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I'm a Lot: Surviving Myself and All the People I've Been
In this “funny, intimate” (The New York Times) memoir-in-essays, comedian Alison Leiby unpacks the multitudes women are told to be—and the joy of refusing to pick just one.
“Alison Leiby is the Jewish millennial David Sedaris. Reading this book was like having a glass of wine with your funniest, smartest, and coolest friend.”—Bess Kalb, author of Nobody Will Tell You This But Me
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 the identities we’re often encouraged to 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 for 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-whats. 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 encourages us to ditch the manufactured Instagram persona and embrace the fact that sometimes the puzzle pieces don’t always fit to create a perfect picture, but that doesn’t mean we are incomplete.
“Alison Leiby is the Jewish millennial David Sedaris. Reading this book was like having a glass of wine with your funniest, smartest, and coolest friend.”—Bess Kalb, author of Nobody Will Tell You This But Me
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 the identities we’re often encouraged to 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 for 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-whats. 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 encourages us to ditch the manufactured Instagram persona and embrace the fact that sometimes the puzzle pieces don’t always fit to create a perfect picture, but that doesn’t mean we are incomplete.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 13, 2026
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.
July 28, 2026
There are many kind things I could say about this funny and thoughtful book of memoir essays but for the sake of brevity I'll pick two:
1. This book helped me develop more empathy for people with chronic pain and
2. I had to stop reading at several points because Leiby's writing was so good it inspired me to write. And that's saying something, considering how much writer's block I've had!
This book captures what I love about memoir-- Leiby is a fairly ordinary person on the outside but her book reminds us that we all have cool stories and rich inner lives
1. This book helped me develop more empathy for people with chronic pain and
2. I had to stop reading at several points because Leiby's writing was so good it inspired me to write. And that's saying something, considering how much writer's block I've had!
This book captures what I love about memoir-- Leiby is a fairly ordinary person on the outside but her book reminds us that we all have cool stories and rich inner lives
August 7, 2026
Ooof… For a book titled, “I’m A Lot”, this gave me very little. You don’t like picnics because you have chronic back pain? Fascinating. You love watching shows on Bravo? Astounding. You like sports! Incredible! You are a comedian …Surprising?? The quote on the cover comparing Alison Leiby to David Sedaris is the funniest part of this book, in that it must be a joke.
I expected this book to make me laugh.
I maybe chuckled twice.
Perhaps I'm being too harsh, but I'm just really not understanding the 5 star reviews for this one.
Overall feeling: I’m bored 🤷♀️
I expected this book to make me laugh.
I maybe chuckled twice.
Perhaps I'm being too harsh, but I'm just really not understanding the 5 star reviews for this one.
Overall feeling: I’m bored 🤷♀️
August 6, 2026
Picked this up because it sounded like a self-help book, but it's just a collection of memoir essays and intense self-aware millennial humor. I enjoyed some of her essays and the intimate and vulnerable recounting of her life, but others not so much. The collection itself has an inflated sense of purpose and a little bit of an identity issue as they are strung together in a way that makes you go "... okay?"
July 21, 2026
made me feel seen, made me laugh, made me emotional, and made me have empathy for the hardships i haven’t experienced. i love being a lot
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April 13, 2026“Women spend so much of our lives needing to identify ourselves as a certain kind of woman. Are you a Carrie? A Charlotte? A Miranda? A Samantha? And if you’re a Samantha, are you a sex-positive publicist who loves jewel-tone suits, or are you a Victorian child who wears bows and knee socks and is actually an overpriced doll?”
I’m A Lot: Surviving Myself and All The People I’ve been is a collection of memoir style essays from comedian Alison Leiby that examines our tendency to self define. With chapters ranging from “I’m an Only Child,” to “I’m in Pain,” to “I’m too Online,” Leiby examines the experiences and aspects of her life that have led her to self define as one thing or another over the course of life. Her essays let her humor shine while also bringing to the forefront candor on topics like having chronic pain, having an abortion, and being childfree. These ‘heavier’ topics are spoken about not with the hush of heft society try’s to push on women, but with the commonplace they’re owed given how many women feel pushed to self define in one way or another.
