Is Everyone Else Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)
written by Mindy Kaling
Who are the real geniuses? Mozart? Da Vinci? Newton? That guy who sat next to me in my high school chemistry class? There are so many kinds of intellect and thus far no one has been able to come up with a way to test it all. We just have to accept that genius can come in all shapes and forms, one of my favorites being comedians. I have an appreciation for comedy whether it's the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, SNL or the many sitcoms I have encountered throughout the years. Comedians are talented geniuses and a few have held my attention like no others; the ladies. Particularly Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling.
These women are hilarious and are responsible for some of that comedic content we all hold most dear, but more than that I consider them role models. They found their passion and followed it, and because of their hard work they now occupy their dream jobs. They are inspirational people, so it's no wonder their books sell so well. I've already had the pleasure of reading Tina Fey's autobiography Bossypants, and I was looking out for another when I discovered Mindy Kaling’s autobiography Is Everyone Else Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). It was a good day.
It is fascinating to read a female comedian’s autobiography since they can simultaneously inspire, invigorate and can enact loud obnoxious laughing in public airports and coffee shops. If you see someone drop a book from laughing, you now can recognize the act as a symptom of these great books. Mindy Kaling is no exception. She has a fantastic original voice (both in her book and in reality). She is best known for her work on the hit TV show "The Office" and her more recent work with her original show "The Mindy Project". These are good supplemental TV programs to watch when you finish her book and want to see & hear more from her.
Kaling's book is not conventional. While you can expect well written chapters about finding her passion for comedy, struggling to make a living and eventually finding success in New York as a comedic writer. You can also expect chapters that have sprung directly from her mind. By this, I mean chapters with lists of alternate book titles, her favorite revenge fantasies while jogging (my favorite by far), and even more lists covering a variety of topics that are hilariously random and truthful. Each chapter is a gamble. Will it be a life lesson? A commentary on cliché female romantic leads? Self-esteem? A rant on Rainn Wilson? "What now?" you will continually ask, but that's kind of the point.
Mindy Kaling doesn't hold back, especially when it comes to her personality. That is why she is so deserving of our respect and makes her a good example for others. Be yourself and own it! This book may not end up being your favorite story, but in the case of an autobiography, especially one like this, you may just end up loving the person.
