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Survival of the Thickest: Essays
From the stand-up comedian, actress, and host beloved for her cheeky swagger, unique voice, and unapologetic frankness comes a book of “zesty and hilarious” (Publishers Weekly) essays for fans of Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me by Mindy Kaling and We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union.
If you’ve watched television or movies in the past couple of years, you’ve seen Michelle Buteau. With scene-stealing roles in Always Be My Maybe, First Wives Club, Someone Great, Russian Doll, and Tales of the City; a reality TV show and breakthrough stand-up specials, including her headlining show Welcome to Buteaupia on Netflix, and two podcasts (Late Night Whenever and Adulting), Michelle’s star is on the rise. You’d be forgiven for thinking the road to success—or adulthood or financial stability or self-acceptance or marriage or motherhood—has been easy; but you’d be wrong.
Now, in Survival of the Thickest, Michelle reflects on growing up Caribbean, Catholic, and thick in New Jersey, going to college in Miami (where everyone smells like pineapple), her many friendship and dating disasters, working as a newsroom editor during 9/11, getting started in standup opening for male strippers, marrying into her husband’s Dutch family, IVF and surrogacy, motherhood, chosen family, and what it feels like to have a full heart, tight jeans, and stardom finally in her grasp.
If you’ve watched television or movies in the past couple of years, you’ve seen Michelle Buteau. With scene-stealing roles in Always Be My Maybe, First Wives Club, Someone Great, Russian Doll, and Tales of the City; a reality TV show and breakthrough stand-up specials, including her headlining show Welcome to Buteaupia on Netflix, and two podcasts (Late Night Whenever and Adulting), Michelle’s star is on the rise. You’d be forgiven for thinking the road to success—or adulthood or financial stability or self-acceptance or marriage or motherhood—has been easy; but you’d be wrong.
Now, in Survival of the Thickest, Michelle reflects on growing up Caribbean, Catholic, and thick in New Jersey, going to college in Miami (where everyone smells like pineapple), her many friendship and dating disasters, working as a newsroom editor during 9/11, getting started in standup opening for male strippers, marrying into her husband’s Dutch family, IVF and surrogacy, motherhood, chosen family, and what it feels like to have a full heart, tight jeans, and stardom finally in her grasp.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published December 8, 2020
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December 19, 2020
Memoirs by comedians are always a bit hit and miss for me, probably because I'm not that into comedy. But Survival of the Thickest ended up being a pleasant surprise, even if the first few chapters were less my thing. She really shines talking about growing up in an immigrant family, colorism, the journey to getting comfortable in her body, having an interracial and intercultural marriage, and dealing with infertility and a non-traditional path to motherhood.
There is a lot to like here and I especially appreciated her openness about the reality of what it's like to go through IVF, experience multiple miscarriages, and then face judgement for going the route of surrogacy as if it was her first choice. These are painful experiences that aren't talked about enough and I hope this helps women find understanding and empathy. While some of the jokes comedic material can get a little crass, I appreciate the intent of the book, which is about pushing back on slut-shaming, mom-shaming, racism, and general toxic masculinity. This one is definitely worth a look.
Thanks to Libro.FM for providing an audio copy of this book for review! All opinions are my own.
There is a lot to like here and I especially appreciated her openness about the reality of what it's like to go through IVF, experience multiple miscarriages, and then face judgement for going the route of surrogacy as if it was her first choice. These are painful experiences that aren't talked about enough and I hope this helps women find understanding and empathy. While some of the jokes comedic material can get a little crass, I appreciate the intent of the book, which is about pushing back on slut-shaming, mom-shaming, racism, and general toxic masculinity. This one is definitely worth a look.
Thanks to Libro.FM for providing an audio copy of this book for review! All opinions are my own.
December 24, 2021
I think Michelle Buteau cured my road rage. It's hard to be fostering immense anger towards Sacramento's worst drivers when you're loud laughing at tales of college misfortune and dental tragedies. The audiobook felt like a 6-hour stand-up set, and while the advice is obviously questionable, the stories are heartwarming, hilarious, and fun.