I really enjoyed this book. There were some essays that resonated more with me, naturally. The Only Child chapter was a highlight that I found so much shared experience in: “I love that as an only child I got to have a real, individual relationship with each of my parents. I know lots of people with siblings also have robust relationships with each parent, and look, this isn’t about you. This is about me, because I’m an only child and everything is about me.” I appreciated Leiby’s humor and candor and the general colloquially manner of approach (compliment) to topics that she brought throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press for the Arc. I’m A Lot: Surviving Myself and All The People I’ve Been by @alisonleiby is set to release on July 7, 2026
I’m A Lot: Surviving Myself and All The People I’ve been is a collection of memoir style essays from comedian Alison Leiby that examines our tendency to self define. With chapters ranging from “I’m an Only Child,” to “I’m in Pain,” to “I’m too Online,” Leiby examines the experiences and aspects of her life that have led her to self define as one thing or another over the course of life. Her essays let her humor shine while also bringing to the forefront candor on topics like having chronic pain, having an abortion, and being childfree. These ‘heavier’ topics are spoken about not with the hush of heft society try’s to push on women, but with the commonplace they’re owed given how many women feel pushed to self define in one way or another.
I really enjoyed this book. There were some essays that resonated more with me, naturally. The Only Child chapter was a highlight that I found so much shared experience in: “I love that as an only child I got to have a real, individual relationship with each of my parents. I know lots of people with siblings also have robust relationships with each parent, and look, this isn’t about you. This is about me, because I’m an only child and everything is about me.” I appreciated Leiby’s humor and candor and the general colloquially manner of approach (compliment) to topics that she brought throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press for the Arc. I’m A Lot: Surviving Myself and All The People I’ve Been by @alisonleiby is set to release on July 7, 2026
July 29, 2026
spotify audiobook recommendations finally didn’t fail me ! had no expectations & was surprisingly very pleased
July 20, 2026
The human experience is so much fun to dive into. The author goes into multiple descriptors she has referred to herself as including "I'm Child-Free, I'm a Jock and I'm in Pain."
It's all to easy to come up with those lines when asked to tell others about yourself or describe yourself, but the stories behind why those labels are there are so fun to listen to and learn about. The author has such a wide array of stories that shape who she is and that I think many can relate to on some levels.
We may all have a label or two that stick out or that we use to describe ourselves, but they don't have to define us. They are merely silent connections to all those around us. Shared versions of different lives. How fascinating it is to be a cumulation of all of our experiences.
It's all to easy to come up with those lines when asked to tell others about yourself or describe yourself, but the stories behind why those labels are there are so fun to listen to and learn about. The author has such a wide array of stories that shape who she is and that I think many can relate to on some levels.
We may all have a label or two that stick out or that we use to describe ourselves, but they don't have to define us. They are merely silent connections to all those around us. Shared versions of different lives. How fascinating it is to be a cumulation of all of our experiences.
July 17, 2026
I adore Alison's work (especially on Ruined), and the essays on being single and being childless are incredibly resonant for me.
July 21, 2026
Hilarious, deeply introspective and relatable. Maybe my favourite memoir/essay collection I’ve ever read.
February 4, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy!
I know of Alison from her podcast, Ruined. She is a delight on that show and in clips I’ve seen of her standup. I knew that this would be funny, and it is, but I wasn’t it to be as poignant as it is. Alison breaks down her memoir into chapters that each cover something that defines her. It certainly helped that I found myself relating to her in many chapters (as a political, childfree only child), but I was really enthralled with her chapters on her chronic health issues. She had talked about some of it on the podcast but not to this extent.
The biggest reason why this memoir works is because it involves actual reflection on one’s life and choices. I have read some memoirs where I feel like the author is just regurgitating stories without taking time to really give us insight into them. But Alison is able to weave reflection and humor into serious (and not serious!) topics.
I know of Alison from her podcast, Ruined. She is a delight on that show and in clips I’ve seen of her standup. I knew that this would be funny, and it is, but I wasn’t it to be as poignant as it is. Alison breaks down her memoir into chapters that each cover something that defines her. It certainly helped that I found myself relating to her in many chapters (as a political, childfree only child), but I was really enthralled with her chapters on her chronic health issues. She had talked about some of it on the podcast but not to this extent.
The biggest reason why this memoir works is because it involves actual reflection on one’s life and choices. I have read some memoirs where I feel like the author is just regurgitating stories without taking time to really give us insight into them. But Alison is able to weave reflection and humor into serious (and not serious!) topics.
August 4, 2026
I had no idea who Alison Leiby was before I read this book, but with the title being as it is, I couldn’t help but pick it up. I too feel like I’m a lot and I also feel like I have survived my past selves.
