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I Hate Everyone, Except You
Bestselling author and beloved television personality Clinton Kelly pens a hilariously intimate collection of essays about his often-embarrassing journey from awkward kid to slightly less awkward adult.
Clinton Kelly isn’t just an enduring television host. In I Hate Everyone, Except You, Clinton Kelly is a finicky connoisseur of 1980s pornography, a disillusioned critic of New Jersey’s premier water parks, and perhaps the world’s most foul-mouthed high-school graduation speaker.
Whether he’s fantasizing about strangers in airports, throwing his baby sister in the air to jumpstart her cheerleading career, or rescuing his best friend from death by mud bath, Clinton leaps life’s social hurdles with enviable aplomb. He shares his unique ability to navigate the stickiest of situations, from finding true love in a crowded gay bar to auditioning for sliced turkey commercials. Clinton delves into all these topics—and many more—in this thoroughly hilarious, unabashedly frank collection that will upend expectations and leave you snorting Chardonnay out your nose.
Clinton Kelly isn’t just an enduring television host. In I Hate Everyone, Except You, Clinton Kelly is a finicky connoisseur of 1980s pornography, a disillusioned critic of New Jersey’s premier water parks, and perhaps the world’s most foul-mouthed high-school graduation speaker.
Whether he’s fantasizing about strangers in airports, throwing his baby sister in the air to jumpstart her cheerleading career, or rescuing his best friend from death by mud bath, Clinton leaps life’s social hurdles with enviable aplomb. He shares his unique ability to navigate the stickiest of situations, from finding true love in a crowded gay bar to auditioning for sliced turkey commercials. Clinton delves into all these topics—and many more—in this thoroughly hilarious, unabashedly frank collection that will upend expectations and leave you snorting Chardonnay out your nose.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2017
172 people are currently reading
3239 people want to read
About the author
Clinton Kelly
22 books125 followersClinton Kelly is an American fashion consultant and media personality known for his role as co-host on What Not to Wear, a reality program that features fashion makeovers. He shares on-air duties with Stacy London. Kelly started his career as a freelance writer for several fashion magazines. Although he still continues to write he has since expanded into fashion consulting and designing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 502 reviews
January 9, 2017
I Hate Everyone, Except You entered my life at the perfect time. I listened to a David Sedaris book last week and was unimpressed with some of his more edgy material. Clinton Kelly has the snark and sass of Sedaris, but, in my opinion, more heart and empathy. Let's just say, if Sedaris' book was a hard drug, the Kelly book equivalent would be "a little fresca on a panty shield" loc 1784, ebook. Perhaps uncensored, he's more honest and vulgar than what his fans usually see, but he's real. I really enjoyed this one, but don't go into it expecting Kelly to parade himself around as the fashionista from What Not to Wear the whole time. It is definitely not that.
Kelly's dialogue (inner and outer) is hilarious. Take this moment, he's psyched himself up and gone on an interview for an editorial position at a fashion mag and he's asked to wait: "I'll hang out here in the lobby," I said. Yep, I'll just sit in that plastic chair facing the door, watching my dreams rot like a bowl of fruit on time-lapse video. Thanks so much. Employees began to arrive, coffees in hand, and quite frankly, I had expected them to be better looking. ... Sure, some of them were so skinny you could see through them, but they didn't look happy about it. I had been expecting to work among anorexic women who radiated inner strength, not soul-crushing hunger. And what was with all the joyless denim? loc 375, ebook. It makes me wonder what he would say if he saw my office crowd. Maybe I wouldn't want to know.
Kelly isn't religious but he seems to be spiritual in that he believes people should live authentically every moment for as long as they can. Here's what he has to say about it: "... the older I get..., the less Destiny and Fate-and their cousin, Faith, for that matter-concern me. For some, the opposite is true. Men and women on their deathbeds, old as the Appalachaians, wondering what it was "all about". So foolish. I must admit, perhaps to the detriment of your esteem for me, that my sympathy for such wonderers is minimal. Imagine being given a life and not understanding until its ugly end that the point was to live it." loc 494, ebook. I can see how that attitude could offend some people, so, here's your warning. He's not anti-religion necessarily. He's pro- figuring out what works for you.
How he found his way onto What Not to Wear was New Age in the extreme and I'm so glad he recorded it here for us. He didn't like his current job and wasn't sure what to do, so he talked to his friend: "She suggested that I ask the Universe for guidance. I wasn't quite sure how to do that until I read a couple of books by Caroline Myss, in which she explained that if you ask the Universe for help, it will provide help." loc 512. Not to spoil the story, but guess what he did? I've read a bunch of New Age stuff and, honestly, Caroline Myss is hard core, sometimes angry even, and unapologetic about it. If I was asked to recommend a Law of Attraction author to a complete new comer to the topic, I'd pick Abraham Hicks, but whatever works. Kelly found what he needed when he needed it and he didn't even know it was missing- the very essence of New Age teachings.
My favorite part of the whole book: "When What Not to Wear ended a few years ago, many reporters asked me about my favorite and least favorite makeovers and the worst fashion faux pas I had ever witnessed. But not a single one asked me what I had learned about women over ten years of listening to their concerns about their bodies and their clothes. ... Women want to feel beautiful. I've never met one who said she didn't, and believe me, I've asked around." loc 602, ebook. Yes! And why would women want to feel beautiful? Because they would think they were worthy of love then. So, at the end of the day, what does every woman, man, child on earth want? Love.
