3.5 out of 4 stars.

Most cocky but insecure person I have ever read about but somehow it makes me laugh!

I LOVE to laugh so it was no surprise when I received Mindy Kaling’s first book “Is Everyone Hanging Out WIthout Me?” as a gift. I went into reading that book blindly. I never watched The Office (I know, I know, shocking) and so I didn’t know if I would appreciate Kaling’s sense of humor. Turns out I did and still do! I am sure everyone can agree that it is hard to enjoy any comedian’s book if you don’t like their “shtick”. In Mindy’s case she loves to make fun of herself but in a way that is non-judgemetal. She is the first to admit her downsides but also the number one person to praise her accomplishments. In her own way she is a feminist even though she strives for a lot of superficial aspects in her life; being skinny, having a good-looking husband, and being around celebrities. I am sure this is not different from a lot of guilty thoughts many girls have (including myself) and this is what makes her relatable. Can’t we all agree those stories are the best laughs? The kinds that happen to us daily? An example is Kaling telling how she rewards herself with McDonald’s after a hard day of work. Isn’t it true that anytime you pull into a McDonald’s you are secretly repeating to yourself all the reasons you deserve that Big Mac and you earned it? Kaling believes food is the best present one can get and you know what? I whole-hearted agree.

You do not have to read “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” or “Why Not Me?” in any order. Her first book tells about her early child growing up in Boston and the trials and tribulations that you face in your adolescence and teenage years. In my opinion that is an easy win because that time is chalked up with embarrassing but hilarious times for almost everyone. Her second book, “Why Not Me?” and the one I just finished takes place in the current years when she is famous. Of course not a lot of us are reading this review are a celebrity (and if you are, awesome- I feel so cool!!) but Kaling has remained true to herself and the way she was raised. It is almost if she is still an 18 year old kid just transplanted to Hollywood. In our case this is great because so many hilarious things happen when you are running around as a youngster with a lot of money in such a ridiculous society as Beverly Hills.

I highly recommend if you don’t know much about Kaling to pick up either of these books this holiday season because it is a great time to laugh. If you are NOT a Kaling fan I would also recommend Amy Poehler’s book, “Yes Please” it is a different type of human but just as funny.

Here is a picture of Sadie after finishing “Why Not Me?”. She looks tired because of all the belly laughs she had while enjoying these stories.