December 8, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I would give this more like 2.5 stars, but rounded. up. As far as "celebrity memoirs" go, this one was not a winner, for me. It just felt like it was trying too hard, and Ms. Buteau really hasn't figured out what makes her stand out enough to write a book. Some of my main issues are that there were many parts where she seemed to contradict herself. She claimed to have two different "first loves" within a couple chapters of each other. She also went from talking about saving herself for marriage to "being a heau" without explaining what caused the change. There was one chapter where I swear it was the same exact joke I heard on an Ali Wong standup special at least 2 years go. So who stole the joke from whom??? Also, the author seemed to think that having "big tits" was a personality trait. Newsflash, it's not.
While I did appreciate the chapters where the author was very open and honest about her struggles with infertility, it came so late in the book that I was more or less skimming everything just to be done with it. I think she needs to tighten up her POV and dig deeper.
I would give this more like 2.5 stars, but rounded. up. As far as "celebrity memoirs" go, this one was not a winner, for me. It just felt like it was trying too hard, and Ms. Buteau really hasn't figured out what makes her stand out enough to write a book. Some of my main issues are that there were many parts where she seemed to contradict herself. She claimed to have two different "first loves" within a couple chapters of each other. She also went from talking about saving herself for marriage to "being a heau" without explaining what caused the change. There was one chapter where I swear it was the same exact joke I heard on an Ali Wong standup special at least 2 years go. So who stole the joke from whom??? Also, the author seemed to think that having "big tits" was a personality trait. Newsflash, it's not.
While I did appreciate the chapters where the author was very open and honest about her struggles with infertility, it came so late in the book that I was more or less skimming everything just to be done with it. I think she needs to tighten up her POV and dig deeper.
December 11, 2020
I feel like my rating for the book changed with every chapter. But I think I’m settled in a solid three stars. Here’s why.
The author is a hilarious comedian and her manner of speaking is so distinct and full of personality. I think the issue here is that she writes the way she speaks and it’s less effective on the page. It’s a bit difficult to parse through and and really appreciate what she’s saying because it can be stream of consciousness with a mix of reflection but the transition is nonexistent. For instance, there are quite a few jokes in here that actually end up in her Netflix comedy special (in a truncated way) and they land far better in the special than they do in the book. Writing how she speaks doesn’t necessarily translate Michelle’s personality and sense of humor to the page in the way I think she intends.
As a result, some of the essays/chapters feel a bit all over the place for me and without a real hook. The beginning years, up until she meets her husband, are a bit wandering (with the exception of the story around her 9/11 experience, which is really well-written and one of my favorite parts of this book). But things really pick up and become more cohesive and impactful from there (for the most part).
Her stories of IVF treatments and failures, as well as her experiences with surrogacy, are heart-breaking. Her relationship with her ever-patient and wonderful husband give hope to the rest of us who have yet to find a kind, decent man.
I also love the short and sweet “magnet-worthy” pieces of advice at the end. They’re so great.
If anything, this book is great motivation to seek out more of Michelle Buteau’s stand up and movie/TV roles (and rewatch the ones I’ve already seen now that I have more context). She’s hilarious and someone I’d love to have in my corner for motivation and support. I just wish all that is Michelle Buteau would’ve translates better to the page.
The author is a hilarious comedian and her manner of speaking is so distinct and full of personality. I think the issue here is that she writes the way she speaks and it’s less effective on the page. It’s a bit difficult to parse through and and really appreciate what she’s saying because it can be stream of consciousness with a mix of reflection but the transition is nonexistent. For instance, there are quite a few jokes in here that actually end up in her Netflix comedy special (in a truncated way) and they land far better in the special than they do in the book. Writing how she speaks doesn’t necessarily translate Michelle’s personality and sense of humor to the page in the way I think she intends.
As a result, some of the essays/chapters feel a bit all over the place for me and without a real hook. The beginning years, up until she meets her husband, are a bit wandering (with the exception of the story around her 9/11 experience, which is really well-written and one of my favorite parts of this book). But things really pick up and become more cohesive and impactful from there (for the most part).
Her stories of IVF treatments and failures, as well as her experiences with surrogacy, are heart-breaking. Her relationship with her ever-patient and wonderful husband give hope to the rest of us who have yet to find a kind, decent man.
I also love the short and sweet “magnet-worthy” pieces of advice at the end. They’re so great.
If anything, this book is great motivation to seek out more of Michelle Buteau’s stand up and movie/TV roles (and rewatch the ones I’ve already seen now that I have more context). She’s hilarious and someone I’d love to have in my corner for motivation and support. I just wish all that is Michelle Buteau would’ve translates better to the page.
