Like This, But Funnier: A Novel

by Hallie Cantor

For fans of Dolly Alderton and HBO’s Hacks, a whip-smart, laugh-out-loud funny debut novel about faking it (and “making it”) as a writer in Hollywood.

TV writer Caroline Neumann is thirty-four and mired in professional envy and self-hatred. Even Harry, her usually supportive therapist husband, thinks it’s time for her to press pause on her career ambitions and focus on getting pregnant, despite Caroline’s serious ambivalence about having children.

When Caroline accidentally stumbles on Harry’s patient session notes and offhandedly mentions what she finds in a meeting with a producer, the momentum of Hollywood takes over. Before she knows it—and unbeknownst to Harry—Caroline finds herself pitching a TV show about the deepest, darkest secrets of her husband’s favorite patient, a woman known to Caroline only as the Teacher.

Amid the indignities of the Hollywood development process, Caroline must balance her burning desire for professional validation against her own morality and the health of her marriage. And when Caroline forms a real-life relationship with Teacher herself, the lines between art and life begin to blur further, shaking up Caroline’s understanding of what it means to be the “likeable female protagonist” of her own life.

Genres: Fiction, Adult, Literary Fiction, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Humor

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 7, 2026

About the author

Hallie Cantor is an Emmy-nominated television writer for shows including Arrested Development, Lady Dynamite!, Dollface, and Inside Amy Schumer. Her work has been published in The New Yorker’s Shouts & Murmurs, New York magazine, NPR’s This American Life, and the humor anthology Notes From the Bathroom Line. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, who is—yes—a therapist. Like This, But Funnier is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published April 7, 2026 (how is it possible that this is a date that is already in our sights?)

3 stars

Caroline Neumann is 24 and married to therapist husband Harry. She’s been hustling to make it as a Hollywood writer for years and has never quite gotten there; now Harry’s suggesting children and Caroline doesn’t even know if she wants them at all, let alone now.

The Caroline learns about The Teacher, a patient of Harry’s and she finds some notes about her she thinks she can build something around…she she creates a potential TV series around her and has to go deeper and deeper to flesh out the character, and to keep it all a secret.

The story was cute. I learned that as much as the work kind of appeals to me (younger me) I don’t believe I have the cojones to be a Hollywood writer…too much rejection for terrible reasons (though this affirms the reason(s) I watch almost no television.) Some, though. I’m no hater. And I’ve been known to watch and enjoy some absolute garbage, too. So, anyway, this was a pleasant way to spend a few hours learning more about the hideous process that goes in to making the sausage.

[Richard Propes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever found yourself reading a book and thinking to yourself "I'm going to like this book. I'm going to like this book. I'm going to like this book."

That was my experience with Hallie Cantor's debut novel "Like This, But Funnier," a light yet pointed story about faking it and making it as a writer in Hollywood.

The novel centers around 34-year-old Caroline Neumann, a hit-and-miss TV writer seemingly constructed of a tapestry of self-hatred and professional envy. She's married to Harry, a supportive yet weary therapist who loves his work and leans toward wanting a family.

"Like This, But Funnier" takes off when Caroline stumbles across her husband's patient session notes and then impulsively reveals a particular tidbit about one of his favorite patients, known only as "The Teacher."

While I often found myself respecting "Like This, But Funnier," I never quite found myself aligned with Cantor's narrative rhythms. Consistently a mid-range experience for me, "Like This, But Funnier" has some pretty wonderful moments as it immerses us in Caroline's male-dominated professional culture and the harsh realities of LA's entertainment scene. While I struggled with Caroline as a character, the third-person POV was helpful in capturing her spectrum. While I knew it never would, I often felt like "Like This, But Funnier" would have surpassed expectations with an even darker approach capitalizing on Caroline's complex and occasionally unpredictable ways.

Because the book largely stays lighter, Caroline as a character frustrates with her aberrant behavior and ill-advised ways. I never completely hated her, though I also never really found myself rooting for her.

I struggled at times, as well, with Cantor's structuring of the story including a rushed climax and occasionally awkward pacing that disrupted both humor and heart within the story. By story's end, I wasn't particularly invested in the character, the story, the story's conclusion, or the literary journey I'd been on here.

There's no doubt that "Like This, But Funnier" will find its audience.

I'm not that audience.

For me, "Like This, But Funnier" was never a bad experience nor was it ever a really great experience. Instead, it was a promising experience from an up-and-coming writer who successfully created a visual, compelling culture but at times struggled to sustain the story's momentum.

I would love to read a story just like this one. But funnier.

[Dots · Rating 3 out of 5]

A self write-in that doesn't have the ending it deserves.

Like This, But Funnier follows a TV show writer who takes inspiration from one of her therapist husband's patients to write a show. The writing is witty. The use of parentheses is liberal (but I get it, I love throwing them in too). The MC's Inner Dialogue is relatable..

