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Go Ask Ali: Half-Baked Advice
New York Times best-selling author Ali Wentworth offers her hilarious and unique advice on surviving the absurdity of modern life in her third collection of laugh-out-loud comic vignettes.
Ali Wentworth's first two books, Ali in Wonderland and Happily Ali After, were lauded by listeners, critics, and fellow comedians alike. Entertainment Weekly included Happily Ali After on its "Must List" and hailed it as "hilarious.... Her glass isn't half full - it's empty and cracked", while Cosmopolitan praised it as "razor-sharp." Chelsea Handler called Ali in Wonderland "truly hilarious", and Kathy Griffin christened it "Chicken Soup for the Vagina." Alec Baldwin has described Ali as "funny and warm and crazy all at once. Like Barbara Eden. But on something. Like crystal meth", and Jerry Seinfeld has raved, "Everything that comes out of Ali Wentworth's mouth is funny!"
At once endearing and hilarious, thoughtful and far-fetched, this third collection offers Ali at her wisest and wittiest as she delivers tips, pointers, and quips on a host of life's conundrums and sticky situations, including the funny, sometimes embarrassing yet unforgettable situations that have shaped her inimitable world view as a wife, mother, actress, comedian, and all around bon vivant. Thoroughly entertaining, Go Ask Ali is packed with thoughts and musings from "the girlfriend you want to have a glass of wine with, the one who makes you laugh because she sees the funny and the absurd in everything" (Huffington Post).
Ali Wentworth's first two books, Ali in Wonderland and Happily Ali After, were lauded by listeners, critics, and fellow comedians alike. Entertainment Weekly included Happily Ali After on its "Must List" and hailed it as "hilarious.... Her glass isn't half full - it's empty and cracked", while Cosmopolitan praised it as "razor-sharp." Chelsea Handler called Ali in Wonderland "truly hilarious", and Kathy Griffin christened it "Chicken Soup for the Vagina." Alec Baldwin has described Ali as "funny and warm and crazy all at once. Like Barbara Eden. But on something. Like crystal meth", and Jerry Seinfeld has raved, "Everything that comes out of Ali Wentworth's mouth is funny!"
At once endearing and hilarious, thoughtful and far-fetched, this third collection offers Ali at her wisest and wittiest as she delivers tips, pointers, and quips on a host of life's conundrums and sticky situations, including the funny, sometimes embarrassing yet unforgettable situations that have shaped her inimitable world view as a wife, mother, actress, comedian, and all around bon vivant. Thoroughly entertaining, Go Ask Ali is packed with thoughts and musings from "the girlfriend you want to have a glass of wine with, the one who makes you laugh because she sees the funny and the absurd in everything" (Huffington Post).
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2018
267 people are currently reading
1529 people want to read
About the author
Ali Wentworth
9 books205 followersAli Wentworth is the author of the New York Times bestseller Ali in Wonderland. She made a name for herself on the comedy show In Living Color and has appeared on such television shows as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Seinfeld, Head Case, and The Oprah Winfrey Show, for which she was a correspondent. Her film credits include Jerry Maguire, The Real Blonde, Office Space, and It’s Complicated. A native of Washington, D.C., she lives in New York City with her husband, George Stephanopoulos, and their two girls.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
March 17, 2025
Catching Up...
I wrote this awhile ago - I am now bringing this review to Goodreads.
After reading a series of serious political exposes and not-so-serious magical realism books, it was refreshing to read this smart, funny book.
Ali Wentworth is the best friend you always wished that you had.
She's witty, she's smart, she bakes, and she's married to George Stephanopoulos.
In a series of short, funny stories, Ali Wentworth lets us know what she thinks of...
Well...Pretty much everything.
Several of her short stories made me laugh out loud--not in the laugh out loud sort of way...
But...I'm mildly amused kind of way.
And...I'm actually laughing so hard that my husband had to come in the room and check-in on me to make sure I was able to breathe!
It's also heartening to hear from a woman who's happily married and adores her husband. There are a few of us who would agree with that conclusion. This was such a fun read!
I wrote this awhile ago - I am now bringing this review to Goodreads.
