Living My Best Life, Hun: How I Bossed Up and Found My Inner Winner and You Can, Too

by London Hughes

From stand-up comedian, actress, and host of The Netflix Afterparty London Hughes comes an uplifting and raucously funny memoir to show you how to ditch the self-loathing, start the self-loving, and engage with your inner winner.London Hughes has come a long way from secretly writing Frasier fan fiction alone in her bedroom. Between her breakout Netflix comedy special, To Catch a D*ck, her dating podcast “London, Actually,” and her award-winning TV performances, London the South Londoner has taken the entertainment world by storm. And now, in this sassy, brash, fearless, and funny memoir, London is ready to inspire women of all ages and races with her story—because London is absolutely the best person in the whole wide world to take you on a wild journey of self-discovery. As she herself puts  “I’ve always been funny. I’ve always been cute. I’ve always been confident. I was born to do this shit.”All her life, London longed to be a badass—an awesome bullet-proof woman who nobody could mess with. At a young age, she made sure she was ready to become a star, developing her own living-room popstar training regimen to prepare for her future life. But London also had her fair share of disastrous experiences in terms of friendships, relationships, and career choices. Each of the fiascos in London’s life has, with hindsight, proved to be a formative life lesson, and helped her grow into the fearless person she is today. You'll definitely be grateful these setbacks happened to her and not you, but you'll also learn that however bad things get, you can always build your self-worth, think long-term, and emerge triumphant, no matter what the world throws at you.From birthday parties gone wrong to family drama, from wanting desperately to be famous to starting out on less-than-desirable TV shows, from navigating school bullies and boyfriends, London leaves no stone unturned in Living My Best Life, Hun. It took London some time to find her voice and her people, but now that she has, she's mentally high-fiving her 14-year-old self every day.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook

Audiobook

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading books about people who have lives with very litter overlap with my own experiences. These books give me a chance to learn about things I will never experience. London’s story was such an in depth and complex journey if her life and career to this point. The details and stories she told helped me to feel like I was experiencing something I would normally get exposure too. Her open and honest story telling was perfect for this book and made for a great read.

I received a ARC of this book from the publisher.

[Chelsea (2_girls_bookin_it) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea who London Hughes was when I downloaded this audiobook, but the title and cover were giving me amazing vibes so I took a chance on it. I don't know how much I would have loved the book if I hadn't listened to it cause I feel like London just really brought her words to life.

One of the main things I got from this book is that London has worked her ass off to become a comedian. Trying so many different ways to break her way into the spotlight and forging so many connections with people that ultimately has paid off. Sometimes it felt like things just fell into place easily for her, but in reality, it took years and years of hard work. It was a nice reminder that things may seem to just click but all the work that's been done previously is what led you to that moment.

As for London's dating stories. OMG. I'm pretty sure I was slack jawed for most of them. Especially her Vegas story 👀 I love the entertainment factor from her dating adventures, but I don't know how I'd be able to live through them myself!

Overall, this is really a memoir about working hard for your dreams. I really enjoyed listening to London tell us her story and I'm excited to see what other projects she'll come out with in the future.

**Thanks to NetGalley, London Hughes, and Hachette Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this memoir. I received this as an audiobook ARC and binged it immediately. It was hilarious, witty, and thought provoking. It was refreshing and so good to read. In a world where sometimes our biggest fans are strangers and not always the people closest to us, this was a delightful read. We absolutely need to believe in ourselves first and foremost. When life doesn’t seem to go as planned I will now be yelling “Plot twist!”. Thank you, London Hughes for writing the book I needed to read. Absolutely wonderful!