The plot itself is slow, there are story lines that fall flat, symbolism that doesn't really work (too much poo and for what reason), and the ending left a lot to be desired... I feel like because the author wrote herself into the book as the main character, she was hesitant to give a bad ending. As a result, all that happens in the book doesn't have any lasting impact on the MC's life. Everything gets wrapped up with a neat little bow, and MC's life moves on and no one suffers any consequences. There was a lot of potential here if only the author was brave enough to add 100+ more pages and explore it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC copy of this book to review. All opinions are mine.

[MrsHarvieReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like This But Funnier by Hallie Cantor has been described as a “whip-smart, laugh-out-loud funny debut novel”. The story features Caroline, a 34-year old self-doubting Hollywood TV writer trying to fake it until she makes it in the grueling entertainment industry. Caroline is struggling with imposter syndrome and guilt over prioritizing her career over family planning. Her therapist husband, who is generally sweet and supportive, wants Caroline to take a work break and start a family. One day she impulsively looks at her husband’s confidential therapy notes that he left out. She uses his favorite patient’s dream as a pitch for a new TV series pilot. Soon her lies take on a life of their own.

This story demonstrated how important it is for me to read a book’s synopsis. I simply could not reconcile Caroline’s questionable choices (which were revealed in the book’s blurb). She kept lying to her husband and digging herself into a deeper hole with her indefensible decisions. I also felt like the story was a bit too “in the weeds” with TV writers in the soul crushing entertainment industry. There are some funny scenes and I imagine other readers will find it witty, but ultimately I was not the right reader for this novel. 3/5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5!!

We’re brought into the messy, but real, life of Caroline; her thoughts and emotions on display and we read through her perspective of her standstills with her writing.

This one was so real yet funny at the same time. There was so much suspense, anticipation, secrets/ lies but also comedic relief.
I really was on the edge of my seat wonder what would happen when/ if her husband found out about what she did. (Might sound like weird wording if you haven’t read it but I’m trying not to spoil anything about the plot lol)

Caroline’s life is messy, but also she had so much character development by the end.
I’m pretty sure I got second-hand embarrassment/ anxiety a couple of times from some of the scenes, which actually made me more entertained throughout, and eager to read more into Caroline’s life and what would happen next.
There was a lot of imposter syndrome, insecurities, anxiety, feelings of inadequate mental space representation throughout the writing of Caroline’s life- I loved reading from her perspective of her success and failures, it made the story feel so real and vulnerable.

There was lots of ups and downs of her career successes, and also her halts, standstills, and unknowing of what comes next- and the anxiety that comes with it.

I really loved how it wrapped up in the ending- full circle moment. I really think the MC- Caroline learned a lot after the entire thing happened, and I was really happy reading what she was doing after!

Thank you Simon & Schuster for the gifted copy to review!

[Annetteaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of actual LOLs! Page turner with Bridget Jones vibes. No notes!

[McKell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of this book is like a train wreck you can’t look away from! Caroline’s one small accident quickly flies out of control, and she cannot seem to come clean even as the discovery of her mistake is becoming inevitable. The author balances brutal honesty about womanhood and working in entertainment with a great comedic voice.
For most of this book, I felt it was pushing five stars, but two things detracted from that. Three references to the main character clogging a toilet AND making it clear this was a chronic issue for her, was two references too many. It lost the comedic effect after the first time and just became a very weird quirk. Also, I wish there was more closure at the end between Nicole and Caroline. I feel like that was a thread that dropped and was simply forgotten 3/4 of the way through the book, which sucks, because Nicole deserves more!

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the free copy for review!

[Dar Vig · Rating 5 out of 5]

clear your schedule before you start reading

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a firmly middle-of-the-road debut for me. I liked the sharp writing voice and peek behind the Hollywood curtain aspects of the book but I felt like the satire fell a bit flat with the lack of emotional payoff at the rushed ending. Ironically I think this might have worked better as a TV show but perhaps that would have been one navel-gazing step too far. I liked that the protagonist wasn't traditionally likeable, and while this isn't a book I ended up particularly excited about, I would still read more from this author in the future.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the ARC!

[Mac]

This was such a fun read! Fast and fun enough for the beach, but with enough depth to have staying power. I loved the insight we got into what it's like as a writer in Hollywood, and Cantor's experience in that field gave me a very real, grounded sense of the ups and downs and at times ridiculous nature of the entertainment industry. At the same time, the novel deals with the complex topics of choosing whether or not to have kids, and the tension women face between motherhood and their career ambitions. Would recommend!

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Good! Dragged a little at first but once I hit my stride I was like ah ok I see what’s happening here. You know, like when you read a book.

[Brijeet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this peek into the world of writers and the entertainment industry, and the trials and tribulations of the creative life. My favorite passages were the back and forth as writer Caroline gets endless "notes" on her material, editing it into something no longer recognizable, all the while having to gush with gratitude no matter how ridiculous the feedback.

