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Humor Me: A Novel
A love letter to the New York City stand-up scene, as told by a charmingly jaded assistant at a late-night talk show―for fans of Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Presley Fry is not amused. She’s been an assistant at the Late Night Show for way too long, she’s adopted a “business casual” approach to dating to save herself from the embarrassment of seeking genuine connection, and she’s content to allow her gregarious roommate, Isabelle, to orchestrate her entire social life. And yet, Presley is absolutely enamored with her job and the world of stand-up comedy. The joy she finds in discovering up-and-coming comedians, the beauty and connection in their shared humor―it’s enough for now.
Enter Susan Clark, the childhood best friend of Presley’s late mother, whose death still knocks the wind out of Presley whenever she reaches for the phone. Susan is married to the head of the network where Presley works, and she is determined to take Presley under her wing and ease her way through life in the big city. She’s also determined to connect Presley with her son, the bright and affable Lawrence, who couldn’t be further from Presley’s type.
As Presley grapples with the loss of her mother and finds her people among those who seek out comedy to make the world a bit brighter, Humor Me reminds us that friendship can emerge from where you least expect it and that shared laughter can ease some of the deepest pain.
Presley Fry is not amused. She’s been an assistant at the Late Night Show for way too long, she’s adopted a “business casual” approach to dating to save herself from the embarrassment of seeking genuine connection, and she’s content to allow her gregarious roommate, Isabelle, to orchestrate her entire social life. And yet, Presley is absolutely enamored with her job and the world of stand-up comedy. The joy she finds in discovering up-and-coming comedians, the beauty and connection in their shared humor―it’s enough for now.
Enter Susan Clark, the childhood best friend of Presley’s late mother, whose death still knocks the wind out of Presley whenever she reaches for the phone. Susan is married to the head of the network where Presley works, and she is determined to take Presley under her wing and ease her way through life in the big city. She’s also determined to connect Presley with her son, the bright and affable Lawrence, who couldn’t be further from Presley’s type.
As Presley grapples with the loss of her mother and finds her people among those who seek out comedy to make the world a bit brighter, Humor Me reminds us that friendship can emerge from where you least expect it and that shared laughter can ease some of the deepest pain.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2024
81 people are currently reading
28147 people want to read
About the author
Cat Shook
2 books348 followersCat Shook graduated from the University of Georgia in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and Mass Media Arts. Born and raised in Georgia, she now lives in Brooklyn. She is the author of If We're Being Honest, a GMA Buzz Pick, and Humor Me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 603 reviews
July 19, 2024
3.75⭐️
Twenty-five-year-old Presley Fry has a lot on her plate! An assistant at a late-night talk show she is long due for a promotion and is on the hunt for a talented new stand-up comic to be featured on the show which has her exploring the stand-up comedy scene in NYC. It’s been a little over a year since her mother, with whom she shared a complicated relationship, passed away, and Presley is yet to come to terms with her loss. Her social life is mostly guided by her friend and roommate Isabelle, "Izzy," which is fine by Presley since she isn’t too confident in herself. She is also trying to navigate her feelings for a colleague, not quite sure whether the person thinks of her in the same light. When her mother’s childhood friend, the charismatic Susan Clark, who is also navigating a particularly disturbing life situation takes her under her wing, Susan’s friendship, advice and worldview not only nudge Presley out of her comfort zone but also help her to navigate her grief, open up to new experiences and embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery and personal growth.
The narrative is presented from Presley’s first-person POV. A lot is going on with the characters, but the narrative is fluid and the plot never gets convoluted or difficult to follow. The character-driven elements were stronger than the plot-driven aspect of this novel, which made this an interesting and enjoyable read.
The pacing is on the slower side, which suits the nature of the story. Cat Shook writes with wit, humor and much emotional depth and addresses sensitive themes such as complex mother-daughter relationships, alcoholism, the #MeToo movement, grief and infidelity with maturity and compassion. Her characters are real and relatable. We might not agree with all of their choices, but you can understand them. Presley is an endearing character and I was invested in her journey as she navigated her personal and professional struggles, her grief and much more. Susan is an interesting character and I enjoyed her dynamic with Presley. The romance angle was well-developed and deftly woven into the narrative. I enjoyed the insight into the NYC comedy scene, though I would have liked this aspect to have been featured in more depth. The ending is a bit too neatly tied up and convenient, but stories such as these are mostly predictable, so that’s not surprising.
Overall, I enjoyed Humor Me by Cat Shook and thought it was a well-written novel.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano, which made for a delightful immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Celadon for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
Twenty-five-year-old Presley Fry has a lot on her plate! An assistant at a late-night talk show she is long due for a promotion and is on the hunt for a talented new stand-up comic to be featured on the show which has her exploring the stand-up comedy scene in NYC. It’s been a little over a year since her mother, with whom she shared a complicated relationship, passed away, and Presley is yet to come to terms with her loss. Her social life is mostly guided by her friend and roommate Isabelle, "Izzy," which is fine by Presley since she isn’t too confident in herself. She is also trying to navigate her feelings for a colleague, not quite sure whether the person thinks of her in the same light. When her mother’s childhood friend, the charismatic Susan Clark, who is also navigating a particularly disturbing life situation takes her under her wing, Susan’s friendship, advice and worldview not only nudge Presley out of her comfort zone but also help her to navigate her grief, open up to new experiences and embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery and personal growth.
The narrative is presented from Presley’s first-person POV. A lot is going on with the characters, but the narrative is fluid and the plot never gets convoluted or difficult to follow. The character-driven elements were stronger than the plot-driven aspect of this novel, which made this an interesting and enjoyable read.
The pacing is on the slower side, which suits the nature of the story. Cat Shook writes with wit, humor and much emotional depth and addresses sensitive themes such as complex mother-daughter relationships, alcoholism, the #MeToo movement, grief and infidelity with maturity and compassion. Her characters are real and relatable. We might not agree with all of their choices, but you can understand them. Presley is an endearing character and I was invested in her journey as she navigated her personal and professional struggles, her grief and much more. Susan is an interesting character and I enjoyed her dynamic with Presley. The romance angle was well-developed and deftly woven into the narrative. I enjoyed the insight into the NYC comedy scene, though I would have liked this aspect to have been featured in more depth. The ending is a bit too neatly tied up and convenient, but stories such as these are mostly predictable, so that’s not surprising.
