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So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Humor (2018)In her hilarious book of essays , Parks and Recreation star Retta shares the stories that led to her success in Hollywood.
In So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know , Parks and Recreation star Retta takes us on her not-so-meteoric rise from roaches to riches (well, rich enough that she can buy $15,000 designer handbags yet scared enough to know she’s always a heartbeat away from ramen with American cheese).
Throwing her hard-working Liberian parents for a loop, Retta abandons her plan to attend med school after graduating Duke University to move to Hollywood to star in her own sitcom—like her comedy heroes Lucille Ball and Roseanne.
Say what? Word. Turns out Retta might actually be on to something. After winning Comedy Central’s stand-up competition, she should be ready for prime time—but a fear of success derails her biggest dream.
Whether reminiscing about her days as a contract chemist at GlaxoSmithKline, telling “dirty” jokes to Mormons, feeling like the odd man out on Parks , fending off racist trolls on Twitter, flirting with Michael Fassbender, or expertly stalking the cast of "Hamilton ," Retta’s unique voice and refreshing honesty will make you laugh, cry, and laugh so hard you’ll cry.
Her eponymous sitcom might not have happened yet, but by the end of So Close to Being the Sh*t , you’ll be rooting for Retta to be the next one-named wonder to take over your television. And she just might inspire you to reach for the stars, too.
In So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know , Parks and Recreation star Retta takes us on her not-so-meteoric rise from roaches to riches (well, rich enough that she can buy $15,000 designer handbags yet scared enough to know she’s always a heartbeat away from ramen with American cheese).
Throwing her hard-working Liberian parents for a loop, Retta abandons her plan to attend med school after graduating Duke University to move to Hollywood to star in her own sitcom—like her comedy heroes Lucille Ball and Roseanne.
Say what? Word. Turns out Retta might actually be on to something. After winning Comedy Central’s stand-up competition, she should be ready for prime time—but a fear of success derails her biggest dream.
Whether reminiscing about her days as a contract chemist at GlaxoSmithKline, telling “dirty” jokes to Mormons, feeling like the odd man out on Parks , fending off racist trolls on Twitter, flirting with Michael Fassbender, or expertly stalking the cast of "Hamilton ," Retta’s unique voice and refreshing honesty will make you laugh, cry, and laugh so hard you’ll cry.
Her eponymous sitcom might not have happened yet, but by the end of So Close to Being the Sh*t , you’ll be rooting for Retta to be the next one-named wonder to take over your television. And she just might inspire you to reach for the stars, too.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
242 people are currently reading
14760 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,482 reviews
March 20, 2019
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
If you know me you know that I’m not a real big television watcher, but when I go in on something I. GO. IN. I loved Parks and Rec from the second it made it to air. I fell hard for Amy Poehler immediately upon her joining the cast of SNL and watched her in movies like Baby Mama, Deuce Bigalow and Blades of Glory until my DVD player committed suicide. There was no chance her new show wouldn’t be one of my favorite things ever. I was right. What I didn’t realize upon tuning in was that a woman who didn’t even have a speaking part the first season would wind up being my spirit animal.
Donna Meagle had me at the first side-eye she ever gave to her co-workers . . . .
It was her job to break the fourth wall – sans words – and she was GREAT at it. When she was finally allowed to speak? She ended up being pretty much me both professionally . . . .
As well as how she spent her free time . . . . .
And her attitude toward the internet? Samesies . . . .
Before she andTom Haverford Aziz Ansari received the cult following which was created via “Treat Yo Self” – they had an exchange that somehow still strikes me as hilarious every single time I watch it . . . .
Tom Haverford : You can't say your favorite kind of cake is birthday cake, that's like saying your favorite kind of cereal is breakfast cereal.
Donna Meagle : Mmm. I love breakfast cereal.
https://dubsmash.com/quote/parks-and-...
Why is that so funny????? Because Tom and Donna are television magic, that’s why.
Speaking of magic? I found Retta over on the ‘Gram shortly after joining last year (I know, I know, I’m super late to the party). My favorite part of the day has become watching her make her cup of Dark Magic and singing a rendition of “Good Morning – Good Morning!” to me. And yet I was denied this ARC. Go figure, right?
Anyway, I don’t know if everyone will love this or if you just have to be nuts like me. Good news is, Retta herself is 100% relatable and she is more than happy to share deets regarding things like meeting famous people at various award shows and parties, slamming trolls on the web and becoming a Hamilton superfan . She is hilarious, her delivery is everything a fan could dream of and more and she has a fabulous potty mouth to boot. If you like something light for your daily commute, this might be a winner.
If you know me you know that I’m not a real big television watcher, but when I go in on something I. GO. IN. I loved Parks and Rec from the second it made it to air. I fell hard for Amy Poehler immediately upon her joining the cast of SNL and watched her in movies like Baby Mama, Deuce Bigalow and Blades of Glory until my DVD player committed suicide. There was no chance her new show wouldn’t be one of my favorite things ever. I was right. What I didn’t realize upon tuning in was that a woman who didn’t even have a speaking part the first season would wind up being my spirit animal.
Donna Meagle had me at the first side-eye she ever gave to her co-workers . . . .
It was her job to break the fourth wall – sans words – and she was GREAT at it. When she was finally allowed to speak? She ended up being pretty much me both professionally . . . .
As well as how she spent her free time . . . . .
And her attitude toward the internet? Samesies . . . .
