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The First Ten Years: Two Sides of the Same Love Story – A Candid Joint Memoir by a Husband and Wife About Fame, Marriage, and Family
A sometimes hilarious, occasionally heartbreaking, and always entertaining joint memoir by Joseph Fink, cocreator of Welcome to Night Vale, and his wife, writer and performer Meg Bashwiner, chronicling the first ten years of their relationship from both sides.
There are two sides to every love story.
In 2009, 22-year-old Joseph Fink, newly arrived to New York City from the West Coast, was juggling odd jobs to pay the rent and volunteering with a theater company in the East Village so he could snag free tickets to their shows.
Meg Bashwiner, a 22-year-old aspiring performer and playwright, was living with her parents in New Jersey, working a desk job and commuting to her internship with that same East Village theater company.
Joseph and Meg's stories meet when they both find themselves selling tickets in a cramped box office. They quickly became friends. Within a year, they were a couple. Within five years they were touring the world, performing on some of the world's greatest and not so great stages.
In this candid, soul-baring memoir, Joseph and Meg recount their first ten years together, each telling their story as they remember it, without having consulted the other. We hear both sides of their first kiss, first breakup, first getting back together, the death of a father, marriage, international fame, world tours, mental illness, and discussions about having children. Sometimes, they recall things differently—neither agrees on who paid for the morning after pill on their first date. Sometimes they remember the exact same details in the same way—but still have their own narrative on just what those details mean.
Poignant, funny, and real, alternately told in Joseph and Meg’s remarkably different, yet equally compelling voices, The First Ten Years is the story of two individuals finding their way in the world and becoming "adults" as they learn to become a couple.
There are two sides to every love story.
In 2009, 22-year-old Joseph Fink, newly arrived to New York City from the West Coast, was juggling odd jobs to pay the rent and volunteering with a theater company in the East Village so he could snag free tickets to their shows.
Meg Bashwiner, a 22-year-old aspiring performer and playwright, was living with her parents in New Jersey, working a desk job and commuting to her internship with that same East Village theater company.
Joseph and Meg's stories meet when they both find themselves selling tickets in a cramped box office. They quickly became friends. Within a year, they were a couple. Within five years they were touring the world, performing on some of the world's greatest and not so great stages.
In this candid, soul-baring memoir, Joseph and Meg recount their first ten years together, each telling their story as they remember it, without having consulted the other. We hear both sides of their first kiss, first breakup, first getting back together, the death of a father, marriage, international fame, world tours, mental illness, and discussions about having children. Sometimes, they recall things differently—neither agrees on who paid for the morning after pill on their first date. Sometimes they remember the exact same details in the same way—but still have their own narrative on just what those details mean.
Poignant, funny, and real, alternately told in Joseph and Meg’s remarkably different, yet equally compelling voices, The First Ten Years is the story of two individuals finding their way in the world and becoming "adults" as they learn to become a couple.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
49 people are currently reading
4339 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Fink
23 books2,567 followersJoseph Fink is the creator of the Welcome to Night Vale and Alice Isn't Dead podcasts, and the author of the New York Times bestselling novels Welcome to Night Vale, It Devours!, and The Faceless Old Woman Who Secretly Lives in Your Home (all written with Jeffrey Cranor) and Alice Isn’t Dead. He is also the author of the children’s novel, The Halloween Moon. He and his wife, Meg Bashwiner have written the memoir, The First Ten Years. They live together in the Hudson River Valley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
May 12, 2021
I loved this - the idea of it, the structure, and the entire execution. Joseph and Meg meet and fall in love in 2009. This is their story- well, each of their stories from the very start, without talking to the other about what they would share. Their first kiss, marriage, touring the world, a death in the family.
This one will warm your heart, make you laugh, and definitely entertain you. If you are familiar with Welcome to Night Vale, I think you’d be even more interested in this memoir. I also enjoyed how it addresses body image and mental health, and it’s a joyful, uplifting read.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
This one will warm your heart, make you laugh, and definitely entertain you. If you are familiar with Welcome to Night Vale, I think you’d be even more interested in this memoir. I also enjoyed how it addresses body image and mental health, and it’s a joyful, uplifting read.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
May 14, 2021
Audiobook....read by Joseph Fink, and Meg Bashwiner
“A strapped squirrel and a guy with a runny nose……was all it took for Meg to tell Joseph she loved him”.
Eye-catching book cover -
it brought thoughts of the squirrels in our yard: I love them as Pets. Paul wants them gone (traps them with peanut butter- then carries them to a neighbor park to eat their flowers and plants - instead of ours).
This joint memoir was cute...sweet....but mostly - MOST- memorable to the couple themselves.
I enjoyed it.....but honestly - that was about it.
The premise was unique- a side-by-side joint memoir (of their first ten years), without seeing each other‘s work, until they were finished. Perhaps they will write volume two of their next ten years together ten years from now
From first dates...first kiss....first time having sex....their families, their career, house choices....moving,.....( eventually having a house on East Coast and one on the West Coast)....
Meg was a theater girl....
She also shared about her struggles with binge eating - later replacing it for a nicotine addiction.... along with other drug substances…..until in time, not needing drugs or binge eating to control her life.
Joseph shared his own insecurities, worries, allergies. mental health concerns, and the grief from his fathers death.
They both shared love for each other - beautiful solid love-partnership - committed love.
The ending was a letter to the unborn ‘maybe’ child....( should they have one).... it was a moving part …
with hopes that their child would be one to make a difference in our very complicated disturbing world.
Not an earth-shattering must read book - but Meg and Joseph are likable ——and I didn’t mind spending an afternoon in their company.
3.5 sweet stars.
“A strapped squirrel and a guy with a runny nose……was all it took for Meg to tell Joseph she loved him”.
Eye-catching book cover -
it brought thoughts of the squirrels in our yard: I love them as Pets. Paul wants them gone (traps them with peanut butter- then carries them to a neighbor park to eat their flowers and plants - instead of ours).
This joint memoir was cute...sweet....but mostly - MOST- memorable to the couple themselves.
I enjoyed it.....but honestly - that was about it.
The premise was unique- a side-by-side joint memoir (of their first ten years), without seeing each other‘s work, until they were finished. Perhaps they will write volume two of their next ten years together ten years from now
From first dates...first kiss....first time having sex....their families, their career, house choices....moving,.....( eventually having a house on East Coast and one on the West Coast)....
Meg was a theater girl....
She also shared about her struggles with binge eating - later replacing it for a nicotine addiction.... along with other drug substances…..until in time, not needing drugs or binge eating to control her life.
Joseph shared his own insecurities, worries, allergies. mental health concerns, and the grief from his fathers death.
They both shared love for each other - beautiful solid love-partnership - committed love.
The ending was a letter to the unborn ‘maybe’ child....( should they have one).... it was a moving part …
with hopes that their child would be one to make a difference in our very complicated disturbing world.
Not an earth-shattering must read book - but Meg and Joseph are likable ——and I didn’t mind spending an afternoon in their company.
3.5 sweet stars.
December 13, 2021
We start every year the way we want to live it. Together, and eating.
Joseph Fink, one of the creators of the wildly successful Welcome to Night Vale podcast, and his lady love, Meg Bashwiner, recount the details of the first ten years of their relationship in this unique memoir. They are both savvy enough at the writing game to avoid the repetitious yawnfests of he said/she said books where both participants are recounting the same incidents, and have managed to come up with a fairly entertaining modern love story.
Fink comes across as whiny, and perpetually dissatisfied. (I was reminded of Alvy Singer in Annie Hall getting butterflies over appearing on an award show, and ruining Annie's trip to LA.) Bashwiner, however, I LOVED! She is quirky, smart, and delightful. I will read anything she cares to write.
I held my husband's beautiful hand and had the sudden sinking feeling that if all goes to plan with our lives, I will watch him die. I thought about what that might feel like. Then I thought about ordering a barbecue chicken pizza when we get back to the room.
That is what being married is all about for me - having someone to be with you when you are dying and also having someone there to say, "Can we get curly fries too?" when you order your room-service pizza.
Yep. That pretty much sums it up.
Recommended mostly for Nightvale fans.
Joseph Fink, one of the creators of the wildly successful Welcome to Night Vale podcast, and his lady love, Meg Bashwiner, recount the details of the first ten years of their relationship in this unique memoir. They are both savvy enough at the writing game to avoid the repetitious yawnfests of he said/she said books where both participants are recounting the same incidents, and have managed to come up with a fairly entertaining modern love story.
Fink comes across as whiny, and perpetually dissatisfied. (I was reminded of Alvy Singer in Annie Hall getting butterflies over appearing on an award show, and ruining Annie's trip to LA.) Bashwiner, however, I LOVED! She is quirky, smart, and delightful. I will read anything she cares to write.
I held my husband's beautiful hand and had the sudden sinking feeling that if all goes to plan with our lives, I will watch him die. I thought about what that might feel like. Then I thought about ordering a barbecue chicken pizza when we get back to the room.
That is what being married is all about for me - having someone to be with you when you are dying and also having someone there to say, "Can we get curly fries too?" when you order your room-service pizza.
Yep. That pretty much sums it up.
Recommended mostly for Nightvale fans.
May 4, 2021
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley
This is perhaps the first book I've ever read on couple relationships and building them. I wanted to read it because when I saw it, I thought, I'm now married too. A year or two ago, this was something seemingly off limits, but as I read it shortly after my first wedding anniversary, I thought, it could now be interesting to read about how people have lasted for ten years. It's now something that concerns me as well (go figure).
I found the storytelling quite interesting, because it's not a standard format. Both of the partners write their side of the experience, year by year. And they write it all separately, without consulting each other. At first, I thought that might get repetitive - like maybe they'd both talk of the same things. But it wasn't like it at all - I guess it only goes to show how differently the same situations can be experienced and remembered by two different people, even if they are in a close relationship. For one person it's one certain situation that was more memorable, and for the other it's something completely different. I found it very interesting how without reading back each other's stories, they managed to tell it through different angles, centering on different aspects. It was an interesting and surprising format for sure.
I especially liked Meg's parts of the story. Somehow, we have so much in common. Maybe it's being a millennial woman, but I don't know, I think I share more traits with her than just that. Meg very openly talked about her insecurities in regards to her body (actually, after one particular chapter, you will know which squirrel is which on the cover and why! I loved that reference of the cover to the story.) I could also relate to her stressing over having to keep control in various situations, including house cleaning and jobs - I could see myself in many of those. I laughed when I read that she too was floored when she learned that marriage isn't just you taking care of your husband, it's also the husband taking care of you (I really can't explain why I didn't feel that was the case, myself. Perhaps my family history, coupled with how we women are brought up. I vibed so much with that moment though.) Then there is also the bit where I loathe change, just like Meg - or, as she put it, unnecessary discomfort is kind of your native tongue, when you're a woman. So very true.
I also liked reading the bits about 2009-2013 which were somehow really nostalgic for me. People who were teens and young adults during that time will vibe hard - I didn't even know so many things from that subculture of ours were already gone, until Joseph and Meg reminded me. Like the way we used social media, which is now completely different. The way we understood and felt music. The way we all tried to be exceptional in these incredibly 2010-ish ways that can't be repeated now, somehow. Those and more are things we just don't do anymore - things that I thought were just me, but actually, they're US ALL - even though we lived half a world apart, me and the authors. It's such a strange feeling of generational togetherness that I've never experienced before.
And you know, the funniest thing... Is that this book and this couple was the exact right read for me. Me and my husband think of ourselves as very, very weird people. So do the authors of this book. Which is why it shouldn't surprise me that I found so many similar quirks in us as couples. It's very nice when you think you're the two weirdest people in the world, but then there's someone else just like you! I loved reading their story for that, among many other reasons - but for this one especially. It's definitely worth picking up though, even if you're not even half as weird as me and my husband!
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
This is perhaps the first book I've ever read on couple relationships and building them. I wanted to read it because when I saw it, I thought, I'm now married too. A year or two ago, this was something seemingly off limits, but as I read it shortly after my first wedding anniversary, I thought, it could now be interesting to read about how people have lasted for ten years. It's now something that concerns me as well (go figure).
I found the storytelling quite interesting, because it's not a standard format. Both of the partners write their side of the experience, year by year. And they write it all separately, without consulting each other. At first, I thought that might get repetitive - like maybe they'd both talk of the same things. But it wasn't like it at all - I guess it only goes to show how differently the same situations can be experienced and remembered by two different people, even if they are in a close relationship. For one person it's one certain situation that was more memorable, and for the other it's something completely different. I found it very interesting how without reading back each other's stories, they managed to tell it through different angles, centering on different aspects. It was an interesting and surprising format for sure.
I especially liked Meg's parts of the story. Somehow, we have so much in common. Maybe it's being a millennial woman, but I don't know, I think I share more traits with her than just that. Meg very openly talked about her insecurities in regards to her body (actually, after one particular chapter, you will know which squirrel is which on the cover and why! I loved that reference of the cover to the story.) I could also relate to her stressing over having to keep control in various situations, including house cleaning and jobs - I could see myself in many of those. I laughed when I read that she too was floored when she learned that marriage isn't just you taking care of your husband, it's also the husband taking care of you (I really can't explain why I didn't feel that was the case, myself. Perhaps my family history, coupled with how we women are brought up. I vibed so much with that moment though.) Then there is also the bit where I loathe change, just like Meg - or, as she put it, unnecessary discomfort is kind of your native tongue, when you're a woman. So very true.
I also liked reading the bits about 2009-2013 which were somehow really nostalgic for me. People who were teens and young adults during that time will vibe hard - I didn't even know so many things from that subculture of ours were already gone, until Joseph and Meg reminded me. Like the way we used social media, which is now completely different. The way we understood and felt music. The way we all tried to be exceptional in these incredibly 2010-ish ways that can't be repeated now, somehow. Those and more are things we just don't do anymore - things that I thought were just me, but actually, they're US ALL - even though we lived half a world apart, me and the authors. It's such a strange feeling of generational togetherness that I've never experienced before.
And you know, the funniest thing... Is that this book and this couple was the exact right read for me. Me and my husband think of ourselves as very, very weird people. So do the authors of this book. Which is why it shouldn't surprise me that I found so many similar quirks in us as couples. It's very nice when you think you're the two weirdest people in the world, but then there's someone else just like you! I loved reading their story for that, among many other reasons - but for this one especially. It's definitely worth picking up though, even if you're not even half as weird as me and my husband!
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
March 9, 2021
The idea of two sides to every story is a good one. His side vs her side over a certain amount of time. But as I was reading this book my first thought was why out of everyone in the world do I care about the lives of these two people in particular?
I must admit I don’t care if “neither agrees on who paid for the morning after pill on their first date.”
Then we come to the anti-Trump part of the book. Ah yes seems like every publisher no matter the topic feels the need to add this. But in this book it shows me an immaturity level that I expect of a child with a temper tantrum and not of two grownups.
Maybe they need to explain their social bubble?
Not the book for me.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
I must admit I don’t care if “neither agrees on who paid for the morning after pill on their first date.”
Then we come to the anti-Trump part of the book. Ah yes seems like every publisher no matter the topic feels the need to add this. But in this book it shows me an immaturity level that I expect of a child with a temper tantrum and not of two grownups.
Maybe they need to explain their social bubble?
Not the book for me.
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
June 15, 2021
3.5 stars!
This was such a nice book to listen to at work. Except for the fact that I almost cried a couple of times lol.
It was interesting to hear about Joseph and Meg from themselves, to learn about them from their own words and not from fans ideas about them.
This was such a nice book to listen to at work. Except for the fact that I almost cried a couple of times lol.
It was interesting to hear about Joseph and Meg from themselves, to learn about them from their own words and not from fans ideas about them.
July 14, 2021
Although neither half of this duo would want me to use this word, I found their joint memoir kind of endearing. Their often tough exteriors belied their sweetness with each other. Although they wrote their event essays with no collaboration, they often interpreted the situation similarly by using their manta, “Home is wherever the two of us are.” Once they were both successful in their creative endeavors, life had more options and more complications. Anxiety reared its head in both of their lives but they were usually able to move forward or modify their expectations for themselves. Their utter dismay at DT being elected was certainly understandable to me. I think many of us had near collapses during the election and those interminable 4 years. As this delightful, eccentric couple navigate their thirties, I feel certain that life changes will not change their love of life and each other.
January 3, 2024
3.5. I liked Meg's part and reading significantly more - then again, perhaps that's why I didn't listen to their podcast. There were a few moments of "wE aRe So QUirKy", but overall, interesting to hear two different perspectives on the same (seemingly healthy) relationship.
April 11, 2023
Книга про перші десять років кохання Джозефа Фінка (кріейтора подкаста Welcome to night vale) і його партнерки Меган Башвінер.
Кожен розділ - один рік їх життя. Джозеф і Меган чергуються і не знають що пише інша людина. Перші п’ять років читати цікаво, потім не дуже.
Найбільше в цій книзі цікаво на чому наголошують він і вона. Він більше пише про факти життєвого шляху, більше фокусується на кар’єрі. Вона часто пише про свій зовнішній вигляд, і про свої емоції прям дуже детально.
З цікавого: по-різному пам’ятають хто кому дав гроші на morning after pill після першої ночі.
Йому важливо було наголосити як вона розказала друзям про стосунки. Їй - як він довго не хотів називати це стосунками, так що вона пішла цілуватися з кимось в барі щоб він приревнував (він взагалі цього епізоду не згадує).
Вона часто описує як нервувала через свої само пошкоджуючі звички, про вигляд тіла, він взагалі не згадує про її зовнішній вигляд. Обидва згадують важливі події в житті, але дуже по-різному: у 2011 його батько помирає, як він переживає біль, вона в той час отримує роль мрії: як він пам’ятає підтримку і як вона переживає за якісь маленькі речі (чи я норм виглядатиму для його сім’ї?). Як важлива його фраза «я хочу бути з тобою дуже довго» отримує дві різні інтерпретації. Він пам’ятає її відповідь: «я б хотіла». Вона у своїй розповіді каже, що перевела тему, щоб не говорити про це.
Як вона злиться на те, що він не прибирає після того як почали жити разом, як це важко було, а він взагалі цього не торкається.
Як вона два рази з ним розходилась: вона описує дуже детально всі нюанси, він просто побіжно це згадує, і постійно каже як гарно мати її підтримку. Вона говорить багато про ікею і речі в квартирі, він про подкаст Найт вейл і креативний рух.
Тур - як складно разом це проживати і як не страшно все решту. «Вона водій, я навігатор, не тільки в турі а і в житті». Вона дуже довго описує весілля і тиск який відчувала зробити його ідеальним, тиск патріархальний про те, чи одружуватися взагалі.
Він довго і детально описує будинок, а вона розводиться про те як жахливо важко організовувати весілля (він не помагав).
Тож з точки зору порівняння досвідів цікаво читати. З точки зору самого контенту не дуже.
Кожен розділ - один рік їх життя. Джозеф і Меган чергуються і не знають що пише інша людина. Перші п’ять років читати цікаво, потім не дуже.
Найбільше в цій книзі цікаво на чому наголошують він і вона. Він більше пише про факти життєвого шляху, більше фокусується на кар’єрі. Вона часто пише про свій зовнішній вигляд, і про свої емоції прям дуже детально.
З цікавого: по-різному пам’ятають хто кому дав гроші на morning after pill після першої ночі.
Йому важливо було наголосити як вона розказала друзям про стосунки. Їй - як він довго не хотів називати це стосунками, так що вона пішла цілуватися з кимось в барі щоб він приревнував (він взагалі цього епізоду не згадує).
Вона часто описує як нервувала через свої само пошкоджуючі звички, про вигляд тіла, він взагалі не згадує про її зовнішній вигляд. Обидва згадують важливі події в житті, але дуже по-різному: у 2011 його батько помирає, як він переживає біль, вона в той час отримує роль мрії: як він пам’ятає підтримку і як вона переживає за якісь маленькі речі (чи я норм виглядатиму для його сім’ї?). Як важлива його фраза «я хочу бути з тобою дуже довго» отримує дві різні інтерпретації. Він пам’ятає її відповідь: «я б хотіла». Вона у своїй розповіді каже, що перевела тему, щоб не говорити про це.
Як вона злиться на те, що він не прибирає після того як почали жити разом, як це важко було, а він взагалі цього не торкається.
Як вона два рази з ним розходилась: вона описує дуже детально всі нюанси, він просто побіжно це згадує, і постійно каже як гарно мати її підтримку. Вона говорить багато про ікею і речі в квартирі, він про подкаст Найт вейл і креативний рух.
Тур - як складно разом це проживати і як не страшно все решту. «Вона водій, я навігатор, не тільки в турі а і в житті». Вона дуже довго описує весілля і тиск який відчувала зробити його ідеальним, тиск патріархальний про те, чи одружуватися взагалі.
Він довго і детально описує будинок, а вона розводиться про те як жахливо важко організовувати весілля (він не помагав).
Тож з точки зору порівняння досвідів цікаво читати. З точки зору самого контенту не дуже.
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May 12, 2021
September 10, 2021
This review will lean more towards the technical aspects of this book, the craftwork that went into weaving this story about a ten-year relationship through two perspectives, because how does one critique what is a very real memory? (Well, I'd imagine that would happen like reviewing a fictional book, but that always felt so awkward to me.)
With that said, I wasn't wholly impressed with this book. As said by a couple of reviewers, there was a possibility that long-time Night Vale Presents fans would love this book with unerring fervor, and I was afraid that it would be true for me. So, I don't know if I should be relieved that it didn't happen to me and I can try to process what I've read with as little bias as I can (because I'm still a Night Vale fan) or disappointed that the skills that had woven the magic of Welcome to Night Vale wasn't found in this book. I've read plenty of autobiographies and memoirs that had a creative flair to the narrative that pulled me into the lives shared through the pages. For all the cute and witty jokes sprinkled here and there, it felt like I was listening to a disinterested principal droning on about the day's lunch menu when reading Joseph's chapters, and for Meg's chapters, it was like having that one politically-charged person shoehorn diatribes about fighting for rights in every conversation at a party when all you want to do is chill with a bottle of sugary wine cooler.
For these faults, though, readers have to appreciate the honesty Meg and Joseph had to dig through years of pain and stress in order to present it to the world through this book.
With that said, I wasn't wholly impressed with this book. As said by a couple of reviewers, there was a possibility that long-time Night Vale Presents fans would love this book with unerring fervor, and I was afraid that it would be true for me. So, I don't know if I should be relieved that it didn't happen to me and I can try to process what I've read with as little bias as I can (because I'm still a Night Vale fan) or disappointed that the skills that had woven the magic of Welcome to Night Vale wasn't found in this book. I've read plenty of autobiographies and memoirs that had a creative flair to the narrative that pulled me into the lives shared through the pages. For all the cute and witty jokes sprinkled here and there, it felt like I was listening to a disinterested principal droning on about the day's lunch menu when reading Joseph's chapters, and for Meg's chapters, it was like having that one politically-charged person shoehorn diatribes about fighting for rights in every conversation at a party when all you want to do is chill with a bottle of sugary wine cooler.
For these faults, though, readers have to appreciate the honesty Meg and Joseph had to dig through years of pain and stress in order to present it to the world through this book.
October 1, 2021
LOVE this idea (two sides of the same love story), format (one year at a time, from each perspective), and overall execution... but the actual stories and writing are disappointing. Would probably enjoy it from a different couple with better writing.
I found Joseph's side to be much stronger, better written, and more relatable even when I couldn't actually relate. He is clearly a writer and knows how to express ideas and emotions clearly, while still adding comedy. I could not relate to Meg in personality or life choices. She comes off as harsh and privileged (but if you repeatedly acknowledge how privileged you are it totally makes it better, right? No). The book then turns into the story of Night Vale and their careers, no longer really a story of a couple in love. Meg even finds ways to complain about getting rich, going on tour, and traveling Europe. I was still interested in Joseph's openness about his mental health issues, but mostly found myself not caring about this couple or relationship. Perhaps it would be better if I knew about, read, or listened to Night Vale.
I found Joseph's side to be much stronger, better written, and more relatable even when I couldn't actually relate. He is clearly a writer and knows how to express ideas and emotions clearly, while still adding comedy. I could not relate to Meg in personality or life choices. She comes off as harsh and privileged (but if you repeatedly acknowledge how privileged you are it totally makes it better, right? No). The book then turns into the story of Night Vale and their careers, no longer really a story of a couple in love. Meg even finds ways to complain about getting rich, going on tour, and traveling Europe. I was still interested in Joseph's openness about his mental health issues, but mostly found myself not caring about this couple or relationship. Perhaps it would be better if I knew about, read, or listened to Night Vale.
