Book Review: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

I was MIA last week because my day job has been insanely busy and I’m still figuring out this whole thing called balance–bear with me. But I’m here now!

So I admit, Mindy Kaling’s book was a filler for me. I was waiting for some of the books on my to read list to be released and I ‘needed’ a book in the interim. I was rewarded with a fun and quick read.

Mindy Kaling is really funny. I have never watched The Office–and no I do not live under a rock, I just haven’t seen it. I am however, tempted to watch Kaling’s own show, The Mindy Project. (Though adding another show to my repertoire at the moment is not in the cards–though tempting.) Back to the book.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) sort of reminded me of a Seinfeld episode. It’s about something and nothing in particular all at the same time. While it could certainly fall into the memoir category–I think I got it off the new release table in Barnes and Noble–it’s really more anecdotes and funny experiences from her childhood to the present. In addition to the humor and sarcasm throughout the book, Kaling also provides us with touches of seriousness–for instance, things that bring her to tears, hopes for her personal life, and observations of her immigrant parents settling in the U.S.

But at the opposite end of the spectrum she shares how her and her best friend wouldn’t stop quoting SNL’s The Church Lady’s “Isn’t that special?” until her mother lost it; about how she frequently uses her debit card to buy things that cost less than $3 (I can sooo relate to that), and how revenge is a dish best served hot… I’ll leave the book to explain that last one. There are also some fun pictures of friends and fellow actors–like the one where she’s explaining to Will Ferrell what comedy is. I think he understood.

Kaling is clearly very gifted, she writes, acts, directs, and produces–and this book is another extension of her talents. So if you’re looking for a quick pick me up on a snowy day (I’m on the east coast, all it does is snow here these days)–grab this book (pre nor’ easter) and settle in for some fun.