Misfits: A Personal Manifesto

by Michaela Coel

A powerful manifesto on how speaking your truth and owning your differences can transform your life

In this sensational, agenda-setting debut, Michaela Coel, BAFTA-winning actor and writer of breakout series I May Destroy You and Chewing Gum, makes a compelling case for radical honesty.

Drawing on her unflinching Edinburgh TV Festival MacTaggart lecture, Misfits recounts deeply personal anecdotes from Coel’s life and work to argue for greater transparency. With insight and wit, it lays bare her journey to reclaiming her creativity and power, inviting readers to reflect on theirs.

Advocating for “misfits” everywhere, this timely, necessary book is a rousing and bold case against fitting in.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Essays, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Biography, Feminism

112 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 2021

About the author

Michaela Ewuraba Boakye-Collinson (1 October 1987), known professionally as Michaela Coel, is a British actress, screenwriter, singer, songwriter, poet, and playwright. In 2016, she won the BAFTA for Best Female Performance in a Comedy Programme and Breakthrough Talent for the television series Chewing Gum, which she created, wrote and acted as the lead role.

Reviews

[luce (cry bebè's back from hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

❀ blog ❀ thestorygraph ❀ letterboxd ❀ tumblr ❀ ko-fi ❀

3 ½ stars

“Speaking can be a terrifying action. Our words—even when spoken from a position so powerless that all that’s produced is a moth-like squeak—can be loud enough to wake the house: a house that is often sleeping peacefully and does not want to be disturbed; a house in which perhaps you’ve found a home.

I’m very much in awe of Michaela Coel. While I liked Chewing Gum well enough, I May Destroy You blew my mind. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it gave me friggin goosebumps. If you haven’t watched it, do yourself a favour, and do it ASAP.

I would recommend Misfits to those who haven’t watched Coel's MacTaggart Lecture. That talk, transcribed here in Misfits, is powerful indeed. Honest and incisive, this talk is definitely a must-listen/read. Coel recounts growing up Black in London, from the racism she experienced at school (from both the students and the staff) to her time at drama school. She describes a few specific episodes that highlight her love for theatre and creativity. Coel also discusses how racist, sexist, and toxic the filming industry is. Later on, Coel also speaks of being sexually assaulted, and while she doesn’t go into too much detail, this part is particularly brutal. Additionally, Coel expands on her idea of being a misfit and exploring notions of belonging and identity.

As much as I loved Coel's words, I’m not entirely sure why her talk was published as a book. The talk is sandwiched between two short new pieces, the first one preceding said talk where she writes about having anosmia, moths, and recalls a peculiar dream she had some years ago (it felt a bit disjointed). The latter bit is a short afterword. I would have probably appreciated this release more if it had included some more essays by Coel but I nevertheless was grateful to re-experience her lecture.

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Sammie Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will come back and review this properly when I have the time to pick myself up off the floor because damn

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of this I've already experienced while watching Coel's lecture. Only a bit of new info added.

Also, watch "I May Destroy You" and "Chewing Gum" too.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misfits is exactly my type of book; a book for those who understand, celebrate and value individuality over conformity and a fantastic and much-needed, agenda-setting literary debut. Inspired by her acclaimed and unflinching Edinburgh TV Festival MacTaggert Lecture in 2018 in front of an audience 4,000 strong, Michaela Coel’s passionately argued and devastatingly articulate manifesto for greater transparency and radical honesty is a clarion call for speaking truth to power. In just one of the quotes within it, she states: "What carried me through [secondary school] was the abundance of black girls, white girls, mixed girls—misfits. My friends were all misfits—a huge gang of commercially unattractive, beautiful misfits, who found the mainstream world unattractive". There is no doubt a lot of us can relate to this sentiment; I know I certainly can. Misfits look at life differently. But many are also seen as outsiders because life looks at them differently. Michaela Coel has felt like an outsider all her life. Because that's how life looked at her.

Misfits is a triumphant call for honesty, empathy and inclusion from all who are "different". With spunk and humour, Coel tells about her struggle to be herself in a world that demands the opposite. This topical, necessary book, laced with deeply personal anecdotes, advocates for outsiders. Within these pages, she recounts stories from both life and work which are utilised to argue for greater transparency, and with insight and wit, it lays bare her journey to reclaiming her creativity and power, inviting readers to reflect on theirs. It is a sharp and rousing argument not to try to fit in. This is a powerful and sensational manifesto on how speaking your truth and owning your differences can transform your life. By turns inquisitive, devastating, beautiful and hilarious, Michaela’s storytelling forever urges us to think again. Her fiercely empowering and inspirational debut draws on the same kaleidoscope of ideas and emotions as her hit TV shows and will inspire readers to reflect on their own relationship to power. Highly recommended.

[Lais Atilano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since listening to an interview by Louis Theroux on his ‘Grounded’ podcast I’ve became fascinated with Michaela’s mind: how she’s able to question things without being sanctimonious; being open enough to create a much needed dialogue about tricky issues, and humble enough to be always willing to learn.

This comes across in her debut book, Misfits.

The main body of the book is a lecture Coel has delivered to professionals within the television industry: not so much a call-out, but an invitation, a plea for transparency within the industry, aptly bookended by an introduction and epilogue in which she examines her own reluctance to deal with conflict and trauma head on.

This is a very short book that can be read in just over one hour. Still, its message and use of metaphor are powerful enough to provide food for thought long after the last page has been turned, and hopefully, an honest examination about our own attitudes towards others–even (and perhaps, especially) if they’re ‘just the way things are.’

The only issue I have with this book is from a design perspective. The fluidity of Michaela’s writing is often interrupted by intrusive quotes of lines from her manifesto, every couple of pages, as if I hadn’t just read them myself, in what seems like a desperate attempt for social media shareability. Please allow your readers to decide for themselves which parts of the text resonate with them, instead of force-feeding them in this patronising manner.

[Tiernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love her so much...wish this was a full memoir!

[AK✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misfits is a heartfelt and powerful short biography encouraging its reader to embrace their inner oddities. It is Coel's James MacTaggart lecture transcribed from the 2018 Edinburgh TV Festival. Since I’m not familiar with the lecture, reading her words had a stunningly elevating effect on me.

Coel celebrates individuality, calling all those who feel like outsiders to witness how truly freeing being different can be. She recalls her childhood, growing up as a Black girl in London, and the struggles of finding her place in the world. Her introspective anecdotes and experiences will resonate with many, with her sharp humour shining through. This, balanced with the vulnerability and transparency of the lecture makes Misfits and influential short read.

It’s clear Michaela Coel is a gifted storyteller. This is evident in her on-screen work, and only amplified in Misfits. And I think fans of Coel the actress or producer will enjoy owning a copy of Misfits to reflect on. Personally, I’d love to see more essays, or even written fiction from this author, since I have no doubt there’s much more she’s ready to offer.

[Esperance A Mulonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, if you've seen Chewing Gum or I may destroy you, there's nothing here. I would have hated the book if it was longer but since it was a light read, I don't care as much.

I just expected more , like maybe a bunch of essays or short stories that her I May Destroy You main character might write.

[li.reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

(TWs: Racism, Racial slurs, Rape, Suicide mention, Misogyny)

“How long, I begin to wonder, has my habit been to recount horror with a smile”

Misfits by Michaela Coel looks at the feelings of alienation, and determination in tandem, brought about by being a "Misfit". Speaking on the influence of class, race and sexuality, to name a few, Coel recounts her navigation through an industry, and a society, working against her success.

Coel's honest approach to writing leads me to believe that her manifesto is sure to resonate with many, and can easily be digested in an afternoon.

I did however, find myself getting a little lost in the analogies and metaphors at times, and struggled to form a coherent understanding of certain passages.

All in all, Misfits provides a brief, no-nonsense insight into Coel's experiences as a self-identified "Misfit", but it is unlikely that I will reach for it again.

[chantel nouseforaname · Rating 4 out of 5]

They used to say that Lena Dunham was the voice of a generation and that always felt like a lie to me.

I hate when people say that about celebrities at the heights of their shows.

Michaela Coel is the only time that that statement has ever felt applied correctly.

This short manifesto was dope. It is a pull no punches wake up call to industry folks to think and not act a fucking fool when trying to work with people who they’ve typically held just outside of the doors. It’s a call to action to match the actions to the statements that many of the “forward-thinking” people in the entertainment industry claim to tout re: diversity and inclusion.

I related to her stories and recollection of high school and the folks you meet there and the lack of care provided by teachers to younger students of color who rarely get the attention they deserve, no matter how talented, intelligent and luminous they are.

It is also an intense reminder to young Black creators to keep going. Fuck if anyone else doesn’t believe in your dream, or can’t see the value in your story. Your story is valuable, there are people who relate to it and it is and can be transformative, so give it your all and put it out there into the world.

I love the way her mind works. This work is the result of a popular lecture that she gave in relation to being a young legend in the making and it was a pleasure to read.

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** 3.5 Stars ****

I have never heard of Michaela Coel before and after reading this, I do not understand how or why?!

Coel has a very unique way of writing. It's very engaging. I also found her to be highly creative and likeable.

Misfits was a very lovely book on Coel's journey with writing and existing. There are pages on racism and sexism, but there are others about hope and love.

My only complaint is the fact that I did not understand every page. Some of the references got me lost, and her use of language is a bit challenging at times. Despite that however, I was still interested in reading and getting to know her better.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read basically. It's beautiful in a strange way. The writing style is excellent. I teared up at times because it was so engaging. Definitely a good read!

[Gsus · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know why I feel bad for giving this such a low rating. Because I know her words mean a lot, as well as her cause. But honestly, honestly, there was not much substance to this book. Don't get me wrong, the writing was not bad. It's easy to read, has a smooth flow but I feel like she wanted to say a lot in a few pages but failed to do so. It felt haphazard. I agree with one of the reviews here, that it felt more like collation of random diary entries. Towards the end, the amount of times she said the word "transparency". transparency this, transparency that--it's sufficient enough to get you drunk in a drinking game.