After reading a series of serious political exposes and not-so-serious magical realism books, it was refreshing to read this smart, funny book.
Ali Wentworth is the best friend you always wished that you had.
She's witty, she's smart, she bakes, and she's married to George Stephanopoulos.
In a series of short, funny stories, Ali Wentworth lets us know what she thinks of...
Well...Pretty much everything.
Several of her short stories made me laugh out loud--not in the laugh out loud sort of way...
But...I'm mildly amused kind of way.
And...I'm actually laughing so hard that my husband had to come in the room and check-in on me to make sure I was able to breathe!
It's also heartening to hear from a woman who's happily married and adores her husband. There are a few of us who would agree with that conclusion. This was such a fun read!
May 17, 2018
Laugh out loud funny!!! I love Ali Wentworth and I can just imagine her giving George shit all day long! 😂😂. GO ASK ALI is just hysterical! There are so many laugh out loud moments and I truly want Ali to be my best friend! At times, I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe! My only complaint is that I was finished way too soon! I wanted to keep reading and giggling away. This book is full of funny stories in the world of Ali all told with great humor. There is no moral enlightenment from reading this book. In the end, I just feel happy and my soul is lighter from the few hours of laughter.
Ali Wentworth is a woman who knows how to laugh at herself, and if you aren't the type of person who can do that as well, it may be hard to hear her hilarious voice come through in GO ASK ALI. I don't read many non fiction books but this kept me amused. I always enjoy seeing her on talk shows and find her to be very funny.
Ali Wentworth is a woman who knows how to laugh at herself, and if you aren't the type of person who can do that as well, it may be hard to hear her hilarious voice come through in GO ASK ALI. I don't read many non fiction books but this kept me amused. I always enjoy seeing her on talk shows and find her to be very funny.
June 12, 2018
Ali’s hilarious and smart as a whip!!! You can’t NOT smile or laugh while reading this, she’s the real deal and so full of heart. She even laughs at herself and has no trouble finding the fun in everyday life. A feel good funny memoir - had a great time with it!!
4.5 ☆ 🍋🙂
4.5 ☆ 🍋🙂
April 22, 2018
Do you have a friend that always makes you laugh, no matter what? Whether you go to her/him for advice and wind up going from miserable to laughing so hard you’re crying after a single conversation with them or maybe they’re just the type of person who is on the spot funny and always has the best quips and one liners. My point is, I think we all have at least one of those types of friends and reading Go Ask Ali was like one long, hilarious conversation with said friend.
This book is a mix of advice from Ali and tidbits from her life, little stories about her family, marriage and childhood delivered in a self deprecating and laugh out loud funny manner, seriously I really did laugh. (Multiple times) As funny as Wentworth is, she really does give solid advice, her delivery is just blunt and straightforward with a little snark thrown in on the side. It’s written in a really laid back and conversational tone that makes it seem like a pretty effortless read, I read it in a couple of hours and barely even noticed the time, it was just fun.
This would be perfect to read on a road trip or a plane ride, except fellow travelers may think you’re a little crazy when you snort with laughter, but whatever. A really perfect summer read, I mean just look at that cover!
Go Ask Ali in three words: Sarcastic, Feisty and Witty.
This book is a mix of advice from Ali and tidbits from her life, little stories about her family, marriage and childhood delivered in a self deprecating and laugh out loud funny manner, seriously I really did laugh. (Multiple times) As funny as Wentworth is, she really does give solid advice, her delivery is just blunt and straightforward with a little snark thrown in on the side. It’s written in a really laid back and conversational tone that makes it seem like a pretty effortless read, I read it in a couple of hours and barely even noticed the time, it was just fun.
This would be perfect to read on a road trip or a plane ride, except fellow travelers may think you’re a little crazy when you snort with laughter, but whatever. A really perfect summer read, I mean just look at that cover!
Go Ask Ali in three words: Sarcastic, Feisty and Witty.
June 24, 2018
This small book is based on the thin premise that Ali Wentworth is someone we should take advice from. She's not. She is a D-list actress and comedian who hasn't had much success other than marrying a famous political operative turned news anchor. She writes a lot about sex, children, looks, and her husband's supposed morality. Most of it is very negative and forgettable. It's also very repetitive of the other books she has written--I feel like I've heard most of these stories or details before.
