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So You're a Little Sad, So What?: Nice Things to Say to Yourself on Bad Days and Other Essays
With her just-right combination of sensitivity, vulnerability, and hilarity, comedian and podcaster Alicia Tobin has won fans among the biggest names in contemporary comedy, from Paul F. Tompkins to Rob Delaney. In her prose debut, the host of Retail Nightmares and Super! Sick! Podcast! takes readers through the funniest parts of sadness and the saddest parts of funniness. While tackling topics ranging from advice on how to talk to city animals to traumatic memories of Velcro shoes, from new crushes to old breakups, from her parents’ Christmas obsessions to the entrenched sexism of the comedy standup world, Tobin softens a barbed wit with a gentle touch in the tradition of the best personal essayists.
This frank, tender, and hilarious collection gives one of the brightest (and darkest) lights of North American live comedy room to flourish on the page, and the results are unforgettable. Grab a tissue—for either tears or allergies—and treat yourself.
This frank, tender, and hilarious collection gives one of the brightest (and darkest) lights of North American live comedy room to flourish on the page, and the results are unforgettable. Grab a tissue—for either tears or allergies—and treat yourself.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2020
9 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 10, 2019
There was a moment, late in the book, when I stopped and thought "this book isn't tailing off. It's getting better." Books of essays save the weaker entries for the end. Not SYALSSW? There's not a bad one in the bunch. They're lovely, sad and funny, and I'll reread them.
Tobin is someone I'd like to sit down with and cry about the sadness of it all. Then laugh at the absurdity of doing such a thing. Then go for tea with and acknowledge how nice things can be and how lucky we are.
She's a gem. I hope she writes more.
Tobin is someone I'd like to sit down with and cry about the sadness of it all. Then laugh at the absurdity of doing such a thing. Then go for tea with and acknowledge how nice things can be and how lucky we are.
She's a gem. I hope she writes more.
November 12, 2019
I first heard of Alicia Tobin way back in 2012 when I was introduced to the weekly comedy podcast, Stop Podcasting Yourself. Since then, I’ve been a loyal listener and Alicia is one of my favorite recurring guests. When I found out that she had written a book of essays, I knew I had to get my hands on it as soon as possible. I was not disappointed!
Alicia writes like she’s been churning out essays for years, which is impressive considering this is her first book. The stories in here are touching, hilarious and at times, pretty raw; it’s like riding a roller coaster of emotions. She touches on all stages of her life from a broke, struggling retail employee in Montreal to her successes (and sometimes failures) as a comedian on Canada’s west coast. There are points where I laughed out loud and others where I felt my eyes welling up (although, there is much more laughing than crying here).
I would put Alicia Tobin’s first book up against the best of David Sedaris – it’s that good. I had a great time reading this one and I hope you do too.
Alicia writes like she’s been churning out essays for years, which is impressive considering this is her first book. The stories in here are touching, hilarious and at times, pretty raw; it’s like riding a roller coaster of emotions. She touches on all stages of her life from a broke, struggling retail employee in Montreal to her successes (and sometimes failures) as a comedian on Canada’s west coast. There are points where I laughed out loud and others where I felt my eyes welling up (although, there is much more laughing than crying here).
I would put Alicia Tobin’s first book up against the best of David Sedaris – it’s that good. I had a great time reading this one and I hope you do too.
February 16, 2020
I kind of can't believe I loved, so much, a book that has an entire essay about a dog (please don't kill me all at once, dog people). I laughed, I cried, I connected with this beyond all reason. A lot of uncomfortable truths here made palatable through levity. If you're in general a little bit sad and/or sensitive and that's just kind of your overall state of being, you need this. I'm so glad she made it.
January 12, 2020
This is an absolutely delightful read. As an avid listener of Alicia's podcast, it was so easy to hear her voice as I read. I feel like a just spent a lovely weekend with Alicia with her beautifully open heart and comedically genius mind.
March 2, 2020
I read this in two sittings, and I'm going to have to buy a lending copy because I made a bunch of notes in my book and also it's signed.
In my opinion, one of her episodes (293) of Stop Podcasting Yourself remains the funniest of the entire show. I love her podcast Retail Nightmares, and last week she mentioned reading some GR reviews (don't!) and said to give it 5 stars (a classic podcast thing to say). I was worried that as much as I love her work, it wouldn't be a 5 star book for me. There are some formats (iTunes reviews) where stars don't really matter, but I feel pretty strongly about books and the reviews I write. That was such a dumb worry. I really loved reading this and there were so many things to which I related so strongly. I laughed a lot and cried a few times and I think Alicia is a wonderful human. Definitely a puppo of my heart!
In my opinion, one of her episodes (293) of Stop Podcasting Yourself remains the funniest of the entire show. I love her podcast Retail Nightmares, and last week she mentioned reading some GR reviews (don't!) and said to give it 5 stars (a classic podcast thing to say). I was worried that as much as I love her work, it wouldn't be a 5 star book for me. There are some formats (iTunes reviews) where stars don't really matter, but I feel pretty strongly about books and the reviews I write. That was such a dumb worry. I really loved reading this and there were so many things to which I related so strongly. I laughed a lot and cried a few times and I think Alicia is a wonderful human. Definitely a puppo of my heart!
March 3, 2020
Loved this. Generous and funny.
November 8, 2021
Alicia Tobin is great! I loved this book so much!
September 5, 2020
This is the book I am buying for all my friends this Christmas. It strikes a delightful/tender/melancholy/funny chord of perfection in its short awesome essays.
July 7, 2022
3.5 finished in one sitting, some laughs
January 15, 2020
I did not expect this book to make me feel as emotional as it did. It's both funny and sad and just very honest in a beautiful, vulnerable way.