Overall, I enjoyed Humor Me by Cat Shook and thought it was a well-written novel.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano, which made for a delightful immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Celadon for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
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October 9, 2024dnf 53%
“That’s not how I think of you,” he says, exhaling. “You just . . . You make me want to be good, is all.”
this book felt more like a personal diary but in a boring way. i read over 50% of the book and nothing was happening. main character had similar days with almost identical interactions. and while i enjoyed seeing her talking to different people, i had no desire to continue this book. i couldn’t grasp what the idea was or what could possibly happen further. nevertheless, i was interested in her work because what she does sounds so fun but also i wouldn’t survive having so much tension finding comedians for the tv show.
if anyone read this book and think other 50% are more interesting than leave a comment (and i’ll try again)
Thank you NetGalley for the copy of this title.
“That’s not how I think of you,” he says, exhaling. “You just . . . You make me want to be good, is all.”
this book felt more like a personal diary but in a boring way. i read over 50% of the book and nothing was happening. main character had similar days with almost identical interactions. and while i enjoyed seeing her talking to different people, i had no desire to continue this book. i couldn’t grasp what the idea was or what could possibly happen further. nevertheless, i was interested in her work because what she does sounds so fun but also i wouldn’t survive having so much tension finding comedians for the tv show.
if anyone read this book and think other 50% are more interesting than leave a comment (and i’ll try again)
Thank you NetGalley for the copy of this title.
June 23, 2025
I’ve never felt more shamed by literature when he reached out to give her a hug and she gave him a high five and then they both stood there mortified because I too have done that and I think about it almost every day
July 9, 2024
Humor Me is a marvel. Billed as a love letter to the NYC stand-up comedy scene, its protagonist is Presley Fry, who works as an assistant on a beloved late night show. Presley is dealing with a lot. She’s anxious that she hasn’t yet been promoted, and she’s mortified that she seems to have caught feelings for her work BFF, Adam. But mostly, Presley is dealing with grief over her mother’s death the previous year, trying to grapple with the fact that so much about their complicated relationship was left unresolved. When she runs into her mother’s childhood best friend, Susan, the two strike up an unexpected friendship, leading Presley to relationships and realizations she never could have anticipated.
Humor Me is one of those novels that celebrates the messy magic of life: what it’s like to be young in a big city, trying to figure out who you are and what you want, both personally and professionally; how it feels to fall in love – with someone else, with your city, with yourself; what it’s like to navigate the fraught waters of grief. Presley is the best kind of character; she’s vulnerable but guarded, longs for connection even though she sabotages opportunities for it at every turn, self-aware even though she stubbornly refuses to face some hard truths about her life. Her closest relationships – with her best friend Isabelle and especially with Susan – are conveyed with so much authenticity. I adored the relationship between Presley and Susan, with its subtle mother-daughter vibes and the genuine warmth and affection at its heart.
Humor Me is funny and sexy and charming, but also surprisingly emotionally resonant, dealing with deep themes like complex family dynamics, alcoholism, and #MeToo in a well-balanced narrative. It’s a “slice of life” sort of book, not majorly plot-forward – it’s more just the story of Presley’s growth and becoming, and Cat Shook kept me invested in her whole journey. Thank you to Celadon Books for the early reading opportunity.
Humor Me is one of those novels that celebrates the messy magic of life: what it’s like to be young in a big city, trying to figure out who you are and what you want, both personally and professionally; how it feels to fall in love – with someone else, with your city, with yourself; what it’s like to navigate the fraught waters of grief. Presley is the best kind of character; she’s vulnerable but guarded, longs for connection even though she sabotages opportunities for it at every turn, self-aware even though she stubbornly refuses to face some hard truths about her life. Her closest relationships – with her best friend Isabelle and especially with Susan – are conveyed with so much authenticity. I adored the relationship between Presley and Susan, with its subtle mother-daughter vibes and the genuine warmth and affection at its heart.
Humor Me is funny and sexy and charming, but also surprisingly emotionally resonant, dealing with deep themes like complex family dynamics, alcoholism, and #MeToo in a well-balanced narrative. It’s a “slice of life” sort of book, not majorly plot-forward – it’s more just the story of Presley’s growth and becoming, and Cat Shook kept me invested in her whole journey. Thank you to Celadon Books for the early reading opportunity.
July 16, 2024
This was an interesting story that really kept me on my toes. Just when I thought it was one thing, like a comedy, it sucker punched me with some authentic grief and then bam we had romance. None of the pieces were bad, but it was a lot to take in all together in one book. The writing was good, but this was a book I picked up and put down more times than I would have liked. I liked our main character Presley, but in her keeping her deep truths to herself I felt like we didn’t get to see her fully developed either. Presley is working for minimum wage as an assistant at a late night show and she is working hard to take over the stand up comedy spot to help her move up in her career. This is a story of unconventional friendships and how they change and develop. Presley doesn’t have a lot of friends. Her best friend and roommate Izzy, her deceased mother’s old friend who bumps into her adopts her Susan, Adam her coworker, and Lawrence Susan’s son. This book did hit the gambit and I laughed out loud and shed a few tears. Overall I gave it 3.5 stars which I rounded up for the genuine emotion it inspired.
October 16, 2024
It’s only been a year since her alcoholic mother’s death, but Presley is doing her best to push her complex grief down. She keeps busy with her demanding job at a late-night comedy show, her social life in Manhattan’s East Village and her will-they-or-won’t-they flirty friendship with a coworker. But all of her feelings about her mom resurface when she runs into Susan.
Susan is a posh New York housewife now, but she grew up in small-town Georgia with Presley’s mom. And she has problems of her own. Her husband, the president of a TV network, has become embroiled in a Me Too scandal. 58-year-old Susan and 25-year-old Presley form an unlikely friendship, and Presley begins to learn that it’s OK to let other people into the fortress that is her heart. Including, perhaps, Susan’s handsome son…
This book was fun and sweet, and I appreciated that while there was romance, it wasn’t the main storyline. Presley’s own emotional growth and her friendship with Susan are front and centre. I like that the characters were complex and flawed, and that the book showcased the realities of racism and sexism in the media industry.
I think that if I had read this in my twenties instead of my thirties, I would have given it five stars! It’s a love letter to being young and confused in a big city. Think Taylor Swift’s 22 meets HBO’s Girls. I found myself at times wishing these characters would just communicate with each other, but it totally rings true to the lives of a certain subset of twenty-somethings.
Overall, this was a fun and feminist read. I would particularly recommend it for a younger adult audience. I think 21-year-old me would have LOVED this book!
Susan is a posh New York housewife now, but she grew up in small-town Georgia with Presley’s mom. And she has problems of her own. Her husband, the president of a TV network, has become embroiled in a Me Too scandal. 58-year-old Susan and 25-year-old Presley form an unlikely friendship, and Presley begins to learn that it’s OK to let other people into the fortress that is her heart. Including, perhaps, Susan’s handsome son…
This book was fun and sweet, and I appreciated that while there was romance, it wasn’t the main storyline. Presley’s own emotional growth and her friendship with Susan are front and centre. I like that the characters were complex and flawed, and that the book showcased the realities of racism and sexism in the media industry.