"So what do you guys do?" the man asked. Although this question was unavoidable [...] it was Caroline's second least favorite question to be asked at a party. What did this guy care what she did? No matter what, his answer would be "Oh, cool." Was there any career she could say that wouldn't result in an "Oh, cool"? Professional assassin? Skinhead?

This reminded me a bit of Really Good, Actually--which I also really enjoyed--and here similarly our protagonist will not be everyone's cup of tea. However, if like me you find neuroses relatable (or at least entertaining) you will appreciate Caroline's voice and the ways she tries to figure out what she's doing with her life.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Ashley Rascoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars, rounded up.

Like This, But Funnier is a story about a young Hollywood screenwriter struggling to find her next story. As she’s jumping through the hoops of Hollywood, her husband is trying to be supportive— or as supportive as someone who doesn’t fully understand her job can be.

Following a hilarious story of stolen story ideas, the reader will go on a journey as Caroline lands her next big thing. At the same time as a hot mess unfolds in her professional life, an equally messy one is unfolding in her personal life.

I highly recommend this one for late 20s-late 30 somethings who feel stuck in a rut, or maybe feel like no one gets them & what they’re going through. As the publishers said, also highly recommend it for fans of Hacks, Girls, and Lady Bird.

Thank you to Simon&Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest reviews.

[crybabybea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sitcom-worthy comedy, a commentary on the pressures of functioning under capitalism, and a reminder to always return to the connections that truly matter.

This book reads exactly like a television comedy, which makes sense given Cantor's long career of comedy writing in The New Yorker and for shows such as Arrested Development. Cantor's comedy style zeroes in on the humor that can be found in everyday life; the choices we make that feel entirely too large for their actual impact, the mundane decisions full of disproportionate anxiety and worry.

The humor in Like This, But Funnier is not my personal cup of tea, but works well for what it intends to do. The comedy style is unapologetically millennial core, with lots of capitalizing The Things™, self-deprecating quips, intentionally prolonged scenes of secondhand embarrassment that force a cringe response, and constant fretting over the woes of adulting. Again, very much at home in the world of humor writing and especially TV-style comedy.

Like This, But Funnier clearly intends to satirize a very specific type of hyper-self-aware, millennial professional. Someone overwhelmingly anxious about how they are perceived, constantly narrating their own privilege and flaws, and endlessly comparing themselves to others. There is a definite recognizable irony in watching Caroline be way too self-aware to ever be comfortable in her own skin, but simultaneously too narcissistically stuck in her own head to figure out how to fix it.

The design of her character intends for the reader to oscillate between rolling their eyes at her flaws (because we all know a few people who match her archetype), before feeling an uncomfortable itchiness at recognizing themselves a bit too much in her narration (because there's a chance we are the archetype). Caroline is sufficiently annoying to make the critique clear, but the narrative never pushes her far enough for that critique to land with real force.

Throughout the book, there's a sense that the story could spiral into something darker, something more destabilizing. Caroline begins down a path of dubious choices, a pattern of low-grade manipulation and lying by omission. Exploring the darkness of ambition, how easy it is for average people to become ruthless and dehumanize others in favor of climbing the social and professional ladder.

This potential for corruption is uniquely paralleled by the television show Caroline herself is writing, which follows a main character making a morally fraught mistake that leads to a darker and darker character arc. While Caroline's arc does follow in its footsteps, which makes for an interesting premise, the narrative ultimately feels too gentle with its protagonist to let the satire have any bite.

The novel stays in a relatively safe comedic register where personal embarrassment and cringe replace genuine consequences. Even the moments positioned as emotional lows resolve quickly, and the novel feels too afraid to leave the status quo. I was begging for some Moshfegh-style absurdism or surreality from our main character's moral dilemma!

Aside from much of the humor and satire falling flat, this novel has a meta layer that gives the reading experience more depth, and separates it from other similarly family-friendly comedies. It's a satire written about writing, which inherently adds a level of double-meaning to every choice Cantor makes. While Caroline sits with the ethical messiness of using people's personal struggles for comedy material, so does Cantor.

As Caroline's narration complained about TV execs and managers offering vapid critique and offering narrative changes despite having no writing experience, there was a fun uncomfortable feeling at realizing I was doing essentially the same thing as a reader. Which of course, helped me empathize for both Caroline and Cantor as I thought about the strange position writers (and artists in general) are in, having to professionalize their passions and present bits of themselves to the world for consumption and critique.

It's easy to chalk up all of my issues as the novel working-as-intended, especially considering the book's adjacency to sitcom-style humor. While I personally didn't fall in love, and I often wanted it to go a bit further, it succeeds at being a low-stakes, if predictable, slice-of-life comedy.

Overall, Like This, But Funnier successfully captures the voice and anxieties of the type of person it's satirizing, but often pulls its punches. The story recognizes the absurdity of Caroline's worldview, yet ultimately protects her from the kind of consequences that might have given the satire sharper teeth.