Kelly talks about his failed and successful relationships in an honest manner, never denying that his own foibles could be why things tanked: "What probably kept us together was Rick's ability to produce a level of rage in me so profound it actually inspired out-of-body experiences." loc 2097, ebook. Funny, no?
Highly recommended for people who liked, but didn't love David Sedaris or readers who enjoy humorous/tell-all memoirs. Some similar books: I'm Just a Person, The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year, or Life of the Party: Stories of a Perpetual Man-Child.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery books for a free digital advance reader's copy of this book!
Kelly's dialogue (inner and outer) is hilarious. Take this moment, he's psyched himself up and gone on an interview for an editorial position at a fashion mag and he's asked to wait: "I'll hang out here in the lobby," I said. Yep, I'll just sit in that plastic chair facing the door, watching my dreams rot like a bowl of fruit on time-lapse video. Thanks so much. Employees began to arrive, coffees in hand, and quite frankly, I had expected them to be better looking. ... Sure, some of them were so skinny you could see through them, but they didn't look happy about it. I had been expecting to work among anorexic women who radiated inner strength, not soul-crushing hunger. And what was with all the joyless denim? loc 375, ebook. It makes me wonder what he would say if he saw my office crowd. Maybe I wouldn't want to know.
Kelly isn't religious but he seems to be spiritual in that he believes people should live authentically every moment for as long as they can. Here's what he has to say about it: "... the older I get..., the less Destiny and Fate-and their cousin, Faith, for that matter-concern me. For some, the opposite is true. Men and women on their deathbeds, old as the Appalachaians, wondering what it was "all about". So foolish. I must admit, perhaps to the detriment of your esteem for me, that my sympathy for such wonderers is minimal. Imagine being given a life and not understanding until its ugly end that the point was to live it." loc 494, ebook. I can see how that attitude could offend some people, so, here's your warning. He's not anti-religion necessarily. He's pro- figuring out what works for you.
How he found his way onto What Not to Wear was New Age in the extreme and I'm so glad he recorded it here for us. He didn't like his current job and wasn't sure what to do, so he talked to his friend: "She suggested that I ask the Universe for guidance. I wasn't quite sure how to do that until I read a couple of books by Caroline Myss, in which she explained that if you ask the Universe for help, it will provide help." loc 512. Not to spoil the story, but guess what he did? I've read a bunch of New Age stuff and, honestly, Caroline Myss is hard core, sometimes angry even, and unapologetic about it. If I was asked to recommend a Law of Attraction author to a complete new comer to the topic, I'd pick Abraham Hicks, but whatever works. Kelly found what he needed when he needed it and he didn't even know it was missing- the very essence of New Age teachings.
My favorite part of the whole book: "When What Not to Wear ended a few years ago, many reporters asked me about my favorite and least favorite makeovers and the worst fashion faux pas I had ever witnessed. But not a single one asked me what I had learned about women over ten years of listening to their concerns about their bodies and their clothes. ... Women want to feel beautiful. I've never met one who said she didn't, and believe me, I've asked around." loc 602, ebook. Yes! And why would women want to feel beautiful? Because they would think they were worthy of love then. So, at the end of the day, what does every woman, man, child on earth want? Love.
Kelly talks about his failed and successful relationships in an honest manner, never denying that his own foibles could be why things tanked: "What probably kept us together was Rick's ability to produce a level of rage in me so profound it actually inspired out-of-body experiences." loc 2097, ebook. Funny, no?
Highly recommended for people who liked, but didn't love David Sedaris or readers who enjoy humorous/tell-all memoirs. Some similar books: I'm Just a Person, The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year, or Life of the Party: Stories of a Perpetual Man-Child.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery books for a free digital advance reader's copy of this book!
November 2, 2016
I wrestled with a 3 or 4 for this book. Clinton writes very well, he's entertaining, witty, and best of all for me, funny. He's also a decent human being, underneath that snarky persona he wears. He loves his family, even after a rough start with a new step dad, as a preteen. They strengthened their relationship and he calls this man Dad to this day. I liked that. He also loves the sister he grew up with, and the little who came about ten years later that he fawned all over since her birth, teaching her cheerleading basics in their backyard!
Even if he had a crummy, awkward school experience, he was going to make sure his little sister was going to have the very best. And he tried his best; and combined, she did.
This, although he hates to hear it, is a nice guy. I enjoyed the book and discovering tidbits about Clinton I did not know. Good read.
Thank you Netgalley.
Even if he had a crummy, awkward school experience, he was going to make sure his little sister was going to have the very best. And he tried his best; and combined, she did.
This, although he hates to hear it, is a nice guy. I enjoyed the book and discovering tidbits about Clinton I did not know. Good read.
Thank you Netgalley.
February 7, 2017
Most people know Clinton Kelly from What Not to Wear, the TLC show in which he and Stacy London got many a suburban mom into darker, more streamlined jeans. I have watched my fair share of that show, but when I really started to like Clinton as more than a snarky self-appointed fashion expert was when I was a stay-at-home foster parent. The Chew came on in my kitchen every weekday at noon, and it was like a life preserver thrown out onto a tumultuous ocean of disposable diapers and those Gerber puff things that taste like nothing and stick to everything. Clinton on The Chew seemed mellow, approachable, fun--and he’d even teach you crafts!
