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All Things Aside: Absolutely Correct Opinions
From the razor-sharp mind of award-winning comedian Iliza Shlesinger, a collection of hilarious and insightful essays about the exasperating issues of everyday life
Foreword by Margaret Cho
“Vibrant and entertaining, relatable and poignant, and above all, it’s funny.” — Los Angeles Times
“Iliza is exceptionally funny. If this book doesn’t make you laugh, it means you can’t read. In which case, disregard.” —Jimmy Kimmel
“A book for everyone wrestling with what it means to show up for ourselves and the world today. I love Iliza, and I love her advice.” — New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Serle
All Things Aside is a punchy, honest, incisive book that shares a view of the world through the eyes of the inimitable Iliza Shlesinger. From the macro to micro, Shlesinger tackles it all with her no-bullshit comedic style.
Throughout the book, Shlesinger dives from one subject into the next, making her hilarious asides the meat of her stories, much like she does in her stand-up comedy. Topics range from dissecting social expectations to the notion that products marketed specifically to women are scams, and all manner of things in between. She even dares to ask herself the all-important question that every woman is forced to consider at some Am I actually an annoying person? Shlesinger also shares intimate moments, including a devastating miscarriage, which she manages to navigate not only with grace but somehow with side-splitting humor.
All Things Aside offers unexpected insights, much-needed truths, and tons and tons of laughs.
Foreword by Margaret Cho
“Vibrant and entertaining, relatable and poignant, and above all, it’s funny.” — Los Angeles Times
“Iliza is exceptionally funny. If this book doesn’t make you laugh, it means you can’t read. In which case, disregard.” —Jimmy Kimmel
“A book for everyone wrestling with what it means to show up for ourselves and the world today. I love Iliza, and I love her advice.” — New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Serle
All Things Aside is a punchy, honest, incisive book that shares a view of the world through the eyes of the inimitable Iliza Shlesinger. From the macro to micro, Shlesinger tackles it all with her no-bullshit comedic style.
Throughout the book, Shlesinger dives from one subject into the next, making her hilarious asides the meat of her stories, much like she does in her stand-up comedy. Topics range from dissecting social expectations to the notion that products marketed specifically to women are scams, and all manner of things in between. She even dares to ask herself the all-important question that every woman is forced to consider at some Am I actually an annoying person? Shlesinger also shares intimate moments, including a devastating miscarriage, which she manages to navigate not only with grace but somehow with side-splitting humor.
All Things Aside offers unexpected insights, much-needed truths, and tons and tons of laughs.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2022
382 people are currently reading
3084 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 542 reviews
November 3, 2022
I love her stand up but I just don’t think it translated well into writing. What comes across as intelligent and funny as she storms the stage felt like an angry lecture with some bitter asides and many, many lists of things I didn’t much relate to.
The book is well thought out, the chapters flow and most have a strong point but it just wasn’t very funny. I’ll be back for her next one but this one wasn’t for me.
The book is well thought out, the chapters flow and most have a strong point but it just wasn’t very funny. I’ll be back for her next one but this one wasn’t for me.
February 5, 2023
"All Things Aside" is, all things considered, not a good book - or, I guess it could get better, but it's bad enough for me to give up on it about a quarter of the way in.
I enjoy watching Shlesinger's stand-up work, but this book hasn't even made the corner of my mouth twitch once. Her spiel, that works for her on stage, just comes across as whiny carping taken to the umpteenth degree. Sprinkle in a pinch of angry, a whole handful of self-importance, round it out with some preachiness, et voilà: "All Things Aside"
I know I've said this before, but I really need to stop reading stand-up comedians' books. I don't think a single one has gotten even close to my expectations of it.
I enjoy watching Shlesinger's stand-up work, but this book hasn't even made the corner of my mouth twitch once. Her spiel, that works for her on stage, just comes across as whiny carping taken to the umpteenth degree. Sprinkle in a pinch of angry, a whole handful of self-importance, round it out with some preachiness, et voilà: "All Things Aside"
I know I've said this before, but I really need to stop reading stand-up comedians' books. I don't think a single one has gotten even close to my expectations of it.
