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Like This, But Funnier: A Novel
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.
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.
Audible Audio
First published April 7, 2026
About the author
Hallie Cantor
2 books46 followersHallie 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
June 28, 2026
this is my feedback for my own reviews.
the best and funniest part of this is how good the emails were. by which i mean how bad. i'm not a tv writer but i have a gmail so i can understand the long arc of the universe towards corporate jargon.
otherwise, this book was fairly predictable along the lines of "what if the worst possible thing happened next. what if the following plot point caused me to cringe so hard i ethically turn coal into diamonds."
it's not a bad book, but i won't remember it forever.
bottom line: just a vague sense of stress.
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
the best and funniest part of this is how good the emails were. by which i mean how bad. i'm not a tv writer but i have a gmail so i can understand the long arc of the universe towards corporate jargon.
otherwise, this book was fairly predictable along the lines of "what if the worst possible thing happened next. what if the following plot point caused me to cringe so hard i ethically turn coal into diamonds."
it's not a bad book, but i won't remember it forever.
bottom line: just a vague sense of stress.
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
November 7, 2025
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.
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.
July 17, 2025
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.
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.
June 2, 2026
As I write this, I have to be honest. This one didn't fully work for me. Probably a 2.5 rating for me.
Like this, but funnier has an interesting premise, especially in how it explores the behind the scenes world of writing, selling, and adapting a series for Hollywood. At times, that aspect almost feels like a character of its own. If you're curious about the industry side of storytelling, there is something here to appreciate.
That said, I struggled to stay engaged.
The central relationship between Caroline and Harry never quite clicked for me. It felt flat and lacked the emotional depth needed to keep me invested. Beyond miscommunication, there wasn't much that made their dynamic feel distinctive or memorable.
The pacing also felt uneven. Certain sections lingered on details that didn't add much to the overall story, which made it harder to stay immersed. Instead of building momentum, those moments pulled me out of the narrative.
At its core, this is a story about a writer navigating her career and marriage, balancing ambition, expectations, and the realities of building a future with someone. It touches on relatable themes, but the execution didn't fully land for me.
That said, I did finish it, which speaks to a level of readability. While it wasn't a standout for me personally, readers interested in the publishing world and quieter, relationship driven stories may still find value here.
Overall, an okay read that may resonate more with the right audience.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. All comments and opinions are my own.
Like this, but funnier has an interesting premise, especially in how it explores the behind the scenes world of writing, selling, and adapting a series for Hollywood. At times, that aspect almost feels like a character of its own. If you're curious about the industry side of storytelling, there is something here to appreciate.
That said, I struggled to stay engaged.
The central relationship between Caroline and Harry never quite clicked for me. It felt flat and lacked the emotional depth needed to keep me invested. Beyond miscommunication, there wasn't much that made their dynamic feel distinctive or memorable.
The pacing also felt uneven. Certain sections lingered on details that didn't add much to the overall story, which made it harder to stay immersed. Instead of building momentum, those moments pulled me out of the narrative.
At its core, this is a story about a writer navigating her career and marriage, balancing ambition, expectations, and the realities of building a future with someone. It touches on relatable themes, but the execution didn't fully land for me.
That said, I did finish it, which speaks to a level of readability. While it wasn't a standout for me personally, readers interested in the publishing world and quieter, relationship driven stories may still find value here.
Overall, an okay read that may resonate more with the right audience.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. All comments and opinions are my own.
April 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, but I can see why it might not resonate with everyone or meet higher expectations. One reason could be that it blends autobiographical elements with fiction. As far as I know, the author has mentioned that her husband is a therapist, and she herself is a writer, so parts of the story seem to come from real-life experience. Because of that, the narrative feels very honest and personal, but that same quality might not connect with every reader. Especially if you’re not familiar with the writing industry or the experience of dealing with agents and constant rejection, some aspects may not feel as relatable, even if they are engaging to read. For me, though, that authenticity made the story more enjoyable. It felt grounded, and the plot itself is believable enough that it could happen in real life. The pacing and writing style are also very compelling and draw you in from the start.The idea of “idea stealing” also reminded me of Yellowface, which is a theme I particularly enjoy exploring in fiction.
