Is It Just Me?: Or Is It Nuts out There?

by Whoopi Goldberg

Have you noticed that things aren't as civil as they once were? Or that rudeness is no longer an exception but a lifestyle? Sure you have. All you need to do is set foot outside your door to see that bad manners are taking over everywhere. People are yakking on cell phones in restaurants, even at church. Folks in carpools wear enough cologne to make our eyes bleed. Complete strangers think it's OK to rub a pregnant lady's belly. Passengers abuse flight attendants, family outings to the ball park are ruined by rowdy drunks . . . a congressman heckled the President of the United States.

Well, Whoopi Goldberg has noticed all this and more and asked herself, "Is it just me?" Unleashing her trademark irreverence and humor, her new book of observations takes a funny and excruciatingly honest look at how a loss of civility is messing with the quality of life for all of us.

So if your pet peeve is folks who talk in movie theaters like it was their living room, or if you get bugged by people clipping their nails and performing other personal hygiene next to you on the bus, or if you cringe when "please" and "thank you" get replaced by "gimme" and "huh" . . . you have found a kindred spirit. Because Whoopi has witnessed the growing disrespect and rudeness in our lives and realized she is not alone. And, as you'll discover in these pages, neither are you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Biography, Autobiography, Memoir, Comedy, Biography Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Whoopi Goldberg is one of an elite group of artists who have won the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) and is the bestselling author of the Sugar Plum Ballerina series, Book, and Is It Just Me? While performing in the Bay Area she created the characters that became The Spook Show and evolved into her hit Broadway show, Grammy Award–winning album, and the HBO special that helped launch her career. Spanning decades, Whoopi’s credits include roles in the well-known films The Color Purple, Ghosts of Mississippi, Sister Act, and Ghost. She produced the documentary Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley, and she appeared in and was one of the producers of the critically acclaimed 2022 feature film Till. She loves VW Bugs, working casinos, and comfortable clothing; is a passionate supporter of the audio arts and dedicated collector of audiobooks; and heads the Whoopfam Group, makers of Emma & Clyde, Whoopi & Maya, and other recreational and medicinal marijuana products.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted and expected to like this book. (Duh! Otherwise, why would I pick it up in the first place?) Unfortunately, mostly I did not like it. It's just not very entertaining. I expected a book by Whoopi Goldberg either to be humorous or at least to have some interesting stories. For the most part, it isn't and it doesn't.

The book consists of Whoopi ticking off 50 or so rude things people do that annoy her, and essentially saying, "People, life will be better for all of us if you don't do those things". Now, those things ARE rude and they do annoy many or (hopefully) most people. And if this book causes some people to improve their behavior, I say, "Great!". But the book is still pretty dull. Fortunately, it's short.

The other problem I have with Whoopi is that in places she is a little selective in her criticism. One of the main points of the book is, look in the mirror and realize it's less about you than you think. Yet, although the book is mostly apolitical, almost all of the political examples she uses highlight conservative positions she disagrees with. I would have been more convinced of her sincerity if she had called out a few examples of liberal bad behavior. It's easy to call someone else out when they get too me-centric. It's not so easy to call yourself or like-minded others out on such behavior. In this regard, Whoopi sometimes appears a little too selective in her criticisms.

In summary, I think Whoopi is mostly right-on in every chapter. The behavior she cites is common and is rude. But the book could have and should have been more engaging on one level or another.

[CS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bullet Review:

When you break it down, comedy memoirs/biographies/what-have-you have two basic criteria: humor and interesting information. I've now had the opportunity to read a grand total of three of these types of books: Bossypants, Seriously...I'm Kidding, and now this one. And if I had to rank them according to the previously two ascribed criteria, they would be as follows:

Least < Greatest

Humor:

Seriously...I'm Kidding! < Is It Just Me?: Or is it nuts out there? < Bossypants

Interesting Information

Seriously...I'm Kidding! < Is It Just Me?: Or is it nuts out there? < Bossypants

It's more meaty than "Seriously...I'm Kidding", but maybe not as funny (it's not fair to compare, as I'm sure this is twice the length of "Seriously"), and definitely falls WAY below the bar that the amazing "Bossypants" set. All in all, it's a Meh book. Decent writing, some amusing insights, but not particularly funny (a shame because I do think Whoopi is funny), not particularly thoughtful or insightful or even uplifting ("Seriously" is way more uplifting), not particularly filled with interesting bits from Whoopi's life (and I get it - you don't have to write a celebrity autobiography divulging all your dirty secrets).

