earned your place; they hate us ‘cause they ain’t us!
If you like Kaling, you will enjoy the audiobook. It’s not a life-changer, but it’s a fun way to pretend she is sitting shotgun while you drive on your afternoon commute.
Mindy Kaling sitting shotgun on my commute, or just sitting around eating crap food and drinking whiskey is all I really want from life anyway.