The Clinton in this recent memoir is sort of an average of the two Clintons we’ve seen on TV. He’s occasionally catty--he’s not one of those celebrities who hesitates to call someone out by name (but I couldn’t really blame him, because I too find Paula Deen detestable). He also has no problem telling unflattering stories, either about himself or his friends. But he clearly has a heart buried somewhere beneath all that cynicism and seersucker. (Does Clinton wear seersucker? I just threw that in because I liked the alliteration. Probably not. He probably abhors seersucker. I don’t know about these things--that’s why they pay him the big bucks, I guess, to go on TV and know shit about seersucker.)
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
The Clinton in this recent memoir is sort of an average of the two Clintons we’ve seen on TV. He’s occasionally catty--he’s not one of those celebrities who hesitates to call someone out by name (but I couldn’t really blame him, because I too find Paula Deen detestable). He also has no problem telling unflattering stories, either about himself or his friends. But he clearly has a heart buried somewhere beneath all that cynicism and seersucker. (Does Clinton wear seersucker? I just threw that in because I liked the alliteration. Probably not. He probably abhors seersucker. I don’t know about these things--that’s why they pay him the big bucks, I guess, to go on TV and know shit about seersucker.)
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
September 13, 2017
I won a copy of I Hate Everyone, Except You in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I’ve never watched an episode of What Not to Wear so when The Chew debuted a few years ago, Clinton Kelley was unknown to me but that didn’t stop him from quickly becoming my favorite Chew host. He has the perfect amount of humor and sass that makes him an incredibly fun, relatable host. Those qualities are very evident in I Hate Everyone, Except you...plus a hefty side of snark.
There are sixteen essays in the book. Some made me laugh out loud (Clinton for President!) while others made me cringe a bit (Textbook Penis). A few were eye-opening like Turd in the Punchbowl - a rather angry essay about how Paula Deen ticked him off during a taping of The Chew. There were also some that I didn’t really enjoy. For instance, Freakin’ Fabulous, The Sitcom, in which Clinton shares a manuscript he wrote just for fun. In all of them, though, Clinton proves how good a writer he is, making you feel more like you are having a conversation with him instead of just reading words on a page. He’s candid, amusing and rather insightful at times, all of which are display in the essay I enjoyed the most: Auditions, The Universe and other Whatnot.
It’s a quick, easy read. I’d say it’s definitely for those who really enjoy Clinton’s more sarcastic side. I’m guessing that’s more of the personality he showed on What Not to Wear than he shows on The Chew. I enjoy his snarky personality so it didn’t bother me but I could see where others may find it off-putting. All in all, a fun look into what makes CK tick.
January 7, 2017
I think most everyone knows who Clinton Kelly is. He was one of the hosts on TLC's wildly popular show What Not to Wear, a show where he and his cohost, Stacy London, helped fashion-impaired women dress better (and ultimately feel better about themselves). The show went on for something like ten seasons. It was formulaic, of course, but still really fun. Now he's a host on The Chew, a show on ABC about food and people and gatherings, etc., which I've never seen but is apparently popular, too.
Kelly has written a bunch of books. I've read two of them (and enjoyed one...). Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Act, Eat, Sleep, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better Than Everyone Else gives genuinely good advice on how to dress, act, speak, entertain, cook, etc., and I loved it. Oh No She Didn't: The Top 100 Style Mistakes Women Make and How to Avoid Them talks about the top 100 mistakes women make when dressing themselves, and though the advice is somewhat helpful, the tone is super snarky and I couldn't stand it.
I Hate Everyone Except You doesn't focus on advice at all. It's a collection of stories, almost all memoir-ish (with some random stuff, like a screenplay Kelly wrote, thrown in). And, honestly, there are some flawless moments in here. Kelly's writing is strongest when he talks about the things, especially the people, he loves most: the women he helped on What Not To Wear, his husband, his sister, his dog. And I loved Kelly's earnestness and honesty when he talked about his complicated relationship with Stacy London. Those stories sang.
But there are many chapters that fall flat--mostly, in my opinion, because Kelly chooses to be obnoxious and prickly instead of calm or thoughtful. He's funny even when he's catty, sure, but it gets old. I grew tired of his rude and overly annoyed tone. Sometimes he comes across as bitter--maybe over something deeper that he doesn't want to reveal, or possibly over something he hasn't even figured out himself yet. Other times, his over-the-top exasperation seems so unnecessarily dramatic that I wondered if it was all an act. Either way, I kept wanting to tell him, "Just breathe, Clinton. It's not that big of a deal. And you don't have to be so mean about it."
I definitely like this book better than Oh No She Didn't, and I do appreciate Kelly's willingness to share personal stories and make himself more vulnerable. But I still hoped for more--more about who Kelly really is and less about what he happens to be grumpy about today. The book held my attention and I zipped right through it, but I think it could have been stronger.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley.
See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
Kelly has written a bunch of books. I've read two of them (and enjoyed one...). Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Act, Eat, Sleep, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better Than Everyone Else gives genuinely good advice on how to dress, act, speak, entertain, cook, etc., and I loved it. Oh No She Didn't: The Top 100 Style Mistakes Women Make and How to Avoid Them talks about the top 100 mistakes women make when dressing themselves, and though the advice is somewhat helpful, the tone is super snarky and I couldn't stand it.
