Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

by none other than the fabulous Mindy Kaling. You might know her from The Office (that one, with Steve Carrell), or the Mindy Project (which she stars/writes/produces), or as a Ben Affleck impersonator...(maybe not the last one).

Anyway, the point is...you should learn about Mindy Kaling if you don't already know her. Thing about Mindy is, she is super funny. And her book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) does not disappoint, especially comedy-wise. I have never actually watched the Mindy Project, but now it is certainly on my list after reading her book.

Actually, I can't even refer to my own copy of the book while writing this review, because I loaned it out immediately after reading it. And it took me less than 24 hours (doing plenty of other things) to read. From Mindy, “This book will take you two days to read. Did you even see the cover? It’s mostly pink. If you’re reading this book every night for months, something is not right.”

My biggest critique is sometimes there is a little "too much" info. about other semi-famous (or maybe they are really famous?) people. It isn't very exciting for a non-famous person to read lists of semi-famous people & their "process" for writing a semi-famous script. Does that make sense? I skipped over those parts a little...And, some folks might find her a little...abrasive...so if you are easily offended by occasional biting sarcasm, this may not be your style. 

Otherwise, if you are in need of a quick, light, & hilarious book, you should pick this up. Even if you aren't familiar with Mindy, you will get to know her through this book which falls in the "autobiographical comedy" genre and includes plenty of self-deprecating stories of childhood & adolescence. I (not seriously) glanced at a few reviews before picking up the book (one review that read something like "pointless.") Well, there isn't exactly a plot & the protagonist isn't exactly doing humanitarian work (and honestly the latter is refreshing in comparison to celebrities that highlight their philanthropy). But, it isn't pointless if she is making us laugh...