Thank you NetGalley, Hachette Audio, & Grand Central Publishing for the ARC and the chance to listen and review it honestly

[Catarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really adored this memoir. London Hughes is FUNNY. She definitely had some struggles and some things always seemed to go her way, but overall she felt like "one of us" (human). I loved her tenacity to go for everything that she wanted. I like how she described her goals and then how things changed. I just think she is someone you could run into at the bathroom in the club and she would hype you up or cry with you or at least give you a laugh. She is someone who does not give up and I really appreciate how that came through in her audiobook. Of course, I also loved that she narrated it, so every part that needed emphasis or a giggle - it was given just that.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio, and Grand Central Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[the great gretsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

a very fun and engaging autobiography regardless of whether you know london hughes‘ work or not! i particularly loved the stories from her childhood and the authenticity with which she narrates them. london also does a great job at showcasing how she navigated the british entertainment industry as a black woman, where comedians that are not white and male are still difficult to find. i have to admit that i lost interest a little bit towards the end, so it could‘ve been a little bit shorter for me, but overall it was a great and refreshing excursion in between reading fiction!

[Shannon Rochester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. To be honest, I requested this title because of the happy smiling face and the title...I didn't even read the synopsis or anything because I thought it was going to be this super happy book. I'm just going to say that I don't personally feel like that is what I got AT ALL. There were so many parts of this book that gave me the creeps just reading them and the feel of desperation as she got older...it got to me. I feel like this woman and I would probably not want to spend too much time in each others' company...I can clearly see I am in the minority when it comes to that though...so by all means, give it a shot yourself. You may really enjoy it :)

[Chelsea Pittman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate to say it but I had never heard of London Hughes before coming across this book. I will now remedy this by watching as much of her stand up as I can. I've also started following her on Instagram. I saw the title and the fun cover and somehow I knew that London would be an amazing personality.

In some ways, not knowing her was nice because I could get to know her like she was a stranger telling me her life story that was so interesting I couldn't walk away. I didn't know if she'd end up making her dreams come true. Her spirit and drive to fame is very inspiring and maybe more importantly, funny. I think she is someone that could talk about anything and make it interesting. I loved hearing stories from her childhood to how she became the super star she is today.

I loved the subjects in her story. The desire to want it all but not having it all and fighting to get even a portion. And the racism she faced daily while working in the UK. Hopefully her story has paved a path for other women of color to be heard/seen. She has used her platform to demand justice for many communities that have felt voiceless.

I usually listen to audiobooks on the speed 1.25. But London has so much energy and magic in her audio that I recommend listening to it on the normal speed. Any faster and you'll get too pumped up and probably do something reckless!

I highly recommend listening to Living My Best Life, Hun by London Hughes. Thanks to NetGalley, London Hughes, Hachette Audio and Grand Central Publishing. I have written this review voluntarily.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

London Hughes is the first-ever Black British woman to be nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award. Her Netflix special, To Catch a D*ck, was released in 194 countries and was a major success. Why is this a big deal? Because comedy in general is a male dominated industry and it's hard for women, especially women of color, to find success.

London wrote Living My Best Life, Hun in order to share her story of success with others who might need encouragement along the way. As a Black, British comedian who has had to earn her seat at the table she understands full well the barriers that exist for folx trying to break into show business but she did not allow those challenges to stop her.

I really enjoyed reading her coming of age story and the hilarious narratives shared in between her journey into show business. I read an article in The Guardian where she speaks to her desire to bridge the gap between Black America and Black Britain and I truly feel she does this in Living My Best Life, Hun. This book is not just her life story, it's a brilliant, witty, and humorous examination of being Black and British and making peace with making your Black identity your own despite the pressure to be placed in a box by society.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the advance listener copy of Living My Best Life, Hun.

London's memoir is well-written, engaging, and at time brutally honest. She narrates her early childhood being bullied in South London, accepting who she is as a teenager in Brighton, and moving back to London for college. As she tries to find a footing in the entertainment world, she learns that she has traded adolescent bullies for the silently racist British entertainment industry as she struggles to break into the white male world of British comedy. Time has proved them wrong as London has now become a top black female comedian but only after finding success in America.

London is completely open about embarrassing and private moments of her life. She addresses her bullies and opens up about the depression they caused but her constant belief in herself is astounding. She says she has always been her own hype woman and she does come across that way throughout the book. She knew from her early childhood that she wanted to be a star and she spends a lot of the book congratulating herself on becoming one.