I Hate Everyone Except You doesn't focus on advice at all. It's a collection of stories, almost all memoir-ish (with some random stuff, like a screenplay Kelly wrote, thrown in). And, honestly, there are some flawless moments in here. Kelly's writing is strongest when he talks about the things, especially the people, he loves most: the women he helped on What Not To Wear, his husband, his sister, his dog. And I loved Kelly's earnestness and honesty when he talked about his complicated relationship with Stacy London. Those stories sang.
But there are many chapters that fall flat--mostly, in my opinion, because Kelly chooses to be obnoxious and prickly instead of calm or thoughtful. He's funny even when he's catty, sure, but it gets old. I grew tired of his rude and overly annoyed tone. Sometimes he comes across as bitter--maybe over something deeper that he doesn't want to reveal, or possibly over something he hasn't even figured out himself yet. Other times, his over-the-top exasperation seems so unnecessarily dramatic that I wondered if it was all an act. Either way, I kept wanting to tell him, "Just breathe, Clinton. It's not that big of a deal. And you don't have to be so mean about it."
I definitely like this book better than Oh No She Didn't, and I do appreciate Kelly's willingness to share personal stories and make himself more vulnerable. But I still hoped for more--more about who Kelly really is and less about what he happens to be grumpy about today. The book held my attention and I zipped right through it, but I think it could have been stronger.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley.
See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
January 3, 2017
I have always liked Clinton Kelly's television persona on TLC's What Not to Wear and on ABC's The Chew. To me, he came across as funny and kind. I was so excited to see that he compiled some of his essays into a memoir type book. I received this e -ARC from the publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really disliked this book. I was very disappointed in the content as well as Clinton's use of body shaming. This was a crude look into the mind of a TV personality. I felt sad that he was so vulgar in his essays and discriminatory against people. I don't know if I can look at him the same way again.
I really disliked this book. I was very disappointed in the content as well as Clinton's use of body shaming. This was a crude look into the mind of a TV personality. I felt sad that he was so vulgar in his essays and discriminatory against people. I don't know if I can look at him the same way again.
July 5, 2017
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Clinton Kelly's memoir I Hate Everyone, Except You had me laughing from the very first page to the very last! I have to confess that I am not an avid viewer of What Not to Wear so I was able to approach this book as it was presented, without any pretenses. I am so happy that this book found me! His writing reminded me of reading a book by David Sedaris, another one of my favorite comedy writers. Kelly can be a bit snarky when he wants to be but he is surprisingly kind to those he writes about. His observations on life and society are insightful and relate-able. I really enjoyed this book and I think anyone who enjoys funny, essay-style memoirs will enjoy this book. It was a wonderful, light read to pick me up on a rainy day.
http://reviewsofbooksonmynightstand.b...
Clinton Kelly's memoir I Hate Everyone, Except You had me laughing from the very first page to the very last! I have to confess that I am not an avid viewer of What Not to Wear so I was able to approach this book as it was presented, without any pretenses. I am so happy that this book found me! His writing reminded me of reading a book by David Sedaris, another one of my favorite comedy writers. Kelly can be a bit snarky when he wants to be but he is surprisingly kind to those he writes about. His observations on life and society are insightful and relate-able. I really enjoyed this book and I think anyone who enjoys funny, essay-style memoirs will enjoy this book. It was a wonderful, light read to pick me up on a rainy day.
February 6, 2017
Review
When I was younger I loved the TV show What Not to Wear on TLC. The hosts were Stacy London and Clinton Kelly as well as hair stylist and makeup artist. They would take one woman and help her redo her wardrobe, hair and makeup and you know give her confidence in the rest of her life. Then it ended and I was so sad.
I was so happy when The Chew came out because Clinton Kelly found a new home on my TV.
I was even more excited when I saw he had a new book of essays - the new memoir if you will - coming out. I wasn't sure what to expect but it far exceeded my expectations.
Kelly talks about the normal stuff you find in these celebrity books - growing up, his family, getting started in his career. All of this was done so well because I laughed through most of it.
My favorite part, of course, was when he talked about What Not to Wear and what he thought of it, his cohost and the people on it. I will say some of it was juicy (at least to me!) Also he did talk about one celebrity he had a bad encounter with on the chew which is always fun.
There was also some stuff about him and his husband, his dog and it ended on a high school commencement speech he gave t it his high school.
Overall I really enjoyed this and found it so entertaining and funny, which I didn't expect as much. If you like him at all or have any interest I highly suggest it. It was quick and quite addicting for me.
This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog
When I was younger I loved the TV show What Not to Wear on TLC. The hosts were Stacy London and Clinton Kelly as well as hair stylist and makeup artist. They would take one woman and help her redo her wardrobe, hair and makeup and you know give her confidence in the rest of her life. Then it ended and I was so sad.
I was so happy when The Chew came out because Clinton Kelly found a new home on my TV.
I was even more excited when I saw he had a new book of essays - the new memoir if you will - coming out. I wasn't sure what to expect but it far exceeded my expectations.
Kelly talks about the normal stuff you find in these celebrity books - growing up, his family, getting started in his career. All of this was done so well because I laughed through most of it.