The problem starts on the first page--she writes: "Some of these stories are fact and some peppered with fiction." But she isn't going to tell us which is which. So you know in reading the book that virtually anything she says could be made up. That basis alone makes the book worthless. If she is going to write comedy using fictional situations, then tell us. If she is writing a humorous real-life memoir then tell us. But to say there is fiction throughout and she's not going to tell us what is factual and what isn't? I lost respect for her on the first page.
Most of the chapters are silly nothings. It gets nauseating to hear her write about her unique "functional" marriage, where the two love each other deeply and would never cheat on each other. Ali, you have no idea what your man is doing--and the fact that you have so many friends that have discovered their men cheat on them should be a red flag for you. After all, your guy did work for and defend the most famous adulterer/liar in the history of the White House. Ali probably thinks the Clintons have a good "functional" marriage as well! She even in the book brags about her Democratic operative husband's morality, yet she slams Republicans and conservatives despite her lover having a horrible government track record.
There are only two good chapters in the book--one where she gets advice from an unnamed major Hollywood stars that she mistakenly falls for on a movie set (fantasy isn't reality--don't leave your real family for a fantasy affair); and the other about her producing a sitcom where she hires an old friend to be a director, then accidentally sends him an email saying that he sucks and should be fired, lying to the friend that she meant to write it about someone else. Her lesson that lying is wrong seems a bit obvious to an elementary kid and shouldn't need to come as something new to a middle-age rich woman.
Most disturbing is how she talks about her two children in the book, slamming their use of social media and calling them names while seemingly allowing them to get away with everything. So she makes claims to be a tough moral parent but in truth she is causing the very problems she gives advice to others in order to avoid. Ali Wentworth, like her husband, appears to have a fake morality.
I could just be taking this all way too seriously but Wentworth isn't funny on paper and she has run out of fresh material. Publishers need to stop giving her a contract and let her go experience more of real life so should can listen to some of her own advice.
The problem starts on the first page--she writes: "Some of these stories are fact and some peppered with fiction." But she isn't going to tell us which is which. So you know in reading the book that virtually anything she says could be made up. That basis alone makes the book worthless. If she is going to write comedy using fictional situations, then tell us. If she is writing a humorous real-life memoir then tell us. But to say there is fiction throughout and she's not going to tell us what is factual and what isn't? I lost respect for her on the first page.
Most of the chapters are silly nothings. It gets nauseating to hear her write about her unique "functional" marriage, where the two love each other deeply and would never cheat on each other. Ali, you have no idea what your man is doing--and the fact that you have so many friends that have discovered their men cheat on them should be a red flag for you. After all, your guy did work for and defend the most famous adulterer/liar in the history of the White House. Ali probably thinks the Clintons have a good "functional" marriage as well! She even in the book brags about her Democratic operative husband's morality, yet she slams Republicans and conservatives despite her lover having a horrible government track record.
There are only two good chapters in the book--one where she gets advice from an unnamed major Hollywood stars that she mistakenly falls for on a movie set (fantasy isn't reality--don't leave your real family for a fantasy affair); and the other about her producing a sitcom where she hires an old friend to be a director, then accidentally sends him an email saying that he sucks and should be fired, lying to the friend that she meant to write it about someone else. Her lesson that lying is wrong seems a bit obvious to an elementary kid and shouldn't need to come as something new to a middle-age rich woman.
Most disturbing is how she talks about her two children in the book, slamming their use of social media and calling them names while seemingly allowing them to get away with everything. So she makes claims to be a tough moral parent but in truth she is causing the very problems she gives advice to others in order to avoid. Ali Wentworth, like her husband, appears to have a fake morality.
I could just be taking this all way too seriously but Wentworth isn't funny on paper and she has run out of fresh material. Publishers need to stop giving her a contract and let her go experience more of real life so should can listen to some of her own advice.
May 29, 2018
I was avoiding reading this book because I knew it would make me never want to write again. Ali Wentworth can make anything funny. The way she views the world is fresh and honest and hilarious. And she doesn't hold back. Plus, her observations are so relatable. She makes it look easy. You walk away thinking you could make your own life sound that funny. But you can't!