I think that if I had read this in my twenties instead of my thirties, I would have given it five stars! It’s a love letter to being young and confused in a big city. Think Taylor Swift’s 22 meets HBO’s Girls. I found myself at times wishing these characters would just communicate with each other, but it totally rings true to the lives of a certain subset of twenty-somethings.
Overall, this was a fun and feminist read. I would particularly recommend it for a younger adult audience. I think 21-year-old me would have LOVED this book!
July 28, 2024
Humor Me by Cat Shook was a captivating and funny book that explored a young woman’s life while she lived and worked in the heart of New York City. It took place shortly after the death of her mother. Her grief was still raw, very difficult to talk about and dictated her all but nonexistent social life. Humor Me was character driven and was told in the first person POV of Presley Fry. I listened to the audiobook of Humor Me that was well narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano. This was my first time that I listened to an audiobook by this narrator. I enjoyed the performance very much.
Presley Fry was a twenty-five year old woman who had recently lost her mother. Even though, Presley and her late mother had not always been close or had the most ideal relationship, Presley missed her presence in her life. Her mother had suffered from alcoholism and was often emotionally absent from Presley’s life but Presley missed her mother regardless. She found it difficult to talk about her mother’s death and how her mother’s death was affecting her thoughts and emotions. Presley lived in a small apartment that she shared with her best friend Izzy. The two had been college roommates and then just continued the same arrangement when they both moved to New York City and secured jobs. Presley had come to depend on Izzy to help her navigate her social life. If Presley had been left to her own devices, her social life would have been nonexistent. Izzy and Presley were best friends and relied on each other for almost everything.
Presley worked as an assistant for a late-night comedy show. She loved her job and worked very hard at trying to impress her boss. Presley was trying to send the message that she was ready for a promotion. An assistant’s salary left a lot to be desired. Financially, Presley had to make sure that she was careful with her money. A promotion would improve her financial situation greatly. Presley had another best friend that worked with her. His name was Adam. Presley and Adam spent a great deal of time together both at work and outside of work. They spoke on the phone every night. Izzy and others constantly teased Presley that Adam had feelings for her. At first, Presley was adamant that she and Adam were just friends but at some point Presley started imagining what a relationship with Adam would look like. Perhaps they could be more than friends. She had to admit that she was developing feelings for Adam. Did Adam also have feelings for Presley? Presley allowed herself to picture a future with Adam in it. Would he feel the same way?
Around this time, Presley was offered the additional opportunity of finding up and coming stand up comedians for the comedy show she worked for. She was really excited about this new responsibility. It allowed Presley to attend comedy shows and preview new talent. Presley was in her element when she was doing this. At about this time, Presley randomly ran into an old friend of her late mom’s. Susan Clark had grown up with Presley’s late mother. When Presley first arrived in New York City, it was Susan Clark’s husband that had helped Presley secure the job with the comedy show. Presley was aware that there were rumors about inappropriate behavior circulating around Susan’s husband but Presley was hesitant to bring the matter up. Susan was so glad to have run into Presley. She was determined to make Presley a friend even though there was such a big age difference. What evolved between Presley and Susan was really special. This new friendship was just what both Presley and Susan needed. Presley also found herself in the position of finding a new and exciting romantic connection with the most unexpected person.
I really liked Presley’s character and admired the growth she showed throughout the book. Presley’s relationship with Adam proved to be a testament to Presley’s ability to stay true to her convictions and beliefs. I admired her for making her decision and sticking to it as hard as it probably was for her. The unlikely relationship that sprang up between Presley and Susan Clark was unexpected, fun and so special. If it was even possible, Izzy and Presley grew closer and more accepting of one another’s unique situations over the course of the story. They learned to support one another unconditionally and respect their choices. Humor Me was about friendships, ambition, mother/daughter relationships, acceptance and loss. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Humor Me by Cat Shook and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to Humor Me by Cat Shook through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Presley Fry was a twenty-five year old woman who had recently lost her mother. Even though, Presley and her late mother had not always been close or had the most ideal relationship, Presley missed her presence in her life. Her mother had suffered from alcoholism and was often emotionally absent from Presley’s life but Presley missed her mother regardless. She found it difficult to talk about her mother’s death and how her mother’s death was affecting her thoughts and emotions. Presley lived in a small apartment that she shared with her best friend Izzy. The two had been college roommates and then just continued the same arrangement when they both moved to New York City and secured jobs. Presley had come to depend on Izzy to help her navigate her social life. If Presley had been left to her own devices, her social life would have been nonexistent. Izzy and Presley were best friends and relied on each other for almost everything.
Presley worked as an assistant for a late-night comedy show. She loved her job and worked very hard at trying to impress her boss. Presley was trying to send the message that she was ready for a promotion. An assistant’s salary left a lot to be desired. Financially, Presley had to make sure that she was careful with her money. A promotion would improve her financial situation greatly. Presley had another best friend that worked with her. His name was Adam. Presley and Adam spent a great deal of time together both at work and outside of work. They spoke on the phone every night. Izzy and others constantly teased Presley that Adam had feelings for her. At first, Presley was adamant that she and Adam were just friends but at some point Presley started imagining what a relationship with Adam would look like. Perhaps they could be more than friends. She had to admit that she was developing feelings for Adam. Did Adam also have feelings for Presley? Presley allowed herself to picture a future with Adam in it. Would he feel the same way?
Around this time, Presley was offered the additional opportunity of finding up and coming stand up comedians for the comedy show she worked for. She was really excited about this new responsibility. It allowed Presley to attend comedy shows and preview new talent. Presley was in her element when she was doing this. At about this time, Presley randomly ran into an old friend of her late mom’s. Susan Clark had grown up with Presley’s late mother. When Presley first arrived in New York City, it was Susan Clark’s husband that had helped Presley secure the job with the comedy show. Presley was aware that there were rumors about inappropriate behavior circulating around Susan’s husband but Presley was hesitant to bring the matter up. Susan was so glad to have run into Presley. She was determined to make Presley a friend even though there was such a big age difference. What evolved between Presley and Susan was really special. This new friendship was just what both Presley and Susan needed. Presley also found herself in the position of finding a new and exciting romantic connection with the most unexpected person.