December 19, 2020
Rating: 5 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: Survival of the Thickest
Release Date: December 8 (Some areas) and February 3, 2021 (in others)
Author: Michelle Buteau
Genre: Essays, Memoir
Sipping Synopsis: One good thing that came out of this pandemic and the stay-at-home order was my introduction to Michelle Buteau and Nicole Byers (Nailed It!)- by the way they are NOT the same person and do NOT look alike (lol Michelle will make this clear in her book). Anyways, back to my Netflix binge. I met Michelle from hosting The Circle and then her stand up on Netflix. So, when I heard that she had a memoir type book coming out I was too excited to cop it. Michelle revisits the most important, funniest, saddest, and most memorable moments of her life in Survival of the Thickest-great title by the way.
Final sipping thoughts: This book is 100% not for the prude folks. If you get offended by a curse word or sexual reference or two (or 20) then you might want to skip this book. I enjoyed Michelle’s realness and I am so happy I had the audio version so I could hear her oh so sassy reading of it. Go ahead and pre-order or be ready to grab it in February! You can thank me later!
Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley, @MichelleButeau and @GalleryBooks for an advanced copy of @SurvivalOfTheThickest
#SurvivalOfTheThickest #MichelleButeau #GalleryBooks #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #AmazonReads #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #essays #memoirs
Book: Survival of the Thickest
Release Date: December 8 (Some areas) and February 3, 2021 (in others)
Author: Michelle Buteau
Genre: Essays, Memoir
Sipping Synopsis: One good thing that came out of this pandemic and the stay-at-home order was my introduction to Michelle Buteau and Nicole Byers (Nailed It!)- by the way they are NOT the same person and do NOT look alike (lol Michelle will make this clear in her book). Anyways, back to my Netflix binge. I met Michelle from hosting The Circle and then her stand up on Netflix. So, when I heard that she had a memoir type book coming out I was too excited to cop it. Michelle revisits the most important, funniest, saddest, and most memorable moments of her life in Survival of the Thickest-great title by the way.
Final sipping thoughts: This book is 100% not for the prude folks. If you get offended by a curse word or sexual reference or two (or 20) then you might want to skip this book. I enjoyed Michelle’s realness and I am so happy I had the audio version so I could hear her oh so sassy reading of it. Go ahead and pre-order or be ready to grab it in February! You can thank me later!
Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley, @MichelleButeau and @GalleryBooks for an advanced copy of @SurvivalOfTheThickest
#SurvivalOfTheThickest #MichelleButeau #GalleryBooks #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #AmazonReads #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #essays #memoirs
January 27, 2021
I have really liked Michelle Buteau wherever I have seen her. She has the type of personality that demands attention even if she is in a minor role (she is hilarious in a Always Be My Maybe).
Her personality translated through in the book, especially while listening to the audiobook. Her dating history and mishaps resulted in some funny anecdotes. But I think her more serious chapters was where she shone. Her experience with 9/11, multiple miscarriages, or even when she was standing up to her family for being homophobic, was where she was vulnerable and it showed how authentic and real she is.
You really don’t know what anyone is going through in their lives. We are so quick in being judgmental, or even the one-off phrases like asking someone about when they’ll have babies can be painful triggers for someone. Kindness is such an under-appreciated quality, and I loved how Buteau showed her struggles without being bitter about it.
July 27, 2023
I'm not a fan of Michelle Buteau for personal reasons. Remind me to tell you about the time she tried to sic her Twitter followers on me because I commented on a segment she had on the Death, Sex & Money podcast in which she joked about not knowing her boyfriend of two years couldn't read, and later used it as material to launch her comedy career; she searches for her name and somehow got upset about me mentioning it on my twitter feed, even though she also shares the story in this essay collection. I guess she had late stage embarrassment? SMH But anyway, because of that, I would not have read this book had it not been a book club selection.
It was funny though and not as corny as a I expected. 3.5 stars.
It was funny though and not as corny as a I expected. 3.5 stars.
August 19, 2023
It’s like catching up with your bestie over the last ten years with some fat margaritas and a pre planned ride home
Literally one of the funniest and realest books out there, but if you don’t let Michelle read it to you you’re doin it wrong
Literally one of the funniest and realest books out there, but if you don’t let Michelle read it to you you’re doin it wrong
September 13, 2023
This is the bestie you want in your corner giving you the realest advice. She is 110% herself & the audio is such a treat.
I am sooo stoked I to get to watch her perform with my bestie. Ahhhhh!🥹
I am sooo stoked I to get to watch her perform with my bestie. Ahhhhh!🥹
August 22, 2023
Enjoyed the audiobook read by the author.
She is funny and this book definitely made me like her more, but I really liked the essays in which she was vulnerable talking about colorism, her breast reduction, her struggles with infertility and miscarriages, and embracing her body.
The story about having a broken tooth (in the front where you could see!) despite the money to repair it was wild.
And the story about the ex who couldn't read had me cackling!
Also really loves reading about how she met and fell in love with her husband.
Definitely going to check out her show of the same name on Netflix!
She is funny and this book definitely made me like her more, but I really liked the essays in which she was vulnerable talking about colorism, her breast reduction, her struggles with infertility and miscarriages, and embracing her body.
The story about having a broken tooth (in the front where you could see!) despite the money to repair it was wild.
And the story about the ex who couldn't read had me cackling!
Also really loves reading about how she met and fell in love with her husband.
Definitely going to check out her show of the same name on Netflix!
March 3, 2023
She's honest and funny!
Listened to audiobook while reading along; I highly recommend the audiobook
Listened to audiobook while reading along; I highly recommend the audiobook
Read
September 16, 2023Watch the show then read this book. You'll be able to see where they take creative license but it works. But the book allows to a closer at who Michelle is.
January 6, 2021
Before reading this book I had never heard of Michelle Buteau. And after reading this book I will never forget her.
⠀
𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐬𝐭 is a loud, in your face collection of essays from the life of actress and comedian Michelle Buteau.
⠀
In this book Michelle talks about everything from friendship and infertility, to being an only child raised by a Jamaican mother and Haitian father.
⠀
Michelle grabbed my attention from the first page when she boldly announced that she is a “Jerseyan”. That’s right! She’s from my home state of New Jersey. When she described “Jerseyans as, “loud, brash people in leopard skin clothing, with red lip stick.” I knew right then that I was going to like this book😂. And, I was right. It was wonderfully entertaining.
⠀
I listened to audio version, as well as read the hard copy. I liked the audiobook much better. With Michelle reading the story it was hilarious! Down right laugh out loud funny. But I have to warn you, if you are sensitive to profanity, this may not be the book for you.
⠀
But, not every chapter was filled with comedy. There are moments when Michelle goes deep. One such moment can be found in the chapter titled 9/11 Chronicles. In this chapter there is a shift. Michelle’s emotions become very somber as she recounts the details of the horrific and tragic events of 9/11.
⠀
Another somber moment can also be found as she writes about her struggle with infertility. She goes into detail about the many miscarriages she experienced, while taking us into her IVF journey. It was definitely eye opening.
⠀
What I like most about this book is that even as she shares her most difficult moments in life, she ends each chapter with light at the end of the tunnel. She offers hope coupled with humor. And in this world today, this is a perfect combination.
⠀
Overall, I give 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐬𝐭 5⭐️s. Because of this book Michelle now has a new supporter. I will be on the lookout for her movies and stand up comedy shows.
⠀
Thank you Atria Books for gifting me this digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
⠀
𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐬𝐭 is a loud, in your face collection of essays from the life of actress and comedian Michelle Buteau.
⠀
In this book Michelle talks about everything from friendship and infertility, to being an only child raised by a Jamaican mother and Haitian father.
⠀
Michelle grabbed my attention from the first page when she boldly announced that she is a “Jerseyan”. That’s right! She’s from my home state of New Jersey. When she described “Jerseyans as, “loud, brash people in leopard skin clothing, with red lip stick.” I knew right then that I was going to like this book😂. And, I was right. It was wonderfully entertaining.
⠀
I listened to audio version, as well as read the hard copy. I liked the audiobook much better. With Michelle reading the story it was hilarious! Down right laugh out loud funny. But I have to warn you, if you are sensitive to profanity, this may not be the book for you.
⠀
But, not every chapter was filled with comedy. There are moments when Michelle goes deep. One such moment can be found in the chapter titled 9/11 Chronicles. In this chapter there is a shift. Michelle’s emotions become very somber as she recounts the details of the horrific and tragic events of 9/11.
⠀
Another somber moment can also be found as she writes about her struggle with infertility. She goes into detail about the many miscarriages she experienced, while taking us into her IVF journey. It was definitely eye opening.