That said, there were moments when I felt a bit too aware of the author behind the story, almost as if I could predict events based on what might have happened in her real life. It’s just a hunch, but I had a similar feeling while reading Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors.Overall, I really liked the book, it was extremely relatable for me. So 5 stars it is.
That said, there were moments when I felt a bit too aware of the author behind the story, almost as if I could predict events based on what might have happened in her real life. It’s just a hunch, but I had a similar feeling while reading Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors.Overall, I really liked the book, it was extremely relatable for me. So 5 stars it is.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
May 23, 2026
I wanted this to be sharper and funnier than it ultimately was for me. 📺
Like This, But Funnier follows Caroline, a TV writer whose messy moral choices start spiraling after she steals a show idea from one of her husband’s therapy patients. And not just the idea — she gradually inserts herself into the woman’s life and continues mining it for material, which made for a pretty uncomfortable reading experience at times. 😬
The book definitely has a cynical sense of humor, and Caroline’s inner monologue is full of sarcasm and sharp observations. I think Hallie Cantor is clearly talented and understands the entertainment industry well. Ironically, some of the fictional TV shows Caroline pitches throughout the novel sounded more compelling to me than the actual story itself. I would genuinely watch several of them. 😂
What didn’t quite work for me was the overall tone. I don’t think the novel intended to feel depressing, but spending so much time in Caroline’s head — combined with the Hollywood setting and all the performative industry dynamics — left me feeling more drained than amused. Everything felt very artificial in a way that made it hard for me to connect emotionally.
That said, I can absolutely see this working better for readers who enjoy deeply flawed protagonists, uncomfortable social satire, or stories about creative ambition and self-sabotage.
⭐️ 2.5 stars
Like This, But Funnier follows Caroline, a TV writer whose messy moral choices start spiraling after she steals a show idea from one of her husband’s therapy patients. And not just the idea — she gradually inserts herself into the woman’s life and continues mining it for material, which made for a pretty uncomfortable reading experience at times. 😬
The book definitely has a cynical sense of humor, and Caroline’s inner monologue is full of sarcasm and sharp observations. I think Hallie Cantor is clearly talented and understands the entertainment industry well. Ironically, some of the fictional TV shows Caroline pitches throughout the novel sounded more compelling to me than the actual story itself. I would genuinely watch several of them. 😂
What didn’t quite work for me was the overall tone. I don’t think the novel intended to feel depressing, but spending so much time in Caroline’s head — combined with the Hollywood setting and all the performative industry dynamics — left me feeling more drained than amused. Everything felt very artificial in a way that made it hard for me to connect emotionally.
That said, I can absolutely see this working better for readers who enjoy deeply flawed protagonists, uncomfortable social satire, or stories about creative ambition and self-sabotage.
⭐️ 2.5 stars
March 27, 2026
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.
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.
May 5, 2026
(( audiobook ))
Eh. This was half very funny and half very annoying. Loved the premise and thought the MC’s repetitive inner monologue started off as entertaining, but got super grating after a while. The highlight for me was the section with the assistants sending 9,000 emails back and forth trying to schedule drinks for their bosses, interspersed with the ridiculous studio feedback on the pilot outline.
I’d definitely read another book by Cantor — this wasn’t my favorite ever, but when this was funny, it was FUNNY.
Eh. This was half very funny and half very annoying. Loved the premise and thought the MC’s repetitive inner monologue started off as entertaining, but got super grating after a while. The highlight for me was the section with the assistants sending 9,000 emails back and forth trying to schedule drinks for their bosses, interspersed with the ridiculous studio feedback on the pilot outline.
I’d definitely read another book by Cantor — this wasn’t my favorite ever, but when this was funny, it was FUNNY.
May 5, 2026
Everything about the book was joyful and hopeful. It made me laugh, and also get choked up, and I’ll be looking out for Hallie’s next novel!
As someone contemplating a lot of life changes in the next year, this was a great book for refocusing on the things that matter
As someone contemplating a lot of life changes in the next year, this was a great book for refocusing on the things that matter
February 26, 2026
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!
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!
August 30, 2025
Lots of actual LOLs! Page turner with Bridget Jones vibes. No notes!