Before she and
Tom Haverford : You can't say your favorite kind of cake is birthday cake, that's like saying your favorite kind of cereal is breakfast cereal.
Donna Meagle : Mmm. I love breakfast cereal.
https://dubsmash.com/quote/parks-and-...
Why is that so funny????? Because Tom and Donna are television magic, that’s why.
Speaking of magic? I found Retta over on the ‘Gram shortly after joining last year (I know, I know, I’m super late to the party). My favorite part of the day has become watching her make her cup of Dark Magic and singing a rendition of “Good Morning – Good Morning!” to me. And yet I was denied this ARC. Go figure, right?
Anyway, I don’t know if everyone will love this or if you just have to be nuts like me. Good news is, Retta herself is 100% relatable and she is more than happy to share deets regarding things like meeting famous people at various award shows and parties, slamming trolls on the web and becoming a Hamilton superfan . She is hilarious, her delivery is everything a fan could dream of and more and she has a fabulous potty mouth to boot. If you like something light for your daily commute, this might be a winner.
April 15, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Confession: I had absolutely no idea who Retta was and I have never watched one episode of Parks and Recreation. But I like to read something light and So Close to Being the Shit Y'all Don't Even Know once again proved that laughter is the best medicine. This book isn't set to hit stores until June but my very public outbursts of laughing until my sides hurt caused several people in the coffee shop to ask what I was reading. The first few essays were hit and miss especially when Retta retells the tale of spending an insane amount of money on a purse. However, from chapter 6-16 I really enjoyed Retta's Hollywood escapades with different notable names. Or I should say her hilarious way of recreating the scenes for her readers.
Confession: I had absolutely no idea who Retta was and I have never watched one episode of Parks and Recreation. But I like to read something light and So Close to Being the Shit Y'all Don't Even Know once again proved that laughter is the best medicine. This book isn't set to hit stores until June but my very public outbursts of laughing until my sides hurt caused several people in the coffee shop to ask what I was reading. The first few essays were hit and miss especially when Retta retells the tale of spending an insane amount of money on a purse. However, from chapter 6-16 I really enjoyed Retta's Hollywood escapades with different notable names. Or I should say her hilarious way of recreating the scenes for her readers.
April 16, 2019
I am a die-hard Park and Recs fan and never lost hope that Retta would be given a bigger part. Then when I discovered Good Girls, I was all about that happy dance and I watch it (and rewatch it) religiously.
Yes, I'm a Retta fan.
In So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know, Retta talks about humor, auditions, life experiences, coffee, body image, twitter, and HAMILTON! I so enjoyed learning more about this woman, and gained appreciation for the comedy she is capable of. The audiobook is self-narrated by Retta herself in her one-of-a-kind sexy ass voice. Check it out.
My favorite quote:
“Bitch, stop wasting time fearing the worst! Living through the worst is never as hard as fearing it. Fight the fear and go do what you gotta do.”
February 6, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up because I love her
I feel like I would have enjoyed this book more if I had listened to the audio. I know she was telling it in her voice, but I feel like the editing was practically nonexistent. The book progressively got better the further into I got, and I absolutely loved her chapters on Parks and Rec and her dealings with celebrities. They were the best part of the book!
I feel like I would have enjoyed this book more if I had listened to the audio. I know she was telling it in her voice, but I feel like the editing was practically nonexistent. The book progressively got better the further into I got, and I absolutely loved her chapters on Parks and Rec and her dealings with celebrities. They were the best part of the book!
April 11, 2020
I really, really like Retta as an actress and a person, and I ADORED her character on Parks and Rec, one of my all-time favorite shows, but as painful as it is for me to admit, So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know was... boring.
Gah, don't hate me, Retta! We are both Jersey girls who were science nerds and went to good colleges, but your book... I was expecting something more... funny?
To be honest, So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know was very sweet. It talks a lot about Retta's love of coffee, handbags, Hamilton, and the celebrities that she has geeked out over meeting. I feel like if I had to write a book about the stuff that I love, it would kind of be similar...
At relatable as Retta is, what this book ISN'T is humorous. Like, at all. I'm not sure if it was trying to be funny, but I always expect comedian's memoirs to be funny, and I was disappointed here.
A cute, easy listen, but not quite what I was hoping it would be. But Retta, you're still my girl! Treat yo self! (<--- yes, I know you are sick of that line, couldn't help it. )
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
August 15, 2018
I definitely won’t ever go as far as to say that Listening is *THE* New Reading, but this book is such a perfect example of how Listening is *A* New Reading, at least! Because opening up to audiobooks really does open some doors. This is one of many books that never would I ever have read were it not for my new engagement with the audiobook format, as well as the “new book potential evaluation criteria” I employ when selecting audiobooks.
For my audiobooks, I stick strictly with nonfiction, and I’ve found that author-read and/or memoir (preferably both) work best for me. And, I have to be able to tolerate - nay, relish - the reader’s voice throughout the duration of the free Audible sample listen. (The reader cannot sound like Siri, etc. I am surprised at how many DO sound like Siri. This is why I tend to prefer the authenticity and imperfection of an author’s actual voice.) I never usually have a problem adding books to my Audible Cloud that meet all these criteria. (That’s how I know audiobooks are definitely still legit books: I still buy way too many, way more than needed, and way more than I can ever consume.) However, I’d just come off a run of heavy and/or disappointing books and memoirs, and I was really looking for something lighter and fun that wasn’t totally mindless. Stuck in a bit of an audiobook shopping dry spell between books coming soon and books currently available, I stumbled across this one, listened to the sample, and was instantly hooked. Let me be clear - I really hadn’t seen many episodes of Parks and Recreation; I knew who Retta was, but that’s about it. Nonetheless, won over, I “treated myself” (sorry, so sorry, Retta!), no looking back and no regrets. What a delight!