I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline was 34, working on spec, and trying to avoid her husband Harry's attempt to push her down the Mom Hole. After all, she works from home trying to get a development nibble from her agents and they're not biting-isn't it time to start having their first child like all their friends are doing? She hasn't had a real writing job in a while, one with a regular paycheck and health insurance. She misses the camaraderie of fellow writers as they all pitch in to develop the dialogue, plot, and scripts of tv shows that sometimes get airplay and even become hits. She doesn't even know if she really wants children, but mid 30's is the ticking time bomb for making that decision. Harry suggested that she have her eggs harvested and preserved. but she knows the procedure is expensive. How can she justify the money?
She takes a meeting with Marcus, the rep for a famous movie and TV star who produces her own movies, and he knew she wrote humor. He sent her a copy of a rom-com novel as a project for development. She couldn't believe that anyone would be interested in this garbage, but there were no other offers so she gave it a try. The story about a young naive woman who moves to NYC for adventure and immediately falls for the gruff bartender was supposed to be the "jumping-off point" for Caroline's treatment but she knew that hackneyed plot didn't have a prayer. Unless... She could model the heroine on one of her husband's patients-the one he shared a little information about. The Teacher taught special-ed students but was lonely and Harry felt sorry for her. He knew he shared TMI with his wife and didn't refer to her again. Unfortunately they shared a home office, Harry left The Teacher's file on his desk and Caroline couldn't help picking it up and reading it. What she found could turn that novel on its head-if she used The Teacher's dream as the basis of her script she might have a blockbuster. But that would be absolutely unethical-wouldn't it?
Cantor leads her readers into development hell as her character writes and rewrites her script to please her new bosses while hiding the truth from her unwittingly patient husband. Cantor knows of what she speaks, having been a writer on shows like Arrested Development and Inside Amy Schumer. Her novel was very good at showing the hurry up and wait aspect of the creative process in making a new show, and how it might lead to the desperation her writer demonstrates. It made me appreciate the fact that anything worth watching ever ends up on the screen.

[Cayla Stafford · Rating 2 out of 5]

And the award for most pretentious character in a book goes to…
We follow Caroline, a failing screenwriter married to a therapist who hates her life. Her husband wants to have kids, but she does not, or at least not without succeeding in her career first. One day when she’s been rejected for the millionth time, she stumbles on a piece of information about one of her husbands clients, talking about how she had a dream where she killed her students parents and buried them in the garden. Caroline takes this idea and brings it up at a pitch meeting as a last resort and the whole idea snowballs, making her feel like the worst person in the world. And she is.
I am not sure if this book is a reflection on a terrible main character or the author, but this was the most irritating, pretentious, offensive, and unseemly woman I have ever read about. Caroline’s only characteristics are feeling elitist while at the same time hating herself, and also taking “giant s**ts” which was actually brought up three separate times, one of them happening at her husband’s family’s home where poop speckled water runs over the floor, onto her sock, and the bath mats.

Her view on motherhood and mothers in general was so entirely offensive, when 50% of her audience at least of this book are likely to be mothers. She talks about how her body is already a “mom body anyway. She should just have a baby already; at least then if she looked like crap all the time there would be a reason.” She also connects having a baby to being put in a “mom hole” that reduces you to nothing and signs you up to be unsuccessful for the rest of your life. Regarding parenthood she says it’s pretty much “passively incubating a baby that would act exactly like every other baby in the world” as if the only reason to have a baby is to just populate the world and not the joy and meaning it can give to your life.

She was also a super lazy character in her own life, expecting success and feeling entitled to “be special” when she was terrible at her job, not funny, and did nothing to bring herself any success. While I realize I am clearly not the target audience of this book, I am not quite sure who is. Even people who don’t like children don’t feel as hateful toward them as she was. The plot itself was interesting and could have been done so much better. Only finished because I enjoyed the scenes about the actual show being produced.

[Matt Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like This, But Funnier spun its wheels too long to be great, but it’s a bold story from a debut author with a great voice.

The first third of Like This was a bit too much on the narrative, and a bit too much internal monologue from the main character. When the inciting event happens, one third of the way into the story, it really takes off and the comedy—which was already at about an 8—shoots all the way to 9.5. Cantor can really turn a phrase to invoke a laugh and also set a scene for maximum chuckles and delicious awkward discomfort.

There are ways, typical ways, you think a book with a big secret (as described in the jacket copy) are going to go, and to Cantor’s credit, she really veers with the well-worn path by taking Like This is a bit of a different direction. I’m not sure all of the plot really worked, and there were certain things that could’ve happened that might have been more satisfying, but the road Like This takes, for better or worse, was mostly one I didn’t see coming. It may have been an instance of Cantor really trying to not do what seemed to be some obvious things to do, and that was bold (and honestly commendably realistic), but fiction does want a big finish, and I’m not sure Like This has it. It has a well-earned, believable finish. But sometimes I think we want books to get us where real life doesn’t. Even if we can see it coming before it arrives.