Fortunately, I got this as one of the Kindel Daily Deals, so I spent maybe $3 on it. If I would have spent any more than that, I would have felt a bit cheated. It's ok - just not anything really amazing or out of this world.

[VLynch · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to admit I think Whoopi is great. I love her on The View and watched almost all her movies. However, I expected a few laughs in this book and its mostly a book of her pet peeves. Yes, she makes some very valid intelligent points. This book did not make me laugh at all, and I tried to finish it. I read more than 1/3 of the book before giving it up.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Whoopi, it isn't just you.....it is nuts out there!! In this book, Whoopi discusses things that make her nuts in our society. Much of what she discusses in that people can be truly rude and see nothing wrong with it. Her observations are blunt and forthwright just as they would be if you were watching her perform or listening to her on TV. She talks about things that show a lack of respect for others. There are even "self tests" so that you will know if you are rude, lacking respect,lacking in manners, lacking in civility, use offensive language or if you are a bully.
She reminds us all about using cell phones, texting, how to behave at work, driving, being polite on airports and on airplanes. She suggests that to keep things civil, you think bad words and not say them.....you look cool on the outside and no one knows what is going on inside. One thing she mentioned is that "cup of Joe" is a racial slur. I had no idea !! She says that it goes back to the 1890's and a Stephen Foster song. Name of the song "Old Black Joe." In her section on language, she reminds us all to think before we speak and not use hurtful phrases, examples are stupid, dummy, gay, using the short bus, spaz, and even "ragging on somebody."
However, she missed my pet peeve. That is people no longer have an idea of where to walk. Why can't they remember to walk on the right side of an isle or sidewalk????
That's Whoppi for giving all a reminder about how to act. I wish everyone would read this !!

[Jenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sigh. Recommending this one has me on probation with my book club. :) And, now I see why. I really was surprisingly disappointed. In my opinion, Whoopi Goldberg is a genius in many ways. She's actually on my list of people I'd be okay with being stranded on a desert island with. [If, you know, I really HAVE to be stranded on a desert island.] She is always funny, irreverent, clever, intelligent, and well-informed, as well as a woman who still comes across as very "real" and compassionate to me. Very little of that came through in this book. Even though I could hear her voice and picture her body language as I read this, I still didn't enjoy it. Even though I could not disagree with anything she said, and frankly feel that a lot of the points she made should be disseminated throughout the "civilized" world, for some reason, this just felt like I was reading one long, not particularly funny, rant. I kept wondering if she was being paid by the page. (Although that seems outside her character). I felt like even she, if she had been sitting across from herself listening to it go on and on (and on), would have said, "Enough already. We must take a break for our sponsors." Oh well, Whoopi, didn't like the book, but I'll always love you. Better luck next time. [Pobody's nerfect.]

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

RESPECT yourself. RESPECT others. Got it.

[Jacqueline · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first saw this on the bookshelves, I was excited. Whoopi Goldberg writing about her pet peeves? Seeing as I often find myself agreeing with a lot that she has to say, I figured it was worth a read.

I'll spare you: It's not.
I was severely disappointed. It was boring and I felt as through most of her suggestions were simplified ways of coping, not actual solutions.

You could save time and just read the table of contents: that basically sums it all up.

Every chapter is an elaboration of how society has deteriorated and what's wrong with the world today with the same ending: Stop doing it. Change it. Or (you should) go to jail.

My biggest problem was with the chapter on domestic violence. Yes, you read that right. It's a very, very serious subject and I applaud the attempt at raising awareness about it, but the chapter seriously ends with "Get yourself out of the situation." It oversimplifies things to a point where it's almost offensive.

There was one funny moment. "Everybody's trying to tell us how to live our lives these days. It's annoying to me... If you don't like it, don't do it." So then why write a book telling us how to live our lives?