Here are some things I loved about it. First of all - this woman has a majestic and expressive voice. I simply loved listening to her. She sounded super genuine, and alive, and seemed to be really enjoying the whole thing - both in terms of the content of the book and the performance of it. I loved hearing her laugh and crack herself up (and me too, for that matter!). She is either an amazing actor or an amazing person - my bet’s on both. Also, clearly very observant and smart. (Go Duke!)
Second - although of course there was plenty o’ fun and frivolity, there was also some unexpectedly deeper and moving content about Retta’s childhood and growing up poor with immigrant parents; the challenges of being a woman (and a black woman, a funny woman, and a non-size-0-to-2 woman) in Hollywood; about the pain of loving unreliable (and thus undeserving of Retta, IMO!) persons; about the throes of financial ups and downs and ups; about making dramatic and late-blooming life and career change decisions (e.g. doctor to comedian).
Finally, this book was a real “girl power” book in the sense that as I was listening, the phrase “unapologetically herself” just kept coming into mind. As an acquaintance of mine would say, Retta does not hesitate to honestly “speak on it.” She is straightforward and wholly enthusiastic about her obsessions, whether we are talking coffee, handbags, hockey, Hamilton, social media, or TV and bed, and because she is an intelligent and witty person, still manages to be entertaining (and not basic) when it comes to reveling in all these things and to avoid taking herself too seriously. In addition to being able to poke fun at herself, Retta also seems able to capably manage the balancing act of being a strong and opinionated, assertive person while retaining humility and remaining respectful and generous of spirit toward others. She also appears to be someone who truly values and cherishes her friends, and the book features some good accounts of strong friendships between women who support and encourage one another. No competitive mean girl stuff here.
In fact, my appreciation for this book, combined with Retta’s very kind words about Amy Poehler, compelled me to check out the Parks and Rec pilot on Hulu and guess what? - It’s an awesome show. I ended up binge watching the first two seasons. How did I miss it? They really don’t make many mainstream network comedies like this anymore, right? I usually like a pretty dark comedy, so I wasn’t sure how it would go, but this show is well written/acted and edgy enough to satisfy me. There were definitely some legitimate LOLs going on...now I just need to watch it in bed with some coffee!
For my audiobooks, I stick strictly with nonfiction, and I’ve found that author-read and/or memoir (preferably both) work best for me. And, I have to be able to tolerate - nay, relish - the reader’s voice throughout the duration of the free Audible sample listen. (The reader cannot sound like Siri, etc. I am surprised at how many DO sound like Siri. This is why I tend to prefer the authenticity and imperfection of an author’s actual voice.) I never usually have a problem adding books to my Audible Cloud that meet all these criteria. (That’s how I know audiobooks are definitely still legit books: I still buy way too many, way more than needed, and way more than I can ever consume.) However, I’d just come off a run of heavy and/or disappointing books and memoirs, and I was really looking for something lighter and fun that wasn’t totally mindless. Stuck in a bit of an audiobook shopping dry spell between books coming soon and books currently available, I stumbled across this one, listened to the sample, and was instantly hooked. Let me be clear - I really hadn’t seen many episodes of Parks and Recreation; I knew who Retta was, but that’s about it. Nonetheless, won over, I “treated myself” (sorry, so sorry, Retta!), no looking back and no regrets. What a delight!
Here are some things I loved about it. First of all - this woman has a majestic and expressive voice. I simply loved listening to her. She sounded super genuine, and alive, and seemed to be really enjoying the whole thing - both in terms of the content of the book and the performance of it. I loved hearing her laugh and crack herself up (and me too, for that matter!). She is either an amazing actor or an amazing person - my bet’s on both. Also, clearly very observant and smart. (Go Duke!)
Second - although of course there was plenty o’ fun and frivolity, there was also some unexpectedly deeper and moving content about Retta’s childhood and growing up poor with immigrant parents; the challenges of being a woman (and a black woman, a funny woman, and a non-size-0-to-2 woman) in Hollywood; about the pain of loving unreliable (and thus undeserving of Retta, IMO!) persons; about the throes of financial ups and downs and ups; about making dramatic and late-blooming life and career change decisions (e.g. doctor to comedian).
Finally, this book was a real “girl power” book in the sense that as I was listening, the phrase “unapologetically herself” just kept coming into mind. As an acquaintance of mine would say, Retta does not hesitate to honestly “speak on it.” She is straightforward and wholly enthusiastic about her obsessions, whether we are talking coffee, handbags, hockey, Hamilton, social media, or TV and bed, and because she is an intelligent and witty person, still manages to be entertaining (and not basic) when it comes to reveling in all these things and to avoid taking herself too seriously. In addition to being able to poke fun at herself, Retta also seems able to capably manage the balancing act of being a strong and opinionated, assertive person while retaining humility and remaining respectful and generous of spirit toward others. She also appears to be someone who truly values and cherishes her friends, and the book features some good accounts of strong friendships between women who support and encourage one another. No competitive mean girl stuff here.
