I'll Have What She's Having

by Chelsea Handler

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In hilarious and tender essays, Chelsea Handler shares her unforgettable story of becoming the woman she always wanted to be.

“A raw and raucous exploration of Handler’s ongoing search for self . . . [She’s] disarming us with humor to get at our softest selves and meeting us with her own.”—Oprah Daily

There’s a woman I want to become, Chelsea Handler thought as a child. She’ll be strong and confident. She’ll light up a room and spread that light to make others feel better. She’ll make a living being herself. She’ll be a survivor.

At ten years old, Chelsea opened a lemonade stand and realized she’d make more money if the drinks were spiked. So she added vodka to her recipe and used her earnings to upgrade herself to first-class on a family vacation—leaving her parents and siblings in coach. She moved to Los Angeles and got fired from her temp job when she admitted she didn’t know how to transfer calls. She’s played pickleball with the scions of an American dynasty. She’s sexted a governor. She shared psychedelics with strangers in Spain. When she accidentally ended up at dinner with Woody Allen, she was not going to leave the table without asking him a very personal pointed question. She went on national television and talked about having threesomes. She's never been one to hold back.

But this life of adventure and absurdity is only part of her story. Chelsea knows what it is to truly show up for her family—canine and human, biological and chosen. She’s discovered how to spend time with herself, how to meditate, how to be open to love, and how to end a relationship with dignity. She is a sister to the many women who rely on her.

Surprisingly vulnerable and always outrageous, Chelsea Handler captures the antic-filled, exhilarating, and joyful life she’s built—a life that makes the rest of us think, I’ll have what she’s having.

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

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2025

About the author

Chelsea Handler is a writer, comedian, producer, TV host, activist, and the author of six consecutive New York Times bestsellers. She hosted the late-night talk show Chelsea Lately on the E! network from 2007 to 2014 and released a documentary series, Chelsea Does, on Netflix in January 2016. In 2016 and 2017, Handler hosted the talk show Chelsea on Netflix. Her Netflix comedy special, Revolution, was released in 2022 and is now streaming. Her beloved advice podcast, Dear Chelsea, is in its fifth season and her fourth stand-up special will be released by Netflix in 2025.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published February 25, 2025.

3 stars.

Your enjoyment of this book may depend on how interested you are in Chelsea Handler. I’ve read a couple of her earlier published books and this is not the Chelsea of old, careening drunkenly into failed relationships and laughing at her own selfishness. New Chelsea has been through a lot of therapy and has decided to change her life (in some ways. She is still pretty self-indulgent and self-congratulatory) and it appears she has succeeded.

However, the book is simply part of her ongoing biography. It isn’t funny and I don’t know that it’s meant to be. It seems as if Chelsea wants to show everyone how much she has evolved and be lauded for it, because self-contentment doesn’t really seem to be her thing, she wants everyone to be seeing her; she is always performing, even here. Not that I doubt her sincerity about wanting to make changes to her life; I don’t, and she really seems to be wonderful to her family and those closest to her.

So, for me, this was a clear 3 star read because I was here for the irreverent funny and that was missing here. But The can’t hate on a book about a woman who is on a well-meant journey.

[Meike · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually find Handler very funny, but I was rather annoyed by this one: It's a meandering celebration of therapy, often focusing on the ways the author used to express her opinions, i.e. being a condescending asshole, a mode of being in the world she has worked to replace with a more respectful, loving approach - and good for her, we all should invest more time in bettering ourselves in order to become part of the solution instead of the problem. I also applaud Handler for persistently showing the middle finger to those who attack her for not fulfilling stereotypical female roles, and for how she laughs about the stupidity and humorlessness of toxic gender norms.

But this jumps back and forth, puts random spotlights here and there, frequently reads like therapy is just another superiority flex... also, I couldn't care less about skiing! :-)

Not my cup of tea.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chelsea Handler is the real deal. What an honest and inspiring read! I’ll definitely have what she’s having.

[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for the latest of Chelsea Handler’s essays regarding her hilarious antics and drunken debauchery, you might actually want to keep this off your to-read list. Not that there isn’t talk of drink and drugs, but Handler is quickly approaching 50 so she’s definitely a more mellowed version of herself who, while still always having vodka on hand (most likely in the handle size), chooses to microdose for her mental wellbeing rather than being the party girl of old.