May 27, 2026
I was surprised at how much I liked this book. It's yet another book about obsession, but not about an unhinged main character who has an unhealthy, removed-from-reality obsession like Best Offer Wins or Boring Asian Female. Instead, the main character is someone whose shoes you could perhaps see yourself in - a barely successful comedy writer who is trapped in the endless cycle of general meetings and passed-over scripts. She doesn't even intend to steal an idea from her therapist husband's client, but it slips out in a meeting and the producer immediately grabs onto it.
Of course, Caroline makes some - in fact, many - questionable decisions. I was not always rooting for her. She lies to her husband and her friends, she self-isolates, she can't retain genuine friends, she's jealous, she's insecure, she is petty. But aren't all of us, to at least a tiny extent?
The book does stay pretty lighthearted - at the risk of spoiling, Caroline doesn't really face lasting consequences at the end of the book for all her poor actions. Written by another author, her series of actions very well could have ruined her life. But I'm okay with that - this wasn't supposed to be a drama. I do, however, think the pacing of the ending was rushed and the conclusion felt a tad unrealistic - for a book that's so plot heavy, it's essential to nail how those beats play out.
Finally, I enjoyed this because it was really a send-up of Hollywood and the Sisyphean task of getting something produced, setting "drinks" between agents, interacting with assistants, receiving notes, etc. I'm very familiar with this world and found it funny and frustrating, but I can see how someone with no background in this would find it self-indulgent and annoying.
Of course, Caroline makes some - in fact, many - questionable decisions. I was not always rooting for her. She lies to her husband and her friends, she self-isolates, she can't retain genuine friends, she's jealous, she's insecure, she is petty. But aren't all of us, to at least a tiny extent?
The book does stay pretty lighthearted - at the risk of spoiling, Caroline doesn't really face lasting consequences at the end of the book for all her poor actions. Written by another author, her series of actions very well could have ruined her life. But I'm okay with that - this wasn't supposed to be a drama. I do, however, think the pacing of the ending was rushed and the conclusion felt a tad unrealistic - for a book that's so plot heavy, it's essential to nail how those beats play out.
Finally, I enjoyed this because it was really a send-up of Hollywood and the Sisyphean task of getting something produced, setting "drinks" between agents, interacting with assistants, receiving notes, etc. I'm very familiar with this world and found it funny and frustrating, but I can see how someone with no background in this would find it self-indulgent and annoying.
April 30, 2026
My favorite book genre is women that make a lot of bad choices. I truly support women’s wrongs.
This book gives just that, our main character took one bad decision and kept digging her heel in, making infuriating after infuriating, anxiety-inducing decisions.
The whole time I’m yelling at my book for Caroline to make better choices but also really hoping she gets away with everything.
I appreciated the mix of absurd topics and terrible decisions with the deeper conversations of motherhood and women’s identity as we reach a certain stage in our life. The impostor syndrome also felt too real and relatable.
The writing is funny and witty and this was a very entertaining read overall. I do wish we had a chance to see more of the teacher and that resolution at the end. However, I really recommend and look forward to reading more from the author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author and publisher for the eARC.
This book gives just that, our main character took one bad decision and kept digging her heel in, making infuriating after infuriating, anxiety-inducing decisions.
The whole time I’m yelling at my book for Caroline to make better choices but also really hoping she gets away with everything.
I appreciated the mix of absurd topics and terrible decisions with the deeper conversations of motherhood and women’s identity as we reach a certain stage in our life. The impostor syndrome also felt too real and relatable.
The writing is funny and witty and this was a very entertaining read overall. I do wish we had a chance to see more of the teacher and that resolution at the end. However, I really recommend and look forward to reading more from the author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author and publisher for the eARC.
April 7, 2026
“Like This, But Funnier,” kind of harsh, but accurately states my feelings for the book. I wanted something like this… but funnier. We follow a very unlikeable character, Caroline, as she juggles marriage, a challenging career, and the possibility of motherhood. The overall vibes and plot had potential, and the humor was there, I just needed a little less filler and a little more punch.