In fact, my appreciation for this book, combined with Retta’s very kind words about Amy Poehler, compelled me to check out the Parks and Rec pilot on Hulu and guess what? - It’s an awesome show. I ended up binge watching the first two seasons. How did I miss it? They really don’t make many mainstream network comedies like this anymore, right? I usually like a pretty dark comedy, so I wasn’t sure how it would go, but this show is well written/acted and edgy enough to satisfy me. There were definitely some legitimate LOLs going on...now I just need to watch it in bed with some coffee!
June 22, 2018
**I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.**
I'll be honest. I don't watch TV. So, I had no idea who Retta was when I entered to win this book. Or when I read it. But the book is awesome, and she seems like someone I want to be friends with. So smart. SO funny. You won't be disappointed by this book one iota. It's really good!
I'll be honest. I don't watch TV. So, I had no idea who Retta was when I entered to win this book. Or when I read it. But the book is awesome, and she seems like someone I want to be friends with. So smart. SO funny. You won't be disappointed by this book one iota. It's really good!
May 27, 2018
I was very much in the need for some humor and this memoir fits the bill. I was more than pleasantly surprised by this new book by Marietta Sirleaf aka ‘Retta as I’m not that familiar with her. I do get the whole PARKS AND REC connection but haven’t seen the series. But count me as a new fan of hers after reading her memoir. She’s smart, having a college degree from a major university. Her folks immigrated from Liberia and raised her to be very respectful and proper and she didn’t even try alcohol until she was in college.
This is an enjoyable read and I whipped through it in one day, following the various humor-filled essays of memories she shares of her life. She starts off first with growing up with family, then her college time and having a chance to make her own decisions and choices and then more as ‘Retta goes to LA and becomes more successful (and eventually gets a designer handbag addiction that was fun to learn from.)
Being almost totally green on the subject, I was glad to have read the book, and I’d recommend it for those adults looking for humor and/or that might have an interest in reading about ‘Retta. An advance digital copy was provided by NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my honest review.
St. Martin's Press
Publication: May 29, 2018
This is an enjoyable read and I whipped through it in one day, following the various humor-filled essays of memories she shares of her life. She starts off first with growing up with family, then her college time and having a chance to make her own decisions and choices and then more as ‘Retta goes to LA and becomes more successful (and eventually gets a designer handbag addiction that was fun to learn from.)
Being almost totally green on the subject, I was glad to have read the book, and I’d recommend it for those adults looking for humor and/or that might have an interest in reading about ‘Retta. An advance digital copy was provided by NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my honest review.
St. Martin's Press
Publication: May 29, 2018
November 14, 2018
I have received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
I AM IN LOVE WITH RETTA!
I haven't even seen the show Parks and Recreation BUT I do know the "treat yo self" line! I say it all the time to myself.. when I'm looking at books.
Now I honestly don't know how many nonfiction books I've read before this one.. but I do know that I enjoyed them at one point if not the whole book. Before I dive into this review, let me tell you.. I loved this book. Retta is such a funny person and now I really want to watch the Park and Recs show ASAP!
Retta is such a real person and knows that she isn't good at everything. Hell, I'm barely perfect at writing, typing, or speaking English most days.. and it's my language! I definitely connect with her on a bunch of her topics throughout the book. She's definitely a role model of mine.. now. I hope that one day I will be as humorous as her or have a super funny one liner. Also, I haven't seen Hamilton.. but after reading her love and fixation on it.. well I've decided.. I should probably get my ass to a Hamilton show real soon.
TREAT MYSELF!
I AM IN LOVE WITH RETTA!
I haven't even seen the show Parks and Recreation BUT I do know the "treat yo self" line! I say it all the time to myself.. when I'm looking at books.
Now I honestly don't know how many nonfiction books I've read before this one.. but I do know that I enjoyed them at one point if not the whole book. Before I dive into this review, let me tell you.. I loved this book. Retta is such a funny person and now I really want to watch the Park and Recs show ASAP!
Retta is such a real person and knows that she isn't good at everything. Hell, I'm barely perfect at writing, typing, or speaking English most days.. and it's my language! I definitely connect with her on a bunch of her topics throughout the book. She's definitely a role model of mine.. now. I hope that one day I will be as humorous as her or have a super funny one liner. Also, I haven't seen Hamilton.. but after reading her love and fixation on it.. well I've decided.. I should probably get my ass to a Hamilton show real soon.
TREAT MYSELF!
August 15, 2018
I’ll admit, at first blush I wasn’t sold on Retta’s memoir even though I love Parks and Rec more than any other show in the history of ever. There’s a lot of page space spent on topics I don't personally care about. Designer handbags? Duke University? Keurigs? Meh. But then the last chapter was about her Hamilton obsession, and I officially bought in. This is pretty much a standard celebrity memoir—a little about her life growing up, stories of her struggles and challenges trying to make it in Hollywood, and snapshots of what her daily life is like now. It’s the kind of book you read when you’re in the mood for something light and fun, and maybe a little voyeuristic. I always like to do books like this in audio because when people act for a living, you know their delivery will be on point.
June 11, 2018
Retta is pretty good at reading her book but the stories themselves were just ok. Too much name dropping in the second half for me.