Not a book I'd recommend.

[~Gen hearts books.~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a Whoopi fan for a while. This book seemed like it would be a nice read. I think Ms. Goldberg hit the nail on the head with this one. I'm so glad someone wrote a book about the growing trend of more and more people displaying bad manners, rude behavior and being inconsiderate. Sometimes these behaviors can be overlooked, because not everyone has the same experiences or upbringing. But constant rudeness is unacceptable. Whoopi said it best, "please and thank you are a must"! It only takes a second to throw in a please and a thank you and people usually respond well to it. It sounds much more polite than give me this or that. And please, please, if someone does something nice for you, please take a second to thank them. It really shows your gratefulness and good manners. It bothers me when I hold open a door for someone or try to do something nice for them and they don't even bother to say thank you. I think we'll all do well to try and do unto others as we want done unto us. Good book!

[Sarah Q. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review is for the hardcover version of this book - the hardcover edition is yet to be listed anywhere on GoodReads that I can find.

Not nearly as funny or interesting as I thought it would be. **Slight spoiler ahead**
The book was mostly Whoopi Goldberg talking about or complaining about all the things in society that bug her or that she doesn't like. I did laugh a few times, but I would NOT buy the book - it's definitely a library check-out, one time only read.

[Jade · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should start with saying I love whoopi Goldberg, but I do not love this book. This is not a piece of comic writing, this is not a biography, this is a rant. I do love a good rant too, and sometimes me and a certain friend who knows who she is will call each other just for that wonderful sharing of things that have peed us off lately. However this book feels like your mum telling you to tidy your room, for hours. I don't think I was guilty of any of the aimed attacks within this piece, but still I felt like defending myself and shouting back 'alright it pisses us off, but maybe just have a Xanax and calm the f##k down love'.

And where was Whoopi humour? Surely a woman as talented as her could rant in a way that would also make me laugh a long? Speak to Caitlain Moran - she's awesome at it! In fact she just went on and on....you'd think a subject was over, only to have it repeated for another two chapters.

I also became annoyed with the countless times Whoopi would contradict herself, or become completely hypercritical. Ranting over how to behave on a plane to not annoy her and then that she will smoke in doorways and she doesn't care because it's her right and don't judge. I become annoyed by both, but wouldnt go off on one about either (but then I am British, so we're the champions of repressed anger!). At least she admitted 'I am a wealth of contradictions. Sue me.'

I now have to stop and apologise (again I'm British) as my own review has become a big rant about being annoyed about a big rant. If this review has annoyed you, definitely do not read this book.

I feel a bit cheated and will now read copious amounts of humour to become a nicer reviewer for a bit...this was a bit cathartic though, so maybe that's why Whoopi wrote the book, to save on therapy.

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me there is only one book that is the greatest of all times, and this book may be found pretty much anywhere--The Bible. I have now learned that there is a second book that should be offered in hotels and motels nightstands--Is It Just Me? Whoopi is one of my favorite comedians, and the reason being because she always tells it like it is and she's usually right!

I laughed so much through this book until I was in tears. I wish to tell Whoopi she is NOT ALONE in her feelings on human behavior. I have often blogged about the very thing she talks about in this book on human rudeness. She doesn't like the times we live in any more than I do, and I'm just glad to know I'm not alone in my thinking. I'm not alone--thank God!

Anyone who cannot see the realism in this book is one of the people she's probably referring too when she talks about the Assholian person. This book is too damn funny and sad, because our society is just loaded with inconsiderate people thinking they can do and say whatever the hell crosses their minds.

If you're one of those people who don't understand what bad manners are, YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK! Whoopi never disappoints. I loved this book and I think it should be made available in every public place possible. THANK YOU Whoopi for keeping it very real. An outstanding funny read as only told by one of the greats!