I really liked Presley’s character and admired the growth she showed throughout the book. Presley’s relationship with Adam proved to be a testament to Presley’s ability to stay true to her convictions and beliefs. I admired her for making her decision and sticking to it as hard as it probably was for her. The unlikely relationship that sprang up between Presley and Susan Clark was unexpected, fun and so special. If it was even possible, Izzy and Presley grew closer and more accepting of one another’s unique situations over the course of the story. They learned to support one another unconditionally and respect their choices. Humor Me was about friendships, ambition, mother/daughter relationships, acceptance and loss. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Humor Me by Cat Shook and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to Humor Me by Cat Shook through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
April 20, 2024
Solid 4.5 ⭐️
I really liked this book - solid friendships, some romance (but not centered on that), lots of nods to NYC & the comedy scene, and just all the things women deal with in every day life. I thought this book was so realistic on growing up in your 20s, navigating relationships, work, & grief. I was skeptical at first about the relationship between Susan & Presley but I ended up adoring & appreciating their relationship.
Side note - a few books have come out recently & were marketed as a “love letter to New York City.” I never got that from those books, but I did get it from this book with highlighting different areas of town, running into people &/or getting lost in the crowds, & all the different food/restaurant scenes.
Thank you Celadon books for the ARC for our bookclub!
I really liked this book - solid friendships, some romance (but not centered on that), lots of nods to NYC & the comedy scene, and just all the things women deal with in every day life. I thought this book was so realistic on growing up in your 20s, navigating relationships, work, & grief. I was skeptical at first about the relationship between Susan & Presley but I ended up adoring & appreciating their relationship.
Side note - a few books have come out recently & were marketed as a “love letter to New York City.” I never got that from those books, but I did get it from this book with highlighting different areas of town, running into people &/or getting lost in the crowds, & all the different food/restaurant scenes.
Thank you Celadon books for the ARC for our bookclub!
September 2, 2024
2.75
the ending was pretty cute.
but also nothing much happened.
the ending was pretty cute.
but also nothing much happened.
March 23, 2024
Humor Me is an original. Yes, it is a Romcom, but it is also, unexpectedly, so much more. Presley, in her mid-20's, is working as an assistant to a producer of a TV comedy show and trying, unsuccessful, to overcome her deep grief over the loss of her alcoholic mother a year ago. Set in New York City, it is full of views, neighborhoods and dive bar descriptions (You New Yorkers or adjacent can skip past those, but don't.)
Susan is a childhood friend of Presley's mother and has helped Presley land her job through family connections, but now wants to be friends with Presley. Unable to grieve for her mother because of her drinking-caused absence, Presley is cut-off from her locked up emotions.
Despite all this, the novel is filled with humor. (But also, beware. with "language" and steamy sex scenes).,
Cat Shook will distract you with Adam, Presley's co-worker and crush. She will tease you with Susan's son, Clark. She will beguile you with MeToos and office politics. And you will be jealous of Presley's friendship with her roommate Izzy. Humor Me is a romp, unusual in its plotting, and filled with fun and pain. The ending is perhaps a bit rushed, but will, on reflection, seem just right.
Thanks to Netgalley and Celadon,. a division of Macmillan, for an early read copy.
Susan is a childhood friend of Presley's mother and has helped Presley land her job through family connections, but now wants to be friends with Presley. Unable to grieve for her mother because of her drinking-caused absence, Presley is cut-off from her locked up emotions.
Despite all this, the novel is filled with humor. (But also, beware. with "language" and steamy sex scenes).,
Cat Shook will distract you with Adam, Presley's co-worker and crush. She will tease you with Susan's son, Clark. She will beguile you with MeToos and office politics. And you will be jealous of Presley's friendship with her roommate Izzy. Humor Me is a romp, unusual in its plotting, and filled with fun and pain. The ending is perhaps a bit rushed, but will, on reflection, seem just right.
Thanks to Netgalley and Celadon,. a division of Macmillan, for an early read copy.
May 2, 2024
Cat Shook does it again!! An incredibly witty novel exploring relationships and grief in a relatable way. She effortlessly weaves in elements of New York that brings out a warmth in the novel that you aren’t expecting.
While it’s a rom com at heart, you’ll find yourself eager to keep up with an unexpected and unique pseudo-mother-daughter relationship. An excellent second novel by this talented author!
While it’s a rom com at heart, you’ll find yourself eager to keep up with an unexpected and unique pseudo-mother-daughter relationship. An excellent second novel by this talented author!
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July 8, 2024When books have a strong narrative voice, I'll sometimes 'hear' the text, along with the dialogue. This book kept playing into my inner ear in a Brooklyn accent, so strong was the New York vibe.
It's marketed as romance, with stand-up comedy as an element. I nabbed it from NetGalley, saving it for a time when I really needed relaxing reading; I ought to have remembered that stand-up comedy always has more than a spicing of pain at the keelson.
There were times when this book veered more into women's fiction. Not a bad thing. The writing was tight, stylish, aware, and the characters varied, their pain real. But the romance between the leads pretty much took a back seat to the romance with the city. It's a love letter to the people of New York.
It's marketed as romance, with stand-up comedy as an element. I nabbed it from NetGalley, saving it for a time when I really needed relaxing reading; I ought to have remembered that stand-up comedy always has more than a spicing of pain at the keelson.
There were times when this book veered more into women's fiction. Not a bad thing. The writing was tight, stylish, aware, and the characters varied, their pain real. But the romance between the leads pretty much took a back seat to the romance with the city. It's a love letter to the people of New York.
April 9, 2025
I’m not sure it was the smartest idea for me to listen to Humor Me by Cat Shook right after Promise Me Sunshine but here we are. Both deal with grief on some level, though I felt like this book took a much more surface level approach to it. I haven’t read Shook’s debut yet, but I definitely want to especially after finishing this. I really enjoyed her writing and there were quite a few LOL moments for me throughout the story. I could tell that this was more of a feminist read (think #MeToo) and she alluded to a certain comedian scandal which I wasn’t sure how I felt about, though I did love the nod to the hilarious Bowen Yang and appreciated where she was going.
The audiobook was a nice way to read the book, and I loved Ferdelle Capistrano as the narrator. It felt like she was made to be the voice of Presley, and I thought she nailed the entire narration right down to all of Presley’s hilarious quips. The various themes of friendship, abuse, and loss balanced each other out, and there was a dash of something like romance as well. The ending was a little abrupt for my liking, but I did enjoy that the biggest focus was on friendship, even when it sometimes comes from the most unlikely of places.
Read this if you are looking for a character-driven story, an insight into the NYC comedy scene, and a slower pace.
Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The audiobook was a nice way to read the book, and I loved Ferdelle Capistrano as the narrator. It felt like she was made to be the voice of Presley, and I thought she nailed the entire narration right down to all of Presley’s hilarious quips. The various themes of friendship, abuse, and loss balanced each other out, and there was a dash of something like romance as well. The ending was a little abrupt for my liking, but I did enjoy that the biggest focus was on friendship, even when it sometimes comes from the most unlikely of places.