Read
May 26, 2018This breezy, often hilarious memoir should appeal to fans of the TV show Parks and Recreation, and fans of the musical Hamilton, which Retta is obsessed with. Along with handbags, and various other parts of modern life that she digresses about with exuberant enthusiasm. I have zero interest in handbags, and couldn't tell a "name" one worth thousands from a cheapo, but I enjoyed Retta's sheer zest.
The parts I liked best were her frank memories about growing up a plus-size person of color, with immigrant parents, in poverty. Watching her work toward success was heart-warming as well as interesting.
Retta does not hold back from delivery opinions in salty language. I could hear her voice through the narrative, which made it that much more fun.
Copy provided by NetGalley
The parts I liked best were her frank memories about growing up a plus-size person of color, with immigrant parents, in poverty. Watching her work toward success was heart-warming as well as interesting.
Retta does not hold back from delivery opinions in salty language. I could hear her voice through the narrative, which made it that much more fun.
Copy provided by NetGalley
December 17, 2018
I just wish I had a friend as funny as Retta...
February 6, 2019
I have never watch and episode of Parks and Recreation (I know... a heathenish confession) nor, until recently, was I familiar with Retta, but the book caught my attention. Comedians can make reality more bearable, and autobiographies can present surprises.
And then it happened...
From within the first five pages I knew. I convinced myself to give the book a chance and labored through it -- becoming more disconnected -- waiting, even hoping, that it would morph into something that I could discuss with my writer friends, recommend to my reader friends, or simply pique my interest to the point of becoming an instant and semi-obsessed fan. I was hoping for revelations beyond comedic banter and lukewarm stories about purses, and social media worthy successes (like IG or FB posts giving the impression that the poster has spent 6 carefree and catered months on a pink sand beach in some undisclosed tropical location). Unfortunately, that didn't happen, at least not consistently.
But, in all fairness, there were moments. Retta's rise from possible med student to television personality is worthy of accolades, despite the fact that there seemed to be so little indication from her early years and Duke days to warrant a decision to pursue entertainment. Perhaps watching television shows, movies, and stage plays was enough of a spark needed to awaken the desire to jump into the deep end of the unknown. If nothing else she gets kudos for taking a chance.
Perhaps if I knew her prior to reading this book, I would have a greater appreciation for her literary approach. Maybe a few episodes of Parks and Recreation or Good Girls would have encouraged me to laugh contagiously at her stories and jokes. Undoubtedly, Retta, who is twenty-one years in the business, is a gifted mind, a commanding presence, and a comforting figure. The book was able to project that much. But what it lacked, from my perspective, seemed to overshadow much of those magnificent characteristics, instead presenting a character who was unable to step out of character.
If you love her work (and many do), this book will prove a wonderful and thrilling accomplishment; drawing you further into her world. If you, like I was, unaware of this gifted talent, view her body of work (first) before you jump into "So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know." If you don't -- relying solely on the content of this book -- you may never know how close to being the sh*t she really is.
And then it happened...
From within the first five pages I knew. I convinced myself to give the book a chance and labored through it -- becoming more disconnected -- waiting, even hoping, that it would morph into something that I could discuss with my writer friends, recommend to my reader friends, or simply pique my interest to the point of becoming an instant and semi-obsessed fan. I was hoping for revelations beyond comedic banter and lukewarm stories about purses, and social media worthy successes (like IG or FB posts giving the impression that the poster has spent 6 carefree and catered months on a pink sand beach in some undisclosed tropical location). Unfortunately, that didn't happen, at least not consistently.
But, in all fairness, there were moments. Retta's rise from possible med student to television personality is worthy of accolades, despite the fact that there seemed to be so little indication from her early years and Duke days to warrant a decision to pursue entertainment. Perhaps watching television shows, movies, and stage plays was enough of a spark needed to awaken the desire to jump into the deep end of the unknown. If nothing else she gets kudos for taking a chance.
Perhaps if I knew her prior to reading this book, I would have a greater appreciation for her literary approach. Maybe a few episodes of Parks and Recreation or Good Girls would have encouraged me to laugh contagiously at her stories and jokes. Undoubtedly, Retta, who is twenty-one years in the business, is a gifted mind, a commanding presence, and a comforting figure. The book was able to project that much. But what it lacked, from my perspective, seemed to overshadow much of those magnificent characteristics, instead presenting a character who was unable to step out of character.
If you love her work (and many do), this book will prove a wonderful and thrilling accomplishment; drawing you further into her world. If you, like I was, unaware of this gifted talent, view her body of work (first) before you jump into "So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know." If you don't -- relying solely on the content of this book -- you may never know how close to being the sh*t she really is.
May 9, 2018
This book was a damn treat! I feel like I'm in the Parks and Rec Book Club because I HAVE TO read all the books they write. I'm so glad Retta joined their ranks because this book is a roller coaster of amazing. There is some real heartfelt shit in there, but it's also so down to earth and funny. I straight up felt like she was my best friend after this. Each chapter is an essay about some aspect of her life; from her addiction to designer bags, her newfound love of Hockey, making it as a black female comedian, growing up poor, cutting loose in college, the joys of being lazy, her love of television, to her struggle of finding amazon sized footwear (girl we wear the same size, the struggle is real!), this entire book is funny and relatable. After reading this book I instantly had to follow her on all social media (what have I been doing with my damn life?) and I coaxed my boyfriend into getting me tickets to see Hamilton (well... he's gonna try to anyways). Retta waxes poetic about the Broadway play, Hamilton, and it was better than any theater review I've ever read. I love, love, love this book!! I'm including a picture from my book club when we discussed Aziz's book and I had Parks and Rec cookies made; I wish I still had that Donna Meagle cookie!
