Maeve Higgins used to think she'd live in Ireland forever. She used to think a lot of crazy things, like 'macadamia nuts are a light snack'. Then the stunning and humble comedian switched to almonds, gave away all of her possessions and left Ireland with just a carry-on bag filled to the brim with a positive attitude. New York has been kind to our Celtic princess and she's ready to return the favour, by making friends with as many weirdos as possible and writing about it. If you loved her last book - and everybody except her family and friends did - you'll lose your mind and break your heart at this one! Full of amazing stories (she once stayed quiet for ten days); wonderful advice (if you like a guy, get all the same tattoos as him, then introduce yourself and act surprised at the coincidence); and brilliantly unreliable memories, Off You Go will make your day, your night and your bed - if you let it.
Maeve Anna Higgins is an Irish comedian from Cobh, County Cork, based in New York. She was a principal actor and writer of the RTÉ production Naked Camera, as well as for her own show Maeve Higgins' Fancy Vittles. Her book of essays We Have A Good Time, Don't We? was published by Hachette in 2012. She wrote for The Irish Times and produces radio documentaries.[2] She previously appeared on The Ray D'Arcy Show on Today FM.[3] Higgins appeared in her first starring film role in the 2019 Irish comedy Extra Ordinary.
This was a fortuitous find in a free little library right before an international trip! It's a breezy, easy read that made me laugh out loud many times on my flight. Imagining the words read in Maeve's voice (which I know well from Wait Wait Don't Tell Me) was a lot of fun.
I far preferred the first half of the book (set in Ireland and England), and I'd actually recommend skipping the second half unless you're particularly interested in sitcom-esque observations of living the single life in New York City.
Hyperbolic humour, but done very well. I really and truly enjoyed reading what Maeve had to say about life and love and her experiences thus far. I particularly enjoyed reading about her experience at a silent retreat and her fashion and dating advice is top notch.
Maeve is really funny. Highly recommend, 10 outta 10.