What do you think?
Rate this book
Is It Just Me? #1
Is It Just Me?
Well hello to you dear browser. Now I have your attention it would be rude if I didn't tell you a little about my literary feast. So, here is the thing: is it just me or does anyone else find that adulthood offers no refuge from the unexpected horrors, peculiar lack of physical coordination and sometimes unexplained nudity, that accompanied childhood and adolescence?
Does everybody struggle with the hazards that accompany, say, sitting elegantly on a bar stool; using chopsticks; pretending to understand the bank crisis; pedicures - surely it's plain wrong for a stranger to fondle your feet? Or is it just me?
I am proud to say I have a wealth of awkward experiences - from school days to life as an office temp - and here I offer my 18-year-old self (and I hope you too dear reader) some much needed caution and guidance on how to navigate life's rocky path.
Because frankly where is the manual? The much needed manual to life. Well, fret not, for this is my attempt at one and let's call it, because it's fun, a Miran-ual. I thank you.
Miranda Hart made her mark appearing in shows including Smack the Pony, Absolutely Fabulous and Not Going Out. But when her sitcom Miranda burst on to our screens in 2009, her popularity rocketed. Miranda has since been crowned the Queen of Comedy at the British Comedy Awards and the hit series Miranda has won two further comedy awards, two RTS Awards, and been nominated for four BAFTAs. Miranda is currently filming a drama for BBC based on the bestselling memoir Call the Midwife. The third series of Miranda will air in autumn 2012.
Does everybody struggle with the hazards that accompany, say, sitting elegantly on a bar stool; using chopsticks; pretending to understand the bank crisis; pedicures - surely it's plain wrong for a stranger to fondle your feet? Or is it just me?
I am proud to say I have a wealth of awkward experiences - from school days to life as an office temp - and here I offer my 18-year-old self (and I hope you too dear reader) some much needed caution and guidance on how to navigate life's rocky path.
Because frankly where is the manual? The much needed manual to life. Well, fret not, for this is my attempt at one and let's call it, because it's fun, a Miran-ual. I thank you.
Miranda Hart made her mark appearing in shows including Smack the Pony, Absolutely Fabulous and Not Going Out. But when her sitcom Miranda burst on to our screens in 2009, her popularity rocketed. Miranda has since been crowned the Queen of Comedy at the British Comedy Awards and the hit series Miranda has won two further comedy awards, two RTS Awards, and been nominated for four BAFTAs. Miranda is currently filming a drama for BBC based on the bestselling memoir Call the Midwife. The third series of Miranda will air in autumn 2012.
323 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
1208 people are currently reading
14098 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Hart
21 books951 followersMiranda Katharine Hart Dyke (born 14 December 1972), known professionally as Miranda Hart, is an English actress, writer and stand-up comedienne. She writes and stars in the BBC sitcom Miranda. She also appeared in French and Saunders, the BBC television series Hyperdrive and her semi-autobiographical sitcom Miranda Hart's Joke Shop on BBC Radio 2. In 2012, she began appearing in the BBC drama Call the Midwife as Camilla (Chummy) Fortescue-Cholmondeley-Browne.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,022 reviews
January 28, 2013
At one point Miranda Hart sets out her Diet Book. Chapter One - Eat less; Chapter Two - Move more. The end. So if i could be as succinct as that (excuse me, there is no need for the 'if only you were' comments ); Firstly, totally classic Miranda; Secondly - eh hello, what more needs to be said ?
However, I am not succinct so here goes. If you know the phenomenon which is Miranda you will either be thinking of buying this book now or deleting me without a second thought. If you like her insanely nonsensical joie de vivre you will love this book because it is Miranda writ large, you hear her voice, you imagine her sideways looks to the camera, you are chortling even now...come on admit it. If you find her puerile and bizarrely stupid you will hate this book because it is Miranda writ large, you hear her........etc etc.
Just in case you are not sure, I am a huge fan. I regularly watch her show with only my niece and a few other friends texting me throughout and I laugh unashamedly out loud. Always a tad disconcerting when sitting by yourself i find but her genuinely lovely personality shines through. I would love her to be my mate because i have no doubt she would make me laugh uproariously. I could bore you with quote after quote from the pages but i shall not cos once I start it would be like when i get together with mates who like 'The Life of Brian' and we wade our way through the film joking and counter-joking our way across the script. Miranda's little memoirette would induce just the same tendency in me i think.
Although it is funny and laugh out loud there is also a theme running through it which is a fabulously important one....be yourself, be happy in your skin and for crying out loud ignore and ditch the haters. One technique she uses is to have her 18 year old self involved in the dialogue. Initially I found this not terribly convincing but very swiftly it became a really clever twist and it served to elucidate and open out some of what she, as the statuesque 38 year old (her words not mine), wished to share.
She makes fun of herself perpetually but it is not the annoying kind which regularly makes me groan at the person's desperate attempt to be liked; she is just funny. please let me quote, please, pleeeeeeease.....thanks
'I need to do something sexy so i opt for the Julia Roberts move, swishing-your-hair-and laughing at the same time. A success ? Or did a gust of wind suddenly fling your hair all over your face and make you look like a caveman ? I did try it once but with short hair it just looked as if i was having a small seizure. No kiss, but i did get a lift home from the paramedics '
Now this just made me laugh. Now I feel I am being drawn to load on the quotes so i shall stop now.
By the way, if you have read this and are none the wiser it is because you do not know Miranda Hart, for good or ill. And I have just two things to say to you; One, 'what i call' a question, Why ever not ? and the second - to make your life fun, get that lack of knowledge sorted....for goodness sake you people in foreign climes, its what Youtube is for !!
However, I am not succinct so here goes. If you know the phenomenon which is Miranda you will either be thinking of buying this book now or deleting me without a second thought. If you like her insanely nonsensical joie de vivre you will love this book because it is Miranda writ large, you hear her voice, you imagine her sideways looks to the camera, you are chortling even now...come on admit it. If you find her puerile and bizarrely stupid you will hate this book because it is Miranda writ large, you hear her........etc etc.