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May 11, 2021
On paper, So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know had all of the criteria that I usually look for in a book. Written by stand up comedian and actress Marietta Sangai Sirleaf, the book uses humour to recount the author's rise to fame.
Unfortunately, I ended up having a really hard time with this read. For one, Retta's comedy works really well on screen but I don't think it translated well to text. Whether it was about the LGTBQI+ community or the disabled community, I found that many of the little references she made in an attempt to be funny fell flat and just ended up revealing glaring biases held by the author. Further, I found this book to be pretty unrelatable. Don't get me wrong, I love a confident Black woman who knows her worth and is living her best life, but reading an itemized list of all of the expensive things that she has bought (e.g a $15,000 bag) and all of the fabulous celebrities she has met just isn't my cup of tea.
Before reading this book, I knew nothing about Retta beyond her performance as an actress on the TV Show Good Girls . After reading this book, I can't help but think that Retta is quite superficial and a bit of a bully who doesn't realize she's a bully and my time would've been better spent reading something else.
Unfortunately, I ended up having a really hard time with this read. For one, Retta's comedy works really well on screen but I don't think it translated well to text. Whether it was about the LGTBQI+ community or the disabled community, I found that many of the little references she made in an attempt to be funny fell flat and just ended up revealing glaring biases held by the author. Further, I found this book to be pretty unrelatable. Don't get me wrong, I love a confident Black woman who knows her worth and is living her best life, but reading an itemized list of all of the expensive things that she has bought (e.g a $15,000 bag) and all of the fabulous celebrities she has met just isn't my cup of tea.
Before reading this book, I knew nothing about Retta beyond her performance as an actress on the TV Show Good Girls . After reading this book, I can't help but think that Retta is quite superficial and a bit of a bully who doesn't realize she's a bully and my time would've been better spent reading something else.
August 16, 2018
A few years ago I thought celebrity books were silly. I have changed my mind. I am officially a fan. And my very favorite is the audiobook read by the celebrity, especially if they're as funny and charming as Retta.
This is not a big important book, this is your cotton candy. Retta is one of those celebs who came from practically nothing (she's the daughter of African immigrants and spent her childhood in the projects) and who will now tell you without shame how much she spent on a handbag. She gets giddy over meeting other celebrities and getting invited to events. She devotes an entire chapter to her Hamilton obsession. This is the kind of book I love to listen to when I'm traveling and busy, it's always a delightful distraction from the world around me and it delivered in spades.
This is not a big important book, this is your cotton candy. Retta is one of those celebs who came from practically nothing (she's the daughter of African immigrants and spent her childhood in the projects) and who will now tell you without shame how much she spent on a handbag. She gets giddy over meeting other celebrities and getting invited to events. She devotes an entire chapter to her Hamilton obsession. This is the kind of book I love to listen to when I'm traveling and busy, it's always a delightful distraction from the world around me and it delivered in spades.
July 11, 2018
I'm on the fence with this one because the title drew me in and had me thinking I'd be cracking up on every page, but I just lightly chuckled every now and then.
Retta's life is interesting, but interesting enough for a book? Not quite sure about that. A blog or even a few lengthy instagram posts 3x a week would have been just as fulfilling and quicker to digest.
The positives: I now want to binge watch Parks & Rec, she made me reconsider deleting my Snapchat, and I'm happy she has a role on Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce (and I hope she continues to get TV work after this current final season).
Retta's life is interesting, but interesting enough for a book? Not quite sure about that. A blog or even a few lengthy instagram posts 3x a week would have been just as fulfilling and quicker to digest.
The positives: I now want to binge watch Parks & Rec, she made me reconsider deleting my Snapchat, and I'm happy she has a role on Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce (and I hope she continues to get TV work after this current final season).
Read
July 22, 2018So, let's be clear: I love Retta because, right or wrong, I'm convinced she IS Donna from Parks and Rec. As blasphemous as it is to admit, near the end of that show I was getting tired of almost every character, including Leslie. But Donna was best life-ing like a BAWSE till the end. I just want to grow up to be her. Except for the cigars.
And what little I've seen of Retta outside the show, she's awesome. I just couldn't get into this memoir. I didn't enjoy this the way I enjoyed Mindy Kaling's earlier this year. While I respect fangirl-ing (because, hello, did you see my first paragraph?), k-cups and hockey are not things I'm into. Maybe two celebrity memoirs in one year is pushing it for me; it's certainly way above quota. Or maybe I'm just reading this at the wrong time; I am still on the tender boundary of a humongous reading slump.
So I'll DNF it but I won't rate it because:
And if anyone has a problem with that:
And what little I've seen of Retta outside the show, she's awesome. I just couldn't get into this memoir. I didn't enjoy this the way I enjoyed Mindy Kaling's earlier this year. While I respect fangirl-ing (because, hello, did you see my first paragraph?), k-cups and hockey are not things I'm into. Maybe two celebrity memoirs in one year is pushing it for me; it's certainly way above quota. Or maybe I'm just reading this at the wrong time; I am still on the tender boundary of a humongous reading slump.
So I'll DNF it but I won't rate it because:
And if anyone has a problem with that:
December 23, 2018
Disclaimer: Stopped listening on second disc of 6.