I am not familiar with her entertainment roles but she did a phenomenal job narrating the book. She was engaging and very obviously skilled as an actress.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for an uncorrected copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“I left Paris a whole new woman, evolved, like a Black girl Pokémon and I wanted that feeling to last forever.” – London Hughes.

This is one of my favourite lines in the entire book because it is inspirational, funny, and somehow captures the essence of being a person who endured teenagehood in the early 2000s in such a subtle way. The line also perfectly describes the journey that Hughes takes you on throughout her memoir.

Interwoven throughout the story of her rise to fame Hughes also details her love life in a hilarious and vulnerable fashion. I particularly appreciated how Hughes conveyed that she knew that some of the men in her life were temporary and that even though she loved some of them no man was worth her dreams. Rarely is the conflict between maintaining a relationship and following a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (and the opportunity is the choice without question) given so much care and detail in a memoir.

I highly recommend this book if you want a funny and inspirational read. Hughes’ ability to articulate herself makes this book read like a conversation that you are having with your friend rather than reading a book. Her ability to story tell made this book a delight to read.

[Fae k · Rating 4 out of 5]

London Hughes' book "Living My Best Life, Hun" is funny, resilient, and self-discovering. The author-narrated audiobook follows London from her unusual childhood to her hilarious fame.

London's brazen narrative style gets your attention right away. She discusses her highs and lows via genuine tales, showing that even unpleasant experiences may lead to greatness. Her book traces her career in the entertainment world and inspires women of all ages and backgrounds.

Hughes' humour makes every chapter relevant and hilarious. Her honesty about previous errors and failures enriches the story and teaches life lessons. The memoir encourages readers to accept their individuality, overcome obstacles, and succeed.

From bedroom Frasier fan fiction writer to brave and confident comedian, London Hughes' story is inspirational and amusing. "Living My Best Life, Hun" is a book on self-love, tenacity, and the idea that anybody can overcome life's hardships. London's contagious energy and humour will make you mentally high-five your inner badass.

[Francisca Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living My Best Life, Hun by London Hughes is a very entertaining memoir. I have never heard of London Hughes, but she made me laugh out loud so many times that I am going to find her and watch her specials. We are close in age so a lot of what she referenced in her teenage years I was able to relate to, which adds a level of comradery when listening to her. She talks about her family, exes, struggling to get into the business, and so many other topics with a levity that makes it engaging, even for someone like me that's never heard of her. Hands down, 5 stars!

As a side note, it is interesting to learn about how racist the UK is, seemingly more so than USA, which is eye opening and sad.

Thank you to Hachette Audio for providing me with an ALC.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Such an amazing message of empowerment and following your dreams, no matter what people say

- In terms of the audio book: London does an amazing job telling her stories with education and comedy, keeping audience attention till the end

- Women’s! Sexual! Pleasure! Thank you for coming to my TED talk

I absolutely LOVED this book! Before getting the chance to listen to this as an audio book, I’d never heard of London Hughes… Let’s just say I can’t believe I lived my life without her comedy!

London’s narration provides so much more of an inside look at her life and experiences as a black female comedian. Through all her ups and downs, she always managed to inspire me and there is so much I learned in this book that I will apply in my own life.

“Plot twist!”

[Shannon Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is hilarious! I laughed out loud several times while listening to this audiobook. London Hughes, I am your newest fan!

London describes her life, from childhood to being discovered as HILARIOUS...the ups, the downs, the tears, the laughter, her insecurities, her belief in herself, and finally, the faith others have in her. She is extremely energetic in the audiobook - not only do you hear her emotions, you feel them. You'll celebrate her and with her in the good times and you'll hurt when she hurts. And you'll laugh! A lot!

Note: This free preview was provided by #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars - I liked it a lot! #LivingMyBestLifeHun

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal and funny as all get out! London Hughes does not hold back or hold out. She spills all the tea. I love her for her honesty. A career in Comedy is not for the faint of heart. A career in Comedy for a woman of color is a nearly impossible uphill hike while wearing a fifty-ton backpack, leg shackles, and your hands tied behind your back.
The book and story are excellent, but get this on audio if possible. The narration and the entire production, music, and editing are excellent. This is an entirely enjoyable listening experience.