Just in case you are not sure, I am a huge fan. I regularly watch her show with only my niece and a few other friends texting me throughout and I laugh unashamedly out loud. Always a tad disconcerting when sitting by yourself i find but her genuinely lovely personality shines through. I would love her to be my mate because i have no doubt she would make me laugh uproariously. I could bore you with quote after quote from the pages but i shall not cos once I start it would be like when i get together with mates who like 'The Life of Brian' and we wade our way through the film joking and counter-joking our way across the script. Miranda's little memoirette would induce just the same tendency in me i think.
Although it is funny and laugh out loud there is also a theme running through it which is a fabulously important one....be yourself, be happy in your skin and for crying out loud ignore and ditch the haters. One technique she uses is to have her 18 year old self involved in the dialogue. Initially I found this not terribly convincing but very swiftly it became a really clever twist and it served to elucidate and open out some of what she, as the statuesque 38 year old (her words not mine), wished to share.
She makes fun of herself perpetually but it is not the annoying kind which regularly makes me groan at the person's desperate attempt to be liked; she is just funny. please let me quote, please, pleeeeeeease.....thanks
'I need to do something sexy so i opt for the Julia Roberts move, swishing-your-hair-and laughing at the same time. A success ? Or did a gust of wind suddenly fling your hair all over your face and make you look like a caveman ? I did try it once but with short hair it just looked as if i was having a small seizure. No kiss, but i did get a lift home from the paramedics '
Now this just made me laugh. Now I feel I am being drawn to load on the quotes so i shall stop now.
By the way, if you have read this and are none the wiser it is because you do not know Miranda Hart, for good or ill. And I have just two things to say to you; One, 'what i call' a question, Why ever not ? and the second - to make your life fun, get that lack of knowledge sorted....for goodness sake you people in foreign climes, its what Youtube is for !!
December 30, 2012
Miranda is my guilty pleasure. Normally I like my humour to be ridiculously dry and witty, the sort that makes you feel like an intelligent human-being. Falling over and farts are definitely NOT funny. Except, that is, when it comes to Mirnada. For some reason, I just can't help finding her hilarious. I got this book having enjoyed the TV show, and her style of writing is very similar to her style of speaking in the sitcom. Quite a few of the same funny anecdotes are used - strangely small kettles in hotel rooms comes to mind, but it's not overly repetitive. A large part of my enjoyment comes from being able to relate to an awful lot of what she talks about (other than the COMPLETELY ridiculous awkward situations of course). I have indeed visited a zoo on my own as a grown adult and found myself feeling I need to acquire a child to fit in. I would therefore recommend this book to those who find Miranda funny not just for laughing AT her silly antics, but for those who laugh WITH her in an all too knowing way.
January 6, 2013
I am obsessed with the series I watch it over and over again and this book did not disappoint! I'd say if you don't watch her n the tv don't bother reading because you will just think it all very strange! You have to read it in her voice to "get it"! Very funny, definitely worth a read if you are a fan!
January 13, 2013
Rating: It was OK (2.5 stars)
There’s gold to be found in this one but it’s buried fairly deep.
I really liked the introduction; it was witty, original and promising. Sadly, the rest of the book didn’t live up to that promise. Most of the material seemed like filler between the occasional hilarious escapades from Miranda’s life. These incidents were funny and entertaining but made me wonder if they could all be strictly true; surely some of them must’ve been made-up or played-up for comic effect (but hey, that’s how comedians make us laugh so I’ve no objections).
Partway through the book I watched the first season of Miranda’s self-titled TV sitcom and found there was (inevitably) some material from the show recycled in the book, which while understandable wasn’t necessarily enjoyable.
But my main gripe with the book was that I didn’t like the premise Miranda set up of her conversing with (and attempting to impart her wisdom to) her younger 18-year-old self. I just found it annoying and very unnatural.
I also struggled throughout the book with trying to identify what its purpose was. Why had it been written and what was Miranda trying to say? I think I finally worked it out in the last chapter when she came out and said (to paraphrase) ‘Be true to yourself and your dreams and you never know where they may take you’. I know it’s been said many times before but nevertheless it was still inspiring the way she said it. (And kudos to her for writing an entire book; as she says, it’s no small achievement.)
Is there a Happy Ending? N/A
Content Rating: PG
While there’s nothing really objectionable in the book there’s also nothing that would really appeal to young readers so I think this is an adult read. As such, the one or two slightly ‘mature’ subjects (e.g. sex education at her boarding school) briefly touched on wouldn’t be a problem. There may have been occasional coarse language but I don’t really remember.
Romance Rating: N/A
While this rating should technically be marked ‘not applicable’ and left at that I feel justified in making one small comment. Throughout a large portion of the book Miranda hints to her younger self that romance, dating and relationships will be covered in a later chapter, but when we finally get to that chapter (it’s very near the end) she basically skips over the whole thing and throws in a couple of perfunctory lists to try and distract us from her omission. I was disappointed and think if she wasn’t going to address the subject properly then she ought to have left it out altogether or not ‘banged on about it’ so much beforehand.
There’s gold to be found in this one but it’s buried fairly deep.
I really liked the introduction; it was witty, original and promising. Sadly, the rest of the book didn’t live up to that promise. Most of the material seemed like filler between the occasional hilarious escapades from Miranda’s life. These incidents were funny and entertaining but made me wonder if they could all be strictly true; surely some of them must’ve been made-up or played-up for comic effect (but hey, that’s how comedians make us laugh so I’ve no objections).
Partway through the book I watched the first season of Miranda’s self-titled TV sitcom and found there was (inevitably) some material from the show recycled in the book, which while understandable wasn’t necessarily enjoyable.
But my main gripe with the book was that I didn’t like the premise Miranda set up of her conversing with (and attempting to impart her wisdom to) her younger 18-year-old self. I just found it annoying and very unnatural.
I also struggled throughout the book with trying to identify what its purpose was. Why had it been written and what was Miranda trying to say? I think I finally worked it out in the last chapter when she came out and said (to paraphrase) ‘Be true to yourself and your dreams and you never know where they may take you’. I know it’s been said many times before but nevertheless it was still inspiring the way she said it. (And kudos to her for writing an entire book; as she says, it’s no small achievement.)