Instead, this book is mostly reflection and a little bit of friendly advice to other women on how she became her most authentic self. Yes, there are still funny moments (the submission about the Bush family in particular made me laugh out loud) and I’m sure plenty of haters will call this latest release and example of . . . .



But duh! Of course she’s always going to be the “good guy” here – it’s her effing book! I put my name on the library waiting list for the audio as soon as this came out and walked 8.5 miles yesterday listening to it. If you know how I rate my success with audiobooks, its generally in the form of how much I was willing to sacrifice my feet because I didn’t want to stop. This gets 4 Stars for keeping me going.

[Alexander Thee Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of Chelsea's books and this is the best one. Its actually not even close.

I am moved by how much she has grown as a person. She went from curmudgeonly late-night ice queen to a sorta wise, psychedelic step-dad (read book for context).

Chelsea's technical writing ability has improved greatly ~

Miss Handler’s prior memoirs all have a breezy, conversational, easy-reading quality; but this one is a little more literary, a little more ambitious. And she pulls it off!

Low-key craving a novel or play from Chelsea after finishing I'll Have What She's Having. I really think it could be something special. She has always had the dedication and creativity, but now she undeniably has the skill.

Chelsea if you are reading this please give fiction a try!

[Hannah Heartss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good step fathers are unsung heroes

[BookCLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars rounded up.

I've always been a fan of Chelsea Handler and laughed hysterically through her earlier books, her tv show, and standup. I could relate to the partying and ludicrous decision making ability and the problems of our own making. I've been there. And much like Chelsea, I've realized I want something more and have put in the work to become the person I want to be. Am I there yet? No. Will I ever be there? Nope. Not to be to morbid but the end destination for all of us is death so why not enjoy the time we have but also try to better ourselves?

I come from the world of product and software development where we are always striving for continuous improvement which is what I draw on in my personal life but also recognized in Chelsea's new book, I'll Have What She's Having. Chelsea reminds the reader it's about how you show up and make choices based on the person we want to be rather than being chained to the past or our previous iterations. We decide our present and future.

I'll Have What She's Having is the next step in Handler's evolution and she invites us for the ride. I laughed, I cried, I related, and I pondered. I truly enjoyed this read and found meaning in my own life. Some of the essays didn't call to me but that's okay, I just kept it moving and found something that would speak to me and I always did. There is something for everybody.

If Chelsea's having a heavy pour of personal growth, kindness to ourselves and others, humility as well as hilarity, a healthy dose of introspection, vulnerability, and pure joy—then 100% I'll Have What She's Having.

[BiblioSizzle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll Have What She’s Having 🥂
By Chelsea Handler



I’m a huge fan of Chelsea Handler. I find her hilarious and a true feminist icon. I’m constantly amazed by her self-reflection and awareness. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything she’s written, watched her show, and even seen her live. I was thrilled to receive this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

In her latest life chapter, she concentrates on her ongoing journey toward enlightenment, her tumultuous love affair with Joe Koy, and her subsequent breakup with the comedian. Her path towards continued happiness contains love, laughter, and believe it or not - children.

That said, there were some glaring issues that I couldn’t overlook. The memoir felt disjointed, almost like a collection of short stories rather than a cohesive novel. It was also self-aggrandizing in the worst way possible. She spends a significant amount of time discussing her desire to be less selfish and less self-absorbed, but the entire narrative feels exactly that - self-absorbed. Pages and pages dedicated to her own greatness and her efforts to be giving, while simultaneously insisting that she will never put herself second to anyone else again. It simply felt counterproductive.

Furthermore, it lacked humor. The humor I had anticipated was nowhere to be found. Instead, it was more self-help and less comedy, which wasn’t what I had hoped for.

Overall, it was a good book, but it wasn’t her best work. I miss the vulnerable, angry, and gossipy Chelsea. Self-actualized Chelsea just isn’t as entertaining.

I would recommend this book to individuals who are fans of Chelsea Handler, self-reflection enthusiasts, and therapy practitioners.