And boy was I right. I had such a good time reading this book, not only because I related to a few of the essays (the one about being childfree, too online, single and not having a best friend), but also because even when I didn’t relate Leiby has such a nice way of writing. It’s light despite discussing serious topics like the chronic pain she had been in for nearly 2 decades. Of course, it could also be that I’m just nosy… But I rather give Leiby her flowers and say it’s all her.
Anyways on to my favourite highlights to convince someone else to read this memoir too:
“In fact I’m a bit like my cat in that way: I need to be left to my own devices, I have a lot of boundaries and take a really long time to warm up to people. But I still can and one day might!”
“There is a gentleness with yourself that comes with age. When you start to actually live in the world and not look at it hoping for it to accept you, you stop caring a lot about the noise.” (Funny enough we had this realisation around the same age. I’m 27 when this started to click for me and Leiby describes having felt this at 28. Is it the frontal lobe? Perhaps…)
“I have spent so much of my life obsessed with who I am at the moment that sometimes it’s easy to forget I became her over time.”
And boy was I right. I had such a good time reading this book, not only because I related to a few of the essays (the one about being childfree, too online, single and not having a best friend), but also because even when I didn’t relate Leiby has such a nice way of writing. It’s light despite discussing serious topics like the chronic pain she had been in for nearly 2 decades. Of course, it could also be that I’m just nosy… But I rather give Leiby her flowers and say it’s all her.
Anyways on to my favourite highlights to convince someone else to read this memoir too:
“In fact I’m a bit like my cat in that way: I need to be left to my own devices, I have a lot of boundaries and take a really long time to warm up to people. But I still can and one day might!”
“There is a gentleness with yourself that comes with age. When you start to actually live in the world and not look at it hoping for it to accept you, you stop caring a lot about the noise.” (Funny enough we had this realisation around the same age. I’m 27 when this started to click for me and Leiby describes having felt this at 28. Is it the frontal lobe? Perhaps…)
“I have spent so much of my life obsessed with who I am at the moment that sometimes it’s easy to forget I became her over time.”
July 27, 2026
i really liked the way that this book made me consider the various ways i have identified myself throughout time. whether it’s as an athlete, a student, a sister, a friend, each identity i’ve ever known experienced has made me uniquely me! very relatable essays surrounding life after athletics and being a NARP, as well as medical/health issues that sometimes feel like they’ll never be resolved. the writing style was fun and conversational - i even laughed out loud a few times
July 24, 2026
I enjoyed reading about Alison's life, especially about her abortion and struggle with chronic pain. But for a comedian, I expected it to be funnier. I found myself skimming through most of the chapters. Still worth a read!
July 15, 2026
I'm a Lot: Surviving Myself and All the People I've Been is funny, fearless, and unexpectedly heartfelt. Alison Leiby combines sharp comedic timing with genuine vulnerability to create a memoir that celebrates the messy, contradictory, and wonderfully complicated experience of being human.
What makes this collection so engaging is the way Leiby moves effortlessly between humor and emotional honesty. Whether reflecting on her life-altering health scare, navigating societal expectations placed on women, or embracing choices that don't fit conventional narratives, she writes with wit, intelligence, and remarkable self-awareness. Every essay feels like an honest conversation with someone unafraid to laugh at herself while inviting readers to do the same.
The humor never overshadows the emotional depth. Instead, it strengthens it. Beneath the clever observations and laugh-out-loud moments is a thoughtful exploration of identity, resilience, self-acceptance, and the freedom that comes from refusing to fit neatly into other people's expectations.
I'm a Lot is more than a memoir it is a celebration of authenticity in all its imperfect forms. It's an entertaining, insightful, and deeply relatable read that will resonate with anyone who's ever struggled to define themselves with a single label.
What makes this collection so engaging is the way Leiby moves effortlessly between humor and emotional honesty. Whether reflecting on her life-altering health scare, navigating societal expectations placed on women, or embracing choices that don't fit conventional narratives, she writes with wit, intelligence, and remarkable self-awareness. Every essay feels like an honest conversation with someone unafraid to laugh at herself while inviting readers to do the same.
The humor never overshadows the emotional depth. Instead, it strengthens it. Beneath the clever observations and laugh-out-loud moments is a thoughtful exploration of identity, resilience, self-acceptance, and the freedom that comes from refusing to fit neatly into other people's expectations.