Is there a Happy Ending? N/A
Content Rating: PG
While there’s nothing really objectionable in the book there’s also nothing that would really appeal to young readers so I think this is an adult read. As such, the one or two slightly ‘mature’ subjects (e.g. sex education at her boarding school) briefly touched on wouldn’t be a problem. There may have been occasional coarse language but I don’t really remember.
Romance Rating: N/A
While this rating should technically be marked ‘not applicable’ and left at that I feel justified in making one small comment. Throughout a large portion of the book Miranda hints to her younger self that romance, dating and relationships will be covered in a later chapter, but when we finally get to that chapter (it’s very near the end) she basically skips over the whole thing and throws in a couple of perfunctory lists to try and distract us from her omission. I was disappointed and think if she wasn’t going to address the subject properly then she ought to have left it out altogether or not ‘banged on about it’ so much beforehand.
November 2, 2012
Dear Miranda,
Are you my long-lost twin sister? When I was in elementary school and junior high, I used to daydream about suddenly finding out that I had a twin sister who would then become my absolute best friend because she'd be just like me and understand exactly why I find life and all its little quirks so traumatic at times. She would GET the fact that I was a clumsy big-shoed girl who never really fit in to any clique and was always a bit on the kooky and awkward side because she'd be just like that herself! We'd be able to laugh together at our bumbling attempts to get through this thing I like to call "life" (yes, wrong use of the phrase, I know), to giggle at funny words (made up or otherwise) and to relish making as many puns as possible because they're just so fun! We could ponder the mysteries of life together (including the weighty issues of why it's just so much better to stay at home on the couch than to torture yourself by going shopping for clothes that just never fit), share our absolutely insane love of office supplies and to-do lists and forge a bond that would let us be ourselves in a world that pressures us to be anything but. Sad to say, I never found that sister and I kind of just kept all my goofiness inside, trying to be as ordinary (is there such a thing) as possible in a world I still, as a thirty-something adult, find a bit difficult to navigate. Reading your book and your conversations with your eighteen-year-old self made me finally realize that I'm not the only one who feels at sea in social gatherings and who, more often than not, ends up in some cringe-worthy situation after just inserting my very large foot into my very large mouth. Thank you thank you thank you. You made me laugh out loud on almost every page and made me wish with all my heart that I had your guts to stand up and be proud of the klutzy kooky girl I am....no matter what embarrassing situation I find myself in! As with every book I read, I highlighted my favorite quotes and would have included them here except that there's one from almost every other page...and I have a feeling you wouldn't exactly want me reproducing your book on a review site. That wouldn't be a very nice twin sisterly thing to do, would it? So, out of all my highlighted picks, I have to say that the one I'd choose as my favorite is your absolutely wonderful advice to "Look in the mirror and say, 'There is none other like you and for that reason alone, you are beautiful.' " Thanks for seeing yourself as beautiful, despite all your quirks, and for helping me to do the same. Blood or otherwise, you are definitely my soul sister!
Your Dear Reader Chum (YDRC) miss m\
Are you my long-lost twin sister? When I was in elementary school and junior high, I used to daydream about suddenly finding out that I had a twin sister who would then become my absolute best friend because she'd be just like me and understand exactly why I find life and all its little quirks so traumatic at times. She would GET the fact that I was a clumsy big-shoed girl who never really fit in to any clique and was always a bit on the kooky and awkward side because she'd be just like that herself! We'd be able to laugh together at our bumbling attempts to get through this thing I like to call "life" (yes, wrong use of the phrase, I know), to giggle at funny words (made up or otherwise) and to relish making as many puns as possible because they're just so fun! We could ponder the mysteries of life together (including the weighty issues of why it's just so much better to stay at home on the couch than to torture yourself by going shopping for clothes that just never fit), share our absolutely insane love of office supplies and to-do lists and forge a bond that would let us be ourselves in a world that pressures us to be anything but. Sad to say, I never found that sister and I kind of just kept all my goofiness inside, trying to be as ordinary (is there such a thing) as possible in a world I still, as a thirty-something adult, find a bit difficult to navigate. Reading your book and your conversations with your eighteen-year-old self made me finally realize that I'm not the only one who feels at sea in social gatherings and who, more often than not, ends up in some cringe-worthy situation after just inserting my very large foot into my very large mouth. Thank you thank you thank you. You made me laugh out loud on almost every page and made me wish with all my heart that I had your guts to stand up and be proud of the klutzy kooky girl I am....no matter what embarrassing situation I find myself in! As with every book I read, I highlighted my favorite quotes and would have included them here except that there's one from almost every other page...and I have a feeling you wouldn't exactly want me reproducing your book on a review site. That wouldn't be a very nice twin sisterly thing to do, would it? So, out of all my highlighted picks, I have to say that the one I'd choose as my favorite is your absolutely wonderful advice to "Look in the mirror and say, 'There is none other like you and for that reason alone, you are beautiful.' " Thanks for seeing yourself as beautiful, despite all your quirks, and for helping me to do the same. Blood or otherwise, you are definitely my soul sister!
Your Dear Reader Chum (YDRC) miss m\
March 3, 2016
I bought this for my wife, as she's a big fan of Miranda's t.v. and radio work. As it was sitting on the Audible app, and because I felt like reading something a bit lighter after finishing Bleak House, I thought I'd give it a go too.
I soon realised this book wasn't what I'd assumed it was, namely yet another celebrity autobiography written by a celebrity who's far too young to have any business writing an autobiography. It's not that. This is actually more like a bizarre combination of the world's weirdest self help book and a stand-up comedy routine. This was a pleasant surprise.
The book is divided into eighteen chapters, each of which is dedicated to a particular subject (although, Miranda being Miranda, she does go off on some quite lengthy tangents at times). The subjects dealt with are along the lines of working in an office, pet ownership, dreams and the like. Nothing genre-shattering or ground-breaking but Miranda does cast her own unique light on them.