Read this if you are looking for a character-driven story, an insight into the NYC comedy scene, and a slower pace.
Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 28, 2024
3 stars
I enjoyed Shook's previous effort and was excited to read this one. While the latest didn't thrill me, a better suited reader will find some gems here.
Presley, the m.c., is an assistant at the Late Night Show. She's a NY transplant (originally from the South), she's experienced with Tinder dates but not really meaningful or long-term romantic relationships, and she's processing complicated feelings over the relatively recent passing of her mother, an alcoholic with whom Presley had a challenging past.
When the novel begins, readers learn that Presley has a solid friend and roommate, so she's not afraid of intimacy; that she's really trying to make something of herself (and others) professionally; and that she is SO into someone who isn't into her. This is not a spoiler. Instead, this is an everyone can see this but you kind of situation, and that particular thread becomes tiresome (at least it did for me) so fast. Unfortunately, this motif overtakes just over the first half of the book. There's also a seemingly random rekindling with her mother's former friend who just so happens to be married to a guy who's on the verge of cancellation, and it JUST SO HAPPENS they have a single, age-appropriate son, and, well, readers know where this is going instantly. For me, all of these events and plot points combined into an unusual situation. On one hand, there's extreme predictability and slow pacing. On the other, there are all of these odd, disconnected details that never come together in a meaningful way. I cannot get my head around some of these choices.
I nearly DNF'd this book multiple times during the first half and had I not had the audio version, I think that would've been the outcome. I'm glad I persisted, but I also wanted a more unified and fulfilling final product overall.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I enjoyed Shook's previous effort and was excited to read this one. While the latest didn't thrill me, a better suited reader will find some gems here.
Presley, the m.c., is an assistant at the Late Night Show. She's a NY transplant (originally from the South), she's experienced with Tinder dates but not really meaningful or long-term romantic relationships, and she's processing complicated feelings over the relatively recent passing of her mother, an alcoholic with whom Presley had a challenging past.
When the novel begins, readers learn that Presley has a solid friend and roommate, so she's not afraid of intimacy; that she's really trying to make something of herself (and others) professionally; and that she is SO into someone who isn't into her. This is not a spoiler. Instead, this is an everyone can see this but you kind of situation, and that particular thread becomes tiresome (at least it did for me) so fast. Unfortunately, this motif overtakes just over the first half of the book. There's also a seemingly random rekindling with her mother's former friend who just so happens to be married to a guy who's on the verge of cancellation, and it JUST SO HAPPENS they have a single, age-appropriate son, and, well, readers know where this is going instantly. For me, all of these events and plot points combined into an unusual situation. On one hand, there's extreme predictability and slow pacing. On the other, there are all of these odd, disconnected details that never come together in a meaningful way. I cannot get my head around some of these choices.
I nearly DNF'd this book multiple times during the first half and had I not had the audio version, I think that would've been the outcome. I'm glad I persisted, but I also wanted a more unified and fulfilling final product overall.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 20, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up because I just really enjoyed reading this. Captures the reality of your mid-twenties in a way I could really relate to in a time and situation I couldn’t quite which made it all the more interesting. There is a romance plot that is made so much better because it’s almost secondary to the other-types-of-relationships plots which is really my preference.
October 29, 2025
Re-Read Update 10/29/25:
I fucking love this book. I've been in such a bad slump I decided to reach for it again, maybe to see if it was a fluke that I loved it so much the first time? Well, it was not a fluke. Reading it the second time was just as special and beautiful as the first and I ended the book feeling like I'd gotten a warm hug from an old friend. There's so much I love about the story that I waxed on and on about it in my original review so read below if you care but bottom line is that any book about someone doing mushroom's with their dead mom's old friend will probably land for me. Presley 4ever!!!! (And Clark and Isabelle and Susan too, but fuck that other guy whose name I can't even remember.)
I haven’t had a 5 star read since January and lately I have been admittedly ANTSY to find another. I’ve gone into so many hyped up books with sky-high expectations after reading raving reviews, only to continue to strike out. Imagine my surprise and delight when I settled into this book and fell in love with it, after not seeing a single peep about it beforehand. So if I am the first peep you may be hearing, let me be loud and clear: READ THIS BOOK!!!!!
There’s SO much to love about this story. It’s cute and fun and witty on the surface, and as you dig deeper, it gets serious and real and emotional-while still managing to maintain its fun and wit and cuteness. It references some of my favorite things, ie: Broad City, Trader Joe’s, Not Ready to Make Nice by the Dixie Chicks and obviously doing mushrooms with your mom’s best friend from growing up. It’s very millennial and I know it’s trendy to hate millennials, but I mean that with the utmost love and devotion. When I first started it, I thought Presley might be an insufferable “not like the other girls” type of MC, but she’s not. I’m so happy I misjudged and experienced her depth, growth, and humor as the story went on. I loved reading about each and every relationship in her life—with Isabelle, with Susan, with her grandparents, with Clark and even with Adam because although it was unfortunately relatable, her ending with him felt refreshing and empowering.
A common thread through my 5-star reads is that they tug at something in me that activates my gratitude for life. While I noted that I loved all the relationships in this (and I really really did—Clark does deserve a shoutout of his own) Presley and Isabelle’s friendship made my heart both ache for how desperately I miss living with my best friend and soar with how (cheesy alert:) grateful I am to be a girl and be alive and have friendships like this in my life in general. Though I can’t relate to much of Presley’s life in NYC seeing as I live in small town Vermont, this part of the story felt like a universal homage to girlhood and sisterhood.
Like I also mentioned, there are so many other good things going on in this book. I don’t have the bandwidth or room to unpack them all, but if you’re looking for an exploration on the complexities of grief, the messiness that comes from your late 20’s (actually, I think much of the messiness in this book can be applicable at any age, but I wouldn’t know past age 29) and a narration from someone who would much rather make a sarcastic joke than go to therapy that hits just a bit too ~close to home~ at times (note to self: do both!!!), you’ll find it here. I so enjoyed the journey of emotions this book took me on and rotated between flying through it and trying to pace myself so it wasn’t over too quick.
Despite my best efforts, it still ended too soon, and I miss it already.
I fucking love this book. I've been in such a bad slump I decided to reach for it again, maybe to see if it was a fluke that I loved it so much the first time? Well, it was not a fluke. Reading it the second time was just as special and beautiful as the first and I ended the book feeling like I'd gotten a warm hug from an old friend. There's so much I love about the story that I waxed on and on about it in my original review so read below if you care but bottom line is that any book about someone doing mushroom's with their dead mom's old friend will probably land for me. Presley 4ever!!!! (And Clark and Isabelle and Susan too, but fuck that other guy whose name I can't even remember.)