October 11, 2022
I'm such a huge Iliza Shlesinger stand up fan and this latest book did not disappoint!! Not afraid to address sensitive topics, Iliza covers cancel culture, speaking up despite being afraid to offend anyone and everyone, life through the pandemic, misogyny, plus more personal experiences with miscarriage and infertility. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of feminist women comedians like Amy Schumer. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 12, 2022
Maybe I’m biased because I love Iliza so much that I named my dog after her (and Bindi Irwin), but this book made me laugh, it made me fucking cry, it made me feel less alone in the world. Iliza has always been funny to me, I’ve always gotten along with her comedy and view of single women, the party goblin, dogs with silly nicknames and the drunken bachelorette party (Morgan…Morgan…drink some fucking water). I love watching her grow up and become a wife and mother and get even funnier. If your views are similar to hers you will definitely find yourself saying “oh my god I’ve been saying this FOREVER” out loud to your sink of dishes you’re currently handling while you listen to her book on Audible because you like actually hearing her voice tell her story. I cannot say enough great things about this book.
December 10, 2024
Road trip audiobook!
I've enjoyed Iliza Shlesinger's stand-up specials, so this book was an easy pick to help pass the miles while I cruised along.
I liked the book overall, but I was a little bummed by its general tone of negativity as Shlesinger spends a lot of time complaining about things she doesn't like. She does it humorously, sure, but it wore me down a little bit over the course of the book. Throw in her horrible miscarriage experience and being stalked, and this book is not going to be the laugh machine you might expect based on her stage shows.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Foreword / by Margaret Cho -- Intro -- Nostalgia -- Having It All -- Everything Is a Scam -- Where Have All the Hot Boys Gone? -- Miscarriage -- A Baby! Tell Me Everything -- Act Like a Person -- High-maintenance -- Annoying Court -- Tradition -- Unplugging -- Legal Forty -- All Things Aside -- Acknowledgments
I've enjoyed Iliza Shlesinger's stand-up specials, so this book was an easy pick to help pass the miles while I cruised along.
I liked the book overall, but I was a little bummed by its general tone of negativity as Shlesinger spends a lot of time complaining about things she doesn't like. She does it humorously, sure, but it wore me down a little bit over the course of the book. Throw in her horrible miscarriage experience and being stalked, and this book is not going to be the laugh machine you might expect based on her stage shows.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Foreword / by Margaret Cho -- Intro -- Nostalgia -- Having It All -- Everything Is a Scam -- Where Have All the Hot Boys Gone? -- Miscarriage -- A Baby! Tell Me Everything -- Act Like a Person -- High-maintenance -- Annoying Court -- Tradition -- Unplugging -- Legal Forty -- All Things Aside -- Acknowledgments
October 11, 2022
I remember watching an Iliza Shlesinger stand up special on Netflix years ago and finding her drunk girl party goblin stunts hilarious. She was relatable and funny. But that was a long time ago. When I saw her new book All Things Aside I figured it had been a long time since I’ve read anything humor and hoped it would be an entertaining collection.
But I honestly should have done my research first and I may have realized that Shlesinger would not be my cup of tea anymore. In her book, she shared a few politically divisive statements that really weren’t necessary unless she actually didn’t want certain people to like her, in which case I would say she achieved that.
Then, she came off especially preachy. She kept insisting if only we would listen to her and just be nice people then our society would be so much better. Ah, yes, thank you Iliza, if only we had listened to you sooner all of our problems would be solved!
Finally, the format of her book was awful. She used this technique of having “footnotes” in the middle of paragraphs instead of at the bottom of the page so there were indented and smaller font paragraphs on basically every other page. And sometimes these “footnotes” would be over a page long. It was incredibly annoying. The current story would be interrupted to tell a side story and it just made the whole story disjointed and disrupted. The flow was completely off and I didn’t like reading this way at all.
This was my third celebrity memoir/essay collection that I’ve read in a row and it was unfortunately my third disappointment. I couldn’t wait to finish and move on to something totally different!
Thank you to NetGalley and Abrams for an ARC of this book.
Read my full review here: https://www.between-bookends.com/2022...
But I honestly should have done my research first and I may have realized that Shlesinger would not be my cup of tea anymore. In her book, she shared a few politically divisive statements that really weren’t necessary unless she actually didn’t want certain people to like her, in which case I would say she achieved that.
Then, she came off especially preachy. She kept insisting if only we would listen to her and just be nice people then our society would be so much better. Ah, yes, thank you Iliza, if only we had listened to you sooner all of our problems would be solved!
Finally, the format of her book was awful. She used this technique of having “footnotes” in the middle of paragraphs instead of at the bottom of the page so there were indented and smaller font paragraphs on basically every other page. And sometimes these “footnotes” would be over a page long. It was incredibly annoying. The current story would be interrupted to tell a side story and it just made the whole story disjointed and disrupted. The flow was completely off and I didn’t like reading this way at all.
This was my third celebrity memoir/essay collection that I’ve read in a row and it was unfortunately my third disappointment. I couldn’t wait to finish and move on to something totally different!