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of Whoopi Goldberg so I was really looking forward to reading this book. I expected a rather humorous look at annoying things in our world today. Half of my expectations were true. She did write about many annoying situations. Unfortunately the humorous part was not. I agree with just about everything she wrote about but it felt like a lecture to me - telling what I should and shouldn't do - how I should and shouldn't handle situations. None of it was very humorous. If it would have been marketed as a self-help book or a group of essays, I would not expect it to be funny. I was very disappointed.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected this to be funnier, but I do agree with her about a lot of the annoying (and worse) things that people are doing these days. I am "Civil", according to the self-test in the book. :-) And I really liked her list of noncommital answers to use when someone is clearly looking for praise on an artistic endeavour. She made me think about some topics in a new way, and that's always a good thing.
Those of you with a dislike of four-letter words should be warned; there are some in here, although not a huge number.

[Barbara Slaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Whoopi made some excellent points, and I agreed with her about everything. Yes, there's a lot of bad language, but that didn't detract from the quality of her work except in a few areas, and I could appreciate the humor and sincerity in her voice and word choice. I only disagreed with her on a few minor points, but I completely agreed with her theme: incivility and bad manners have become the norm now and that's really annoying.

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoopi is a lot more amusing in her conversations with people (like on the View) rather than a written format. This book wasn't funny but it was informative. Some of her opinions I agreed with, some I didn't. Don't pick up this book expecting a stand up routine. It is definitely not that.

[☺Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a true memoir, but more a collection of essays on some of the things that really bug Whoopi Goldberg (although each pet peeve does tell the reader quite a bit about Whoopi - she is a public person as an actor, comedian, and talk show host but is most comfortable being alone and relaxing at home or simply spending time with her family members).
Lots of the irritation in life would be eliminated if people simply followed the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

[Emily Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read with helpful tips/topics on things that people can work on everyday. It was published almost 15 years ago now (crazy to think 2010 was that long ago 😳) but it is still very relevant to the things people are still doing today.

[BRan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny and made me think at times. Some chapters could have been consolidated, but overall it was enjoyable.

[Korin: A Crone Running Amok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny take on the things that others (and sometime we) do that drive us crazy.

[Bee'sBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, this is a quickly written review because there isn't too much to say on my part.

I really enjoyed Whoopi Goldberg's book for the most part. The book consists of short chapters tackling current day issues or problems that are effecting us humans and how we relate to one another, as the world seems to be getting "smaller."

Ms. Goldberg, hits on a lot of hot-button topics, such as rudeness, social media and it's effect on people's behavior, manners, crossing of boundaries and lack of the ability to give and have privacy. She also, touches on bullying and child rearing, as well as a host of other topics.

For the most part I agreed with a lot of the points that Ms. Goldberg made, mainly because if you were raised with common sense and intelligence, morals/values, manners and not in a barnyard, you would most likely have to agree with her points. People in current times are losing their minds. Instead of us as a species trying to collectively work with one another, regardless of race, religion, culture or ethnicity to prosper and thrive, we are constantly tearing each other down. People overall have become too pushy and entitled, self-centered and just plain rude and disrespectful. Also, with the advent of social media and it's meteoric rise in popularity, I think people are starting to forget how to deal with one another(socially and face-to-face), on a human level; and not as just someone to talk to or AT through a computer screen or app. People as a whole, are becoming a lot more reckless and hurtful with the things they say to one another because a computer to some is a license to go crazy with what they say, do or post. This is due, mainly to the degree of anonymity that computers and some technology give users. Some people just severely misuse their privilege and social media access to consistently harass and cross boundaries with one another, but still expect to cling to their ability to stay hidden or unknown; which really isn't fair. Goldberg speaks on this issue and also touches on other topics as I stated above, but she brings it all back around to how we have lost a lot of our social skills, manners and graces and we need to check ourselves and get them back ASAP.

Overall, I just enjoyed this book. It is an easy read, but still manages to hit on a lot of good points and gives you some food for thought. Ms. Goldberg of course also throws in a little humor with her commentary, which is always appreciated. She most definitely, could make this into a series of books because there are just so many things that people in general have forgotten; in terms of good and acceptable behavior. However, then again she may just want to leave it at one book because she would be writing the series forever or close to it.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One chapter opens perfectly for those who enjoy reading:
"Look at you there. Sitting back, quietly holding this book. Know what you're doing? You are enjoying something so rare, you may not recognize it. Know what it is? You are having a private moment."

