To me, a perfect memoir needs to have a balance of both comedy and tragedy. A memoir can also be fantastic if it is full of tragic tales, or hilarious comedic adventures. Sadly, even though I adore Mindy Kaling, and I have enjoyed her writing on “The Office,” her book, “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” had none of these essential ingredients.
I think I am just as shocked as you are by my opinion of this book. I met Ms. Kaling at BookExpoAmericalast spring, and found her to be a lovely and beautiful woman. Perhaps my hopes were too high in anticipation of this book–especially since I had to wait several months before I could even read it (due to my ongoing visual problems). Plus, this book was the only book I’ve purchased for myself in the past year. I can’t even begin to describe to you how stunned I am that I didn’t love it—just know that it is very hard for me to give this book an honest review. I want to write things like “I loved it,” or, “It was the funniest memoir ever.” My heart breaks by having to admit that to you all.
If you are asking me to be totally honest, I only laughed once while reading the entire book, and even then, that was when Kaling was describing a Will Ferrell scene from a movie. I don’t understand how this is possible, and can only assume editing was a major factor. Somehow, all the funny I expected (and deserved) from this book got sucked out of there somehow, and I can only assume that was by pure accident, because I know Kaling has it in her.
I did enjoy the book enough to give it three stars on Goodreads.com, mainly because Kaling does a fine job of portraying herself accurately on the page, as I believe her to be in real life. When you read this book (and you should, because I am not the wisest or best book blogger in the entire universe–my opinion is just one opinion. Plus, what if I was just having a bad month when I read it?), you can clearly recognize her voice. The book doesn’t reek of a ghost writer, like so many other memoirs do. My gosh, the girl is so honest she even includes her personal cell phone pictures, to show of her goofy side, which I just loved. She also does a fine job sharing her witty observations, which saved the book for me. I think Kaling was perhaps writing the book while she was either too distracted or busy—because it seems as if she was writing it while having a bad month (or six), if you know what I mean. All I know, in my heart of hearts, is that Kaling can do better, and I suspect she will, the next time she publishes.
Purchase “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” at Amazon.com.
Visit Mindy Kaling’s website, TheConcernsofMindyKaling.com.
Like Mindy Kaling on Facebook.
Follow @MindyKaling on Twitter.
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Totally agree with you! I was soooooooo excited for this book and just felt kinda blah about it. It was kinda funny, but never really laugh out loud funny like I was expecting. I thought that maybe I was just having a bad month/ week when I read it too!!! I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I will definitely read her next book, since I feel she has the potential to be super hilarious.
Tara – Not that I wanted anyone else to feel this way about the book, but I am SO GLAD you spoke up and told me your opinion of the book. It makes me feel a bit better about my review, because I’ve been beating myself up all morning, worried that is was just me having an off reading moment.
Like you, I will read the next thing she writes as well.
Off topic–have you heard she has a pilot deal with another network in the works? She’s playing a doctor, I belive. I think her deal is with Fox, which will actually be a better network for her. NBC is forever tainted for me with all the terrible sitcoms they have on lately, i.e., “Whitney,” “Are You There Chelsea?” and “Up All Night.” Even though I still love my “Parks and Recreation,” I can’t stand most of their shows now–and they’ve historically been my favorite network.
Even though you didn’t like it, I’m still interested. What do you plan on doing with your copy of this book?
Stephanie – Good, I am glad I didn’t scare you aware with my review. I hope you enjoy it. I’m passing along the book to my mother-in-law and step-daughter. Then I’m keeping it, because I am a fan of hers, and eventually, I’ll reread it again, to make sure my opinion of it hasn’t changed. (Which I hope it does!) Check out your local library–hopefully, they will have a copy for you!
I LOVE your honesty! I would be surprised not to like this book to, but I am still going to check it out – totally out of curiosity
Thanks–nothing I hate more than reading a book review that isn’t honest. And I’m thrilled that you still want to read it.