As stated, the MC was really irritating. She put herself into a lot of a morally tough situations, she complained often, was quite frankly a terrible wife, and depicted motherhood as the WORST thing that could possibly happen to a women. I’m not a mother, I do not want to be a mother, but the things she commented on were just harshly written. I understand a woman’s fear of losing her identity as a mom, but her verbiage was just offensive at times. Then there’s her job. She lied to get ahead, which might not be uncommon... but she then complained about the predicament SHE put herself in, and next tried to sabotage so she would be fired? Just didn’t click with her at all. I wonder if that was the point? Did the author want us to hate this character? Unclear. The pacing didn’t do this book any favors either. It had a habit of lingering on moments that felt like they should matter more than they actually did, like the narrative equivalent of someone over-explaining a mildly interesting anecdote. Instead of building momentum, those stretches made it easy for my attention to wander.
What did work for me… there was some humor! At times I did like a cheeky comment, or a dark-witted remark made me smirk, but I wish that was amped up a bit more given our book’s main plot is the MC being a comedy writer. That was the other aspect I enjoyed to a degree. It was interesting hearing more about how a show is written: the beginning drafts, writer-rooms, and pitches to execs, etc.. This part could have been streamlined though. There was a lot happening (and not happening) in her career world, and it was all presented in a jumble. Might sound crazy, but I actually wish this was produced as a show versus a book. I think visualizing all of it and cutting down on the unnecessary filler may have helped. Given Amy Schumer lent an opening blurb, who knows, it may happen.
Overall, the themes were sometimes relatable and had real potential, but the execution never quite pulled me in the way I wanted. It’s an easy, readable book, even if it didn’t fully click for me. I can see it working better for readers who enjoy stories about the publishing world or relationship-driven narratives. I encourage potential readers to also check out higher-scored reviews.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
As stated, the MC was really irritating. She put herself into a lot of a morally tough situations, she complained often, was quite frankly a terrible wife, and depicted motherhood as the WORST thing that could possibly happen to a women. I’m not a mother, I do not want to be a mother, but the things she commented on were just harshly written. I understand a woman’s fear of losing her identity as a mom, but her verbiage was just offensive at times. Then there’s her job. She lied to get ahead, which might not be uncommon... but she then complained about the predicament SHE put herself in, and next tried to sabotage so she would be fired? Just didn’t click with her at all. I wonder if that was the point? Did the author want us to hate this character? Unclear. The pacing didn’t do this book any favors either. It had a habit of lingering on moments that felt like they should matter more than they actually did, like the narrative equivalent of someone over-explaining a mildly interesting anecdote. Instead of building momentum, those stretches made it easy for my attention to wander.
What did work for me… there was some humor! At times I did like a cheeky comment, or a dark-witted remark made me smirk, but I wish that was amped up a bit more given our book’s main plot is the MC being a comedy writer. That was the other aspect I enjoyed to a degree. It was interesting hearing more about how a show is written: the beginning drafts, writer-rooms, and pitches to execs, etc.. This part could have been streamlined though. There was a lot happening (and not happening) in her career world, and it was all presented in a jumble. Might sound crazy, but I actually wish this was produced as a show versus a book. I think visualizing all of it and cutting down on the unnecessary filler may have helped. Given Amy Schumer lent an opening blurb, who knows, it may happen.
Overall, the themes were sometimes relatable and had real potential, but the execution never quite pulled me in the way I wanted. It’s an easy, readable book, even if it didn’t fully click for me. I can see it working better for readers who enjoy stories about the publishing world or relationship-driven narratives. I encourage potential readers to also check out higher-scored reviews.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 10, 2026
yikes. slogged through this whole bullshit and the end was just “and then she settled for what she’d despaired of the whole time.” she was way too in her head, it was a pretty boring read.
November 23, 2025
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!
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!
September 15, 2025
clear your schedule before you start reading
April 21, 2026
This had me from the first line of its description—“For fans of Dolly Alderton and HBO’s Hacks.” With a comp to Hacks, I opted to do the audio version of it, thinking maybe that the story would be best brought to life that way, like listening to a TV show? I can’t speak to the physical version, but I really enjoyed the audio and found it fun, entertaining, and also fucking painful at times (because of Caroline’s choice) to listen to.