Even though this book was published in 2010, most every pet peeve that she bluntly commented on are just as relevant today as they were then. The invasion of personal space. Lack of respect of people and others space. The lack of privacy. Manners taking a hike because too many people feel they have the right to say anything they want to anyone they see. To inflict unwanted commentary and harass and bully people around us - not only friends and family but complete strangers. Being rude as they give into their technology addiction by constantly examining texts, emails and social media.

I don't know if most people would correct their behavior if they actually read this book but I seriously doubt it. Too many feel that any of the conditions Whoopi comments on would not apply to them. Which is sad because these behaviors are being taught to our children.

If you were looking for a book that is amusing and funny - this may not be a good fit although Whoopi's humor and sarcasm does show up here and there.

Amidst the numerous chapters - most 2-4 pages long - there are 7 self-tests to see where the reader's behavior ranks. It's interesting to find out where you 'stand' in her opinion. And no, I'm not telling where I fell.

[Rena Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. Who would expect an etiquette book with a title like this, or from Whoopi Goldberg. But, basically that's what this is, written in a very likable way.

Whoopi has taken on lots of daily things we do that irritate her, and reminded me, anyway, how rude and selfish we've become as a society in general. We talk on our cell phones in elevators, in line at the store, and other public places. Not everyone wants to hear our maudlin conversations, nor our dramatic and socially unacceptable ones, either.

I agree with Whoopi that manners have really gotten lost in our fast-paced world. Also, we don't think enough about what we say, or who it would hurt. I'm with her in wanting to outlaw the word "stupid". It's a real put down, no matter whether you say it about someone, or about how they behave. It's still really cruel and negative. We all make mistakes and do dumb things, sometimes on purpose to make others laugh, but usually because we were otherwise mentally employed.

The basic gist of this neat little book is to be a bit more conscious of what you say and where you are and how people around you might feel as a result of your behavior. It's a good little wake up call for everyone.

You go, Whoopi. You got it right!

[Sean Kennedy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like Whoopi. She's a talented actress and comedian, and I still think her piece as the stoner in Amsterdam who ends up at the Anne Frank house is one of the most stunning pieces of writing. She is also fierce and intelligent, even though I have been astounded by some of the statements she has made - especially 'rape' and 'rape rape'.

So I should have enjoyed this. All this seems to be is a mismatched series of rants with no logical presentation. By the end I was bored and felt like saying "Is it just me, or was this book quickly knocked out to fulfil a forgotten contract and earn a big cheque?"

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book was like listening to Whoopi Goldberg go on a rant about everything and anything that pisses her off. I know everyone in the world would just love to do this. Pick a topic that just bugs you and give all your thoughts on it. Now there are some things that I agreed with her completely on, and others that what she said about them bothered me more than the actual topic.

It was a quick and easy read, but I couldn't read the book in large doses because I would get very frustrated with the world and what it has turned into.

[Arlene Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was short, it was funny, it was very Whoopi - but she makes some serious points and it actually did make me thing long and hard about my own borderline bonehead behavior. Actually the only test I failed was the Textation one, but if there'd been one on social networking, I'd really have lost! We do need to be kinder to each other, more respectful and more mannerly. Especially those of us raised before this technological age!

[Mickey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given how much I've enjoyed Whoopi's humor over the years, I thought that this would be a laugh riot. More like a genteel snicker or two. I think Ms Goldberg has been drinking the Kool-aid at the View and has both dumbed down and tamed her sense of humor for the masses. Worth reading, but I wouldn't recommend paying hardback prices for it. Get it from your library or wait for the paperback.

[Marcia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking for a bit of comedic relief but didn't find it here. I usually appreciate Whoopi's straight forward approach, and the pet peeves she has (texting and driving, public cell phone use...) also drive me crazy but this was horrible.

[Vivian Herrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started reading the book I didn't find it too funny but I kept on reading and it grew on me. I could just "hear" Whoopie's voice talking about all these subjects that frustrate her, in her unique way and style! 2.7 stars.

[Gina Gallo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me 3 hours to read...but spread out for about a month. It was kind of boring. Like an extended lecture from a well-meaning Aunt that you aren’t that close to, but wants you to remember your manners!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unable to finish. Had to return to library.