I haven’t had a 5 star read since January and lately I have been admittedly ANTSY to find another. I’ve gone into so many hyped up books with sky-high expectations after reading raving reviews, only to continue to strike out. Imagine my surprise and delight when I settled into this book and fell in love with it, after not seeing a single peep about it beforehand. So if I am the first peep you may be hearing, let me be loud and clear: READ THIS BOOK!!!!!
There’s SO much to love about this story. It’s cute and fun and witty on the surface, and as you dig deeper, it gets serious and real and emotional-while still managing to maintain its fun and wit and cuteness. It references some of my favorite things, ie: Broad City, Trader Joe’s, Not Ready to Make Nice by the Dixie Chicks and obviously doing mushrooms with your mom’s best friend from growing up. It’s very millennial and I know it’s trendy to hate millennials, but I mean that with the utmost love and devotion. When I first started it, I thought Presley might be an insufferable “not like the other girls” type of MC, but she’s not. I’m so happy I misjudged and experienced her depth, growth, and humor as the story went on. I loved reading about each and every relationship in her life—with Isabelle, with Susan, with her grandparents, with Clark and even with Adam because although it was unfortunately relatable, her ending with him felt refreshing and empowering.
A common thread through my 5-star reads is that they tug at something in me that activates my gratitude for life. While I noted that I loved all the relationships in this (and I really really did—Clark does deserve a shoutout of his own) Presley and Isabelle’s friendship made my heart both ache for how desperately I miss living with my best friend and soar with how (cheesy alert:) grateful I am to be a girl and be alive and have friendships like this in my life in general. Though I can’t relate to much of Presley’s life in NYC seeing as I live in small town Vermont, this part of the story felt like a universal homage to girlhood and sisterhood.
Like I also mentioned, there are so many other good things going on in this book. I don’t have the bandwidth or room to unpack them all, but if you’re looking for an exploration on the complexities of grief, the messiness that comes from your late 20’s (actually, I think much of the messiness in this book can be applicable at any age, but I wouldn’t know past age 29) and a narration from someone who would much rather make a sarcastic joke than go to therapy that hits just a bit too ~close to home~ at times (note to self: do both!!!), you’ll find it here. I so enjoyed the journey of emotions this book took me on and rotated between flying through it and trying to pace myself so it wasn’t over too quick.
Despite my best efforts, it still ended too soon, and I miss it already.
July 9, 2024
Thank you to @CeladonBooks for this ARC!
I really enjoyed this book! As someone in their mid 20’s I really resonated with the lead character. The comedy aspect definitely took a backseat to the relationships (platonic and romantic) but I diddnt mind it! There are some truly wonderful human interactions in this book, I love Prestley’s friendship with Susan, for me it was the soul of the story. Terrifically written, phenomenal characterization- I really recommend this book! I devoured it in a single plane ride.
#celadonreads #humormebook
I really enjoyed this book! As someone in their mid 20’s I really resonated with the lead character. The comedy aspect definitely took a backseat to the relationships (platonic and romantic) but I diddnt mind it! There are some truly wonderful human interactions in this book, I love Prestley’s friendship with Susan, for me it was the soul of the story. Terrifically written, phenomenal characterization- I really recommend this book! I devoured it in a single plane ride.
#celadonreads #humormebook
August 12, 2024
I am going to say that the only good part of this book was Clark.
May 27, 2024
All the stars for this lovely book!
Karaoke as catharsis, stand up comedy as career advancement, friends of the family who meld into more. @catshook_ has written a book I didn’t want to end.
I want to run into Presley at a comedy show and see her face as Clark throws his head back in laughter, see her order white wine with Susan when she’d rather have an old fashioned, see her accept the good and the bad, and let herself be happy.
In a weird way, this gave me a similar vibe to Definitely Better Now by @avarobinson - a woman not trying to overcome her past but learning to live within it. Finding a way to admit she deserves to be happy.
If you’re looking for a romcom, this isn’t for you. It’s got such depth that to pigeonhole it is a mistake. It’s about a woman - coming of age - learning to love herself. It also features a man, Clark, who won’t let her shut him out, patient and kind - my favorite kind of romantic partnership.
Presley is surrounded by the characters in her life: Isabel, her best friend and roommate, Adam, a coworker she has an inconvenient crush on, Patty, her dead mother, Susan, her mother’s best friend and maybe her new friend, Clark, Susan’s unrelentingly charming son, New York City, the place of dreams.
——
Presley is living the dream in NYC; a tiny walk up shared with her best friend, a dream job in late night TV, and a friend at work to flirt and banter with.
She’s also dealing with the recent death of her alcoholic mother, the reemergence of her mother’s childhood best friend, and the maleness of her chosen career path.
As she tries to reconcile a difficult childhood with the warmth of a perfect female friendship, Presley lets herself admit she might want - and deserve more.
I loved this book. Top ten of the year, I bet. Immediate pre-order.
Highly recommend the audiobook, too. I love how the narrator captures Presley perfectly.
Thanks to @netgalley, @macmillianaudio for the audiobook and @celadonbooks for the eARC. This will be published July 9, 2024.
Karaoke as catharsis, stand up comedy as career advancement, friends of the family who meld into more. @catshook_ has written a book I didn’t want to end.
I want to run into Presley at a comedy show and see her face as Clark throws his head back in laughter, see her order white wine with Susan when she’d rather have an old fashioned, see her accept the good and the bad, and let herself be happy.
In a weird way, this gave me a similar vibe to Definitely Better Now by @avarobinson - a woman not trying to overcome her past but learning to live within it. Finding a way to admit she deserves to be happy.
If you’re looking for a romcom, this isn’t for you. It’s got such depth that to pigeonhole it is a mistake. It’s about a woman - coming of age - learning to love herself. It also features a man, Clark, who won’t let her shut him out, patient and kind - my favorite kind of romantic partnership.
Presley is surrounded by the characters in her life: Isabel, her best friend and roommate, Adam, a coworker she has an inconvenient crush on, Patty, her dead mother, Susan, her mother’s best friend and maybe her new friend, Clark, Susan’s unrelentingly charming son, New York City, the place of dreams.
——
Presley is living the dream in NYC; a tiny walk up shared with her best friend, a dream job in late night TV, and a friend at work to flirt and banter with.
She’s also dealing with the recent death of her alcoholic mother, the reemergence of her mother’s childhood best friend, and the maleness of her chosen career path.
As she tries to reconcile a difficult childhood with the warmth of a perfect female friendship, Presley lets herself admit she might want - and deserve more.