Cantor’s voice is fully developed. She’s great at writing believable people with all their flaws. I’m not sure the supporting cast are really more than caricatures, which of course can be played for laughs, but Like This’s leads are really well drawn.

I’ve never been involved in Hollywood like Cantor has, but having no knowledge whatsoever as a reader, her version of Hollywood seems completely authentic. Most certainly exaggerated for comedy’s sake, but enough to make you feel the speed and inauthenticness of its inhabitants and the slap-dash machine that creates the art we enjoy.

I’m not sure how long Like This will actually stay with me, but I certainly want to read more from Cantor. This is a solid debut.

Recommended for readers who like to laugh and follow neurotic characters in high-profile behind-the-scenes situations.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing an uncorrected DRC via NetGalley.

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of Margo's Got Money Troubles — Caroline is young and childfree, living in Los Angeles with her sweet husband, Harry. She has made a living fulfilling her dream as a television writer, having worked in the industry in both NYC and LA. Why is Caroline still so miserable? Like This, But Funnier takes us through Caroline's downfall as she stalks her therapist husband's "ideal" patient, The Teacher, befriends her, and then writes a television script based on The Teacher's life...all without Harry or The Teacher knowing the truth.

Simply put: this book was wonderful. Hallie Cantor's writing is superb. Caroline's inner dialogue is rich and thoughtful. When the plot slowed down about 3/4 of the way through, I still didn't wish it for it to speed up; I was more invested in how Caroline was feeling about herself and her choices. I wanted to see what revelations (or not) she would have next.

Like This, But Funnier is for anyone who has doubted themselves, questioned their worth and identity, or has gotten stuck in a negative feedback loop of their own making. Caroline is all the things she envies in The Teacher, her husband, and writing colleagues, but her lack of self esteem keeps her from seeing that. I think that is deeply relatable.

Many parts of this book were thought provoking, but my favorite was towards the end of the book when Caroline is frustrated by the rounds of notes about her main character. "Everyone was so worried about how audiences would respond to Jane. She was too passive, or too selfish, or too angry, or too confused about what she wanted. Executives knew they weren't supposed to use the word 'likable' anymore, but that was the essence of what they were saying. ... If the executives could find this much fault with her [Jane], what the hell would they think of Caroline?" I think this perfectly captured a fear I share. When I hear criticisms about another woman, or plus size person, or 30something, or any other identity I also hold, it's difficult not to internalize those criticisms.

I would highly recommend this book and thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for a review!

[David]

https://thebeginningthemiddleandthetw...

“Like This But Funnier” by Hallie Cantor: The Comeback Kid’s Struggle

Caroline stared at her laptop screen, the cursor blinking mockingly in the empty document. Three years out of the writers’ room, and every joke felt stale before she could type it. The industry had moved on—new voices, new rhythms, new ways of being funny that she couldn’t quite grasp. She closed the laptop and reached for her phone, scrolling through LinkedIn posts from former colleagues who were still in the game, their success stories a daily reminder of what she’d lost.

Cantor’s debut novel follows Caroline, a television writer attempting to re-enter an industry that’s moved on without her. This is a different brand of TV Industry Romance. This book addresses professional resurrection in Hollywood.

What Works
The novel shines in its authentic portrayal of career gaps and the self-esteem challenges that come with professional setbacks. As someone who has experienced layoffs, Caroline’s struggles felt painfully real. Cantor doesn’t shy away from depicting the misogyny and image-conscious pressures that plague LA’s male-dominated entertainment landscape.

The third-person POV allows readers to maintain some emotional distance from Caroline while still understanding her internal battles. This narrative choice proves wise given the protagonist’s complex personality.

The Challenges
Caroline presents a fascinating but frustrating protagonist. While her career struggles are sympathetic, she is dishonest with loved ones and tendency to confide in the wrong people creates a character who’s difficult to root for consistently. She bottles up resentment until explosive moments that feel both inevitable and preventable.