I am grateful to London Hughes, Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for the chance to listen. Thank you.

[Ellen Poplavska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another "taking random audiobooks out of the library" score.

I didn't know who London Hughes was before reading this one. From the title and cover I'd expected an obnoxiously joyful part-time-confidence-coach, full-time-noveau-celeb memoir. And that's exactly what I got. I just enjoyed it a whole lot more than I might've expected.

London Hughes is a joy. Her voice is delightful. Her unapologetic narration of an obsessive pursuit of fame is refreshing. The "how I got famous" trajectory here is actually laid out in a way that would be tangibly useful to many and inspiring to many more.

An unexpected delight.

[Tanisha (Nishagotbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this audiobook. I felt that Londons personality really stood out when listening to her life's story.

The stories were enjoyable, self-deprecating and also told in such a way that you could visualize the scene.

The Intro is wonderful. Absolutely grabs my attention from the first page.

I appreciated how she spoke a lot on a subject but then also explained why it was prominent to her. An example being American television.

Overall this was an enjoyable and funny listen.
I would recommend to those who enjoy audiobooks, biographies, comedians and book lovers.

[annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this audiobook and story. "Living My Best Life, Hun" is about London Hughes 's journey to stardom and her ups and downs along the way (a lot of downs).

I loved how London Hughes narrated this book, it felt like a podcast and she was very expressive. Her journey was also so interesting to follow and learn about since I knew nothing about her before this. Her experience was so unique and when it seemed like the world was pushing her down, she rose to the top.

(This book deals heavily with themes of bullying, sexism, and racism.)

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars (audiobook)

I found the memoir of London Hughes to be fun and uplifting. Hughes gives a positive outlook on dealing with life struggles and plans not going her way. It felt like every wrong turn was just a learning moment for her. This will be the only memoir I read where the author still feels positive after losing their job and needing to move back in with their parents.

Thank you Hughes and NetGalley for the opportunity.

[DOMINIQUE Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book simply for the cover. With a black woman being on the cover it’s a must read. I didn’t know anything about her but now I do. Black British Comedian London Hughes book celebrates her accomplishments in a male dominated society of comedy. After reading this book I watched her comedy special To Catcj A D*ck and laughed A lot. I was highly engaged while reading. Thank you Grand Central Publishing my finished copy I received in advance in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you #Netgalley!
This is a hilarious read, especially as an audiobook. You feel as though you are sitting with London as she shares her stories of growing up. From writing fan fiction for the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Fraiser, to struggling with fitting in at school, working at TGI Fridays and so many other hilarious stories. A fun quick listen!

[julia jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

London Hughes’ narration truly made this book. She’s hilarious and so animated. I wasn’t super blown away by this memoir but it certainly was entertaining to listen to. I hadn’t heard of her before but appreciated her insight on being a black British comedian and look forward to watching some of her stand up!

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love London Hughes!! Her sense of humor is so on point!! I love how she looks to find the upside to almost any situation. She deals with life struggles just like most of us but it how she decides to deal with these struggles. She’s a “glass half-full” kind of person!!!

[Yinka Boudreaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always here for women beating the odds and getting their just deserts. This was easy listening and honestly felt like story time with my homegirl. The story was a hilarious and definitely spicy. It's hard to give a review on someones actually life, but I definitely enjoyed London's story!

[Yinka Boudreaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always here for women beating the odds and getting their just deserts. This was easy reading and honestly felt like story time with my homegirl. The story was a hilarious and definitely spicy. It's hard to give a review on someones actually life, but I definitely enjoyed London's story!

[Magdalena Julkowska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved listening to London Hughes sharing her life story and tenacity. Thanks for sharing babes!

[Shannon Sheehy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun, entertaining, hilarious read! If you don't know who London is yet, you will soon!!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun book at the beginning but towards the end I felt like I dragged on. I did absolutely love it was ready by London and hearing her excitement, so fun!!!!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stayed interested. I did not know about London Hughes. I enjoyed her story.

[Alison Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

i met london at the la times book festival and she was so funny and bubbly. her book was so inspiring to keep going, i love seeing black women succeed!