I loved this book. Top ten of the year, I bet. Immediate pre-order.
Highly recommend the audiobook, too. I love how the narrator captures Presley perfectly.
Thanks to @netgalley, @macmillianaudio for the audiobook and @celadonbooks for the eARC. This will be published July 9, 2024.
October 9, 2024
Humor Me is a love letter to New York City and a poignant story about grief, friendship, career, and romance.
Presley felt relatable and I got to relive my mid-twenties vicariously through her. I was involved in the Chicago comedy scene at twenty-five, taking improv classes and spending a lot of time at Comedy Sportz. Presley's career is a lot cooler than mine was at that age though. I also related to her friendship with her mom's best friend. I have friends of all ages, but I have connected most often with women twenty to thirty years older than me.
Some parts of the story felt slow to me, but it held my attention for the most part. It was more for the bits I couldn't connect to as much. I did still find myself caring for Presley and getting angry on her behalf at times.
Overall, this is an interesting story that is worth checking out! Great for fans of Romantic Comedy and Dear Eliza.
(Trigger warning below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Presley felt relatable and I got to relive my mid-twenties vicariously through her. I was involved in the Chicago comedy scene at twenty-five, taking improv classes and spending a lot of time at Comedy Sportz. Presley's career is a lot cooler than mine was at that age though. I also related to her friendship with her mom's best friend. I have friends of all ages, but I have connected most often with women twenty to thirty years older than me.
Some parts of the story felt slow to me, but it held my attention for the most part. It was more for the bits I couldn't connect to as much. I did still find myself caring for Presley and getting angry on her behalf at times.
Overall, this is an interesting story that is worth checking out! Great for fans of Romantic Comedy and Dear Eliza.
(Trigger warning below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Presley: Rose Reid
Isabelle: Renee Rapp
Susan: Mary Louise Parker
Clark: Joseph Quinn
July 15, 2024
Cat Shook’s debut novel, If We’re Being Honest, was a quick favorite for me – but as always, I get apprehensive when a sophomore novel comes out because we all know that specific hurt. But this…this is a perfect second novel and solidifies Cat Shook as a favorite author for me. She is back with new down to earth, loveable characters and a setting that I can only describe as a true love letter to NYC. If you want a story that spotlights solid friendships, a little romance, the NYC comedy/late show scene, and all the things women deal with in life from the metoo movement, work environments, dating apps, and the reality of learning to be an adult in your 20s…THIS is the one. I truly loved the main character Presley and all her attributes, whether positive or negative. Plus, it will remind you that having diverse generational friendships is a must for getting through life – Susan and Presley’s relationship is so sweet as they both grapple with different forms of grief and change and Presley’s roommate Isabelle will make you so sad she’s not a real person outside of the book. If you’re already a fan of Cat Shook, you’ll love this new one and if you’re just now being introduced then you are in for a treat.
June 9, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up! While this is a romcom, at its core it is so much more than that. Presley is an assistant at a late night comedy show. She's navigating life in NYC as a woman in her 20's, in love with her co-worker who may or may not feel the same way, while also struggling with the terms of recent death of her mother. An unexpected encounter with her mothers friend Susan (who is also dealing with some big life changes) leads to a heartwarming friendship with Susan (and her handsome, charming son) that both women desperately needed.
I absolutely loved this book! Written as a love letter to New York, it really sets the scene and explores how comedy can be used as a coping mechanism and bring people together. All of the characters were relatable, felt realistic, and I was rooting for them all in their own ways. I particularly loved Presley's friendship with Izzy and how it showed friendships evolving during different phases of life. If you enjoy strong female leads with a character driven story, you will love Humor me! Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! Written as a love letter to New York, it really sets the scene and explores how comedy can be used as a coping mechanism and bring people together. All of the characters were relatable, felt realistic, and I was rooting for them all in their own ways. I particularly loved Presley's friendship with Izzy and how it showed friendships evolving during different phases of life. If you enjoy strong female leads with a character driven story, you will love Humor me! Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2024
this book is perfect. i thought i was just in for a nice rom com in the vein of Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, but oh my god this book is SO much more. it’s the coming of age in your twenties (is there a term for that??), it’s the grief around love and loss and family and friends, it’s just !!!!!!!!!!!!!! this made me feel so many things and i just adored it and i don’t know how to fully articulate it without spoilers. so.
shout out to libro.fm for the alc, love you forever and loved the narration by ferdelle capistrano.
shout out to libro.fm for the alc, love you forever and loved the narration by ferdelle capistrano.
July 16, 2024
Comical, uplifting, and sweet!
Humor Me is a charming, engaging read that takes us to Manhattan and into the life of the assistant on the Late Night Show, Presley Fry, as she meanders through all sorts of highs and lows, from losing her mother, a challenging career, a newly formed relationship with one of her mother’s hometown friends, an unexpected fizzle with her long-time crush, and a blossoming romance with a man she would never have expected to even be on her radar.
The prose is well-turned and light. The characters, including all the supporting characters, are amusing, supportive, and authentic. And the plot is a fun, flirty tale full of tricky situations, tender moments, humorous mishaps, self-discovery, friendship, family, grief, happiness, romance, and the NYC comedy scene.
Overall, Humor Me is another entertaining, refreshing, enjoyable treat by Shook that certainly does a good job of reminding you that life is never dull and boring!
Humor Me is a charming, engaging read that takes us to Manhattan and into the life of the assistant on the Late Night Show, Presley Fry, as she meanders through all sorts of highs and lows, from losing her mother, a challenging career, a newly formed relationship with one of her mother’s hometown friends, an unexpected fizzle with her long-time crush, and a blossoming romance with a man she would never have expected to even be on her radar.
The prose is well-turned and light. The characters, including all the supporting characters, are amusing, supportive, and authentic. And the plot is a fun, flirty tale full of tricky situations, tender moments, humorous mishaps, self-discovery, friendship, family, grief, happiness, romance, and the NYC comedy scene.
Overall, Humor Me is another entertaining, refreshing, enjoyable treat by Shook that certainly does a good job of reminding you that life is never dull and boring!
August 6, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, publisher and the author for an eARC.
I am so excited for y’all to read this one. Had me smiling like a fool after I was done reading it. I think author did an amazing job writing different themes simultaneously and making it all work out. I am so glad I signed up to read this book. It’s the perfect summer read. It leaves you with a feeling of fulfilment and need for more at the same time.
please give me 10 more books of Presley and Clark.
I am so excited for y’all to read this one. Had me smiling like a fool after I was done reading it. I think author did an amazing job writing different themes simultaneously and making it all work out. I am so glad I signed up to read this book. It’s the perfect summer read. It leaves you with a feeling of fulfilment and need for more at the same time.
please give me 10 more books of Presley and Clark.
September 8, 2024
Haven’t had a visceral flashback to my former embarrassments as strong as this since I watched “8th Grade.”
Even though I’m now extremely happily married and moved out of NYC after one soul crushing year, I *felt* this girl. A workplace crush that flirts with you even though they’re dating other people? Check. An embarrassing cab make out after a drunk UES karaoke session? Check. A willingness to do anything other than admit your feelings to another person? Check.
Watching DUNKIRK at Village East? I did that!!
This girl is me. I am this girl. Or was. Very happy to be 30 and married and on the other side. But boy howdy did this book take me back there.
Thanks to Celadon & NetGalley for a free ARC.
Even though I’m now extremely happily married and moved out of NYC after one soul crushing year, I *felt* this girl. A workplace crush that flirts with you even though they’re dating other people? Check. An embarrassing cab make out after a drunk UES karaoke session? Check. A willingness to do anything other than admit your feelings to another person? Check.
Watching DUNKIRK at Village East? I did that!!
This girl is me. I am this girl. Or was. Very happy to be 30 and married and on the other side. But boy howdy did this book take me back there.
Thanks to Celadon & NetGalley for a free ARC.
May 24, 2024
This was a good contemporary read. This book was very well written and had a lot packed into it. I liked a lot of aspects about this book, but there were a lot of times where this book struggled to keep my attention. This isn’t a genre I read often, so I’m thinking as good as this book was maybe it just wasn’t for me.
Thank you Celadon Books for sending me this advanced copy.
Thank you Celadon Books for sending me this advanced copy.
August 29, 2024
It took me awhile to get into this but by the end I enjoyed it! Humor Me follows Presley, an assistant at a late night show in New York as she grapples with grief from her mother passing, her workplace crush, and friendships changing and growing. Presley is a very relatable character for young people just starting out in the professional world and dealing with real life. And maybe a bit emotionally stunted (aren’t we all?)
(If you read the synopsis this next paragraph will not exactly be a spoiler but skip if not!)
The first half-ish of the book mostly has to do with a sort of situation ship that got old pretty fast for me bc from the readers perspective it is so obviously not right for our main character. But this does come to a satisfying conclusion and we may see a new love interest swoop in who is basically the opposite of the previous, so again - satisfying!
While this was mostly funny and lighthearted, it does explore grief a lot. Almost got some tears out of me at one point!
I’m glad I read this as it was different than the typical rom com I expected it to be. Much more about character growth and all her relationships, not just the romantic ones. I think readers will find this to be relatable, whether you’re an early 20 something or are older and able to reminisce about our younger selves. 3.75 stars.
(If you read the synopsis this next paragraph will not exactly be a spoiler but skip if not!)
The first half-ish of the book mostly has to do with a sort of situation ship that got old pretty fast for me bc from the readers perspective it is so obviously not right for our main character. But this does come to a satisfying conclusion and we may see a new love interest swoop in who is basically the opposite of the previous, so again - satisfying!
While this was mostly funny and lighthearted, it does explore grief a lot. Almost got some tears out of me at one point!
I’m glad I read this as it was different than the typical rom com I expected it to be. Much more about character growth and all her relationships, not just the romantic ones. I think readers will find this to be relatable, whether you’re an early 20 something or are older and able to reminisce about our younger selves. 3.75 stars.
July 15, 2024
Humor Me is not a laugh-out-loud comedy style read, so if that’s what you’re looking for, I’d suggest going elsewhere. However, if what you seek is a lovely, well-written story of love and life and grief and feeling lost and friendship and family and trying to find direction, and yes a dose of humor, then I definitely recommend this book.
Humor Me is a tale full of life’s complexities and a relatable and sympathetic heroine. It deals with so many serious issues yet manages to remain a relatively light and enjoyable reading experience. I found Presley easy to root for and was pleasantly surprised at the depth I found within these pages. This would make a nice, more substantial summer beach read, but could also easily be appreciated year-round.
Many thanks to Cat Shook, Celadon Books, and Bookish First for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Humor Me is a tale full of life’s complexities and a relatable and sympathetic heroine. It deals with so many serious issues yet manages to remain a relatively light and enjoyable reading experience. I found Presley easy to root for and was pleasantly surprised at the depth I found within these pages. This would make a nice, more substantial summer beach read, but could also easily be appreciated year-round.
Many thanks to Cat Shook, Celadon Books, and Bookish First for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 9, 2024
4.5 rounded up!
Presley has been grinding away as an assistant at the Late Night Show for nearly two years, while finding a home for herself in New York City. While avoiding forming any sort of meaningful romantic connections, she leans on her friend and roommate Isabelle to keep her social life active. When Presley runs into one of her late mother’s friends, their connection has her facing past grievances and has this mid-twenty-something opening herself for all to see.
Huge thanks to Celadon Books for sending me an ARC of this one - out July 9, 2024!
After absolutely loving Cat Shook’s debut novel IF WE’RE BEING HONEST, I was beyond thrilled to not only hear about her next book, but to find out that it would be set where I currently call home - New York!
HUMOR ME is a love letter to the city and its boroughs 🫶but it’s also heavily focused on the importance of friendship and dealing with grief.
It made me laugh and cry - Shook is great at writing imperfect characters that are so multi-faceted it hurts 🥲and she had sooo many references to some of my fave things (Tom Hanks, Nora Ephron films, Lorde, Broad City, The Office, etc etc!!)
I can’t wait for this one to get in the hands of more readers!
tw: alcoholism, death of a parent, finance bros
Presley has been grinding away as an assistant at the Late Night Show for nearly two years, while finding a home for herself in New York City. While avoiding forming any sort of meaningful romantic connections, she leans on her friend and roommate Isabelle to keep her social life active. When Presley runs into one of her late mother’s friends, their connection has her facing past grievances and has this mid-twenty-something opening herself for all to see.
Huge thanks to Celadon Books for sending me an ARC of this one - out July 9, 2024!
After absolutely loving Cat Shook’s debut novel IF WE’RE BEING HONEST, I was beyond thrilled to not only hear about her next book, but to find out that it would be set where I currently call home - New York!
HUMOR ME is a love letter to the city and its boroughs 🫶but it’s also heavily focused on the importance of friendship and dealing with grief.
It made me laugh and cry - Shook is great at writing imperfect characters that are so multi-faceted it hurts 🥲and she had sooo many references to some of my fave things (Tom Hanks, Nora Ephron films, Lorde, Broad City, The Office, etc etc!!)
I can’t wait for this one to get in the hands of more readers!
tw: alcoholism, death of a parent, finance bros
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