Not That Likeable: And Other Stories I Told Myself

by Amanda Hamilton

Oh hello! You’ve just stumbled upon a collection of weird essays from a noob writer you didn’t know you needed in your life. In Not That And Other Stories I Told Myself , perennial weirdo Amanda Hamilton unflinchingly chronicles her childhood exploits and coming-of-age story, in all their cringey glory. (Full there’s a lot of content about boobs, boy crushes, maxi-pads and mean girls.)

Riotously funny and spirited, Amanda balances unflinching honesty and side-splitting wit in this offbeat memoir for the proverbial outsider. She bares all, starting with tales of her less-than-conventional upbringing in a multi-generational family of seven crammed into a modest bungalow—with one washroom. ( THE HORROR. )

From stories from her early entrepreneurial beginnings trying to sell tap water, her equal love for and boycott of Care Bear panties, and the time she wore garbage to school to make a (not-so) salient statement about Earth Day, nothing is too mortifying to leave in the pages of her tween diaries. There’s also an essay about the first time she had sex with her high school sweetheart—she offered to redact that section in her grandmother’s advanced copy, but Grandma declined.

Anyhoo, if you’ve ever felt like an outsider or struggled to fit in, this book might just help you feel a little less alone. Not That Likeable is both a hilarious reflection on a singular childhood, and a celebration of the shared absurdity of being human.

Genres: Audiobook

238 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2022

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written, relatable, and hilarious. I loved it, the only feedback I have is that it’s ending seemed abrupt and left me wanting to know more about Amanda as a young adult, young business owner, and female moving through different phases of life. I hope this means there will be a follow up!

[Barb Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this book up a few days ago and finished in an afternoon. A relatable, well written, and sometimes funny collection of childhood stories that when pulled together lay out the formation of a people pleaser. As a people pleaser raised around the same time myself, I could have written many of these stories myself. I would have liked to know more about the impact these childhood events had on her future self, rather than the sudden ending at graduation with a brief wrap up, but maybe that’s the subject of another book.

A good read that I would recommend.

[Candace Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of THE MOST entertaining books I’ve read in a long time. Imagine Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing told through the lens of your 39 year old self. This is that book.
It’s smart, witty, well written and HIGHLY relatable. I felt like I was reliving my childhood - good, bad, and ugly - as I was reading it.
I will anxiously be awaiting part 2!

[Melina Beeston · Rating 4 out of 5]

That elusive fifth star might be hiding in my own self-loathing, eerily similar (down to strange details!) memories of those same formative years.

[Virginia Betmanis-Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious stories and anecdotes. Very relatable.

[Bre Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable and real. Thanks for adding the energy, cringe worthy moments, and reminder that we are worthy as is. I devoured this read.

[Jill Dewes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super relatable and an easy read.