June 26, 2018
Outrageously laugh-out-loud funny! I finished this book while spending 2 hours at our local FOrd dealer while waiting for them to perform a car repair. I can't tell you how many times I started to LOL and just barely managed to contain it to a crazy grin! I sure everyone else was wondering what the heck was I reading ;) Do yourself a favor and pick up this gem of a read rel soon. I love Ali Wentworth's books!
October 10, 2018
Mostly knew Ali Wentworth as the wife of George Stephanopoulos. Seen her in TV shows and movies, too. Listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author. It's funny and full of practical advice. Things like don't hire a pretty nanny. Or, if you're not having sex with your partner, something's probably wrong with the relationship. She's like the honest, older sister who tells it like it is.
May 13, 2018
Love her, so many lol moments, funny, smart, witty, bright, put a smile on my face, she is my kind of humor!
June 18, 2018
Ali has been one of my favorite road trip companions (along with Mindy, Tina, Shonda & Amy). Her latest does not disappoint!
September 14, 2020
This is a fun book to read! The author, who I've never seen on TV, writes about how to keep relationships strong, with your spouse and your friends.
July 5, 2024
Funny and quick read
May 17, 2018
Ali Wentworth is the best friend you always wished that you had. She's witty, she's smart, she bakes, and she's married to George Stephanopoulos. In her newest book, Go Ask Ali, she offers advice for living a smarter life based on her experiences as well as the experiences of her closest friends. From relationships to parenting to how to make a sex tape, Wentworth shares her wisdom on a wide range of topics, with a liberal sprinkling of personality, warmth, and humor.
Ali Wentworth is down-to-earth, even if her friends are in the top echelon of entertainment, No matter what, she keeps her feet on the ground and her hand in the cookie jar as she tells us stories of her early days as an actress in Los Angeles, her dating life, her relationship with her husband, and parenting teenagers.
I signed up for the humor and the tales from inside the entertainment industry and politics. But what made me really fall in love with this book is the stories of summer. From the weekends she spent with her mother in Maine as a kid to the time she spent in East Hampton with her kids as they grew up, those summer days sounded magical. No devices, just sunshine and family and laughter, light salty breezes and fireflies and bonfires. She painted such a lovely picture that I want to be a kid again, letting my feet dig into sand and get kissed by the ocean waves, or even just reading a book in a shady spot.
Go Ask Ali is filled with lots of lovely advice, but it's also replete with humanity and heart and humor. It's a short book, but it is a charming read for the beach or the morning commute. Great as a graduation gift or just because you need a book to lighten your day and your spirit. Great fun.
But as far as her assertion that she makes the best chocolate chip cookie dough in the western hemisphere? I'm not so sure. I think I'm going to need solid proof of that one before I can agree.
Galleys for Go Ask Ali provided by Harper through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
Ali Wentworth is down-to-earth, even if her friends are in the top echelon of entertainment, No matter what, she keeps her feet on the ground and her hand in the cookie jar as she tells us stories of her early days as an actress in Los Angeles, her dating life, her relationship with her husband, and parenting teenagers.
I signed up for the humor and the tales from inside the entertainment industry and politics. But what made me really fall in love with this book is the stories of summer. From the weekends she spent with her mother in Maine as a kid to the time she spent in East Hampton with her kids as they grew up, those summer days sounded magical. No devices, just sunshine and family and laughter, light salty breezes and fireflies and bonfires. She painted such a lovely picture that I want to be a kid again, letting my feet dig into sand and get kissed by the ocean waves, or even just reading a book in a shady spot.
Go Ask Ali is filled with lots of lovely advice, but it's also replete with humanity and heart and humor. It's a short book, but it is a charming read for the beach or the morning commute. Great as a graduation gift or just because you need a book to lighten your day and your spirit. Great fun.
But as far as her assertion that she makes the best chocolate chip cookie dough in the western hemisphere? I'm not so sure. I think I'm going to need solid proof of that one before I can agree.
Galleys for Go Ask Ali provided by Harper through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
September 14, 2018
I mostly read this one until the audio came in at the library and finished up listening to it. I wonder if I would have liked it better overall if I had listened to the whole book. Ali was funny and cute and I like listening to the last 45 minutes of the book in her own voice.