It's a great read that arrived at just the right time for me personally and I'm sure I'll re-read certain essays again in the future, because they just stuck with me.
It's a great read that arrived at just the right time for me personally and I'm sure I'll re-read certain essays again in the future, because they just stuck with me.
November 6, 2019
I started with a lot of laughs and then I ended with a good cry. Such a good array of essays that made me feel really good reading them.
October 16, 2019
I laughed. Hard. I cried. A little. My heart was strengthened by this volume of touching and hilarious essays in a way that is difficult to describe.
Alicia perfectly understands and describes loneliness and depression but the end result is uplifting and heartening.
Animal lovers in particular will adore her essays on her relationships with her dogs, the animals in her neighborhood, the wildlife in urban Vancouver and especially an injured pigeon rescued from certain death by the loan of a Barista's tongs.
Comedy fans get to see an unflattering behind the scenes look at what it was like to come up in the Vancouver comedy scene and how she survived it.
Foodies, people in complicated relationships with their parents, anyone who has ever thought if only I had shoes like the cool kids, people who feel sad sometimes and everyone else should read this excellent book. I loved every word (even the dirty ones).
Alicia perfectly understands and describes loneliness and depression but the end result is uplifting and heartening.
Animal lovers in particular will adore her essays on her relationships with her dogs, the animals in her neighborhood, the wildlife in urban Vancouver and especially an injured pigeon rescued from certain death by the loan of a Barista's tongs.
Comedy fans get to see an unflattering behind the scenes look at what it was like to come up in the Vancouver comedy scene and how she survived it.
Foodies, people in complicated relationships with their parents, anyone who has ever thought if only I had shoes like the cool kids, people who feel sad sometimes and everyone else should read this excellent book. I loved every word (even the dirty ones).
July 24, 2020
I've been a long-time listener and fan of Alicia's comedy and podcasts. When I listen to her, it feels like she is my friend. Although if I ever ran into her in public I think I would be too shy and not say anything. So thank-you Alicia, for creating this nice book. I laughed out loud on the bus, I felt so sad, I felt less alone, I felt permission to be kinder to myself, and to see more beauty in the world. She is like a special friend in your pocket. I'm going to read this again when I feel I need it.
February 14, 2020
Funny and good.
March 24, 2023
I was a huge listener of Retail Nightmares w/ Jessica Deslisle and Alicia Tobin, so naturally I absolutely had to give Alicia's book a read...it is a short collection of funny, sweet and oh, so heartbreaking essays that will remain with you for a very long time...I still refer back to it from time to time, if I need to laugh, get pissed at the world or if I need to embrace my melancholy for just bit...It's a great injustice that more people don't know more about Alicia Tobin's comedy, and her collection of worthwhile essay...I highly recommend this book to anyone that feels a bit sad-like we all are right now.
January 5, 2020
I picked up Alicia Tobin’s book because I am a huge fan of her and Jessica Delisle’s hilarious podcast Retail Nightmares. Just like her commentary on the podcast, Alicia’s essays hit home in so many ways that left me feeling less alone in a world where it is easier to than not. I read this book in one sitting! Go buy it! Alicia forever!
February 25, 2020
So funny, so tender and kind without being a ball of mush. I laughed and cried and made a list of many people to whom I needed to urgently recommend this book. Dogs, clothes, food, retail work, childhood, depression, elation, survival, comedy and so much more. Please read this book and share it with everyone.
March 3, 2020
This book of essays was lovely and relatable. It made me laugh! It also made me cry a little — but isn't that the mark of a great book? Being moved by the author's words? Alicia Tobin is an absolute gem, her podcasts are my favourites (there are two of them) and I can't wait to devour whatever she writes next!
April 1, 2020
This book is a fantastic read for anyone that is looking for something optimistic, hilarious, touching or simply just a good read. Alicia Tobin's personality shines through in her wonderful writing, truly allowing the reader to know her by the end of this essay collection. This is one of the best books that I have read in years, and would encourage anyone to read it as well.
January 15, 2020
I loved this book. It has such a variety of essays, but a consistent frankness and kindness. Esp. if you've listened to any of Alicia's podcasts, you can really hear the book in her voice and it's really lovely. I'd love to hear an audiobook of this!
February 25, 2020
Gorgeous book. The perfect mix of humour and heartbreak, sometimes I laughed out loud and sometimes I felt a dozen feelings all at once. I truly felt able to be little kinder to myself and the world when I finished it. Thanks Alicia, the world is a better place for having your book in it.
February 14, 2021
I know every funny book of essays these days is compared to David Sedaris, so I'm definitely not going to say that this book by Vancouver comedian Alicia Tobin is what would happen if David Sedaris lived in Canada's Coastal Rainhole.
December 31, 2019
I loved this book and found myself wanting more. It does have some sad stories but it's not depressing. It's hopeful, funny, and overall well written.
March 2, 2020
So nice!
March 6, 2020
I loved Alicia’s writing so much that I savoured this book, taking my time with it and not wanting it to end.
March 9, 2020
Genuine, funny, and intelligently written- a must read!
August 7, 2020
I wouldn’t say this made me feel better, but it did make me feel less alone. It’s also funny and real and maybe inspiring.
August 31, 2020
I listen to Alicia's podcast Retail Nightmares, and love it. I loved this book, laughed out loud several times and also cried. A very entertaining read. Hope she writes more!👍👍
December 8, 2020
I loved this book so much. I think only David Sedaris has made me both laugh out loud and cry just a bit. So I'm a little sad, so what?
April 2, 2021
Alicia Rules! But this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews