I listened to comedian Mindy Kaling’s second book, Why Not Me? as an audiobook rather than reading the text. I preferred the audio because Kaling herself narrates, which makes the experience closer to having the quippy comedian in the car with you. Compared to other similar memoir-style books by female comedians like Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, Why Not Me? is funny, but perhaps not as poignant. Kaling makes a story centered largely around her current and surprising life as a minor celebrity engaging and relatable to the average reader.
The book maintains a lighthearted flow and includes chapters like, “How to look spectacular: a Starlet’s confessions,” where Kaling divulges the effort that goes into making a celebrity red-carpet-ready. She also shares anecdotes from her life as a first-generation American with Indian parents and how minor fame has changed her.
I recommend this listen if you’re looking to relax and follow along as Kaling makes you laugh, but don’t expect any heavy revelations.
The Ohioan 