There were lots of funny moments but in the end, I feel like the title of the book that includes, "Half-Baked" is perfect. I wish she would have finished the baking. It had this underlining feel to me the whole time where the author was saying, hey, I'm a mom just like you, I'm down to earth and love my husband and have to deal with daughters getting their first period just like you common people out there. I wanted to love her and be friends in so many chapters but then she did or said something that really made me scratch my head. She takes a whole chapter to tell us how much she loves her nanny, that she became part of their family. They co-parent their girls together for years and she moves with them from the Hamptons to Manhattan. The nanny gets in a scuffle with someone in their building and it comes down to them staying in the apartment or firing the nanny. They end up firing the nanny and helping her find a new spot. I'm sure there was more to the story but it left me feeling like it was a little cold and abrupt. There were a few more moments when the author seems unaware of her privileged upbring and current lifestyle. I guess when you are married to George Stephanopoulos it's hard to stay humble.
There were lots of funny moments but in the end, I feel like the title of the book that includes, "Half-Baked" is perfect. I wish she would have finished the baking. It had this underlining feel to me the whole time where the author was saying, hey, I'm a mom just like you, I'm down to earth and love my husband and have to deal with daughters getting their first period just like you common people out there. I wanted to love her and be friends in so many chapters but then she did or said something that really made me scratch my head. She takes a whole chapter to tell us how much she loves her nanny, that she became part of their family. They co-parent their girls together for years and she moves with them from the Hamptons to Manhattan. The nanny gets in a scuffle with someone in their building and it comes down to them staying in the apartment or firing the nanny. They end up firing the nanny and helping her find a new spot. I'm sure there was more to the story but it left me feeling like it was a little cold and abrupt. There were a few more moments when the author seems unaware of her privileged upbring and current lifestyle. I guess when you are married to George Stephanopoulos it's hard to stay humble.
September 9, 2019
Sigh, this was an underwhelming read. Also, a little duplicitous too.
Like I have said in my reviews of her previous books, it's very difficult to relate to Ali Wentworth's life. They suffer from Poor Privileged Little Rich Girl Syndrome. However, with Go Ask Ali: Half-Baked Advice, I thought I saw a change of a tide. Turns out, I didn't.
In Go Ask Ali, Wentworth gives advice on situations she's been through to stop other unfortunate souls from going through the same thing. This worked for awhile. Some of her stories were in the neighborhood of relatability. I believe she reached her zenith with her anecdote, So Long Joe.
The chuck of wisdom in that story was never lie to a friend. Surprisingly, it made me chuckle and a bit sad. Mostly, I was shocked at its surprising poignancy. However, after that one, it all went down hill from there.
I'm not sure if I'm going to read another autobiography from Wentworth. Besides from the relatability issue, I'm not a fan of her humour. Or maybe I'm a fan of it when it's done well. It's as if she's trying too hard to get everyone to like her. When she's subtle, it's more than enough.
Like I have said in my reviews of her previous books, it's very difficult to relate to Ali Wentworth's life. They suffer from Poor Privileged Little Rich Girl Syndrome. However, with Go Ask Ali: Half-Baked Advice, I thought I saw a change of a tide. Turns out, I didn't.
In Go Ask Ali, Wentworth gives advice on situations she's been through to stop other unfortunate souls from going through the same thing. This worked for awhile. Some of her stories were in the neighborhood of relatability. I believe she reached her zenith with her anecdote, So Long Joe.
The chuck of wisdom in that story was never lie to a friend. Surprisingly, it made me chuckle and a bit sad. Mostly, I was shocked at its surprising poignancy. However, after that one, it all went down hill from there.
I'm not sure if I'm going to read another autobiography from Wentworth. Besides from the relatability issue, I'm not a fan of her humour. Or maybe I'm a fan of it when it's done well. It's as if she's trying too hard to get everyone to like her. When she's subtle, it's more than enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2018
I liked this book, it did feel like the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, but written by someone as blunt and open as your best friend. I laughed, I cried, I learned real advice because this author was willing to share her vulnerability in a raw and humorous way. I honor any female who can make that balance come alive in a book, as if you were really speaking to them. I love that her advice stems from her experiences, which she shares in great detail in this book. Ali's messages on life advice are cute, quirky, and relatable.