The tone is conversational and light-hearted and will be very familiar to anyone who has seen or heard her shows. If you're a fan of her other work, this will probably be a five star read. As for me, well, while I did enjoy this book, some of the material didn't quite connect, so I'm going to give it a three.
I soon realised this book wasn't what I'd assumed it was, namely yet another celebrity autobiography written by a celebrity who's far too young to have any business writing an autobiography. It's not that. This is actually more like a bizarre combination of the world's weirdest self help book and a stand-up comedy routine. This was a pleasant surprise.
The book is divided into eighteen chapters, each of which is dedicated to a particular subject (although, Miranda being Miranda, she does go off on some quite lengthy tangents at times). The subjects dealt with are along the lines of working in an office, pet ownership, dreams and the like. Nothing genre-shattering or ground-breaking but Miranda does cast her own unique light on them.
The tone is conversational and light-hearted and will be very familiar to anyone who has seen or heard her shows. If you're a fan of her other work, this will probably be a five star read. As for me, well, while I did enjoy this book, some of the material didn't quite connect, so I'm going to give it a three.
December 17, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. I read it in a couple of days and had to 'ration' myself to make it last that long. A delightful, light-hearted holiday read, in which you start to enjoy being addressed as "My dear reader chum" and giggle out loud at Miranda's anecdotes and thoughts. The device of talking to her younger self works well and provides food for thought for anyone in their thirties - especially in the technology chapter. It is indeed freaky to think how things have advanced and how different things are now to when we were at school! If you enjoy Miranda's sitcom, you will relish this book. Some might find it silly, but I can't remember the last time a book made me laugh out loud like this. And running through it are truisms and a sense that yes, life doesn't always work out how we'd hoped and planned, but sometimes these very twists and turns are exactly what we need and accepting yourself and no longer trying to meet the expectations of others / trying to be 'cool' is the way to happiness. Amazeballs, hilaire and indeed "Such fun". Let's all gallop today!
August 21, 2014
If you could close your eyes while reading you would be able to hear Miranda talking. She writes exactly the way she speaks and entertains the whole time. This is really an autobiography of Miranda the TV screen persona, not of Miranda Hart the real person. At least I hope so because the things that happen to her should never happen in normal life. The book was actually a little too long for me and some chapters could have been tightened up a bit, but overall it made me laugh and that was a good thing.
February 4, 2020
Read this a while ago. Loved it so much that I read it again. Very funny. And I've read it a third time.
January 1, 2013
Dear Miranda
No, it definitely is not just you! I have never been one for reading books like this (and by that, I mean: Semi-biographical, humoristic awesomeness.) but since I am, what I call, Miran-obsessed (that didn't even make sense to be honest) I decided I wanted to read this. And never have I ever laughed as much. It is embarrassing how well you manage to describe everything about me.... Even if you /are/ actually describing yourself... But either way! I am beyond happy that you - lovely woman that you are - have decided to share with us a bit of your awkwardly awesome life. I can honestly say that I will be using the miranual (SUCH FUN!) in my own incredibly awkward life (and no, no awkwardly awesome... Yet...) So thank you (curtsies deeply, realizes what I'm doing, rises slowly with a scared smile on my face, bows, backs away with an embarrassed mumbling) it was a genuinely lovely read.
Yours sincerely,
Signe Hansen (or as you like to call me, MDRC... What do you mean that's in all the books?!)
PS: The "picked-up-a-dwarf-at-a-child's-birthday-party"-story? I can honestly say I have never laughed as much before in my life. Just... Thought you should know!
No, it definitely is not just you! I have never been one for reading books like this (and by that, I mean: Semi-biographical, humoristic awesomeness.) but since I am, what I call, Miran-obsessed (that didn't even make sense to be honest) I decided I wanted to read this. And never have I ever laughed as much. It is embarrassing how well you manage to describe everything about me.... Even if you /are/ actually describing yourself... But either way! I am beyond happy that you - lovely woman that you are - have decided to share with us a bit of your awkwardly awesome life. I can honestly say that I will be using the miranual (SUCH FUN!) in my own incredibly awkward life (and no, no awkwardly awesome... Yet...) So thank you (curtsies deeply, realizes what I'm doing, rises slowly with a scared smile on my face, bows, backs away with an embarrassed mumbling) it was a genuinely lovely read.
Yours sincerely,
Signe Hansen (or as you like to call me, MDRC... What do you mean that's in all the books?!)
PS: The "picked-up-a-dwarf-at-a-child's-birthday-party"-story? I can honestly say I have never laughed as much before in my life. Just... Thought you should know!
September 16, 2013
A huge fan of Miranda, I picked this book up with the hope that it was filled with wit and insights into her life and career. There were times when I audibly laughed, only a few, and times when I chuckled silently to myself, but there is huge gaps between the humor. These huge gaps were not necessarily filled with anything of interest, most of the time it was just bland narrative. A lot of the stories Miranda included in her book she has referred to in her television appearances and in her semi-autobiographical sitcom. It is for this reason that I feel I might have enjoyed the book more if I was relatively unfamiliar with Miranda. As the fan that I've already claimed to be, I was expecting more tidbits about the early part of her comedy career. This was, however, not to be; except a small anecdote about meeting her comedy heroes, but even then circumstances and important details were sadly missing.
A great read for someone who is unsure whether they like Miranda or not. This book might help you make up your mind.
A great read for someone who is unsure whether they like Miranda or not. This book might help you make up your mind.
September 4, 2019
I love Miranda Hart and I love her show but for some reason, I didn't love this. I think her unique style comes across better on screen and radio so possibly I would've enjoyed the audiobook more.
April 23, 2017
First of all, I must say that I love Miranda Hart's TV show, I seriously need more episodes, so I was very excited to read this! This woman can make me laugh non-stop.
I think the reason it took me so long to read it was because I just went back to it whenever I needed a good laugh, and it did make me have a great time.
In this book, we get to see Miranda talking about everyday struggles that nobody really talks about, but should. She engages in a conversation with her 18-year-old self and explains how hard it is to get over certain situations, such as talking about music and hobbies, having a great fulfilling career, anything that has to do with exercise, diets and health, being in a relationship and ridiculous beauty standards. It's pretty much a manual about how to deal with life. Or a "Miran-ual", as she likes to call it.