The novel’s pacing stumbles in its final act. The climactic confrontation, crucial to Caroline’s character development, feels rushed and occupies barely 10% of the book. This abbreviated resolution leaves readers wanting more substantial payoff after investing in Caroline’s journey

[Beth Gerson · Rating 2 out of 5]

At one point, I looked down and realized that nothing had happened, and we were 30% of the way through. There were anecdotes about Caroline’s life that she relates and then almost immediately undermines - the crush was nothing, it didn’t matter. The job in the writer’s room was for 1 season, it was nothing. The professional rivalry? It’s one-sided, and the other person isn’t thinking about her at all. If the writer and the main character don’t care about what’s going on, why should the reader? And why are we being forced to spend 30% of the book absorbing the information that we’re told explicitly is meaningless and stupid?
​
She seems to like the idea of her job, but not the realities. She’s above everyone and everything - other writers, mothers, her own husband, people who work at literally anything - but also self-loathing. t’s exhausting and almost insulting to large swaths of people who are living what they probably consider very normal lives? There are multiple bathroom-related moments. And you have to trudge through all of that before ANYTHING happens. And what does happen is weird, poorly thought out, and borderline illegal, but also not interesting enough to want to find out what happens. It felt like someone should be asking her husband if he’s ok and maybe writing a book from his perspective. Caroline is miserable at home, miserable at work, and seems to be holding him and his possibility for future children hostage with her noncommittal and hostile attitude about parenthood - why he is in this relationship never really feels clear. Caroline takes one piece of information unethically and worries about Harry finding out about THAT, but then proceeds to mine her unethical friendship with The Teacher for even MORE details and uses those unethically as well - there’s no lesson learning, there’s no brakes pumped, there’s doing bad things and moaning about them while continuing the same behavior. While also being whiny, needy, and self-sabotaging.

This book was not my jam. This character was not my jam.

I received an ARC from NetGalley

[Sheila Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Simon and Schuster for the eGalley. This ARC was provided in return for an honest review. Book rating: 3.5 stars.

Cantor creates a mildly neurotic protagonist in Caroline. As a TV writer, Caroline struggles with her self-esteem in an industry that treats writers as a commodity. She is only valued for her last hit show, but for Caroline that has been so long ago that she begins to question her skill and ability to generate comedy. Along with her self-doubt in regard to her own career, her husband is pushing her to consider starting a family. For Caroline, the prospect of a family means that she has given up on her dream. Cantor is able to create a character that the audience truly wants to see succeed. The author is able to capture the constant self loathing that occurs when Caroline validates herself through her career, especially when that career is stagnant.

I did enjoy the ridiculousness of the TV executives and the process of Caroline‘s pitch for the TV show. Cantor creates a very Kafkaesque situation for Caroline as she tries to maneuver the notes from various levels of the production company. I did laugh when the executives question Caroline about the frustration of teachers and that it couldn’t possibly be realistic. Cantor does explore how out of touch the entertainment industry can be when it comes to real life.

I enjoyed the chaotic situations that Caroline finds herself in. When she stalks one of her husband’s clients, the story lends itself to a great deal of humor, but I don’t feel that Cantor capitalized on the situation that she created. Instead, she delves into the emotional cesspool of Caroline’s doubt. From the title, I wanted to have more humor included in the story. Additionally, I feel that the ending was rushed. I wanted greater development of the situation with Harry. Cantor could have condensed some of Caroline’s questioning of her “goodness” to focus on creating a stronger ending with Harry.

[Morgan Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A mistake was forgivable. Everyone made mistakes. It was the cover-up that got them in trouble.”

Wildly chaotic, with a caustic and satirical voice by an insecure, crabby-but-relatable main character. She has a remarkably anxious imagination, with thoughts that run the gamut and is so fun to read. I loved:

+ the chaos, just barreling full steam ahead towards the end, getting me tied up in anxiety wondering how it’s all going to shake out at every turn
+ the peek into Hollywood and TV writing (and WOW the unpaid labor these writers are expected to do)
+ (shockingly) the seemingly hundred mini stories within the story, the ones that get so far away from the main plot you wonder if Curtis Sittenfeld wrote this. How even the main story is so tangled up inside itself you marvel at how the author created it all
+ the symbolism of the clogged toilet. Trying to fix it but just making it worse.
+ the tone/voice. I was only ten pages in when I was convinced Helen Laser would be the be best narrator for the audiobook, and after a quick search I laughed out loud to learn she is in fact narrating the audiobook. I would bet this book will be even better on audio for that reason

I did feel the ending was a bit anti-climactic, I wish we’d gotten something more than a return-to-average, but it’s also really believable, so I didn’t mind too terribly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this title.

favorite quotes :

What she felt now was less cinematic and more of a constant, dull ache, a miserable hollow in her chest. . . . She kept feeling like she was crashing downward into new layers of sadness that revealed the old sadnesses to be made of spun sugar that could no longer support her weight. One weekend without Harry had been a cute little sadness vacation, but now she was looking at real, ongoing, permanent sadness.

[Sacha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Caroline is 34, a TV writer, and a maker of choices I cannot recommend in most cases. While she is the main character of this novel, she lacks main character energy, and this makes for a simultaneously intriguing and at times frustrating read.