[Traci Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good. A speech with an intro and epilogue. A lot of good questions brought up. It didn’t blow my mind, but I liked learning more about Coel.

[amma.keep.reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transparent, poignant and with bits of Michaela Coel humor.

[Ameema S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: Racism, The “N-word”, Sexual Assault

A short, but phenomenal read - Misfits is thoughtful, smart, seating, and unputdownable. Michaela Coel is wicked smart and has an incredible way of putting words together into compelling stories.

Misfits is adapted from a speech Coel performed at an event for industry professionals, and this hour long speech was incredible. I tore through this book, soaking up every single world, itching for more.

I don’t say this lightly, but Michaela Coel is one of this generations most incredible voices, and experiencing her art, her writing, her storytelling feels like a gift. I am blown away by the care, thought and power put into every word, and every story.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional. This is a perfectly written manifesto that touches on a number of social commentary elements. To describe the content further would be a disservice. Read this if you’re a Michaela Coen fan. Read this if you don’t know who Michaela Coen is.

[addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a special book. i adore michaela coel and loved every second of this. my love for tv has been revived now i need to write an entire series in one sitting

[pugs · Rating 5 out of 5]

if nothing else, 'misfits' solidifies my belief in coel being the best screenwriter of our (i.e. millenial) generation. and after reading it, i think that prefix, or even limiting her to a writer at all is understated, rather, she is best seen as an all encompassing creative. 'misfits' revolves around the creation, and reading, of her mactaggart lecture, she exposes the negatives and positives of the whole creative world and intersecting with society. her career trajectory thus far has been one of keeping her integrity, not just as an artist, but as a good person. wise, introspective, oh so funny, but thoughtful and sincere when needed, this feels like a one woman show (makes sense given her theater background). i'm admittedly biased, and if you are also a fan of her work, 'misfits' is a must-read, but this book should interest a much wider audience who hasn't heard of her (yet) as well, and deserves space as a relevant, critical piece in media studies.

[rufus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sono molto buono di solito con i voti, ma qui purtroppo mi tocca dare una valutazione molto negativa.
Misfits parte con le premesse di essere un libro contro il razzismo, in realtà risulta essere soltanto un’autobiografia in cui, tra le tante altre cose, si parla anche di razzismo.
Sono costretto a dare una valutazione bassa perché il libro non ha soddisfatto per niente le mie aspettative: mi sono trovato a leggere oltre 100 pagine della vita di una persona che non conoscevo e, onestamente, non mi interessava conoscere. Oltre 100 pagine scritte anche male, un po’ per colpa dell’autrice stessa ma penso che un po’ di colpa la abbia anche la traduzione.
Un libro che quindi consiglio solo se conoscete il personaggio di Michaela Coel o in qualche modo vi interessa conoscerlo. Non aspettatevi tuttavia una bella prosa perché, come ho già detto, purtroppo non lo è.

[Juliana Abaúnza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro es el discurso que Michaela Coel dio en el Edinburgh International Television Festival (un discurso llamado "The MacTaggart Lecture"). Yo ya lo había visto completo en Youtube, pero eso no me hizo disfrutar menos encontrarlo en forma escrita. Todo lo que dice (sobre escribir, sobre contar historias, sobre ser honesta, sobre crear historias ancladas en trauma, sobre ser una "misfit", sobre la industria en la que trabaja y cómo explotan a los "misfits") es muy inspirador.

[Frances Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured it in one sitting. Have already watched Coel's MacTaggart lecture multiple times but there was something special about reading it in this format and having a little insight into how the speech came to be. Also, I have despised moths all my life - they are one of few creatures that scare me - but now I think about them very differently. That's the power of good storytelling and Michaela Coel.

[smackabook · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bulk of this book is the James MacTaggart Lecture that Michaela Coel gave at Edinburgh Television Festival in 2018. Just as I enjoyed it then, I adored re-experiencing it now.

Different types of moths are discussed in the intro, but in true Michaela Coel fashion, the themes and wider meaning were tided together in the perfect bow in The Aftermoth and all made sense.

Misfits is Coel's first book - I hope it won't be her only one!

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Michaela Coel. She is beyond talented and creative and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything she’s brought to the screen so far. I really enjoyed the lecture in this book; I found it very compelling and thoughtful. I didn’t enjoy the introduction that much - it confused me a bit - but that hardly mattered once I got to dig into the heart of her story.

[Alex McVeigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Michaela Cole STAN so this little snippet into her mind made for an absolutely phenomenal read. I love how she questions things and articulates her thoughts. Will 100% pick this up again while eagerly anticipating a full fledged memoir or more written content from her!!

[Oyinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✨

[Lindsey Apple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michaela Coel is one of our smartest thinkers and I’m grateful for her perspective

[Viv]

As usual, Michaela writes with such empathy and understanding and self-reflection, not to mention succinctness, that I felt totally dumbstruck while reading it.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little nugget into her brilliant mind just left me wanting more.

[dreamgirlreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michaela Coel's voice is one of our generation that deserves to be heard. I hope she continues writing and creating and sharing.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just meant to read a chapter and oooppps, done! Review to come 👏🏼👏🏼