She also encourages you to do crazy things while reading this book in public, and see how others react to it.
I think we have a lot to learn from Miranda, who insists that the 30's are the new 20's, and also from her younger self, who makes us see how obsessed we are with technology and we are not enjoying life. And everything is always explained with comedy and life stories.
And being honest, we all may have a little of Miranda in us.
I quite enjoyed reading this, although I don't know if I would recommend this to people who don't know Miranda? I don't know, I just kept listening to her voice in my head while reading this book, so that made it more fun for me.
I also liked that there were some illustrations in this, I always love that in a book :)
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
I think the reason it took me so long to read it was because I just went back to it whenever I needed a good laugh, and it did make me have a great time.
In this book, we get to see Miranda talking about everyday struggles that nobody really talks about, but should. She engages in a conversation with her 18-year-old self and explains how hard it is to get over certain situations, such as talking about music and hobbies, having a great fulfilling career, anything that has to do with exercise, diets and health, being in a relationship and ridiculous beauty standards. It's pretty much a manual about how to deal with life. Or a "Miran-ual", as she likes to call it.
She also encourages you to do crazy things while reading this book in public, and see how others react to it.
I think we have a lot to learn from Miranda, who insists that the 30's are the new 20's, and also from her younger self, who makes us see how obsessed we are with technology and we are not enjoying life. And everything is always explained with comedy and life stories.
And being honest, we all may have a little of Miranda in us.
I quite enjoyed reading this, although I don't know if I would recommend this to people who don't know Miranda? I don't know, I just kept listening to her voice in my head while reading this book, so that made it more fun for me.
I also liked that there were some illustrations in this, I always love that in a book :)
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
April 27, 2016
3.5 stars, though it pains me to say it.
I absolutely adore Miranda. I've lost count of how many times I've watched and re-watched her show, which is better than chocolate or chicken soup for cheering me up, de-stressing me or just generally making me laugh til I can't breathe.
I guess all I can say is this: as laugh out loud funny as Is It Juts Me can be - she simply translates better on film. I think it just became a little exhausting after a while, and I ended up taking a good month to read it because I had to keep taking breaks.
I really really hope that she does an audiobook version of it because THAT would be absolutely perfect.
OH wait! Just realised that there is an audiobook that she reads. This has been directly requested from my library and I await it with glee.
Such fun!
I absolutely adore Miranda. I've lost count of how many times I've watched and re-watched her show, which is better than chocolate or chicken soup for cheering me up, de-stressing me or just generally making me laugh til I can't breathe.
I guess all I can say is this: as laugh out loud funny as Is It Juts Me can be - she simply translates better on film. I think it just became a little exhausting after a while, and I ended up taking a good month to read it because I had to keep taking breaks.
I really really hope that she does an audiobook version of it because THAT would be absolutely perfect.
OH wait! Just realised that there is an audiobook that she reads. This has been directly requested from my library and I await it with glee.
Such fun!
November 2, 2012
Absorbing and full of moments that make you laugh-out-loud this book is a must-have for Christmas!
I am a huge fan of the comedian and actress Miranda Hart who is such a funny, lovable site on screen from performances in shows such as Smack the pony, Absolutely Fabulous and not going out as well as the hilarious sitcom Miranda (2009). Her popularity has rocketed since being rightfully identified as the queen of comedy at the British comedy awards, and also when she won several BAFTA’s. Her recent performance as Chummy in the popular and fantastic new BBC drama Call the Midwife was just spectacular, and so hence why many adoring fans will be eagerly waiting finding this book in their Christmas stockings this year. She is naturally funny because of her openness and candid personality that is charming and loveable, and which is also clearly visible within this book. This delightful autobiography about one of Great Britain’s most loved, familiar figures reveals all from the good and the bad, the ups and the downs in her career. From school days to life as an office temp Miranda reminisces about those awkward experiences including the ones that she looks on less favorably, as well as about her breakthrough in comedy and working as an actress. Much caution is needed when you flick through those pages of Miranda as her eighteen year old self that gives you a deeper insight into this remarkable celebrity figure.
Miranda Hart is a national treasure who especially within the last few years has proved her to be worthy of high critical acclaim and most deserved of all the praise and adoration that she receives from many admiring fans. I would honestly have no hesitation in placing her next to Stephen Fry or Alan Bennett, for she is has worked her way up the career ladder and into the country’s affections. If you carefully navigate the awkwardness that is Miranda through and through, you will see another side to this iconic figure who is just as human as you or I and who is pure, unadulterated and totally genius. Unlike some celebrities she is also a great writer who effortlessly puts down onto paper all of her personality and charm, which is as exciting and enjoyable to read as it is to watch the person herself on television. I have to applaud this bumbling, splendid attempt to create such a volume that depicts Miranda splendidly at a young age right through to her adult years, being something to treasure and cherish as much as the person herself. Full of heartfelt sincerity, charisma and cheer this comedy queen gives her unique thoughts and advice on the most challenging, baffling and unconventional parts of her life in comparison with others.
Told in her own unique style this atypical autobiography is truly original and distinctive, and is something that I would absolutely and unequivocally recommend to anyone who watches ‘Miranda’ or to those of you who are looking for something entertaining and truly enjoyable. Easy to read and full of wit this is a book that you will be unable to put down and which had me glued to the pages throughout, therefore I advise that you look closely in your stocking on Christmas morning for you might find a real treat buried inside!
I am a huge fan of the comedian and actress Miranda Hart who is such a funny, lovable site on screen from performances in shows such as Smack the pony, Absolutely Fabulous and not going out as well as the hilarious sitcom Miranda (2009). Her popularity has rocketed since being rightfully identified as the queen of comedy at the British comedy awards, and also when she won several BAFTA’s. Her recent performance as Chummy in the popular and fantastic new BBC drama Call the Midwife was just spectacular, and so hence why many adoring fans will be eagerly waiting finding this book in their Christmas stockings this year. She is naturally funny because of her openness and candid personality that is charming and loveable, and which is also clearly visible within this book. This delightful autobiography about one of Great Britain’s most loved, familiar figures reveals all from the good and the bad, the ups and the downs in her career. From school days to life as an office temp Miranda reminisces about those awkward experiences including the ones that she looks on less favorably, as well as about her breakthrough in comedy and working as an actress. Much caution is needed when you flick through those pages of Miranda as her eighteen year old self that gives you a deeper insight into this remarkable celebrity figure.