July 16, 2021
I feel like when you read the story of 2 people's lives you can't really rate it in terms of how many stars it deserves. I'm giving the full 5 because they were open, honest, real and entertaining and because everyone's story deserves 5 stars (cheesy enough?)
As I got to 2019 all I could think was man I want to read 2020. We need a follow up novella on this one to hear what they would each say about it.
I found the differences in their recollections entertaining at time when they were quite different from one another. And when they both got it the same there was a different sense of happiness in reading that as well.
I should note I am not a podcast person, I have never listened to their podcast. I am not a theater person either and yet I thoroughly enjoyed all of the stories just as much as the other aspects.
Thank you to Harper Perennial and the authors for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As I got to 2019 all I could think was man I want to read 2020. We need a follow up novella on this one to hear what they would each say about it.
I found the differences in their recollections entertaining at time when they were quite different from one another. And when they both got it the same there was a different sense of happiness in reading that as well.
I should note I am not a podcast person, I have never listened to their podcast. I am not a theater person either and yet I thoroughly enjoyed all of the stories just as much as the other aspects.
Thank you to Harper Perennial and the authors for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2023
This was a read for my book club. I liked the idea of two sides of the same story. I thought it was going to be interesting. I related with Meg the first few chapters with how she viewed her body but she very quickly became whiny and over dramatic. I felt Joseph's chapters are drawn out and lack luster. I did not relate or connect with either person. If I wasn't reading this for book club I would have DNF'd at 2012.
At the end of the day, I don't know who these people are. Never heard of the podcast and they are not interesting people to me. They become stuck up and take everything for granted and become over emotionally political and I didn't think that was necessary. I feel there was no moral to this story, not plot.. literally nothing interesting at all.
At the end of the day, I don't know who these people are. Never heard of the podcast and they are not interesting people to me. They become stuck up and take everything for granted and become over emotionally political and I didn't think that was necessary. I feel there was no moral to this story, not plot.. literally nothing interesting at all.
January 3, 2023
This was a cool concept for two people in a marriage to write their thoughts and perspectives for a 10 year time period. I would have never picked this up on my own had I not won this on Goodreads giveaways, but I'm glad I got to read it. The book definitely gives you pointers on how to properly communicate with your partner regardless if they meant to or not. They worked together even when they were annoyed, angry, frustrated, or sad. I guess I didn't like the repetitive information that they each gave in multiple chapters.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
May 19, 2021
Ok, so this was a really satisfying memoir. It is well-written and at turns both poignant and funny. Memoirs are hard to rate, because how do you “rate” a life? If trying on someone else’s life for a few hundred pages provides some insight into a world different from your own, then it’s worth the experience.
I often choose to listen to memoirs as audiobooks rather than choosing the print version. Given that these two are podcasters, it felt even more appropriate to do so this time. The narration is excellent and adds a personal touch to an already personal story.
In some ways, this book feels like one of the “create” assignments that Joseph and Jeffrey might give at the end of an episode of their podcast Start With This—“in so many words, tell the story of an important event or period of time, then have someone close to you describe the same important time. How are your stories similar? How are they different?”
One of my favorite musicals is The Last Five Years, which showcases, in reverse order, the opposite sides of a failed love story (Kathy’s side is told from the frayed end looking back to the romantic beginning, and Jamie’s side from the joyful start to the bitter end) — I suspect, given the similarities of title and formatting, and the fact that both Meg and Joseph are New York artists involved in the experimental theater scene, that this is intentional. Instead of being a record of the “last” years, this book is the record of a beginning, from different perspectives but always heading in the same direction.
As it happens, I feel like this book can stand up to being read by anyone, but I am not entirely sure I would recommend it to people who have no knowledge of our interest in Night Vale or its creators. It provides a lot of insight into the intentionality of a long term relationship and how to navigate building a life together, heavy on the practicality behind a romance, and I think that approach to telling a love story is both unusual and valuable—it doesn’t shy away from the friction inherent in the transitional steps between a new relationship and becoming a family together. But also, so much of their lives is tied up in their careers in a way that may be more rewarding to hear about if you have an investment in the trajectory of those careers. Having been to three of their live shows, I was fascinated by the evolving logistics behind their tours as the show gained popularity. I was equally interested to see through their eyes how the tumblr-inspired word of mouth recommendations suddenly skyrocketed their download numbers all those years ago—a skyrocketing popularity I remember watching with fascination as practically out of nowhere this show became practically the entirety of my tumblr dashboard that year. I think a part of my enjoyment of this memoir was in seeing where my bits of knowledge about their careers overlapped with what they show us here.
The dedication and Meg’s final chapter were especially moving. This book is a testament to their relationship, but it is also a love letter to the daughter they haven’t had the chance to meet yet.
I often choose to listen to memoirs as audiobooks rather than choosing the print version. Given that these two are podcasters, it felt even more appropriate to do so this time. The narration is excellent and adds a personal touch to an already personal story.
In some ways, this book feels like one of the “create” assignments that Joseph and Jeffrey might give at the end of an episode of their podcast Start With This—“in so many words, tell the story of an important event or period of time, then have someone close to you describe the same important time. How are your stories similar? How are they different?”