Thank you to NetGalley and Abrams for an ARC of this book.
Read my full review here: https://www.between-bookends.com/2022...
April 1, 2023
Iliza is probably my favourite comedian but I find her writing ok at best. This isn't a slight against her at all but I just think she is a master of spoken comedy and the timing of punchlines. I've found I've grown alongside Iliza over the years as she moved from making fun of 20 year olds purposely leaving their jackets behind to go to the bar in the middle of winter into a more sophisticated person capable of commenting on feminism and politics while still being funny. Despite this, I just felt like I couldn't relate to her commentary in this and not only that, it was boring to read. I liked Girl Logic better. I will watch her on TV until I die but wouldn't recommend you read this book unless you're a die hard fan. 3.0
April 18, 2023
I Came As A Fan And Didn't Like It
If you're a fan of Iliza Shlesinger's podcast (like me), you may be disappointed by this book.
While the author's sharp wit and observational humor are present throughout, the overall tone is more negative and nitpicky than her podcast. While some readers may find her takes amusing, others (I included) may find them grating or repetitive.
Despite the book's shortcomings, it does share some similarities with Adam Carolla's work. However, the humor in All Things Aside falls flat for some, including myself.
Some of the views expressed do not align with my own personal beliefs, which detracts from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, while this book may not be for everyone, it does contain some humor and witty observations. If you're a die-hard Iliza Shlesinger fan or appreciate her brand of humor, it may still be worth a read.
However, if you're looking for something that's purely positive or consistently funny, this may not be the book for you.
2.7/5
If you're a fan of Iliza Shlesinger's podcast (like me), you may be disappointed by this book.
While the author's sharp wit and observational humor are present throughout, the overall tone is more negative and nitpicky than her podcast. While some readers may find her takes amusing, others (I included) may find them grating or repetitive.
Despite the book's shortcomings, it does share some similarities with Adam Carolla's work. However, the humor in All Things Aside falls flat for some, including myself.
Some of the views expressed do not align with my own personal beliefs, which detracts from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, while this book may not be for everyone, it does contain some humor and witty observations. If you're a die-hard Iliza Shlesinger fan or appreciate her brand of humor, it may still be worth a read.
However, if you're looking for something that's purely positive or consistently funny, this may not be the book for you.
2.7/5
October 26, 2022
I was so disappointed with this book I bailed out at about 1/4 way through it. I love Iliza’s stand up, but this was not enjoyable to me at all. It felt like she is nonstop complaining.
November 11, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you’re familiar with Shlesinger’s standup, you’ll understand this book, her delivery, funny voices, incredible arguments, and beautiful feminism. If not, then I don’t think you’ll enjoy this quite as much. She broaches some sensitive topics here, always with a humorous spin.
PS. Some of this material appears in her newest Netflix special. It’s a good set, but her outfit was very distracting. #iykyk
PS. Some of this material appears in her newest Netflix special. It’s a good set, but her outfit was very distracting. #iykyk
August 21, 2022
I really wanted to like this one because I love Iliza and her previous book "Girl Logic", but it was just ok. There were a few funny points but this one just didn't hit.
December 31, 2022
I should relate more to this book as Iliza and I have a lot in common - age, gender, race, LA, but I mostly found this book grating. I do agree w a lot of what she says, but it’s basically an entire book filled with stuff that annoys her which is… something I can live without. Feels like she goes out of her way to piss off all people, which is fine but gets old when listening to endless lists of mundane stuff she doesn’t like. Some jokes/bits are funny (and the age part is relatable), but overall I didn’t love this book.
April 20, 2023
Do you enjoy 200+ page rants? If so, this is the book for you!
I was hoping for a Netflix stand-up feel.. instead, I got an angry commentary on all of her opinions. The title should have warned me, but I honestly did not think her opinions (an opinion can not be absolutely correct since opinions by nature differ) would be the only subject matter.
I was hoping for a Netflix stand-up feel.. instead, I got an angry commentary on all of her opinions. The title should have warned me, but I honestly did not think her opinions (an opinion can not be absolutely correct since opinions by nature differ) would be the only subject matter.
April 13, 2023
All Things Aside is a wonderful honest look at the life and opinions of Iliza Shlesinger. Her humor shines throughout the entire book. The side comments mixed with the main narrative were amusing and relatable to how my thoughts work. Shlesinger's remarks on product marketing and the scams women have to deal with are hilarious mic drops of truth. The honesty and compassion shown in sharing the details of her miscarriage and the state of the healthcare system are harrowing while offering suggestions for ways we can be better as a society. This is a great read for anyone looking for a comical glance into the mind of a woman.