#bibliosizzle #bibliosizzlereviews #comedy #memoir #arcreview #chelseahandler #dialpress #bookreview #booksta #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readmorebooks

[Shawn Lawler · Rating 5 out of 5]

100000/10. changed the way i think. honestly didn’t expect to take so much away from this book but wow!

[britt_brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this, and her memoir prior. They are both more personal than her others - she’s published 6! - yet still outwardly funny and rife with dark humor. A theme of gratitude runs through this personal essay collection, which covers Covid times, our re-emergence from solitude, becoming the woman she has always strived to be; someone she can be proud of. A must-read for Chelsea fans! This has sparked a reread of her backlist.

[lexactuallyreads [surviving off vibes ftm] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing stands the test of time quite like a tree. Leaves come and go. Always be the tree.


Oooh, OH! This was niiiiice. I kinda, sorta, definitely loved it. Thank you, Netgalley and Penguin Random House/The Dial Press, for the eARC copy to review!
This felt like a very therapizing (is this a word yet?) experience, but in a very good way. Listen, I’m a closeted Chelsea Handler Stan, use this information at your own discretion. Never bought into the hate regarding her, and after reading this, I am sat and would listen to her talk for hours (which essentially I just did by reading this)

If you are ever given the opportunity to spend an inordinate amount of time alone, take it. The more scared you are of being alone, the more necessary it is to do. Run toward yourself with open arms. That is where your truth is waiting.


From what I’m understanding, this is a whole new Chelsea. She seems to have greatly benefited from therapy and has now changed her mentality on a lot of things: commitment regarding both relationships and family, her perspective on parenthood, how caring over how she is perceived, and how much information she is willing to divulge in order to honor any other parties involved in her history.

“Like many things in life, it is our choice to decide what type of person we are aiming to become. To be present-minded, be fully aware, and have mental clarity aren’t easy things to come by. I know the work I had to put in to get the negative voices out of my head, to look inward when I feel down, to pick up a book and read. That is also a practice.”

This was an incredibly refreshing take on an autobiography, or story of the a life changed as one enters a new chapter in her life. Heavily dosed with natural humor, the realness of a human despite the celebrity and stories of family, I’ll Have What She’s Having is an easy read that may shift some of your own perspectives. The question is, what kind of woman do you want to be? 5/5, easily.

“You’re a woman, after all. You are one of the most powerful creatures on the planet. You’ll get where you’re going.”

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 5 out of 5]

In I'll Have What She's Having, Chelsea Handler shares amusing (often hilarious) stories and anecdotes about her family, relationships, pets and other memories from her life. The focus of the essays is all about uplifting and encouraging others through sharing the gifts and love that Chelsea has experienced throughout her life.

"This woman I'll become, she will never be silent." pg 4

Through the use of meditation, exercise, professional therapy, and various psychedelics, Ms. Handler has reached a relatively stable and positive stage of her life. As someone who has enjoyed her books and stand-up comedy for years, it is such a pleasure to read that she is both happy and thriving.

"None of the things other people have called me has ever really mattered. What other people say about you only matters if you believe what they are saying is true." pg 18

She not only stands up for herself in these pages- defending her choices and lifestyle from both naysayers and judgey people of all types, but she also stands up for others. Ms. Handler has a talent for seeing how someone else is hurting and bringing them the comfort that they need most at that time.

It is a rare gift.

"Sitting around and thinking of all the people who don't love you or don't want to hang out with you diminishes your own light. ... There are many moments in life when your own light is all you need." pg 104

As someone who is childless by choice, Ms. Handler does not use this as an excuse to be standoffish when the young people in her life need assistance. In this book, she discusses at length how she is a matriarch/patriarch to both her family and her friends' children. She sets an example for how to be and interact in the world- as a strong woman and parental figure.

I believe it is this type of behavior that builds strong communities, which uplifts everyone. Well done, Chelsea!

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy Ms. Handler's comedy but also anyone who is looking for a pick-me-up in book form. I took great courage from I'll Have What She's Having and I hope others do too.

[Luke Kono · Rating 3 out of 5]

✒︎3.5 stars

I've never had an interest in reading one of Handler's books. Honestly, I didn't even know that she had published multiple books. I listened to a podcast episode with her as a guest a few months back and placed the audiobook of I'll Have What She's Having on hold. Well, I finally got it and I was pleasantly surprised.