My favorite part, of course, was when he talked about What Not to Wear and what he thought of it, his cohost and the people on it. I will say some of it was juicy (at least to me!) Also he did talk about one celebrity he had a bad encounter with on the chew which is always fun.
There was also some stuff about him and his husband, his dog and it ended on a high school commencement speech he gave t it his high school.
Overall I really enjoyed this and found it so entertaining and funny, which I didn't expect as much. If you like him at all or have any interest I highly suggest it. It was quick and quite addicting for me.
This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog
May 25, 2018
I wanted so badly to love this, because I have adored Clinton Kelly for a long time. His memoir made me like him less, though, which really bummed me out.
Don't get me wrong, he's hilarious and a great writer. He has a masters degree and career background in magazine editing, so I Hate Everyone, Except You isn't one of those terrible celebrity memoirs written by a ghost writer. There's not really anything wrong with the book itself, actually. It's just that I had a version of Clinton in my head that isn't really accurate, and apparently he knows it. He even talks about how when fans say "I love you!" to him, he always thinks to himself that they love his public persona and a few specific aspects of his personality, not him.
I am that fan.
I've loved What Not to Wear since I was a teenager, and I even own all of the books written by various What Not to Wear cast members. It got to the point that I had a dream once that Clinton and Stacey visited me at Fuddruckers and I sobbed with joy.
Based on I Hate Everyone, Except You, Clinton is a little bit cruder and a whole lot meaner than I had thought. He makes several comments about other people's bodies that seemed counter to the empowering What Not to Wear message about loving your body as is. He's not a bad guy, but he's also not quite the snarky pal with a heart of gold I had in my mind. I was also a little turned off to hear what his relationship with Stacey was really like. He's very upfront about it, and I want to live in my happy bubble where they are best friends who still go shopping together every Saturday.
Everything I thought I knew was wrong.
Basically, this is not a book review so much as an existential crisis in writing.
Don't get me wrong, he's hilarious and a great writer. He has a masters degree and career background in magazine editing, so I Hate Everyone, Except You isn't one of those terrible celebrity memoirs written by a ghost writer. There's not really anything wrong with the book itself, actually. It's just that I had a version of Clinton in my head that isn't really accurate, and apparently he knows it. He even talks about how when fans say "I love you!" to him, he always thinks to himself that they love his public persona and a few specific aspects of his personality, not him.
I am that fan.
I've loved What Not to Wear since I was a teenager, and I even own all of the books written by various What Not to Wear cast members. It got to the point that I had a dream once that Clinton and Stacey visited me at Fuddruckers and I sobbed with joy.
Based on I Hate Everyone, Except You, Clinton is a little bit cruder and a whole lot meaner than I had thought. He makes several comments about other people's bodies that seemed counter to the empowering What Not to Wear message about loving your body as is. He's not a bad guy, but he's also not quite the snarky pal with a heart of gold I had in my mind. I was also a little turned off to hear what his relationship with Stacey was really like. He's very upfront about it, and I want to live in my happy bubble where they are best friends who still go shopping together every Saturday.
Everything I thought I knew was wrong.
Basically, this is not a book review so much as an existential crisis in writing.
April 9, 2017
A series of essays from one of the co-hosts of The Chew, a popular daytime cooking and entertaining show. Kelly also starred in a cable show, What Not to Wear, although I've never seen that one. There are many more references to that show here, including one fictional spoof.
Kelly is good at poking fun at his awkward self, and his childhood examples are funny indeed. Throughout the book, Kelly casts a jaded eye, and results are charming, if not always laugh-out-loud funny. Still that is far better than many of his comedic counterparts. (Let's face it, being able to write a funny book is perhaps an impossible task, although Kelly does better than most.)
Fans will enjoy this. Everyone else? Maybe.
Kelly is good at poking fun at his awkward self, and his childhood examples are funny indeed. Throughout the book, Kelly casts a jaded eye, and results are charming, if not always laugh-out-loud funny. Still that is far better than many of his comedic counterparts. (Let's face it, being able to write a funny book is perhaps an impossible task, although Kelly does better than most.)
Fans will enjoy this. Everyone else? Maybe.
January 15, 2020
I loved Clinton Kelly on What Not to Wear. That was one of my favorite shows. This book has a very conversational tone. It is a series of essays. Some are about What Not to Wear, but many are about his rise in show business. I found his life to be fascinating.
February 7, 2017
Clinton Kelly is one of my favorite personas from the TV series What Not to Wear. He also has a book "Oh no She Didn't" which was really funny and a quick read. Naturally I was excited for this new book. I was very disappointed. Although it wasn't graphic or detailed, there was a fair amount of talk about sex and one whole chapter devoted to a sore on his penis. The initials TMI come into play here and had I known I wouldn't have picked it up. There were a few chapters that were humorous that were not sexually related. The title mentioned earlier is a very funny, fun read and more the Clinton style that I appreciate.
February 24, 2017
I met Clinton Kelly. It was a highlight of my life-no lie! He complimented my dress and I have told pretty much everyone I know that this happened. This book-well, it made me think that perhaps he wasn't as nice as I thought he was. Like maybe he complimented me only to roll his eyes as I turned away. I usually enjoy celebrity memoirs-and this one had some interesting stories in it but the picture they paint of Clinton aren't very nice. I always felt like he was the nice one on "What Not to Wear"-that he knew the inherent worth of reinforcing the positives in life and in people, but this book made me doubt his sincerity.
dnf
January 10, 2017I didn't realize he was a reality TV star and fashion isn't a big interest of mine. I was hoping this would have been more like David Sedaris essays. Maybe I'll come back to this later but I doubt it.