Miranda Hart is a national treasure who especially within the last few years has proved her to be worthy of high critical acclaim and most deserved of all the praise and adoration that she receives from many admiring fans. I would honestly have no hesitation in placing her next to Stephen Fry or Alan Bennett, for she is has worked her way up the career ladder and into the country’s affections. If you carefully navigate the awkwardness that is Miranda through and through, you will see another side to this iconic figure who is just as human as you or I and who is pure, unadulterated and totally genius. Unlike some celebrities she is also a great writer who effortlessly puts down onto paper all of her personality and charm, which is as exciting and enjoyable to read as it is to watch the person herself on television. I have to applaud this bumbling, splendid attempt to create such a volume that depicts Miranda splendidly at a young age right through to her adult years, being something to treasure and cherish as much as the person herself. Full of heartfelt sincerity, charisma and cheer this comedy queen gives her unique thoughts and advice on the most challenging, baffling and unconventional parts of her life in comparison with others.
Told in her own unique style this atypical autobiography is truly original and distinctive, and is something that I would absolutely and unequivocally recommend to anyone who watches ‘Miranda’ or to those of you who are looking for something entertaining and truly enjoyable. Easy to read and full of wit this is a book that you will be unable to put down and which had me glued to the pages throughout, therefore I advise that you look closely in your stocking on Christmas morning for you might find a real treat buried inside!
January 9, 2013
So i need to start by pointing out that i'm a HUGE fan of the TV show Miranda and of course of Miranda Hart. I find her hilarious and well, many scenes i could relate so well with it (Yep, lots of awkward moments).
Anyway to say i was excited to read her book, this kind of autobiography, is putting it a bit, well...actually it was a bit more like this
Now off to the book, my dear goodread fellow chum =)
Each chapter, has a different theme, from her take on music, beauty, holidays, christmas, weddings, hobbies and so on. And though the whole book she is telling her story directed to her reader (if you know her show, you know how it is...if not, WHY NOT? step away from the computer and go watch it) and to her 18 years old self.
Oh yes, it's an hilarious and sweet book. It will make you laugh like crazy, scream "OMG Miranda, is just not you!!!!", feel embarrassed because of some of her embarrassing moments (Miranda, you're brave to share with us some really mortifying moments) and of course relate to her. You'll definitely find at least one thing you can relate to her.
You'll really have SUCH FUN =)
March 8, 2024
Miranda Hart for president. Of beter gezegd “queen of England”. Ik hou zo van haar en van haar humor. Ze schreef deze “miranual” als gids om ons door de gênante en rare dingen des levens te leiden. Denk aan onderwerpen als “dating”, “hobbies”, “office life” en “exercise”. Mijn favoriete anekdote staat in het hoofdstuk “bodies” waarin ze schrijft:
“When you’re tall, MDRC (my dear reader chum), sometimes you don’t notice everything that’s going on below you, which mostly means you trip over the odd shoe or bollard. But, years ago, when I was about sixteen, at my young cousin’s fifth birthday party, it meant that I completely failed to notice that one of the other children’s parents was a dwarf. Early in the proceedings, I became aware of my little cousin blubbing, so I bent to comfort her. I was distracted, and chatting merrily away to a friend as I picked her up. Yes, you’ve guessed it: I picked up the forty-two-year-old dwarf parent. I looked at her and – naturally, as I was expecting the five year old ��� screamed right in her face in fright. I quickly followed it up with a, ‘Gosh, I’m so sorry, it’s . . . I thought . . . no, well . . . let me pop you back there . . .’ as I placed her back down from whence she came.”
“When you’re tall, MDRC (my dear reader chum), sometimes you don’t notice everything that’s going on below you, which mostly means you trip over the odd shoe or bollard. But, years ago, when I was about sixteen, at my young cousin’s fifth birthday party, it meant that I completely failed to notice that one of the other children’s parents was a dwarf. Early in the proceedings, I became aware of my little cousin blubbing, so I bent to comfort her. I was distracted, and chatting merrily away to a friend as I picked her up. Yes, you’ve guessed it: I picked up the forty-two-year-old dwarf parent. I looked at her and – naturally, as I was expecting the five year old ��� screamed right in her face in fright. I quickly followed it up with a, ‘Gosh, I’m so sorry, it’s . . . I thought . . . no, well . . . let me pop you back there . . .’ as I placed her back down from whence she came.”
December 27, 2012
I cannot express how much I love this book. But I shall try.
I am not a fan of autobiographies; I often find that celebrities just don't lead the interesting lives we think they do. This is not so with Miranda. I am in disbelief at the amount of ridiculously hilarious things that have happened to her. I actually laughed out loud, frequently, throughout this book.
I also thank Miranda deeply for her 'Miran-ual', as she calls it. It is genuinely helpful to know that, when one feels like a twat in life, worse things have happened to a very successful woman. Her hilairious stories are punctuated with semi-useful advice, which I may or may not follow, and enjoyable tasks avec tick box-ing.
I do love the end. What a marvellous way to end such a book. I was genuinely moved. So moved, in fact, that I thought I would write this review now, rather than tomorrow, lest the feeling sould fade. Miranda, my dear writer chum, you are an extremely funny woman of the highest order, and I shall miss having your literary persona in my daily life. I wholeheartedly love you.
I am not a fan of autobiographies; I often find that celebrities just don't lead the interesting lives we think they do. This is not so with Miranda. I am in disbelief at the amount of ridiculously hilarious things that have happened to her. I actually laughed out loud, frequently, throughout this book.