⠀
What I like most about this book is that even as she shares her most difficult moments in life, she ends each chapter with light at the end of the tunnel. She offers hope coupled with humor. And in this world today, this is a perfect combination.
⠀
Overall, I give 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐬𝐭 5⭐️s. Because of this book Michelle now has a new supporter. I will be on the lookout for her movies and stand up comedy shows.
⠀
Thank you Atria Books for gifting me this digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2020
Oh this is a fave! I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Many thanks to Libro FM and Simon Schuster Audio for providing me with an ALC of "Survival of the Thickest" in exchange for a honest review. This review was written voluntarily and all opinions herein are my own.
I didn't know who Michelle Buteau was before starting this book, and after finishing it, I'm going to try my best to seek her and her work out and experience her awesomeness every way I can. I decided to read this because of the cover and the blurb. A plus sized black woman telling it as it is? Yes please.
Survival of the Thickest is a collection of essays about Michelle's life leading up to the present. The essays are mostly told in non-chronological order throughout her life but there's some sense of progression from her childhood to adulthood. The essays were funny, whimsical, open, and brutally honest. Some chapters made me laugh and there were some that made me cry. She bared it all in this book, especially her struggle with fertility and miscarriages. I felt so many things while reading this, and I'm so glad she was able to come out on top.
This book examined the author-narrator's relationships with so many people all over the course of her life, especially her parents. She had really different relationships with her mom and her dad, and that was interesting to read about. The author also examined her life as a thick girl who went through puberty and grew huge breasts really early on in life.
I really enjoyed and loved this book, and I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to Libro FM and Simon Schuster Audio for providing me with an ALC of "Survival of the Thickest" in exchange for a honest review. This review was written voluntarily and all opinions herein are my own.
I didn't know who Michelle Buteau was before starting this book, and after finishing it, I'm going to try my best to seek her and her work out and experience her awesomeness every way I can. I decided to read this because of the cover and the blurb. A plus sized black woman telling it as it is? Yes please.
Survival of the Thickest is a collection of essays about Michelle's life leading up to the present. The essays are mostly told in non-chronological order throughout her life but there's some sense of progression from her childhood to adulthood. The essays were funny, whimsical, open, and brutally honest. Some chapters made me laugh and there were some that made me cry. She bared it all in this book, especially her struggle with fertility and miscarriages. I felt so many things while reading this, and I'm so glad she was able to come out on top.
This book examined the author-narrator's relationships with so many people all over the course of her life, especially her parents. She had really different relationships with her mom and her dad, and that was interesting to read about. The author also examined her life as a thick girl who went through puberty and grew huge breasts really early on in life.
I really enjoyed and loved this book, and I highly recommend it!
January 30, 2021
(free audio review copy from Libro.fm) 3.5 stars. So. Well. Let’s see. First of all, this isn’t a book I would have chosen on my own, so I always feel a bit unfair reviewing books outside of my usual genres. But since there are a few other books by comedians that I’ve enjoyed, I thought I’d give it a try.
I thought my biggest struggle was just how totally up and down and disconnected it was, but that’s almost always true of collections of essays. So maybe that’s not it. Maybe the reason I’m so conflicted is because of the super light raunchy humor sliding right into traumatic and graphic stories of infertility and miscarriage. I’m so aware of how triggering this can be for so many readers - even me who has never lost a baby, but have close family members and friends who have.
Also, there’s a lot of wrestling with feelings about the Catholic Church and its stance on queer relationships as well as you know, the whole pedophilia thing. It was very open of the author to expose this grappling on the page but it was hard for me to understand it given the fact that I’m not Catholic and have no issues condemning the Church for these things - I get that it’s not so clear cut for people who have been raised and steeped in the faith.
If you love this actor, you might love this book. Just be VERY aware of the triggers regarding infertility and miscarriage.
I thought my biggest struggle was just how totally up and down and disconnected it was, but that’s almost always true of collections of essays. So maybe that’s not it. Maybe the reason I’m so conflicted is because of the super light raunchy humor sliding right into traumatic and graphic stories of infertility and miscarriage. I’m so aware of how triggering this can be for so many readers - even me who has never lost a baby, but have close family members and friends who have.