November 27, 2017
I don't know. It was ok and some stories were funny. But I was expecting something much funnier and it honestly came off as mean and was a little boring. I think my expectations were too high.
July 4, 2024
I have no idea how I got this book or why I have it, because we are cord cutters and I have no idea who Clinton Kelly is. I read the bio on the back cover flap, and I've never watched What Not to Wear, and have only very occasionally caught partial episodes of The Chew in waiting rooms.
I was looking for a light read to take to the doctor's office so I could (ironically) avoid watching daytime cable TV while waiting, and picked this book out of Mt. TBR based on the cover and chapter length. Lo and behold: Clinton Kelly's essays are hilarious! The stories from his life are honest, warm, funny, and snarky but without ever devolving to meanness. The only essay that did not hit for me (and it is the longest) was a paraody based on the people from What Not to Wear, which I likely would have appreciated if I had watched the show.
I was looking for a light read to take to the doctor's office so I could (ironically) avoid watching daytime cable TV while waiting, and picked this book out of Mt. TBR based on the cover and chapter length. Lo and behold: Clinton Kelly's essays are hilarious! The stories from his life are honest, warm, funny, and snarky but without ever devolving to meanness. The only essay that did not hit for me (and it is the longest) was a paraody based on the people from What Not to Wear, which I likely would have appreciated if I had watched the show.
Want to read
June 19, 2017I just found out that I won a copy of this through Goodreads Giveaways. I'm excited to get my copy in the mail. Thanks Goodreads!
March 24, 2017
A collection of essays/memoir that is very honest. It is well written and enjoyable (I easily read the book in one day.) The low rating is more for personal reasons, there was a lot of sex talk. That just isn't something I personally enjoy reading about. His love, respect, and like for his family and life-long friends though is something I did enjoy reading about and admire.
December 5, 2016
This book was everything I wanted it to be! I am a fan of Clinton Kelly from watching “What Not To Wear” with my then teenaged daughter. It was a fun show which I think actually helped a lot of women change their idea of what looked good on them, never degrading, always positive no matter what the woman’s shape.
That said I enjoyed this book more than I even thought I would. Mr. Kelly kept the book positive even when he described his early struggles with discovering who he really was, his difficulties socially in high school, getting used to a new “dad” when his mother remarried and dealing with two sisters. He seems to genuinely love his life, his partner, his friends and family. I laughed out loud as he coached his youngest sister, Courtney, through cheerleading moves. I loved this quote about his sister, “The way I saw it, Courtney was an innocent soul entrusted into my care, at least when my parents left us home alone . . . .I was determined to construct for my baby sister a future free of humiliation and sadness”. Wow, every little girl should have a big brother like Clinton.
The author shares with us his earlier jobs, working as a waiter and in the magazine publishing business and how really random his audition for “What Not To Wear” came about and how surprised he was when offered the job as co-host the show. He has a hard time going to parties, etc without having women constantly coming up to him and asking for his appraisal of how they look and/or are dressed. I can see how this would get annoying pretty quickly.
In the last chapter he describes the high school graduation speech that he gave at his old high school and how difficult it was for him to return to the place where he spent some very unhappy times. Some of the tips that he offered the students were very noteworthy including this one “Forget everything bad that has ever happened to you If that sounds impossible to do, you are right, but aspire to it anyway. “The energy you spend with your head in the past will never get you closer to the future you dream for yourself”.
I think everyone would enjoy this memoir. It is a quick, funny and light hearted read written by a man who is comfortable in his life and seems like a genuinely “good guy”.
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC of this memoir.
That said I enjoyed this book more than I even thought I would. Mr. Kelly kept the book positive even when he described his early struggles with discovering who he really was, his difficulties socially in high school, getting used to a new “dad” when his mother remarried and dealing with two sisters. He seems to genuinely love his life, his partner, his friends and family. I laughed out loud as he coached his youngest sister, Courtney, through cheerleading moves. I loved this quote about his sister, “The way I saw it, Courtney was an innocent soul entrusted into my care, at least when my parents left us home alone . . . .I was determined to construct for my baby sister a future free of humiliation and sadness”. Wow, every little girl should have a big brother like Clinton.
The author shares with us his earlier jobs, working as a waiter and in the magazine publishing business and how really random his audition for “What Not To Wear” came about and how surprised he was when offered the job as co-host the show. He has a hard time going to parties, etc without having women constantly coming up to him and asking for his appraisal of how they look and/or are dressed. I can see how this would get annoying pretty quickly.
In the last chapter he describes the high school graduation speech that he gave at his old high school and how difficult it was for him to return to the place where he spent some very unhappy times. Some of the tips that he offered the students were very noteworthy including this one “Forget everything bad that has ever happened to you If that sounds impossible to do, you are right, but aspire to it anyway. “The energy you spend with your head in the past will never get you closer to the future you dream for yourself”.
I think everyone would enjoy this memoir. It is a quick, funny and light hearted read written by a man who is comfortable in his life and seems like a genuinely “good guy”.