I'm a Lot is more than a memoir it is a celebration of authenticity in all its imperfect forms. It's an entertaining, insightful, and deeply relatable read that will resonate with anyone who's ever struggled to define themselves with a single label.
July 16, 2026
Scrolling through Goodreads saw this as a recommendation, went in blind, not knowing who this writer-comedian person is, but what I know is that her message was deep and powerful. Not going to be for everyone I’m sure because like she says in her book can’t make everyone happy, since some sensitive topics are touched upon.
A memoir full of essays of destigmatizing things that people rarely talk about. The cultural stigmas. The friends that come and go with each chapters of our lives. College dreams. A bad back with multiple surgeries and near death experience. Her jobs. Her athleticism in swimming and rowing. Challenges that arose with all of those things and beating the darkness that ensues. Super honest and super funny, even my dark humor showed, and I cackled at the post abortion happy hour comment. The audio book read by the author was fabulous 👏
A memoir full of essays of destigmatizing things that people rarely talk about. The cultural stigmas. The friends that come and go with each chapters of our lives. College dreams. A bad back with multiple surgeries and near death experience. Her jobs. Her athleticism in swimming and rowing. Challenges that arose with all of those things and beating the darkness that ensues. Super honest and super funny, even my dark humor showed, and I cackled at the post abortion happy hour comment. The audio book read by the author was fabulous 👏
July 12, 2026
I know of Alison Leiby through her podcast so I chose to read this as an audiobook. I would encourage anyone else to do the same. Her wit and charm are very apparent when she narrates it vs the flat facsimile of her voice I'd attempt to conjure in my head if I was reading it off the page.
She's a great writer and through a combination of honesty, thoughtfulness, and talent, created something both funny and moving. I love it when an author can weave a spell to make the commonalities between us seem so much more important than the differences or transform the personal into something universal.
For example: The way she talked about sport and rowing in particular, about being a part of a team of like minded, eager young people, about how their individual efforts synced up and coalesced into something great and powerful. Even as a lifelong layabout, I teared up when she recounted the last time she was ever able to row and the cinematic 2nd place finish that she and her college team achieved. Damn, that is magic.
She's a great writer and through a combination of honesty, thoughtfulness, and talent, created something both funny and moving. I love it when an author can weave a spell to make the commonalities between us seem so much more important than the differences or transform the personal into something universal.
For example: The way she talked about sport and rowing in particular, about being a part of a team of like minded, eager young people, about how their individual efforts synced up and coalesced into something great and powerful. Even as a lifelong layabout, I teared up when she recounted the last time she was ever able to row and the cinematic 2nd place finish that she and her college team achieved. Damn, that is magic.
July 10, 2026
This collection of essays by Alison Leiby was unputdownable! I felt like I was having various brunch dates with the bestie that always has some hilarious story to tell, or dark secret to share, or similar take of the latest episode of RHONY. This book felt so revealing and full of self-awareness and relatability.
This book is for anyone who has been told/feels like/made to feel like they're a lot. There is something in here for everyone. I applaud Leiby's courage to be vulnerable in sharing her life in this intimate way, and for helping encourage others to be present for all of life's small takes and big changes.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy! #ImALot
This book is for anyone who has been told/feels like/made to feel like they're a lot. There is something in here for everyone. I applaud Leiby's courage to be vulnerable in sharing her life in this intimate way, and for helping encourage others to be present for all of life's small takes and big changes.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy! #ImALot
January 4, 2026
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.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved, Loved, LOVED Alison Leiby's "I'm A Lot." I had no idea who she was before reading her memoir. I am just a biography/memoir junkie and will pick up anything in this genre that looks interesting. But, it was one of the best ones I have read in quite a while, mostly because she writes like a Real Person and not just as a kinda-celebrity with an inspiring story to tell.
There is an entire chapter on why Leiby believes Bravo, and particularly the Real Housewives, do not rot your brain. There is a chapter on her personal internal debate on to-have vs not-to-have kids, as well as on her internal struggle between being everything to a friend during the run-up to friend's wedding vs accepting a dream opportunity that may never appear again.
Woven throughout the book is Leiby's underlying story of living through decades with chronic pain and her many related back surgeries, as well as the work she put in to "making it" in the world she loved.
The reader finds themself rooting for her, cringing with her, getting furious with her, and wanting to jump-up-and-down hug her with Negroni in hand (heck with spilling it on the carpet). And, Leiby's experiences in "I'm A Lot" might also make you look at your own actions and biases about little things that you never realized might really be bigger things before.
