By Maria Bamford
Gallery Books, 2023. 272 pages. Biography
I picked this book up because of the title, of course. How could I resist? I am so glad that I did, and even more glad that I chose to listen to the audiobook version. Hearing Bamford's hilariously relatable words in her own voice is truly the icing on the cake. Maria Bamford is a "comedian's comedian (an outsider among outsiders)" and has forever fought to find a place to belong. From struggling with an eating disorder as a child of the 1980s, to navigating a career in the arts (and medical debt and psychiatric institutionalization), she has tried just about every method possible to not only be a part of the world, but to want to be a part of it. In her signature voice, this book brings readers on a quest to participate in something. With sincerity and transparency, she recounts a childhood spent dealing with OCD, anxiety, and self-harm. This memoir explores what it means to keep going, and to be a member of society (or any group she's invited to) despite not being very good at it. In turn, she transforms isolating experiences into comedy that will make you feel less alone.
I recognized Bamford's face on the book cover from some of the television shows I've seen her in, like Arrested Development and Louie. I had no idea about the difficult journey behind her infectious laugh and carefree attitude; a reminder to never assume that you know what someone else is going through. I laughed out loud alone in my car listening to Bamford carefully walk the reader through her hilariously unbelievable antics. I also found myself welling up with tears at other points because of her struggles and my own personal and professional connections to mental illness. If you want to develop empathy for people who suffer from mental illness, as well as laugh your butt off, this book is absolutely for you.
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Cameron Esposito has a unique brand of comedy that doesn't shy away from the issues women (and many men) face today. From sexism and sexuality to white male privilege and self-acceptance, Cameron uses humor to break down the barriers that keep us from speaking openly about these topics. She offers funny and insightful essays, about everything from coming out, to joining the circus, to accepting yourself for who you are. It's full of humor, heart, and cringe-worthy stories that anyone can relate to.
LKA
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