Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader as part of a post about both of her audiobooks (at least so far).
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These are technically two books – and you can identify different themes in each, but really, they could be one book, so let's talk about them at the same time. These are collections of humorous essays – some autobiographical, some not – from the pen of writer/actress Mindy Kaling. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? covers her childhood and early career, while Why Not Me? focuses on more adult concerns, and her post-The Office career.

I thought the stories about her personal life and career entertaining, and well-told. But the other essays tended to be more creative and more amusing. But I found myself grinning or chuckling throughout. I've liked her before, but these books made me a fan.

My gut tells me that this is too brief, and I should say more – but I'm not sure what to get into. If you're a fan of her TV work, or like intelligent and funny women (who can write), these are good reads.

Kaling is, naturally, the best narrator possible for these books – and probably many others (really, think Stephanie Plum as read by Kaling!). I think I liked the performance she gave for Is Everyone a little more, it felt less practiced? More energetic? I'm really not sure, but I wondered several times while listening to Why Not Me? why I didn't like her narration as much. I could ‘t put my finger on it – but, it doesn't matter, she was great with both. Just slightly less great.

Funny, heart-felt, maybe a little inspiring – these essays hit the spot.