Special thanks to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Special thanks to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 5, 2023
All Things Aside: Absolutely Correct Opinions
I Picked Up This Book Because: I enjoy the writer’s comedy.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: HPCL
Dates Read: 5/2/23 - 5/3/23
Stars: 4
Narrator(s): Iliza Shlesinger
Observations on life post pandemic, fertility, pregananny and early motherhood among other things. I enjoyed it a lot. It was actually much like one of her shows.
The Random Thoughts:
I Picked Up This Book Because: I enjoy the writer’s comedy.
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: HPCL
Dates Read: 5/2/23 - 5/3/23
Stars: 4
Narrator(s): Iliza Shlesinger
Observations on life post pandemic, fertility, pregananny and early motherhood among other things. I enjoyed it a lot. It was actually much like one of her shows.
The Random Thoughts:
December 21, 2022
This is essentially a book of hot takes. And I loved it. Actually lol’d a couple times, this will definitely be a reread.
May 19, 2023
I’ve been a fan of Iliza’s ever since Last Comic Standing. This book has a great mix of memoir and comedy. Loved hearing her narrate the audio.
August 1, 2023
Mostly focused on social media, cancel culture, and things that bother her. Schlesinger performs the hell out of the audiobook!
October 22, 2025
Love her stand up and I always will, but this didn't deliver the same comic effect as it would have in an audiobook I'm sure
November 8, 2022
An enjoyable listen. I especially loved the section on "acting like a person". I listened to it one day before having people over and it was HILARIOUS how accurately she describes annoying guest behaviors.
April 4, 2023
Lliza is one of the funniest comics out there! I adore her! If she could leave politics out of her act, she would be the best of the best!
February 26, 2023
Loved listening to this! Read by Iliza= 6.5 hour comedy special while driving.
October 17, 2022
It's more a 4.5 stars. I really loved this books and seeing her take and opinions on so many matters. She is my favorite comedian and never fails to make me smile and laugh. Just this book alone I giggled to many times to myself on topics that I agreed with her. 😝😁
November 9, 2022
Iliza is an amazing comedian, but I feel she is even more of an amazing author. I love her honesty and realism. She talks about subjects that most feel are taboo. She speaks openly about her personal experiences which are not always humorous.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and I know Iliza better for hearing HER tell her story.
Not only do I recommend this book, but I highly recommend listening to the audiobook. She speaks her truth and it is enlightening to hear her speak about the way she feels about being treated and respected as a woman.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and I know Iliza better for hearing HER tell her story.
Not only do I recommend this book, but I highly recommend listening to the audiobook. She speaks her truth and it is enlightening to hear her speak about the way she feels about being treated and respected as a woman.
May 7, 2025
Hilarious as always. I listened to the audiobook so I can’t comment on the book format. I listen to her podcast every week, and there was new material galore with almost no overlap from her 6th Netflix special that dropped the same day as the book. Yay!
I can’t get enough of her witty and humorous hot takes. She did touch on some more serious topics, but it never felt like too much of a downer, just open conversation and awareness.
I’ve grown up with Iliza and we’ve been in the same life stages up til now. And while I am childless, I was rly happy this wasn’t baby everything or all about motherhood.
Second read in 2025
A little more outdated than when I first read it in 2022. The content felt a little more against most topics, complaining a bit more than pure jokes. I still really appreciated her sharing her miscarriage to talk about it more openly. Years later this had a bit less hilarious factor, and maybe seemed a bit more stilted in the book format. Some lists and commentary even on audiobook missed something but it’s hard to explain what. Still a comic I truely enjoy. Three stars.
I can’t get enough of her witty and humorous hot takes. She did touch on some more serious topics, but it never felt like too much of a downer, just open conversation and awareness.
I’ve grown up with Iliza and we’ve been in the same life stages up til now. And while I am childless, I was rly happy this wasn’t baby everything or all about motherhood.
Second read in 2025
A little more outdated than when I first read it in 2022. The content felt a little more against most topics, complaining a bit more than pure jokes. I still really appreciated her sharing her miscarriage to talk about it more openly. Years later this had a bit less hilarious factor, and maybe seemed a bit more stilted in the book format. Some lists and commentary even on audiobook missed something but it’s hard to explain what. Still a comic I truely enjoy. Three stars.