Handler's narration was full of life, and I loved her unique voice. This newest book of hers focuses a little bit on her earlier life, but centers more on experiencing the Covid-19 outbreak, her relationship with having children, and a few of her romances, including her relationship with comedian Jo Koy. I appreciated her honesty about her flaws, her journey to self-improvement, and her self-introspection. I found that she had a respectable awareness of her privilege as a wealthy white woman. For example, she had a chapter where she discussed unintentionally vacationing with the Bush's. Handler reflected on how hypocritical this seemed due to her differing political views. I found the exploration of her proximity to those with power due to her wealth to be very interesting.

I expected this book to be more humor-focused. I'll Have What She's Having definitely reads more like a self-improvement book than a comedic exploration of her life. I did laugh at a few times throughout the book, and I loved Handler's dry-humor, but I wish it had felt less self-aggrandizing. The book also felt a bit meandering or disjointed at times. Some stories were funny and honest, and I appreciated Handler's self-reflection and insight in those ones. Others felt a bit random, and I felt they didn't serve much of a purpose in the book as a whole work. I wish it had felt more cohesive. That being said, it is a memoir and I'm sure Handler found value in all of these stories.

If you like Chelsea as an artist, then I would recommend checking this book out. It offers a lot of insight into her life and insight for life in general. I especially enjoyed her exploration of being a single woman without children. However, I wish the book felt more organized and had been written a bit less like a self-help book. I will be checking out some of her other books, though.

[Krystin | TheF*ckingTwist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Blog | Bookstagram

My favourite Chelsea Handler is the Chelsea Handler who goes to therapy, who wants to be a better woman, who is on an existential journey of love, self-acceptance and evolution; who is unapologetic about who she is, what she wants and what she deserves. And that is on full display in this book.

She speaks of making choices from the standard of "the woman I want to be." Well, the woman I want to be is Chelsea Handler: successful, fulfilled, child-free, a dog-mom, enjoying her own company and on fucking drugs.




⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5 stars

[Cortney - Bookworm & Vine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly love Chelsea Handler, I have for the past 15+ years, but this book was definitely my least favorite. Mostly a generic self help book (YOU are your own starshine! Find it within yourself!) with some funny and enjoyable stories peppered throughout.

I will still continue to watch and read everything she does.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Chelsea Handler so much, and it has been a minute since I read one of her books, so when I saw I'll Have What She's Having I jumped at the chance to read it. I will say this felt a bit more self helpy than her other books, but I still loved it and was more than happy to read her thoughts on life and being a woman. These essays were a mix of informational, hilarious, and thought-provoking, and I learned things about Handler that I had missed since I don’t follow celebrity gossip.

I had to listen to the audiobook since I can’t turn down an opportunity to listen to her sexy smoky voice 😅 and of course I loved it. If anyone else read her essays I am sure I would hate it, and Handler’s delivery is perfection. Her nicknames for people are the best, and I cracked up during “Cross-Country Chicanery” where she proceeded to call someone Dipsy Doodle the entire essay. 🤣 That was at the start of the book, so you can only imagine what happened from there. She did address more serious topics as well and if you want an update on what’s going on in her life, these essays will give you that plus some history.

Read this if you are looking for self-reflection, a more subdued Chelsea Handler, and self help vibes.

Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received a complimentary eBook and advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Dial Press for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published February 25, 2025.

I was expecting a book of comedy skits but this s much more autobiographical. While there are some funny and truly outrageous events, it’s actually more of a self-help book. Chelsea has a strong desire to learn about herself via therapy, meditation and helping others. And doing drugs.

Things I learned about her:
1. She has a mind for business. At age 10, her “lemonade” stand served hard lemonade. She made enough money to upgrade herself to first class while her family flew coach.
2. She does a lot of drugs. LSD seems to be a favorite
3. She has multiple homes, including Whistler and Mallorca
4. She loves to ski
5. She loves dogs
6. She is a firm believer in family and manners and treating people nicely

She is definitely unconventional yet she has a heart of gold. I’m a fan.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Chelsea Handler book I have read. It is vignettes of her life with 2 dogs, her love of skying, her love of an ex-boyfriend's three daughters, vacationing on Martha's Vineyard, and how therapy made her a less critical, more self aware, voice of reasonableness. I didn't know what to expect but I enjoyed the read just the same. I have a couple more of her books on my Kindle and will pull them out to read sooner not later.