Very Highly recommended
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There is an entire chapter on why Leiby believes Bravo, and particularly the Real Housewives, do not rot your brain. There is a chapter on her personal internal debate on to-have vs not-to-have kids, as well as on her internal struggle between being everything to a friend during the run-up to friend's wedding vs accepting a dream opportunity that may never appear again.
Woven throughout the book is Leiby's underlying story of living through decades with chronic pain and her many related back surgeries, as well as the work she put in to "making it" in the world she loved.
The reader finds themself rooting for her, cringing with her, getting furious with her, and wanting to jump-up-and-down hug her with Negroni in hand (heck with spilling it on the carpet). And, Leiby's experiences in "I'm A Lot" might also make you look at your own actions and biases about little things that you never realized might really be bigger things before.
Very Highly recommended
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2026
I was lucky enough to see Alison Leiby open for Ilana Glazer a couple of years ago and I still quote parts of her stand-up set, so I was super excited to see she had a book of essays coming out. I also am just a nosy person in general, so I love a memoir, and hers is no exception.
Since she’s a comedian, her essays are obviously funny and had me laughing out loud as I was reading certain parts, but I wasn't expecting it to have so much depth. She really puts a lot of care and effort into talking about the different aspects of her identity and how she's grown over the years. She talks about growing up as an only child, her struggles after an injury changed the trajectory of her life as a collegiate athlete, and the ups and downs of her comedy career. My favorite essays, though, focus on what it's like being a woman in American society. From discussing female friendship to having chronic pain to getting an abortion to why watching Bravo isn't actually a mindless activity, she has so many great reflections, and even though the topics can get heavy at times, she brings a lot of humor to it.
I'm really impressed by this book and am grateful to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!
Since she’s a comedian, her essays are obviously funny and had me laughing out loud as I was reading certain parts, but I wasn't expecting it to have so much depth. She really puts a lot of care and effort into talking about the different aspects of her identity and how she's grown over the years. She talks about growing up as an only child, her struggles after an injury changed the trajectory of her life as a collegiate athlete, and the ups and downs of her comedy career. My favorite essays, though, focus on what it's like being a woman in American society. From discussing female friendship to having chronic pain to getting an abortion to why watching Bravo isn't actually a mindless activity, she has so many great reflections, and even though the topics can get heavy at times, she brings a lot of humor to it.
I'm really impressed by this book and am grateful to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!
August 10, 2026
As a reader, I didn’t love this book. As an advocate for female writers and comedians, I liked it.
This is a tricky book to read. There is no dialogue. It’s just stories. Clever and funny, but no LOL moments for me. The author is an “interesting” person. She speaks highly of herself and speaks in absolutes. She talks down to her readers, repeats things, and over-explains everything. She doesn’t give her readers the benefit of the doubt.
I am sure she is a kind, inclusive person, and she is constantly worried about offending people. And this comes across as inauthentic and strange (in the way she writes). Or she’s not totally comfortable being herself. Although she mentions constantly how much she loves herself and how amazing she is. She also mentions how unique she is and how her experiences are uncommon and rare.
My opinion, memoirs are the chance to tell your story— raw, authentic, open. It’s a chance for other people to relate to and feel connected to others. The author didn’t do this. She wants her audience to view her as special, unattainable, and remarkable. That’s just not something I’m looking for in a memoir.
This is a tricky book to read. There is no dialogue. It’s just stories. Clever and funny, but no LOL moments for me. The author is an “interesting” person. She speaks highly of herself and speaks in absolutes. She talks down to her readers, repeats things, and over-explains everything. She doesn’t give her readers the benefit of the doubt.
I am sure she is a kind, inclusive person, and she is constantly worried about offending people. And this comes across as inauthentic and strange (in the way she writes). Or she’s not totally comfortable being herself. Although she mentions constantly how much she loves herself and how amazing she is. She also mentions how unique she is and how her experiences are uncommon and rare.
My opinion, memoirs are the chance to tell your story— raw, authentic, open. It’s a chance for other people to relate to and feel connected to others. The author didn’t do this. She wants her audience to view her as special, unattainable, and remarkable. That’s just not something I’m looking for in a memoir.
August 10, 2026
I'm a Lot is a witty, honest, and refreshingly unconventional memoir-in-essays about identity, self-acceptance, and the freedom to embrace every version of yourself. Alison Leiby combines sharp humor with genuine vulnerability to create a collection that feels both entertaining and deeply relatable.
