Possibly one of the funniest, most relatable, and most realistic books I’ve ever read, the hilariously regular Mindy Kaling charms and entertains her readers with her memoir/autobiography. She tells stories beginning in her childhood, and brings us all the way to her present life. With several LOL moments and no shortage of sarcasm, Mindy’s book reads like a heart to heart conversation with the best friend you wished you’d always had.
Mindy’s trials and tribulations are so relatable, despite her celebrity status. Her awkward moments, failed romances, quirks, and comical lists assure us that she is “one of us,” and not an Angelina Jolie-type detached from reality. In fact, if you didn’t know who she was, you would never take her for a celebrity.
She talks about what it was like to be “chubby kid,” and to always be rejected from the cool crowd, something we can all relate to at one point or another of our lives. The book’s title, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, is a sentiment that we’ve all thought at one point or another. For me, this question runs through my mind at least weekly, and usually the answer is “yes.” Even if you’re the friend that nobody likes, you can still find success, because we shouldn’t max out in high school (or college, for that matter. Isn’t that the whole point of this online magazine?).
Why Should I Read This? For me, the real magic that lies within the pages of Mindy’s book is the journey to success. Her determination and enthusiasm for her work are inspiring, something we all need to hear in this day and age. She began as a kid who loved watching SNL and writing her own skits, and through hard work and dedication, became of one this generation’s greatest comedy writers. Mindy didn’t come out of the gate as a writer for The Office; she worked hard to get there, and continues to work hard, something with which many of our Millennial peers are unfamiliar. This book provides great laughs, awesome anecdotes, and sound advice for anyone. It’s quick read, and will keep you laughing the entire time. If I could pick a Life Mentor, it’d be Mindy Kaling.