Also, there’s a lot of wrestling with feelings about the Catholic Church and its stance on queer relationships as well as you know, the whole pedophilia thing. It was very open of the author to expose this grappling on the page but it was hard for me to understand it given the fact that I’m not Catholic and have no issues condemning the Church for these things - I get that it’s not so clear cut for people who have been raised and steeped in the faith.
If you love this actor, you might love this book. Just be VERY aware of the triggers regarding infertility and miscarriage.
November 10, 2023
I do not give two stars to books I finished, and this one is no exception. I checked the audiobook out from the library because I love her acting, and I resonate with being plus sized. However, the narration was way too animated for me that I could not finish this book. I think she’s an extremely successful person of influence, and I value what she has to say. But it took too long for her to get to the gems I’m sure she dropped. Pages upon pages worth of unnecessary commentary and no attention grabbing hooks made this read almost unbearable.
July 28, 2021
Returned the library ebook by accident, probably won’t go back and finish. I like her, but the writing style read exactly like her stand-up (including a lot of stories I’d heard in her sets). Not a super smooth read.
April 1, 2021
Super fun to listen to!
December 22, 2021
3.75 rounded up.
February 19, 2022
life would be better if michelle buteau narrated it
June 10, 2021
Exactly what I was hoping for-- escapist enough and funny enough to keep me turning pages. Love her acceptance and genuine warmth that comes through on every page. She made me cry a few times, in a good way. Thank you, Michelle.
January 28, 2024
Audiobook.
The way this book had me cackling during my commute and at my desk was criminal.
The way this book had me cackling during my commute and at my desk was criminal.
March 29, 2021
Thank you @Libro.FM for an ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book and Michelle's sense of humor. This book showcases how she made it to doing stand up, finding her husband and having her children. There was a ton of humor in this, but also a lot of more serious topics. I liked that these could exist together. I definitely appreciate female comedians/stand-ups even more. Her dating stories were so much fun also!
I really enjoyed this book and Michelle's sense of humor. This book showcases how she made it to doing stand up, finding her husband and having her children. There was a ton of humor in this, but also a lot of more serious topics. I liked that these could exist together. I definitely appreciate female comedians/stand-ups even more. Her dating stories were so much fun also!
December 14, 2020
Unpopular opinion
I didn’t love this book. I didn’t know Buteau as a comedian before this book, but I am always up for a memoir, especially a funny one.
There were definitely some parts I could relate to or appreciate but it was very hard to get past the part where she made fun of an ex for not being able to read. Whatever your problems with a person, I would think we all live in a day and age where we can appreciate making fun of someone for something like that is not acceptable.
I received an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review.
I didn’t love this book. I didn’t know Buteau as a comedian before this book, but I am always up for a memoir, especially a funny one.
There were definitely some parts I could relate to or appreciate but it was very hard to get past the part where she made fun of an ex for not being able to read. Whatever your problems with a person, I would think we all live in a day and age where we can appreciate making fun of someone for something like that is not acceptable.
I received an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 8, 2022
I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, especially if you’re a fan of her commentary on The Circle cause it’s just like listening to her there…but it’s her actual life. She’s had an interesting life and though the IVF and surrogacy sections can be triggering it also continues to be a relief to hear more and more women speak out about these issues. I love how she balances the funny with the seriousness to make an overall entertaining book.
March 24, 2021
3.5 stars.
This one was funny, and there's a lot I liked about it. She lost me with all the IVF/surrogacy talk, and I wish her editor had told her that "Arabic" is a language (not a person from the Arabian peninsula...).
This one was funny, and there's a lot I liked about it. She lost me with all the IVF/surrogacy talk, and I wish her editor had told her that "Arabic" is a language (not a person from the Arabian peninsula...).
June 11, 2021
Love hearing people’s stories, they are not my stories to tell so I would say 5 stars for vulnerability, but I marked three because it was a little crude in some parts for my personal preference. And there are certain ideas and stances that I differ from in life style choices. Enjoyed the read!
June 13, 2022
I just love Michelle! I’ve been a fan for a good while and I found this book to be personable and super engaging. I laughed and I learned. I just loved how the book ended with advice that can fit on a magnet. I thought it was a creative way for her to summarize all of her experiences.
January 15, 2021
I love this woman! She is one of the funniest people on earth. So glad I got to learn more about her story.
February 2, 2021
Michelle Buteau has such a wonderful writing voice, she makes you feel like you are in the room with her chatting and laughing. This is a fantastic read!
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