What immediately stands out is Leiby's refusal to fit neatly into a single identity. Through her experiences, she challenges the pressure women often face to be polished, predictable, and universally palatable.
I was particularly impressed by the balance of comedy and vulnerability. Her essays move naturally between absurdity, personal struggle, and thoughtful social commentary, making the book both funny and emotionally resonant.
Ultimately, I'm a Lot is more than a humorous memoir. It is a celebration of individuality and an encouraging reminder that being complicated, imperfect, and multifaceted does not mean being incomplete.
What immediately stands out is Leiby's refusal to fit neatly into a single identity. Through her experiences, she challenges the pressure women often face to be polished, predictable, and universally palatable.
I was particularly impressed by the balance of comedy and vulnerability. Her essays move naturally between absurdity, personal struggle, and thoughtful social commentary, making the book both funny and emotionally resonant.
Ultimately, I'm a Lot is more than a humorous memoir. It is a celebration of individuality and an encouraging reminder that being complicated, imperfect, and multifaceted does not mean being incomplete.
August 11, 2026
Ummmm I really wanted to like this and I’m a big fan of Leiby’s comedy but it just did not work for me at all. Lots of telling instead of showing which is, sorry, a big writing no-no.
Leiby has suffered a lot due to her chronic pain, but I’m not sure the presentation in the book worked for me: seemingly each chapter should share a different part of herself but actually multiple chapters were about her chronic pain and her back issues. Obv this pain has been a significant part of her life but it really made me wonder why the book wasn’t presented instead as being structured around this One Big Issue with various stories in between, maybe with her pain tying it all together.
She also repeated herself a ton - each chapter Leiby reintroduced characters and situations I already knew from earlier in the book (the character of Divya, for example, as well as swimming and Cornell. Omg you went to an Ivy we get it). Switch it up babe!!
Leiby has suffered a lot due to her chronic pain, but I’m not sure the presentation in the book worked for me: seemingly each chapter should share a different part of herself but actually multiple chapters were about her chronic pain and her back issues. Obv this pain has been a significant part of her life but it really made me wonder why the book wasn’t presented instead as being structured around this One Big Issue with various stories in between, maybe with her pain tying it all together.
She also repeated herself a ton - each chapter Leiby reintroduced characters and situations I already knew from earlier in the book (the character of Divya, for example, as well as swimming and Cornell. Omg you went to an Ivy we get it). Switch it up babe!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a delightful collection of essays covering unique topics that I haven't seen covered in other books.
Alison is a millennial comedienne, and takes us through some of the situations life has handed her: a childhood of sports, being childless, living in NYC, being an only child. The essays are well written, the topics deeply explored from Ms Leiby's unique lens, and are also hilarious. She had me lol-ing through post-op pain.
Being around the same age as the author, I found comfort in some of the references and topics from a similar childhood, but I think these essays would resonate with readers of all ages.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley
Alison is a millennial comedienne, and takes us through some of the situations life has handed her: a childhood of sports, being childless, living in NYC, being an only child. The essays are well written, the topics deeply explored from Ms Leiby's unique lens, and are also hilarious. She had me lol-ing through post-op pain.
Being around the same age as the author, I found comfort in some of the references and topics from a similar childhood, but I think these essays would resonate with readers of all ages.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley
July 30, 2026
Never heard of the author when I got the audiobook from the library.
In the prologue…about women…
“I think we all feel pressured to do on some level…define ourselves again and again.” and “Women spend so much of our lives needing to identify ourselves as a certain kind of woman.” Really? I’m a woman and have never once felt pressured nor even thought about any of this.
Then the author tells us at the beginning of chapter 1 that she doesn’t “really” celebrate her bday. So what, neither do I nor any other adult I know. But, the author then feels the need to explain why…as if NOT celebrating is odd.
DNF. Obviously, didn’t last long.
In the prologue…about women…
“I think we all feel pressured to do on some level…define ourselves again and again.” and “Women spend so much of our lives needing to identify ourselves as a certain kind of woman.” Really? I’m a woman and have never once felt pressured nor even thought about any of this.
Then the author tells us at the beginning of chapter 1 that she doesn’t “really” celebrate her bday. So what, neither do I nor any other adult I know. But, the author then feels the need to explain why…as if NOT celebrating is odd.
DNF. Obviously, didn’t last long.
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