[Eric Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved a Chelsea Handler book and that remains true with this one. It was not what I expected at all - kind of a self-help / motivational vibe with humor sprinkled in. Definitely a departure from some of her earlier books but just as delightful.

[Dallas Strawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Chelsea Handler has aged, so has her comedy… and this week celebrating her 50th birthday Chelsea releases her latest book I’LL HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVING.. a cross blend between a humor nonfiction piece; a memoir; and a self-help book.

I like to call this a nice merge of the old Chelsea and the new Chelsea… this is much more uplifting and funnier read compared to her last effort LIFE WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME… but it still strikes that self-help tone and explores a lot of her personal social and mental health issues.

I laughed a great deal and sped through it. I’m a Chelsea fan for life.

4.5 ⭐️

[Lacey Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did audio version. My only disappointment is that it ended. I was enjoying it so much I could’ve used another hour or so. Very fun, engaging and thoughtful. Got some life lessons out of it. And - shouldn’t I travel more? Living a full life and spreading joy - pretty good model to follow.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chelsea is such a damn good writer, and the way she’s able to convey her voice is incredible (helps of course that I listened to it and it was read by her but still!) It was like a love letter to herself, and inspo to women everywhere, with guidance on the ways she has achieved happiness and contentment. Highly recommend!

[Lauren Marth · Rating 4 out of 5]

“there’d have to be a language barrier for me and a man to see eye to eye”

[Megan Reads-a-lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Chelsea Handler’s since The Chelsea Handler Show appeared on E! in 2006. I was a freshman in college at the time and Chelsea’s humor, directness, and confidence appealed to me. I have followed her career since which led me to this book. Out of all her books, this is my absolute favorite. In Chelsea’s previous works, I have never seen her be as vulnerable and honest as she has been in this book. Each chapter held stories of Chelsea’s growth but also challenged me to self reflect as well. Chelsea encourages kindness, finding your happiness, and helping others. The only negative about the book is that it was hard to follow because the chapters are non-linear. It would have been helpful if the chapters were dated in order to have a frame of reference as to when they occurred.

I also loved that she gave a shout out to flight attendants in the forward. They often go overlooked and unappreciated; along with many others in the service industry.

I have no doubt that Chelsea has her seventh New York Times Bestseller on her hands here!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute 5-star read for me and will stick with me as one of my favorite books of 2025. I have been a fan of Chelsea foreverrrr. In my 20's I was glued to her earlier books. I still have one more to read of hers, and of course looking forward to it, but this one was perfection. For those who are fans and have read (most of) her other books, you can see how much she has grown as a human-- she has the ability to be apologetic about past mistakes, misses, transgressions but is unapologetic speaking to much of the human experience. I definitely played back so much of this as I was listening to it and certainly teared up at the end when she writes that letter about/to herself. I got the sense she was tearing up herself as well. Absolutely perfect read.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first audio book! While I am not fully sold on the audio book life, listening to this book was a fantastic way to spend a long drive. Both funny and inspiring. I am better for having listened.

[Amanda Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!! I did not expect to feel so many emotions while listening to it! I laughed (so many actual lol moments), I cried, I felt inspired and uplifted.

If you need great book to remind you to have a little more fun in life, to cherish the friends that make your life great, and to just have a really good laugh, read this one! Scratch that - listen to it! Because her voice and delivery totally makes it that much better.

[Vanessa Hrvatin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this one and enjoyed! It was fun and had some good life lessons and Chelsea is a great narrator.

[Courtney Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blindly chose to start listening to this on a 5 hour drive; didn’t know much about Chelsea Handler besides the occasional social media post, but I related to so many topics in this book and really loved it. Also was fun that she was the audio book narrator 🥹

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to always lean on Chelsea’s writing when I’m going through changes in life that feel bigger than myself; she’s helped me see the way forward numerous times with her ability to dissect the very feelings I’m experiencing, and add a layer of humility and humour to the situation. I highly recommend this book if you’re in a transition period in life.