I badly wanted Caroline to make decisions that were good for herself and - at least sometimes - good for other people, too, but she's mostly against that. Her husband, a therapist, is really giving credence to that old joke that therapists are the ones most in need of therapists, and I wanted him to call his. He makes a really weird, creepy demand of Caroline, and Caroline, though she does not really like it, plays along. Why? Caroline's most noteworthy trait? She needs more fiber or a visit to a GI doctor. I'm not sure what's happening with her medically that is causing her to test the plumbing and have so many near brushes with embarrassing bowel movements, but she should consider further investigation by a professional. Oh, and wait to see the way she gets material for her content (she hates that word, but since I have some issues with her obviously, I'm going to use it to spite her). It is also concerning.

This book is billed for fans of _Hacks_, a show I adore, and it's a debut from a writer known for several other shows I also really like. While I didn't dislike this book, my neutrality about it coupled with my strong dislike for the protagonist surprised me. I'd definitely give this writer another shot based on context, but this book did not hit me as I hoped it would.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[scotia · Rating 3 out of 5]

EDIT:
I just realized Cantor wrote for season 5 of Arrested Development. That makes more sense.

REVIEW:
I have conflicting feelings about this book.

While I found the concept incredibly compelling, the actual plot of the book didn't get started until about 50% of the way through. I was intrigued by the relationship between The Teacher and Caroline, and I was disappointed that it wasn't further explored, that feels like a huge, missed opportunity. I also never bought the relationship between Caroline and her husband, and found myself hating him throughout the entire novel - a feeling that was never once validated despite the fact that he was awful?

In terms of writing it felt like Cantor often got caught going through the motions of writing what she believed a writer should write: introspective sentences that weren't earned, explanations of emotions that were largely unnecessary, observations that felt out of character.

Finally, I didn't find this book funny. That doesn't mean it was bad, but it was marketed as being like Hacks, which is true if it they meant the first couple of scenes in Hacks where everything is depressing and nothing is working out, and they haven't quite decided how they're going to be funny yet. Caroline's internal monologue just wasn't funny. I think this could be attributed to Cantor being a TV writer, where the comedy and characters are more present than the narrator's voice. Idk! I wanted to like this more! Arrested Development is my favorite show of all time!

Good:
- Zany TV business characters
- Outline writing plot was incredibly interesting
- Tension between C and R (I wish this was more fleshed out!)

[Lex Ax · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When Harry stirred and asked what was wrong, she wanted to tell him everything, about her pitch and meeting Nicole and how she wasn't the right kind of woman and she shouldn't be a mother and how she didn't have the right kind of trauma to justify her shittiness, and how she didn't deserve to have a fun job creating art but she was stuck in this cycle of getting just enough success to keep dangling on the edge of it, perpetually almost living a life that was perfect and right but always out of it, always doing it wrong, having the wrong thoughts and feeling alone in them because she had this pathetic need to make everyone like her, even her therapist; how she knew no one was watching but she couldn't stop performing for them; how she was ruining her life, the one life that had been given to her with so much promise and privilege and she couldn't even do the simplest thing in the world of enjoying it.”

“What confused and dismayed her was that recognizing herself as one of a vast field of essentially identical women did not blot out her insistent desire to be seen as singular. She had this stupid bone-deep certainty that being special was the only way to be worthy of love.”

Books centered on messy, chaotic, borderline unhinged women will always be appreciated by me. Caroline, I see you, I hear you, I am you. So unafraid to say the thoughts, fears, and doubts that run through women’s heads surrounding identity, career aspirations, success, outward perception, motherhood, creativity, and truly being seen.

Thank you Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.75/5⭐️

[Kassondra Cloos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cantor does it all: "Like This, But Funnier" is hilarious while also suspenseful, deeply self-aware, incredibly relatable, and so wonderfully original.

In the book, TV writer Caroline is clearly talented and likable, but years of underemployment have driven her to absurd and unethical lengths in order to catch a break. But when she successfully gets what she wants, finds that it doesn't feel much like success at all—and the lengths she goes to try to "fix" it get even wilder. I threw off my sleep schedule for days staying up late to finish this book, and I'd do it again. It's comforting to Caroline her experience the world the same way I often have, and to read such a fresh, realistic take on the life of a writer, which is so often flattened in books. The problems Caroline faces are multi-faceted and we enjoy the privilege of seeing someone battle their way through real life in a way that feels far more like reality than make believe. Cantor captures the fakeness of Hollywood business speak so effortlessly, and I found myself highlighting many passages that cleverly skewer the pointless, time-wasting niceties that drive us all crazy. It's clear that Cantor is writing from a place of deep knowledge and experience, and I can't wait to read more from her. I also can't wait till this hits shelves so I can make all my friends read it and talk about it with me.

I feel I'm not adequately capturing how much I loved this book, so let me just say one final time: It's amazing. It might just be the best book I've read ever, and you won't regret reading it.

Note: The publisher sent me an advanced review copy. Many thanks!

[Katie Harvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced reader copy for free in exchange for my opinion. Thank you to the author Hallie Cantor, the publisher Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley.

As to my thoughts…were there very poignant parts? Yes, absolutely.