The plot of the book is basically a train wreck and I couldn’t tear myself from Caroline’s one choice spiraling further and further out of her control and into something taken on a life of its own. Throughout the book, I was shaking my head, rolling my eyes, bugging my face and saying GIRL WHAT to our MC, simultaneously thinking why the fuck are you doing that and completely understanding the asinine choices she was making. Womanhood, am I right??? And truly, beyond the entertainment of the story, this book speaks to a wide range of topics surrounding womanhood, especially that stage of life in your mid 30’s where half your friends are having kids and half are getting high (shoutout Taylor Swift, “all my friends smell like weed or little babies”) if you even have that many friends left in the first place. Sandwiched between comedic moments and the anxiety I felt as Caroline dug a bigger and deeper hole for herself, there were nuggets in here about her indecision around having children that I also really appreciated as someone who has recently been asked multiple times about freezing my eggs (I’m not even 31 yet! I mean, I turn 31 in 2 days, but still!)
Anyways, all to say, this book was a good time, a fun listen, and an enjoyable disaster that managed to also speak on topics that are very raw, relatable, and real. Publishers promises are not always accurate and I had really high expectations after the Hacks and Dolly Alderton comps, but I think they delivered this time. I can tell it was written by a TV writer and I’d recommend this for fans of Really Good, Actually, of women who make bad choices and need a lot of therapy, and people who appreciate books that balance humor and absurdity with the sharpness of reality. Caroline certainly needs a lot (more) therapy but like, same. I do have to say I was a bit dissulusioned and over it by the 3rd or 4th time Caroline clogged a toilet and always kind of zoned out during that part in the audio because the repeat shtick got a little old, but I’m not the TV-writer-turned-author here so maybe that’s just me.
The plot of the book is basically a train wreck and I couldn’t tear myself from Caroline’s one choice spiraling further and further out of her control and into something taken on a life of its own. Throughout the book, I was shaking my head, rolling my eyes, bugging my face and saying GIRL WHAT to our MC, simultaneously thinking why the fuck are you doing that and completely understanding the asinine choices she was making. Womanhood, am I right??? And truly, beyond the entertainment of the story, this book speaks to a wide range of topics surrounding womanhood, especially that stage of life in your mid 30’s where half your friends are having kids and half are getting high (shoutout Taylor Swift, “all my friends smell like weed or little babies”) if you even have that many friends left in the first place. Sandwiched between comedic moments and the anxiety I felt as Caroline dug a bigger and deeper hole for herself, there were nuggets in here about her indecision around having children that I also really appreciated as someone who has recently been asked multiple times about freezing my eggs (I’m not even 31 yet! I mean, I turn 31 in 2 days, but still!)
Anyways, all to say, this book was a good time, a fun listen, and an enjoyable disaster that managed to also speak on topics that are very raw, relatable, and real. Publishers promises are not always accurate and I had really high expectations after the Hacks and Dolly Alderton comps, but I think they delivered this time. I can tell it was written by a TV writer and I’d recommend this for fans of Really Good, Actually, of women who make bad choices and need a lot of therapy, and people who appreciate books that balance humor and absurdity with the sharpness of reality. Caroline certainly needs a lot (more) therapy but like, same. I do have to say I was a bit dissulusioned and over it by the 3rd or 4th time Caroline clogged a toilet and always kind of zoned out during that part in the audio because the repeat shtick got a little old, but I’m not the TV-writer-turned-author here so maybe that’s just me.
April 24, 2026
This is the kind of quirky book I tend to enjoy. Caroline is a comedy writer, and she’s working on a project to turn a hit book into a TV show. She’s stuck for the next brilliant idea when it almost magically comes to her. Her therapist husband is careful about revealing patient details, but he has mentioned one patient he particularly likes, known to Caroline only as the Teacher. She sees this patient as a good, kind soul, far different than herself and her colleagues in the writer’s room, and is fascinated by her.
When Caroline happens upon her husband‘s session notes and takes a quick peek, she is blown away to learn that, if only in her dreams, the Teacher has a dark side. Caroline starts working this character into her script, dark side included, and it all takes on such a life of its own that the show gets major stars on board and looks like it’s really going to happen. This would not be great as the real Teacher, whom Caroline has now stalked to her yoga class and befriended, will find out this script is based on her and confidential info Caroline should not have known. And so will her husband, which might be even worse.