June 11, 2024
I love Iliza Shlesinger's stand up... but this isn't stand up. I don't think that it's supposed to be. I think that fans of her podcast would enjoy this more than say, casual fans of her Netflix specials. This book is funny and insightful and well written. Do I believe that all of her opinions are "Absolutely Correct"? No. Should that matter? I think that if it does... you may have missed the point.
April 18, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, ABRAMS and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Funny, engaging and as charming as Iliza. Truly enjoyable for fans of the aforementioned and fans of comedy.
Funny, engaging and as charming as Iliza. Truly enjoyable for fans of the aforementioned and fans of comedy.
January 7, 2024
3 stars
This was totally fine but just didn’t completely work for me and that’s okay.
This was totally fine but just didn’t completely work for me and that’s okay.
January 18, 2025
✨Book Review✨
All Things Aside - Iliza Shlesinger
📖 Iliza Shlesinger (who is one of my favorite stand up comedians) tackles many different topics, giving each of them her hilarious yet honest and punchy attention. She makes the footnotes and asides the meat of this book, which is evident if you listen to the audiobook. Some of her chapters include: unplugging, tradition, annoying court, high-maintenance, act like a person, and everything is a scam.
📚 This mostly felt like listening to 11 hours of Iliza’s stand up in a row (which is basically what it was in audiobook format, with her reading and doing her voices the entire time). Much like when she is on the stage, in the middle of a stand up routine, she does a masterful job of weaving stories and lessons together, asking good questions and making you laugh, cringe, and feel seen along the way.
🌟 If you enjoy Iliza’s stand up routines, then this book is a no brainer for you! If you’re not familiar with Iliza but you: enjoy laughing, a bit of nostalgia, hard truths, controversial topics, and some wild stories then buckle up and order the audiobook on Libby!
#BookReview #AllThingsAside #IlizaShlesinger #BookRecommendation
All Things Aside - Iliza Shlesinger
📖 Iliza Shlesinger (who is one of my favorite stand up comedians) tackles many different topics, giving each of them her hilarious yet honest and punchy attention. She makes the footnotes and asides the meat of this book, which is evident if you listen to the audiobook. Some of her chapters include: unplugging, tradition, annoying court, high-maintenance, act like a person, and everything is a scam.
📚 This mostly felt like listening to 11 hours of Iliza’s stand up in a row (which is basically what it was in audiobook format, with her reading and doing her voices the entire time). Much like when she is on the stage, in the middle of a stand up routine, she does a masterful job of weaving stories and lessons together, asking good questions and making you laugh, cringe, and feel seen along the way.
🌟 If you enjoy Iliza’s stand up routines, then this book is a no brainer for you! If you’re not familiar with Iliza but you: enjoy laughing, a bit of nostalgia, hard truths, controversial topics, and some wild stories then buckle up and order the audiobook on Libby!
#BookReview #AllThingsAside #IlizaShlesinger #BookRecommendation
May 2, 2023
Another fun book of humor and musings by Iliza Shlesinger. I have always enjoyed her comedy and her perspective. I don't always agree with everything she says but I agree with most of it.
I got this on Audible, which is the best way to "read" her books. I love hearing everything in her voice.
There were lots of interesting, personal stories about her life, her pregnancy, a stalker - Yikes.
Ironically, near the beginning of the book, she said that Generation X was almost 60. Well, we're still not 60 yet but, a few years is close enough, I guess. Then, in this same book, she complains that she is only 38 and doesn't like it that so many people say she's 40 already - or close enough to 40 that they might as well say she's 40. So ...
She also has lots of praise about how cool her generation is and how they are the only generation ever to wear clothes ironically. Okay, sure. I don't think so but - you're the writer, Iliza.
I do like Iliza a lot. She's cool. She's funny. She cares about stuff. I was lucky enough to get tickets to her show in Houston a few months after Hurricane Harvey and she was so nice about everything we had been through. She is awesome.
I got this on Audible, which is the best way to "read" her books. I love hearing everything in her voice.
There were lots of interesting, personal stories about her life, her pregnancy, a stalker - Yikes.
Ironically, near the beginning of the book, she said that Generation X was almost 60. Well, we're still not 60 yet but, a few years is close enough, I guess. Then, in this same book, she complains that she is only 38 and doesn't like it that so many people say she's 40 already - or close enough to 40 that they might as well say she's 40. So ...
She also has lots of praise about how cool her generation is and how they are the only generation ever to wear clothes ironically. Okay, sure. I don't think so but - you're the writer, Iliza.
I do like Iliza a lot. She's cool. She's funny. She cares about stuff. I was lucky enough to get tickets to her show in Houston a few months after Hurricane Harvey and she was so nice about everything we had been through. She is awesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 542 reviews