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC of this memoir.
February 8, 2017
That I would watch and love the show What Not To Wear was a foregone conclusion. My friends and I couldn't get enough of TLC's offerings: A Wedding Story, A Baby Story, Trading Spaces, we watched it all. My viewing tapered off after college because I was in grad school and living with my parents who did not have cable. But once I got my own place, the stars aligned and I no longer had to sporadically watch my favorite TLC shows. What Not To Wear would have been on the air for 2 years by that point and I delighted in catching up on Stacy and Clinton's delightful banter.
Who among us did not think of someone they could nominate to appear on the show? Let's be honest: I would have been an amazing friend on the sidelines.
I say all this so you understand why I was excited to read Clinton Kelly's memoir. I was hoping to learn more about him, as well as get some behind the scenes dish about the show. And that's exactly what I got.
The book reads as if Kelly is talking to the reader. Perhaps because I've watched him on WNTW and The Chew but his voice was so strong throughout the narrative. At times it read as if we were old pals spilling dirt and other times he held back the curtain just enough to tease. I admire people who have good boundaries on what they're going to share. But that's not to say Kelly doesn't still push the envelope. If you are the sensitive type, a few stories verge on TMI so beware.
I particularly loved hearing about the series of events that led to him being hired for What Not To Wear. It involved beseeching the Universe- and it worked! I also loved learning more about his family and upbringing and how he met his husband.
Kelly made me laugh out loud a couple of times. The essays are not completely linear and span a variety of topics. Overall, it was quite enjoyable. I hope he'll keep writing.
Disclosure: I was provided an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Who among us did not think of someone they could nominate to appear on the show? Let's be honest: I would have been an amazing friend on the sidelines.
I say all this so you understand why I was excited to read Clinton Kelly's memoir. I was hoping to learn more about him, as well as get some behind the scenes dish about the show. And that's exactly what I got.
The book reads as if Kelly is talking to the reader. Perhaps because I've watched him on WNTW and The Chew but his voice was so strong throughout the narrative. At times it read as if we were old pals spilling dirt and other times he held back the curtain just enough to tease. I admire people who have good boundaries on what they're going to share. But that's not to say Kelly doesn't still push the envelope. If you are the sensitive type, a few stories verge on TMI so beware.
I particularly loved hearing about the series of events that led to him being hired for What Not To Wear. It involved beseeching the Universe- and it worked! I also loved learning more about his family and upbringing and how he met his husband.
Kelly made me laugh out loud a couple of times. The essays are not completely linear and span a variety of topics. Overall, it was quite enjoyable. I hope he'll keep writing.
Disclosure: I was provided an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2021
This one is all over the place. With really not much of a point except getting small glimpses into his life. I don’t really recommend it, but it’s not horrible. A die hard fan will probably enjoy it more.
February 7, 2017
This book puts the lol in "laugh out loud"...I couldn't contain myself. Mr. Kelly is such a story-teller. Simply great! I'm looking forward to hearing so much more..
October 12, 2017
This book starts off SO funny i laughed until I cried. The rest of the book fell a little short for me.
April 3, 2017
I want to get the one thing that bothered me off my chest right at the start - Mr. Kelly has a huge error in his book that I am very surprised an editor did not catch and correct. "Damon and I were walking through the immaculately groomed gardens of the Tuileries when our phones started to blow up. I was June 26, 2015, and the US Supreme Court had just ruled that same-sex couples were entitled to all the benefits of marriage on a federal level." Wrong! The Defense of Marriage Act was overturned on June 26, 2013. Go ahead. look it up. I'll wait.... I know this date so well because it is also the date my father died.
Aside from that one error, I found to book to be funny and interesting. I would have liked more. Most of the chapters are episodes of Mr. Kelly's life - how he and his husband got together, how he ended up on What Not to Wear, a little about his teenage years. He also includes his fantasy sit-com script for a series about a What Not to Wear type of show.
I love that he and I both believe everyone should be required to work in food service at some point in their lives. I actually think required time in either food service or retail would make everyone a better customer. Mr. Kelly is a talented write - he made me laugh out loud a lot. He is one of the people I would most love to attend a party with. His observations are witty and sometimes a bit bitchy. We feel the same way about Paula (I'll eat a stick of butter) Deen. Just my kind of person.
I received a free copy of this book as a Goodreads Giveaway in return for my honest review.
Aside from that one error, I found to book to be funny and interesting. I would have liked more. Most of the chapters are episodes of Mr. Kelly's life - how he and his husband got together, how he ended up on What Not to Wear, a little about his teenage years. He also includes his fantasy sit-com script for a series about a What Not to Wear type of show.
I love that he and I both believe everyone should be required to work in food service at some point in their lives. I actually think required time in either food service or retail would make everyone a better customer. Mr. Kelly is a talented write - he made me laugh out loud a lot. He is one of the people I would most love to attend a party with. His observations are witty and sometimes a bit bitchy. We feel the same way about Paula (I'll eat a stick of butter) Deen. Just my kind of person.
I received a free copy of this book as a Goodreads Giveaway in return for my honest review.
March 29, 2017
Full disclosure: I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I actually had no idea who Clinton Kelly was going into this. The title was intriguing, and the description sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a whirl. Not having watched any of the shows he's been on, I can't speak for his acting abilities, but he writes a heck of a book.