One of my favorite musicals is The Last Five Years, which showcases, in reverse order, the opposite sides of a failed love story (Kathy’s side is told from the frayed end looking back to the romantic beginning, and Jamie’s side from the joyful start to the bitter end) — I suspect, given the similarities of title and formatting, and the fact that both Meg and Joseph are New York artists involved in the experimental theater scene, that this is intentional. Instead of being a record of the “last” years, this book is the record of a beginning, from different perspectives but always heading in the same direction.
As it happens, I feel like this book can stand up to being read by anyone, but I am not entirely sure I would recommend it to people who have no knowledge of our interest in Night Vale or its creators. It provides a lot of insight into the intentionality of a long term relationship and how to navigate building a life together, heavy on the practicality behind a romance, and I think that approach to telling a love story is both unusual and valuable—it doesn’t shy away from the friction inherent in the transitional steps between a new relationship and becoming a family together. But also, so much of their lives is tied up in their careers in a way that may be more rewarding to hear about if you have an investment in the trajectory of those careers. Having been to three of their live shows, I was fascinated by the evolving logistics behind their tours as the show gained popularity. I was equally interested to see through their eyes how the tumblr-inspired word of mouth recommendations suddenly skyrocketed their download numbers all those years ago—a skyrocketing popularity I remember watching with fascination as practically out of nowhere this show became practically the entirety of my tumblr dashboard that year. I think a part of my enjoyment of this memoir was in seeing where my bits of knowledge about their careers overlapped with what they show us here.
The dedication and Meg’s final chapter were especially moving. This book is a testament to their relationship, but it is also a love letter to the daughter they haven’t had the chance to meet yet.
August 25, 2021
I had never heard of Welcome to Night Vale before, so there was really no reason for me to grab this audio book. There is already an audience pre-disposed to like this. I'm sure fans of that show are the ones who would be flocking to hear this. For me, I grabbed it because it was an audible deal of the day, and I thought the idea of two members of a couple telling their different sides of the same love story would be interesting.
Well, it was interesting. Probably not as interesting as it would have been if I was already a fan of this couple. But it was interesting. It was interesting to hear what felt like way more millennial of a romantic story than the one I have lived in my own life. It was a different sort of romantic path than I took, but it was romantic all the same. I'm not sure if I was terribly interested in all that this couple had to say, but they did inspire me to consider doing this sort of thing for my own personal history. I think my posterity might be interested to hear my husband and me tell our own side of important moments in our relationship.
As for the audio ... I really feel like Joseph Fink and Meg Bashwiner would be WAY more entertaining if they were just sitting around shooting the breeze about this stuff in a more natural way. As it was, hearing them read their story was halting and awkward. I listened to this at 1.2 speed like I do all my audio books, and it felt REALLY slow. I can't imagine how slow it was at normal speed. I didn't really love their narration, but I could feel their humor and the sort of personalities that could lead them to have successful writing ventures. Overall, I can't say that this was the best autobiographical performance I've ever heard, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. It did make me want to seek out Welcome to Night Vale and check it out, so I guess it was all good. I'll give this three stars. I liked it. (And I'd love to know the next chapter to see if they ever ended up having that baby they were planning for).
Well, it was interesting. Probably not as interesting as it would have been if I was already a fan of this couple. But it was interesting. It was interesting to hear what felt like way more millennial of a romantic story than the one I have lived in my own life. It was a different sort of romantic path than I took, but it was romantic all the same. I'm not sure if I was terribly interested in all that this couple had to say, but they did inspire me to consider doing this sort of thing for my own personal history. I think my posterity might be interested to hear my husband and me tell our own side of important moments in our relationship.
As for the audio ... I really feel like Joseph Fink and Meg Bashwiner would be WAY more entertaining if they were just sitting around shooting the breeze about this stuff in a more natural way. As it was, hearing them read their story was halting and awkward. I listened to this at 1.2 speed like I do all my audio books, and it felt REALLY slow. I can't imagine how slow it was at normal speed. I didn't really love their narration, but I could feel their humor and the sort of personalities that could lead them to have successful writing ventures. Overall, I can't say that this was the best autobiographical performance I've ever heard, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. It did make me want to seek out Welcome to Night Vale and check it out, so I guess it was all good. I'll give this three stars. I liked it. (And I'd love to know the next chapter to see if they ever ended up having that baby they were planning for).
March 13, 2021
Thank you to @harperperennial for my gifted copy of The First Ten Years. This joint memoir, a love story told from different perspectives, is out on May 11th. The full synopsis is in the comments section.
I found this memoir to be sweet and entertaining, especially since I remember a lot of the events going on in the world during the time in which it is told. A lot of millennials will be able to connect to it for this reason. Bashwiner and Fink also go through several issues that couples often face, which will help readers connect as well.
My one critique is that I think they should have added in a chapter when they discussed the differences in their stories after reading them, in an epilogue of sorts. It could be a transcript of a conversation, or two essays written after the discussion. I think this would’ve added another dimension to the book, and put a nice endcap on a beautiful love story.