Was it obvious the author is very talented? Oh, of course! I totally saw an Arrested Development (a favorite of mine) kind of humor.

So did it totally land with me, and make me feel like I just watched an episode? No, unfortunately. Perhaps it’s common knowledge of how the entertainment industry works, but I found myself generally confused at the intricacies. I believe some stuff that probably should have been funny went over my head. For example, the emails exchanged between assistants, etc. I gathered it was supposed to be indicative of the culture, or at least playful in a tongue in cheek kind of way. It’s possible that I’m not the target audience?

I also did not think much of Caroline. I believe at 24 her behavior could be explained (at least a little more so 34), but at 34 her antics while at times entertaining, were often too much. The toilet humor didn’t necessarily land with me either. Her inability to have a conversation over children, mistakes, etc upset me.

There was a lot of justification for why she didn’t want kids. It’s a fault of our society to demand reasoning from anyone about anything, particularly regarding family. So I understand the character’s embellishment, but as someone who generally doesn’t care how others choose to live their lives, I was like, OK, I get it already. Say that to your husband, and let’s move on.

It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t great like I was hoping. I have mixed feelings regarding the ending. I like a happy ending, and I enjoy how the author circled back to an earlier conversation between Caroline and The Teacher. I don’t necessarily believe Caroline grew and was worthy of her ending though.

Overall, a very well written book that didn’t necessarily love which is why I am not rating it higher. If you work or live in LA or the entertainment industry it could be a great book for you.

[Katelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Caroline Neumann is at a crossroads. While everyone around her is achieving success in their line of work, having children, and just overall thriving, Caroline is experiencing none of those things. After a long stretch of unemployment, her husband thinks it's time to give up on Hollywood and become a mother. That's easy for him to say as a successful therapist! However, Caroline accidentally stumbles upon some of his session notes while searching for something in his drawer. This small bit of information sets her off on a journey she did not see coming - pitching a successful series, meeting the client mentioned in the note, and freezing her eggs. As everything gets more serious, Caroline begins to realize her errors. All she wanted was to feel successful and validated, and now her life is turned upside down.

The premise of this one was so good! However, it fell flat for me. I didn't find Caroline funny, but super insensitive and desperate. This made it hard for me to connect to her as a character and move throughout the book. I did think the plot was unique and added a bit of suspense when Caroline was hiding what she was doing from her husband. I also appreciated the insight into Hollywood and how some of my favorite series have come to be, but again, it was hard to get invested in. Overall, I can't highly recommend this book, but if you enjoyed Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, you'll likely enjoy this one too.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hallie Cantor, and Simon & Schuster for a copy of this book. I received this ARC for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Christin Hirleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes this novel so compelling is Cantor's refusal to let Caroline off the hook. This isn't a redemption story or a girl-boss empowerment fantasy. It's a clear-eyed examination of what ambition looks like when it crashes into ethics, when desperation for validation makes you do things that horrify you even as you're doing them. I found myself cringing at Caroline's choices—the ethical violations, the lies by omission, the rationalizations, while simultaneously understanding exactly why she makes them. I think that's the mark of exceptional character work.
The comedy writing world Cantor depicts feels authentic and sharp, full of the particular indignities and absurdities of the Hollywood development process. But the real brilliance is in how the novel explores Caroline's relationship with Teacher once they meet in real life. The blurring of boundaries between art and reality, between subject and friend, creates a tension that builds to genuinely uncomfortable places.

This is a novel about wanting things badly, about the cost of being seen, about trying to be the "likeable female protagonist" of your own life when your actual thoughts and desires don't fit that mold. Cantor's voice is wickedly funny and unflinchingly honest, never looking away from the darker impulses that make us human.

Like This, but Funnier is smart, sharp, and deliciously uncomfortable in all the best ways. If you love complex, morally ambiguous women and the kind of comedy that comes from truly dark places, this book is for you.

[Susan Poer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This debut novel captures the absurdity and anxiety of chasing creative success in Hollywood while trying to live a normal adult life. It helps that the author is an Emmy nominated television writer who turns her insider’s perspective into a novel. I wanted to like this more, but the main character is just not that likeable. We first meet Caroline while she's pitching ideas to some producers who are multi-tasking while 'listening' to her story. They are clearly not interested, she is discouraged, then the rest of the novel is about her trying to decide if she should become a mother or not. Her husband is a therapist and while eavesdropping on one of his sessions with a patient, she gets a great idea, based on this patient's life. Is this unethical, sure, but she is desperate for career success and validation within the Hollywood community. When the idea gets the green light, she is faced with the quandry of moving forward with it or not.

I thought this would be more like 'Romantic Comedy', which was a great depiction of the struggles of comedy writers in the industry, and much funnier.

The author peppers this story with lots of self-deprecating humour, and body shaming, with Caroline thinking she should become a mom since she already has a 'mom bod', and that would be a good excuse.

This was a good concept that had great promise but lacked execution.