I also thank Miranda deeply for her 'Miran-ual', as she calls it. It is genuinely helpful to know that, when one feels like a twat in life, worse things have happened to a very successful woman. Her hilairious stories are punctuated with semi-useful advice, which I may or may not follow, and enjoyable tasks avec tick box-ing.
I do love the end. What a marvellous way to end such a book. I was genuinely moved. So moved, in fact, that I thought I would write this review now, rather than tomorrow, lest the feeling sould fade. Miranda, my dear writer chum, you are an extremely funny woman of the highest order, and I shall miss having your literary persona in my daily life. I wholeheartedly love you.
October 25, 2015
Love Miranda but the style of this book was not for me. A fair few laugh out loud moments but the chatty, kooky style of Miranda didn't translate well in to book form for me. Funny but 2 stars
August 14, 2022
Did I chuckle? Occasionally. Did I laugh out loud? Not a single time. I don't know. Maybe Hart's voice doesn't translate to the written word for me, or maybe this was much too silly/shallow for my taste, but I rather enjoyed the TV show, so that can't be it. I could see this working as a stand-up piece, but as a book, without her facial expressions that are such a big part of her comedic delivery, it just didn't work for me at all. I found myself rolling my eyes or sighing in exasperation at poor puns or overdone punchlines.
My favorite part was hands down the hobbies chapter, but the conversations with her 18-year-old self were quite possibly the most annoyingly unfunny and obnoxious fake dialogues ever put on page and the constant breaking of the fourth wall was also off-putting. Basically, I get most of the points she was trying to make, but they could've been so much funnier if it had been written in a different style.
My favorite part was hands down the hobbies chapter, but the conversations with her 18-year-old self were quite possibly the most annoyingly unfunny and obnoxious fake dialogues ever put on page and the constant breaking of the fourth wall was also off-putting. Basically, I get most of the points she was trying to make, but they could've been so much funnier if it had been written in a different style.
April 9, 2020
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow. ~ Langston Hughes
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow. ~ Langston Hughes
May 27, 2013
I love Miranda Hart.
She is everything I love about Britain and comediennes.
I was disappointed by 'Is Is Just Me?'. This was largely due to the fact that much of the material in the book was recycled from her sitcom, and didn't translate very well into a written form. It was still funny, and still Miranda all over, and I would definitely recommend the book to Miranda fans.
The structure was interesting, and cute, as Miranda communicates with her younger self throughout the book. It is a slightly unusual choice of structure, but worked well as it provided depth to the character (herself...) and added in a few more layers of humour.
The greatest thing about this book is that it was easy to read, and most of the time, especially when you're busy, it's a nightmare trying to read intellectually challenging books. It's important to keep in mind that reading is fun, and can just be for pure childish joy. I definitely felt that while reading 'Is It Just Me?'.
Even though I rated Miranda's book three stars, everyone should probably just read it anyway, because Miranda is just so wonderful.
Such fun. (How many people do you think finished a review of this book with that line?)
She is everything I love about Britain and comediennes.
I was disappointed by 'Is Is Just Me?'. This was largely due to the fact that much of the material in the book was recycled from her sitcom, and didn't translate very well into a written form. It was still funny, and still Miranda all over, and I would definitely recommend the book to Miranda fans.
The structure was interesting, and cute, as Miranda communicates with her younger self throughout the book. It is a slightly unusual choice of structure, but worked well as it provided depth to the character (herself...) and added in a few more layers of humour.
The greatest thing about this book is that it was easy to read, and most of the time, especially when you're busy, it's a nightmare trying to read intellectually challenging books. It's important to keep in mind that reading is fun, and can just be for pure childish joy. I definitely felt that while reading 'Is It Just Me?'.
Even though I rated Miranda's book three stars, everyone should probably just read it anyway, because Miranda is just so wonderful.
Such fun. (How many people do you think finished a review of this book with that line?)
August 21, 2018
I found this book at my local library and the text on the back made me smile, so I thought I would find it entertaining, but unfortunately I didn't. There were some entertaining and relatable anecdotes, but for the most part I found this book to be not very funny and overall unsatisfying. Part of that is because second hand embarrassment causes me physical pain and the book heavily relies on it. Also, Miranda has conversations with Little M, her 18-year-old self, that were simply cringy and didn't really make sense. I know this was supposed to be quirky, but for me it just didn't work. Soz buckets as the author would say, but I did not have the jolly good time I expected to have with the book.
June 18, 2021
What I call "Monika-gets-laser-eye-surgery-and-can't-read-anything-for-a-few-days-so-has-no-choice-but-to-listen-to-whatever-audiobook-she-happens-to-have-downloaded-on-her-phone"
August 22, 2025
always loved miranda! she is probably where I get about 25% of my sense of humour, very much so indeed. if you have not heard her talking, then I probably look a bit mad.
September 4, 2017
Hilarious!! It had me laughing out loud. Just brilliant!!!
March 13, 2021
Hysteriskt rolig - jag skrattade så jag fick andnöd till vissa ställen! Lite igenkänning finns där och det är en härlig bok att läsa eftersom Hart pratar till läsaren (och med sitt yngre jag) hela tiden. Jag har lärt mig massor om livet 🤣
January 4, 2022
3.5 stars
Well... I love Miranda Hart. Then again, I already did.
Is It Just Me? is essentially a written version of her character in the eponymous TV series Miranda, which is in itself partly inspired by real life events.
The whole time I was reading it, I could almost hear Miranda’s cheerful voice in my head, narrating her own book to me, down to the change in tone and inflection, so I can only imagine listening to the audiobook would’ve made the experience an even better one.
However, I did have a few qualms about the book.
For example, while her back and forth with the 18-year-old version of herself was mostly amusing, at times it missed the mark for me, and got a little repetitive, as well as the constant stream of mishaps and faux pas, which now and then became a bit tiring to get through.
The thing is, while watching the series, you expect everything to go wrong for this character, as an adorable and accident-prone Miranda keeps finding herself in one absolutely ridiculous and mortifying situation after another, and proceeds to handle all of them with absolutely zero grace. Since she’s a fictional character, written that way, it’s fairly easy to entertain the idea of such a clumsy and unlucky person. And so it is endearing, and you can’t help but groan and laugh at the visual gags as you cover your face and drown in a puddle of second-hand embarrassment.