Just about everyone who's had any sort of career on TV or in the movies seems to have a book out. I've read countless memoirs over the years, some by people I was already familiar with, and some not. So what makes this book stand out, even slightly, from the rest? ... I may have written myself into a corner with that question, because I'm not sure. Part of what made this book memorable for me is his charm. He manages to be self-deprecating without seeming masochistic about it, and he manages to be snarky without being bitchy. And he manages to have an ego without being annoying about it. After reading this book, I'm still uncertain whether I'd watch any of the TV shows he's been on. They sound fun and all, but just not really my sort of thing. But I will definitely be on the lookout for more books if he's up to writing them.
I actually had no idea who Clinton Kelly was going into this. The title was intriguing, and the description sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a whirl. Not having watched any of the shows he's been on, I can't speak for his acting abilities, but he writes a heck of a book.
Just about everyone who's had any sort of career on TV or in the movies seems to have a book out. I've read countless memoirs over the years, some by people I was already familiar with, and some not. So what makes this book stand out, even slightly, from the rest? ... I may have written myself into a corner with that question, because I'm not sure. Part of what made this book memorable for me is his charm. He manages to be self-deprecating without seeming masochistic about it, and he manages to be snarky without being bitchy. And he manages to have an ego without being annoying about it. After reading this book, I'm still uncertain whether I'd watch any of the TV shows he's been on. They sound fun and all, but just not really my sort of thing. But I will definitely be on the lookout for more books if he's up to writing them.
November 14, 2019
Like so many others, I was a big fan of TLC's What Not to Wear. While I enjoyed watching Clinton Kelly on the show, I never followed his career once it ended. I added this title to my to-read list a very long time ago, hoping it'd be filled with all kids of behind-the-scenes stories from WNTW. I was disappointed to find that only one chapter addressed his time on the show directly, and while he did spill some tea, it was just a tiny bit.
I know Kelly isn't a comedian, so I'm not sure why I was expecting this to be hilarious. I did find some of the chapters laugh-out-loud funny, especially the ones about the Kamikaze and Paula Deen, I was hoping for a little more. I will say that I think I enjoyed this much more as an audio book than I would have had I read it. Kelly has a very smooth delivery, and made it feel like more of a conversation. He also writes beautifully. Some of his more heart-felt stories were really descriptive and touching. If he were ever to write a novel, I'd give it a try.
I know Kelly isn't a comedian, so I'm not sure why I was expecting this to be hilarious. I did find some of the chapters laugh-out-loud funny, especially the ones about the Kamikaze and Paula Deen, I was hoping for a little more. I will say that I think I enjoyed this much more as an audio book than I would have had I read it. Kelly has a very smooth delivery, and made it feel like more of a conversation. He also writes beautifully. Some of his more heart-felt stories were really descriptive and touching. If he were ever to write a novel, I'd give it a try.
April 22, 2017
Man oh man, this book was SO fun to read! Clinton Kelly writes in a great conversational style that captures his voice perfectly - it really feels like you and him at the cabana bar with a couple of umbrella drinks swapping stories. There are even some touching moments in here; but mostly lots of snappy dialogue, with a triple helping of wit and charm. It really deserves 4.5 stars, and only just (just!) misses the 5 star mark on one or two stories that go a little longer than necessary.
OH and his commencement speech is probably the best ever. Even though he didn't want to do it, he still totally nailed it.
OH and his commencement speech is probably the best ever. Even though he didn't want to do it, he still totally nailed it.
April 25, 2017
3.5 stars actually
I honestly adore Clinton Kelly. I still do. However, as often as this book had me wishing he and I were best friends, there were just as many instances that had me feeling distaste for him. He has way more snark than I realized after watching him on a daytime talk show which is understandable to a certain degree. I didn't know how I felt about the tales he shared at the end of the book. I was so hopeful after the first chapter, but the excitement fizzled for me. Make no mistake, the title is accurate; Clinton Kelly hates everyone, except you.
I honestly adore Clinton Kelly. I still do. However, as often as this book had me wishing he and I were best friends, there were just as many instances that had me feeling distaste for him. He has way more snark than I realized after watching him on a daytime talk show which is understandable to a certain degree. I didn't know how I felt about the tales he shared at the end of the book. I was so hopeful after the first chapter, but the excitement fizzled for me. Make no mistake, the title is accurate; Clinton Kelly hates everyone, except you.
July 22, 2017
It's rare for a book to make me laugh out loud, so when one does, it's a keeper. Clinton Kelly narrates the audiobook and he keeps a conversational lightness to the stories he tells. He starts off the collection by relating a story from a water park when he was younger that will have one think twice about going on the high water slides. Kelly is so likable, and his stories are lighthearted and earnest. I wish this book was twice as long. I especially agree with him when he says every American should be forced into waiter/waitress servitude for 2 years to see how hard and awful that job truly is.
September 7, 2023
This was good! Def an easy listen for driving in the car. He definitely hates a lot of people! It was more negative than what I was expecting but I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I wish he shared more abt his relationship w Stacy bc that’s pretty much all I know him from. Also not really sure what the significance is of the bird on the cover ?? Like he mentions pigeons a couple times but never a bird like that lol kinda random
Ps I actually finished this yesterday I just forgot to log it
Ps I actually finished this yesterday I just forgot to log it
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