Along the way Caroline struggles with her husband’s strong opinions about freezing her eggs so they at least have the option to have kids, and there’s lots of interesting insight about how TV shows get made, or usually end up not getting made. It’s a fun read that will keep you turning pages to find out if Caroline gets caught in this terrible poor judgment situation and, if so, what happens.
When Caroline happens upon her husband‘s session notes and takes a quick peek, she is blown away to learn that, if only in her dreams, the Teacher has a dark side. Caroline starts working this character into her script, dark side included, and it all takes on such a life of its own that the show gets major stars on board and looks like it’s really going to happen. This would not be great as the real Teacher, whom Caroline has now stalked to her yoga class and befriended, will find out this script is based on her and confidential info Caroline should not have known. And so will her husband, which might be even worse.
Along the way Caroline struggles with her husband’s strong opinions about freezing her eggs so they at least have the option to have kids, and there’s lots of interesting insight about how TV shows get made, or usually end up not getting made. It’s a fun read that will keep you turning pages to find out if Caroline gets caught in this terrible poor judgment situation and, if so, what happens.
April 30, 2026
Caroline, a TV comedy writer, has been waiting for a paying job since a few years, which continuously damages her self-esteem. Then, during a pitch meeting, everyone is interested in one of her ideas - unfortunately she got this one through morally questionable ways. How far will she go to finally be successful again?
For the most part, I really liked this book. I enjoyed the story as well as the portrayal of the whole entertainment industry. Even though I often would have acted different from Caroline, I absolutely felt for her. It was overall entertaining and funny.
I was a bit confused by Caroline's distinction between being "normal" (meaning having children) and everything else (?!) and would have loved some more differentiation here.
What bothered me the most, unfortunately, was the ending. I was somewhat disappointed and would have loved a different kind of message. It's hard to tell if it's a real flaw of the book or just a me-problem.
All in all, a fun read about the horrors of the entertainment industry and about the problems women face in their thirties.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a humorous read - just see for yourself what you think about the ending.
3,5 ⭐
For the most part, I really liked this book. I enjoyed the story as well as the portrayal of the whole entertainment industry. Even though I often would have acted different from Caroline, I absolutely felt for her. It was overall entertaining and funny.
I was a bit confused by Caroline's distinction between being "normal" (meaning having children) and everything else (?!) and would have loved some more differentiation here.
What bothered me the most, unfortunately, was the ending. I was somewhat disappointed and would have loved a different kind of message. It's hard to tell if it's a real flaw of the book or just a me-problem.
All in all, a fun read about the horrors of the entertainment industry and about the problems women face in their thirties.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a humorous read - just see for yourself what you think about the ending.
3,5 ⭐
July 3, 2026
MC is a pick me girl and not self aware enough to make up for it.
She knows about herself that she's jealous and envious of others, but somewhere deep down she does seem to think she is better, smarter, and 'emotionally more complex' than other women in particular. She has so much disdain for the women she is jealous of: they're basic but better than her, and she is special but worthless. Or something like that.
There is so much self-pity from the MC, pages and pages of 'oh what a terrible person I am!'
Besides the self-deprecating narration there are tons of tangents and plot outlines for shows that the MC has worked on, that add absolutely NOTHING to the story. I have no idea why I read so many pitches for ridiculous shows...is the author trying to pitch to her readers?
There were also many very little things that were just a bit off, scenes meant to be "funny/relatable" but fail because the author didn't do research, she just wrote what she thought would be funny. For example, when the MC goes to a yoga class and she can't hear the instructor's voice because of the "cranked up hip hop music". I'm sorry but which yoga class plays hip hop music? Felt like lazy writing a lot of the time.
I didn't really get anything out of this.
She knows about herself that she's jealous and envious of others, but somewhere deep down she does seem to think she is better, smarter, and 'emotionally more complex' than other women in particular. She has so much disdain for the women she is jealous of: they're basic but better than her, and she is special but worthless. Or something like that.
There is so much self-pity from the MC, pages and pages of 'oh what a terrible person I am!'
Besides the self-deprecating narration there are tons of tangents and plot outlines for shows that the MC has worked on, that add absolutely NOTHING to the story. I have no idea why I read so many pitches for ridiculous shows...is the author trying to pitch to her readers?
There were also many very little things that were just a bit off, scenes meant to be "funny/relatable" but fail because the author didn't do research, she just wrote what she thought would be funny. For example, when the MC goes to a yoga class and she can't hear the instructor's voice because of the "cranked up hip hop music". I'm sorry but which yoga class plays hip hop music? Felt like lazy writing a lot of the time.
I didn't really get anything out of this.
April 10, 2026
4.5 stars.
Honestly I loved this book. I can appreciate that it’s not going to appeal to everyone, but it really kept my attention.
First let me say I listened to the audio, and I think that was key to my enjoyment. The story reads like a train of thought (though it’s written in third person) so the combination of listening to what ends up being a lot of inner monologue-esque writing just works better (for me) in an audio format.
Secondly, this book is funny. Some of that is laugh out loud, and some of that is in the form of commentary on things that are normalized but kinda ridiculous.
The main character, Caroline, finds herself in a domino effect series of predicaments due to a few questionable choices that she’s trying to avoid catching up to her. It’s just overall entertaining and my kind of fiction. I will look forward to what the author writes next.
Honestly I loved this book. I can appreciate that it’s not going to appeal to everyone, but it really kept my attention.
First let me say I listened to the audio, and I think that was key to my enjoyment. The story reads like a train of thought (though it’s written in third person) so the combination of listening to what ends up being a lot of inner monologue-esque writing just works better (for me) in an audio format.
Secondly, this book is funny. Some of that is laugh out loud, and some of that is in the form of commentary on things that are normalized but kinda ridiculous.
The main character, Caroline, finds herself in a domino effect series of predicaments due to a few questionable choices that she’s trying to avoid catching up to her. It’s just overall entertaining and my kind of fiction. I will look forward to what the author writes next.
April 9, 2026
(rounded up from 3.5)
I always enjoy a good neurotic, self-obsessed protagonist, and this one had the added bonus of being a comedy writer, thus allowing us a pretty good look at what being a writer for TV shows is about. Spoiler alert, it's about as frustrating as any creative endeavour that also involves business people who need to have their thoughts in to earn their keep in the process.
This book was fun, witty, and has a fun little neuroticism at its core, along with some serious pondering about the "mom hole" and choosing to have children. I had a good time, but couldn't help feeling around the halfway mark that we were dragging it along a bit.
All in all, this was a fun and engaging read, if a bit dragging in pace around the middle.
I always enjoy a good neurotic, self-obsessed protagonist, and this one had the added bonus of being a comedy writer, thus allowing us a pretty good look at what being a writer for TV shows is about. Spoiler alert, it's about as frustrating as any creative endeavour that also involves business people who need to have their thoughts in to earn their keep in the process.
This book was fun, witty, and has a fun little neuroticism at its core, along with some serious pondering about the "mom hole" and choosing to have children. I had a good time, but couldn't help feeling around the halfway mark that we were dragging it along a bit.
All in all, this was a fun and engaging read, if a bit dragging in pace around the middle.
April 29, 2026
when i pick up a litfic book this is totally the book i try to get a hold of, and the ratings here are sinisterly low!!!!!! i need my litfic books to be funny, and this one has a load of laughs!!! i loved the side examination about being an ambitious women who wants to focus on her career rather than be a parent. loved how it didn’t feel as though the themes of the book were spoon fed to us which is one of my biggest pet peeves when reading. the book assumes we are smart and will understand everything she is saying, a rarity these days!! the author has obviously written professionally before (if you know me you know i love the new yorker), but this is a stunning debut for me and i’ll def have to check out all of her future works. enjoy my yearly long review, guess i’ll see you next year!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the ARC!
May 27, 2026
As a mom, I loved this thoughtful and insightful take on a specific moment in Caroline’s career. It was unique, bizarre, insightful, hilarious, human and ultimately put more words to the mash of thoughts in my brain around motherhood and career than I could have. It also reminded me not to take myself to seriously, and I loved it ❤️
Read
November 2, 2025This 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!
September 29, 2025
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.
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.
April 19, 2026
While the entire book was very funny, the section written entirely in emails was just chef's kiss. Highly recommend if you need a laugh/an outlet for your professional rage!
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