I found this memoir to be sweet and entertaining, especially since I remember a lot of the events going on in the world during the time in which it is told. A lot of millennials will be able to connect to it for this reason. Bashwiner and Fink also go through several issues that couples often face, which will help readers connect as well.
My one critique is that I think they should have added in a chapter when they discussed the differences in their stories after reading them, in an epilogue of sorts. It could be a transcript of a conversation, or two essays written after the discussion. I think this would’ve added another dimension to the book, and put a nice endcap on a beautiful love story.
December 19, 2021
I loved the premise of the book - two sides to the same love story, told over 10 years. I wasn’t familiar with the authors’ other work, and perhaps if I was, I would’ve found their story more interesting. It just fell short for me, and left me questioning who their target audience was - each other? Their fans? Potential future children? There were moments when I connected with them and their relationship story, but those were far and few between. 2.5 stars.
November 8, 2023
Two very talented and thoughtful artists working together to make this fantastic read! Although at points it feels as though the entries of each year differ greatly between the two based on their perspectives, this really makes the whole experience feel like I’m with Joseph and Meg as they lovingly bicker in front of me at dinner, and some relationships are like that and, as shown here, just as loving as anyone else’s.
Aside from a few moments of v e r y millennial humor, this was great.
Aside from a few moments of v e r y millennial humor, this was great.
August 12, 2021
This was short, but I still ended up skimming. Great premise, I just did not connect with either of the authors. They over analyze every little thing which clearly makes them a great match, but too much for me. I have never listened to their podcast so had no knowledge of it when I started the book.
November 1, 2021
Another book club read: I like the premise of both their takes on their love story and a chapter per year. It made for a quick and entertaining read, and made me wonder how I would sum up the years of my own life in a succinct chapter (without the love story). But I doubt it will leave a lot to talk about in book club!
November 6, 2021
While I don’t listen to Night Vale- and can appreciate the hard work to write a book, publish it, share your life story, etc — this book left me with one sentence:
Who really cares?
The book was only not a DNF because my book club voted to read it for our pick. I can tell many people love this memoir but I was simply not one of them!
Who really cares?
The book was only not a DNF because my book club voted to read it for our pick. I can tell many people love this memoir but I was simply not one of them!
July 21, 2021
My husband and I listened to this book on a road trip. At first we liked it and it made us smile but closer to the end it got very political and we didn’t bother to finish the last of it.
October 11, 2021
I didn’t get far with this. These people are insufferable and annoying.
March 9, 2021
*I received a digital review copy from NetGalley & the publisher*
I've been a fan of Welcome to Night Vale for years and have been able to see the show tour a few times so this was a must read book for me and it didn't disappoint! In it, we get to learn about the relationship between Joseph Fink (creator of WTNV) and Meg Bashwiner (a frequent performer on WTNV) from each of their own point of views. I'm sure this format has been done before but here it feels refreshing and unique. Both writers are able to weave in their own issues, anxieties, and life choices while talking about their life choices and it still feels cohesive given the format. A quick and easy read, perfect for podcast fans and young adults.
I've been a fan of Welcome to Night Vale for years and have been able to see the show tour a few times so this was a must read book for me and it didn't disappoint! In it, we get to learn about the relationship between Joseph Fink (creator of WTNV) and Meg Bashwiner (a frequent performer on WTNV) from each of their own point of views. I'm sure this format has been done before but here it feels refreshing and unique. Both writers are able to weave in their own issues, anxieties, and life choices while talking about their life choices and it still feels cohesive given the format. A quick and easy read, perfect for podcast fans and young adults.
December 2, 2022
As a longtime listener of the Welcome to Nightvale podcast, I was eager for a glimpse into this creative couple’s relationship. The very concept of this book is beautiful- telling the story of each year, with each partner taking turns recounting their memories of the year in question. What a gift! As with the Nightvale podcast, there is both humour and deeply profound insight into love, life and what it means to be human. The ending had me tearful.
August 11, 2021
Reading about this relationship was a fun time because of how two differing personalities just work together. But, and maybe this is just because it's an ever changing and continuing relationship, I kind of felt.....underwhelmed after finishing it. I appreciated the open discussion of mental health struggles and being open about it however, and I also appreciated all the weird quirks about these two (the wedding goat was delightful to read about!)
September 21, 2021
In the last three months I have gotten married, lived with a romantic partner for the first time, moved to a new state, adopted a dog, and started my first full-time “big-kid” job. When I finished this book, I was sobbing. I’ve known Joseph Fink was a brilliant writer for years. This story, at this time in my life, absolutely gutted me.
September 5, 2024
I’ve been a fan of Welcome to Night Vale for years, but I’m sad to say that this didn’t work for me.
The concept is cute and fun. However, there were more tour anecdotes and political rants than there were stories about their relationship. And, say it with me people, being young or Italian is not an excuse to treat people poorly.
The concept is cute and fun. However, there were more tour anecdotes and political rants than there were stories about their relationship. And, say it with me people, being young or Italian is not an excuse to treat people poorly.
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