20-plus minutes of someone gushing about handbags is about 19 minutes and 30 seconds too long for me. After the $15,000 handbag story, I ejected the book. I couldn’t relate and didn’t want to.
I was hoping listening to this would be like when I read Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me, and Other Concerns. I had never watched The Office but all her talk about the show and the other actors got me interested, and it turned out to be one of my favorites. I thought a similar kind of magic might happen with Retta’s book.
Well, I’m sure I’ll get back to the show sometime, but this book just wasn’t doing it for me. I bet I’m missing out on some good stuff by quitting now, but handbags did me in.
20-plus minutes of someone gushing about handbags is about 19 minutes and 30 seconds too long for me. After the $15,000 handbag story, I ejected the book. I couldn’t relate and didn’t want to.
I was hoping listening to this would be like when I read Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me, and Other Concerns. I had never watched The Office but all her talk about the show and the other actors got me interested, and it turned out to be one of my favorites. I thought a similar kind of magic might happen with Retta’s book.
Well, I’m sure I’ll get back to the show sometime, but this book just wasn’t doing it for me. I bet I’m missing out on some good stuff by quitting now, but handbags did me in.
June 18, 2018
TREAT YO S(H)ELF and read this book! I legit laughed out loud at her stories, several of which are super relatable. Even though I watched her on Parks & Rec, it's her social media that makes me a big fan of hers. She is hysterical AF and I knew her book had to be just as funny. Get. The. Audio. and listen to her tell it! Also, if you follow her you know she's a Hamil-maniac. She has a whole chapter on her obsession that if she wasn't so awesome you would hate her just a little bit...but not really (only after you got done being jealous. 😆) Definitely a fun read!
September 5, 2018
OMG this book, frands. It is SO HILARIOUS. I laughed. I screamed. I even cried a little (I was chopping onions too, but it was emotional so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯).
I cannot say this with enough emphasis: LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK. This book was MEANT to be performed by Retta. It feels like you’re hanging out with your bestie over drinks and she is regaling you with wild tales - it’s life-giving in exactly that way.
I AM SO SAD IT’S OVER. Boy oh boy do I hope we get another someday!
I cannot say this with enough emphasis: LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK. This book was MEANT to be performed by Retta. It feels like you’re hanging out with your bestie over drinks and she is regaling you with wild tales - it’s life-giving in exactly that way.
I AM SO SAD IT’S OVER. Boy oh boy do I hope we get another someday!
Read
August 26, 2018Never felt more seen by a celebrity than in the essay on being lazy where Retta devotes half a page to her obsession and thoughts about MY SUPER SWEET 16 which is also my not-guilty-at-all jam, wherein I am both shocked, awed, and disgusted and cannot get enough.
Fun, light, and funny. I love how much she just loves things and people and experiences.
Fun, light, and funny. I love how much she just loves things and people and experiences.
March 31, 2020
Retta is so cool. I really needed an audio book that felt like a podcast or a cool person telling me stuff. This hit the spot. 😎
November 4, 2018
Meh. I keep reading celebrity memoirs and then find myself disappointed that they are so self-involved. I don't care what you tweeted, or who tweeted at you; nor do I care which celebrities you saw at all the various shows you went to. This wasn't my jam.
May 6, 2019
3.75 stars
Retta is funny, entertaining, and when listening to her you basically want her to be your friend. If you like celebrity memoirs, I recommend this one, especially on audio. Retta is a comedian and it shows - she does a great job narrating the book.
Retta is funny, entertaining, and when listening to her you basically want her to be your friend. If you like celebrity memoirs, I recommend this one, especially on audio. Retta is a comedian and it shows - she does a great job narrating the book.
February 23, 2022
“I learned a valuable lesson that stays with me to this day and plays on a loop in my head any time I have a big audition. It goes a little something like this: “Bitch, stop wasting time fearing the worst! Living through the worst is never as hard as fearing it. Fight the fear and go do what you gotta do. That’s what you came here for.”
RETTA
So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know by Retta is the book I needed. It is narrated by the author. Before she graced us with her presence with Parks and Rec, Retta was Marietta from New Jersey. She grew up in a crowded home, but a loving home with supportive parents. She was on the road to being a neurosurgeon and attending Duke University when she decided she wanted to be a sitcom star. While I am sure she would have been an amazing neurosurgeon (or still might be!) I am glad that she chose sitcoms because Donna from Parks and Rec is probably one of my favorite characters of all time.
If you don’t know Retta or know her shows then this book is not for you. Especially if you are a Swiftie. When I was looking at reviews, I saw many referring to name-dropping and it is obvious they were not a fan of what Retta had to say. For me, Retta is the Queen so when she speaks, I listen.
One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book is its honesty. She talks about her anxieties about fitting in and being successful. She also discusses her issues with body image and how she learned to love herself. These are something that everyone can relate to.
But, I am not gonna lie, I was in it for all the stories. She is a comedian which means her delivery is everything. I loved the Parks and Rec stories! I loved her devotion and love for the cast and crew. When Amy Poehler stood up for her multiple times, it warmed my heart. And then there is an entire chapter devoted to her love for Hamilton. I thought, why can’t she be my best friend? Overall, I loved this book and I can’t wait to see what she does next! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
RETTA
So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know by Retta is the book I needed. It is narrated by the author. Before she graced us with her presence with Parks and Rec, Retta was Marietta from New Jersey. She grew up in a crowded home, but a loving home with supportive parents. She was on the road to being a neurosurgeon and attending Duke University when she decided she wanted to be a sitcom star. While I am sure she would have been an amazing neurosurgeon (or still might be!) I am glad that she chose sitcoms because Donna from Parks and Rec is probably one of my favorite characters of all time.