I did feel I should have read her other two books first, but I know they would be worth it. That being said, I want to thank the author, Ali Wentworth and the Goodreads Giveaway Program for providing me with a free advaced print copy.
I did feel I should have read her other two books first, but I know they would be worth it. That being said, I want to thank the author, Ali Wentworth and the Goodreads Giveaway Program for providing me with a free advaced print copy.
June 3, 2018
Must read
This book is so funny that I had to move to another room as I was laughing so much. Tears ran down frequently from laughing . I chose this book as I heard and read the author was hysterical..She n hubby,George. GMA are best friends w Jerry Seinfeld n wife. The chapter on the family vacation alone worth buying the book n the endorphins released. I pulled an all nighter as the book was a must couldn't put it down.
This book is so funny that I had to move to another room as I was laughing so much. Tears ran down frequently from laughing . I chose this book as I heard and read the author was hysterical..She n hubby,George. GMA are best friends w Jerry Seinfeld n wife. The chapter on the family vacation alone worth buying the book n the endorphins released. I pulled an all nighter as the book was a must couldn't put it down.
January 13, 2020
It will be 3 star for me. I used audiobook version, it is around 4 hrs, listened it all on my commute, I had a couple of giggles but that is about it... I think the best part about audiobook was it was read my author, which makes it more fun since she sounds like a fun person. It is composed of her memories and lessons learned. Although it is new york times best seller it won't make my "recommending" list.
May 31, 2018
Who doesn't love Ali Wentworth? She's just adorable and it doesn't hurt that she's totally in love with her husband of 17 years George Stephanopolis!
I listened to this while cooking a special dinner for friends and I finished it within a couple of hours. Totally entertaining and narrated by Ali herself.
I listened to this while cooking a special dinner for friends and I finished it within a couple of hours. Totally entertaining and narrated by Ali herself.
July 19, 2018
This was cute. I've known about Ali since her days on In Living Color and remember her being funny on there and she's still a hoot. I liked her stories about parenting teenage girls and her life with George Stepansdljfdkjflks who I still can't believe are married because he seems so boring and her so goofy. Opposites attrack.
April 26, 2018
Everyone would like a friend like Ali
Better to be funny than pretty! Pretty wears out and is only the icing. Better to be beautiful and funny, self depreciating like Ali! George is a lucky man!
Better to be funny than pretty! Pretty wears out and is only the icing. Better to be beautiful and funny, self depreciating like Ali! George is a lucky man!
April 28, 2018
Always Hysterical!
Ali is personable, relatable,& hilarious as always! Not being a parent myself, I've not dealt with many of her tribulations. However, most chapters still had me roaring with laughter.
Ali is personable, relatable,& hilarious as always! Not being a parent myself, I've not dealt with many of her tribulations. However, most chapters still had me roaring with laughter.
April 30, 2018
I've read Ali's other books, and just like those, this was laugh out loud funny.Toward the end, I was reading late at night, I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe and I wanted to wake someone up to read to! The fact that she is married to George S. Makes it even funnier. Highly recommend.
June 7, 2018
Really cute / funny / and mostly silly. The author does touch on a few lessons she's learned in her life that were not funny, but I thought those were very well written and thoughtful. Good, quick read.
July 19, 2018
This got me started with Ali Wentworth and then I started working my way backwards through her books. This and the one prior are best -- the "Ali in Wonderland" is a little too scattered. They are entertaining and I recommend trying one of them.
March 19, 2018
I enjoyed this book as it made me laugh, and gives a different perspective on life's little problems--growing up & dealing with children.
April 24, 2018
I love Ali Wentworth! Read the book in one sitting. So enjoyable. So relatable. Highly recommended! Ali please keep writing!
May 2, 2018
It's a quick, light read. She's funnier live than in writing.
May 10, 2018
Ali Wentworth never fails to make me chuckle!
May 13, 2018
The chapter on fleeting summers was spot on. Delightful book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews