I'm a Lot

by Alison Leiby

In this witty, absurd, and surprisingly moving memoir-in-essays, comedian Alison Leiby unpacks the multitudes women are told to be—and the joy of refusing to pick just one.

Have you ever frozen when someone asks, "So, tell me about yourself?" If so, take a page from I'm a Lot. Alison Leiby proudly embraces many Housewives stan. Discount shopaholic. Former jock. Happily single. Childless by choice and proud cat mom. Through these different roles and identities, Leiby reveals her hard-earned wisdom about what it's like to be a woman who does it all (except the things that make her say "uh, no thank you.")

When she was nineteen years old, a complication from back surgery left Leiby on her deathbed. After a surprising recovery, you might assume Leiby was ready to seize life by the you-know-what's. But instead of letting this one miraculous experience define her, Leiby's brush with death made her realize there is nothing more beautiful in this life than just getting to be yourself. And while women are still expected to conform to many patriarchal labels, Leiby ignores the pressure to be palatable and instead champions all the joyful, weird, and complicated selves she brings to the world.

In fourteen personal essays full of deadpan jokes, tender moments of candid introspection, and insightful social commentary, Leiby explores what it really means to occupy various identities in the modern age. She ditches the manufactured Instagram persona to show that sometimes the puzzle pieces don’t always fit to create a perfect picture but that doesn't mean we are incomplete.

Genres: Essays

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Mikey ಠ◡ಠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to "know" Alison and her work through the podcast she co-hosts called Ruined and, you guys, not to brag or anything but I was familiar with a lot of these stories because Alison has told them on the podcast. If any of y'all want more Alison, I recommend it! Also it's just a really funny and enjoyable podcast and who doesn't love a podcast rec from a stranger on the internet?

I always feel kind of strange rating someone's memoir because who tf do I think I am to rate someone's opinions and stories about their own life? Seems weird to me but I'm doing it anyway. 🤷‍♀️ I do find Alison (sorry usually I try to refer to authors as "the author" but having listened to the podcast for years now unfortunately the parasocial brain worm is just in there, making me feel like I "know " her so sorry y'all) to be highly relatable in her essays and laugh out loud funny. And a lot of what she wrote, made me feel less alone and less weird about who I am as a person. And oh my god, thank you for reminding me of Xanga! I had one and it was so, SO embarrassing! I still think there needs to be a whole essay about her cat, Rizz, but maybe that's for a future book?

I think this is a good book to read if you want to laugh and be entertained and maybe have someone help you feel a little less alone. Also, Alison, even though I'm positive you wanted me to, I'm still sorry I laughed out loud while reading about your abortion.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, Alison? I know you don't know me, but just FYI, you're my new bestie (best friend tier, that is)!

I loved this collection of essays and identified with SO much of it. I, too, had back surgery for a herniated disc last month. I was not conflicted at all about having a necessary medical procedure! I love the Housewives! I desperately wanted to work at Random House, but unfortunately they didn't hire me. I was never an athlete and I'm not single and child-free, but I definitely have fantasized about being all those things! Let's get a drink!

For anyone else who feels like they're a lot in any way, this book of essays is for you! It will make you laugh and feel seen. Thank you, BFF, for writing it!

Thank you to Random House, via NetGalley, for this ARC. I'm still a tiny bit salty that you didn't hire me as an editorial assistant decades ago, but I love you anyway!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Wow Alison has been through so much and has lived so many lives! Beginning with her childhood we learn about how sports became her identity and when one would end she would jump into the next until her body began to tell her otherwise. From her early college years until now, Alison has had the unfortunately experiences of life long chronic pain and the nuances of back surgery and impacts into her day to day life. Another random essay tucked into the end was around Bravo, and as a bravo addict myself, I greatly appreciated her recaps, especially Luanne of RHONY. So many funny essays, tied along with health concerns that frustrate you as a reader to know what she had to go through to get the right care she needed, and ultimately her acceptance of who she is today.

[Laura Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an impressive book of essays by a true millennial eighties baby. Though I have older half-siblings, I was raised like an only child, so I related deeply to Alison’s need for solitude. She’s been through medical hell as well, having nearly died at 19 and faced similarly horrible health issues just a few short years later. She writes about terrifying experiences with humor and wit, and I absolutely see why she was a great addition to the writer’s room on THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL. She describes the ways women’s pain is not taken seriously. She also has some interesting essays about writing comedy during the 2016 election cycle and breaking up with Twitter after a certain billionaire ruined it. This is exactly the sort of memoir I am always looking out for.

[Randi A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Leiby’s work in the past, and this deeply personal memoir lived up to high expectations. As a fellow New Yorker, only child, cat mom, child free by choice millennial, I related so hard to so many of these essays. I appreciated how they were pieced to really pull the audience in and the subsequent chapters built off earlier stories. My only hard disagreement was that Bravo fans have it better than Bachelor Nation - the golden age of The Bachelor captivated the country in a way Bravo just can’t 🤷🏼‍♀️

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.