If you don’t know Retta or know her shows then this book is not for you. Especially if you are a Swiftie. When I was looking at reviews, I saw many referring to name-dropping and it is obvious they were not a fan of what Retta had to say. For me, Retta is the Queen so when she speaks, I listen.
One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book is its honesty. She talks about her anxieties about fitting in and being successful. She also discusses her issues with body image and how she learned to love herself. These are something that everyone can relate to.
But, I am not gonna lie, I was in it for all the stories. She is a comedian which means her delivery is everything. I loved the Parks and Rec stories! I loved her devotion and love for the cast and crew. When Amy Poehler stood up for her multiple times, it warmed my heart. And then there is an entire chapter devoted to her love for Hamilton. I thought, why can’t she be my best friend? Overall, I loved this book and I can’t wait to see what she does next! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
July 9, 2018
Huh. Go figure.
Although I don’t watch Parks and Recreation, the television show for which this comedic actor has become famous, I thought I would enjoy her memoir. For one thing, she’s a big woman, and I love it when well-padded women have the courage to go on stage for a purpose other than disparaging themselves. At least one reviewer on Goodreads hadn’t watched her program, yet loved this book. Thanks go to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the DRC; I want to like this book too, but I don’t.
Retta is the child of Liberian immigrants who sacrificed a great deal so that she could receive a stellar education. They had no clue that life would lead her to show business instead of medical school. She began her career by doing stand-up routines, and so I went to YouTube and watched a clip from Comedy Central, and I thought it was pretty good. But much of the humor she uses is in the delivery. Without the pauses, without the facial expressions and other body language, things that cannot be conveyed in writing, that routine comes out flat. I watched her perform her signature line, and whereas I didn’t feel the magic, I suspect context would improve it.
If the memoir were simply a little dull, I could likely go with a third star here, but there are aspects that I found abrasive. I don’t need to know all about the many thousands of dollars apiece that go into her handbag collection, and I wonder why anyone would find that kind of self-indulgence amusing. How many good causes could use that money? I don’t need all the details of what she does on the toilet; ew. And why insert a chapter complaining about the gifts she has received from others? Was she raised to be so ungracious? So much of the collection includes her great love for booze that I found myself wanting to hire a skywriter to fly over Southern California to say, GET HELP.
On the other hand, I’m a member of the Boomer generation. I suspect that a lot of Retta’s fan base is younger than I am. So if you already a big fan, you may like this book, but unless your pockets are deep—not deep enough for fifteen thousand dollar purses, but deep—I suggest waiting until you can get It free or cheap. Others may want to read something else.
Although I don’t watch Parks and Recreation, the television show for which this comedic actor has become famous, I thought I would enjoy her memoir. For one thing, she’s a big woman, and I love it when well-padded women have the courage to go on stage for a purpose other than disparaging themselves. At least one reviewer on Goodreads hadn’t watched her program, yet loved this book. Thanks go to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the DRC; I want to like this book too, but I don’t.
Retta is the child of Liberian immigrants who sacrificed a great deal so that she could receive a stellar education. They had no clue that life would lead her to show business instead of medical school. She began her career by doing stand-up routines, and so I went to YouTube and watched a clip from Comedy Central, and I thought it was pretty good. But much of the humor she uses is in the delivery. Without the pauses, without the facial expressions and other body language, things that cannot be conveyed in writing, that routine comes out flat. I watched her perform her signature line, and whereas I didn’t feel the magic, I suspect context would improve it.
If the memoir were simply a little dull, I could likely go with a third star here, but there are aspects that I found abrasive. I don’t need to know all about the many thousands of dollars apiece that go into her handbag collection, and I wonder why anyone would find that kind of self-indulgence amusing. How many good causes could use that money? I don’t need all the details of what she does on the toilet; ew. And why insert a chapter complaining about the gifts she has received from others? Was she raised to be so ungracious? So much of the collection includes her great love for booze that I found myself wanting to hire a skywriter to fly over Southern California to say, GET HELP.
On the other hand, I’m a member of the Boomer generation. I suspect that a lot of Retta’s fan base is younger than I am. So if you already a big fan, you may like this book, but unless your pockets are deep—not deep enough for fifteen thousand dollar purses, but deep—I suggest waiting until you can get It free or cheap. Others may want to read something else.
June 11, 2018
This book was really entertaining and made me laugh a lot. But there was also an undercurrent of meanness running through it that I didn’t like. I love Retta and thought she was amazing as Donna on Parks & Rec. My favorite essay was the one about Hamilton. I am not a raving Hamilton fan but found that to be moving. I do dislike this new format of celebrity books that are just essays instead of chronological memoirs.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley.
March 18, 2019
Reading this is like going to happy hour with your friend. Laugh out loud funny!!
Retta is my spirit animal. I laughed so much that I spat out the beverage I was drinking while reading and almost choked. Life is too short to not laugh every day! Do yourself the favor and buy this book. I promise you that it will be good for your health.
Retta is my spirit animal. I laughed so much that I spat out the beverage I was drinking while reading and almost choked. Life is too short to not laugh every day! Do yourself the favor and buy this book. I promise you that it will be good for your health.
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