But this is not the series, and this is not Miranda as that fictional character.
I mean, am I to believe Miranda has had to endure such incessant humiliation in her lifetime?
If so, just... wow. I can only be inspired by anyone who is this unabashedly perseverant.
But I’ll go ahead and assume that only about a third of it all is real. Miranda is a comedian after all, and otherwise I simply cannot... “bear with”.
Despite all of this, and the fact that I didn’t completely fall in love with the book, I am glad it exists. Not only because it made me laugh out loud several times, as Miranda generally does, or because I was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of truly sweet and heartfelt moments throughout the book, but mainly because we need more from someone who is so brazenly devoted to not taking life seriously.
Well... I love Miranda Hart. Then again, I already did.
Is It Just Me? is essentially a written version of her character in the eponymous TV series Miranda, which is in itself partly inspired by real life events.
The whole time I was reading it, I could almost hear Miranda’s cheerful voice in my head, narrating her own book to me, down to the change in tone and inflection, so I can only imagine listening to the audiobook would’ve made the experience an even better one.
However, I did have a few qualms about the book.
For example, while her back and forth with the 18-year-old version of herself was mostly amusing, at times it missed the mark for me, and got a little repetitive, as well as the constant stream of mishaps and faux pas, which now and then became a bit tiring to get through.
The thing is, while watching the series, you expect everything to go wrong for this character, as an adorable and accident-prone Miranda keeps finding herself in one absolutely ridiculous and mortifying situation after another, and proceeds to handle all of them with absolutely zero grace. Since she’s a fictional character, written that way, it’s fairly easy to entertain the idea of such a clumsy and unlucky person. And so it is endearing, and you can’t help but groan and laugh at the visual gags as you cover your face and drown in a puddle of second-hand embarrassment.
But this is not the series, and this is not Miranda as that fictional character.
I mean, am I to believe Miranda has had to endure such incessant humiliation in her lifetime?
If so, just... wow. I can only be inspired by anyone who is this unabashedly perseverant.
But I’ll go ahead and assume that only about a third of it all is real. Miranda is a comedian after all, and otherwise I simply cannot... “bear with”.
Despite all of this, and the fact that I didn’t completely fall in love with the book, I am glad it exists. Not only because it made me laugh out loud several times, as Miranda generally does, or because I was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of truly sweet and heartfelt moments throughout the book, but mainly because we need more from someone who is so brazenly devoted to not taking life seriously.
January 4, 2013
FIVE INCREDIBLE STARS FOR MIRANDA!
[image error]
Wow, wow, wow, wow, and just WOW!
I think this book was outstanding, and it made me laugh and laugh and laugh until I turned the very last page. And even then I was still giggling to myself!
So, Miranda talks to you about a few topics of life, from weddings and holidays to dating and hobbies, whilst her 18 year old self tags along. She's written the book in such an interesting way, but it's also comical and endearing at the same time. If you've never heard of her (which I doubt) she's an amazing comedian/actress, who literally splits my sides! And the way she takes you through life's many challenges in this book is brilliant! Absolutely mind-blowing! I honestly cannot give this woman enough praise.
I think this was a perfect book to read to begin the New Year with :)
Hilariously funny, laid-back, and just SO down to earth, I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this to everyone, and anyone who's in need of a good chuckle.
Miranda, I SALUTE YOU!
[image error]
Wow, wow, wow, wow, and just WOW!
I think this book was outstanding, and it made me laugh and laugh and laugh until I turned the very last page. And even then I was still giggling to myself!
So, Miranda talks to you about a few topics of life, from weddings and holidays to dating and hobbies, whilst her 18 year old self tags along. She's written the book in such an interesting way, but it's also comical and endearing at the same time. If you've never heard of her (which I doubt) she's an amazing comedian/actress, who literally splits my sides! And the way she takes you through life's many challenges in this book is brilliant! Absolutely mind-blowing! I honestly cannot give this woman enough praise.
I think this was a perfect book to read to begin the New Year with :)
Hilariously funny, laid-back, and just SO down to earth, I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this to everyone, and anyone who's in need of a good chuckle.
Miranda, I SALUTE YOU!
October 17, 2012
First of all unless you are British you probably wont of heard of Miranda Hart. She is a brilliant comedian and has appeared in the BBC TV shows, Absolutely Fabulous, Not Going Out, Call the Midwife and of course her very own scripted comedy show “Miranda”.
Her calamitous, slapstick very British brand of humour is a breath of fresh air in a very cynical and sarcastic age.
I literally sat and laughed and giggled my way through the whole book and thinking to myself on lots of occasions I’m glad I’m not the only one that has done that!
“Is it just me” is not a biography, it’s Miranda’s view of modern life and all its pitfalls split into handy sized topics ranging from School to job interviews to cringe worthy Christmas holidays spent with family and holiday disasters in Europe. Stand out moments include the time Miranda during a job interview rolls over her skirt and on standing up looses it and shows her knickers and trying to be hip and trendy in London she tells someone that she knows Kanye West and its a tube stop near Cockfosters!!
I defy anyone not to laugh while reading this book; Miranda is a hero of mine. I’m a naturally clumsy person (as my friends will agree) and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one out there.
Her calamitous, slapstick very British brand of humour is a breath of fresh air in a very cynical and sarcastic age.
I literally sat and laughed and giggled my way through the whole book and thinking to myself on lots of occasions I’m glad I’m not the only one that has done that!
“Is it just me” is not a biography, it’s Miranda’s view of modern life and all its pitfalls split into handy sized topics ranging from School to job interviews to cringe worthy Christmas holidays spent with family and holiday disasters in Europe. Stand out moments include the time Miranda during a job interview rolls over her skirt and on standing up looses it and shows her knickers and trying to be hip and trendy in London she tells someone that she knows Kanye West and its a tube stop near Cockfosters!!
I defy anyone not to laugh while reading this book; Miranda is a hero of mine. I’m a naturally clumsy person (as my friends will agree) and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one out there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,022 reviews