Survival of the Thickest by Michelle Buteau

Title: Survival of the Thickest

Author: Michelle Buteau

Genre: Memoir, Comedy

Books of humors essays can run the gauntlet from random thoughts and observations to life events that are relatable and hysterical. Michelle Buteau gives us both with her collection Survival of the Thickest. From growing up in Jersey, to her life in Florida, to her eventual move to New York City, Michelle highlights important and relatable moments of her life with humor.

Her stories are as varied as dating a man who could not read, to her struggles with getting pregnant and IVF. Throughout the book she stresses the importance of family and friends, and those people that you really connect with. Buteau’s vibrant personality comes through, and you can see how people would be magnetically drawn to her.

For fans of memoirs by comedians, slice of life stories, and those just in need of a good laugh, try Michelle Buteau’s Survival of the Thickest.

- Katie

Check out Survival of the Thickest by Michelle Buteau @ the library!

Shrill by Lindy West

Quick, name a few role models you had growing up that you could both relate to, and see your self growing into their role. Now think about those role models, are they people you want to emulate? Are they people you can emulate? Are they reasonable? If not, can you (again quickly) think of more people closer to your self that look and have lives similar to yours? If not, welcome to Lindy West's world.

Shrill, Notes From a Loud Woman is a collection of essays that tell the story of journalist Lindy West's upbringing as a "big boned" kid who chose the worlds of fantasy over the real. Who did a presentation about her love for TV, specifically comedy, to the disappointment of a favorite teacher, who stood up for herself by claiming who she was, and who starting speaking up for those who might not be ready to stand up for themselves.

Funny and powerful, reading Shrill will both make you laugh and think. West is a writer and without knowing it you may have read her work for other sites. Recommended for readers who miss The Toast, check out Jezebel on occasion, and just want to read about someone who has stopped apologizing for who she is. 

Check out Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman @ the library!

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

The always funny Mindy Kaling is back with another hilarious read, picking up where her New York Times best selling Is Everyone Hanging Out Without ME? (And Other Concerns) left off. Why Not Me? touches on subjects like her days as writer and actress for The Office, writing, starring in, and producing The Mindy Project, how she truly feels about her friends getting married, awkwardly filming sex scenes, her friendship with B.J. Novak, and body image. And in true Mindy fashion, she goes off on ridiculously, funny tangents.

With her usual wit and charm, Kaling writes as if you're having an actual conversation with her over a cup of coffee or a few drinks. Just your average girl, she dreams about what her life would've been like had she not moved to LA and would've married a Jewish guy like she always planned. She understands what it's like to be thirty-something while all of her friends are getting married. Mindy Kaling candidly writes about her body, and how she's [still] learning to embrace her curves.With parts that are laugh out loud funny, Kaling's new book is difficult to put down. It's no wonder she's currently Hollywood's it-girl.

Uganda Be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel the world thanks to a benevolent benefactor who wants nothing more than your company, and for you to experience new things? Comedian Chelsea Handler might be a friend you want to make. In Uganda Be Kidding Me Chelsea shares her adventures on an African Safari, European ski trip, state-side ski trip among other stories. She always takes along with her family and friends to both be there for her, and to have the experience whether they want to or not.

Fans familiar with Chelsea's brand of comedy will not be disappointed in the things she does, forces others to do, and in all honesty her generosity. This is a fun fast read that might just have you booking your next trip somewhere a bit more exotic. Adding a bit of extra fun are travel tips as only Chelsea Handler give. This may not be the travelogue you are used to, but you will be laughing.

Check out Uganda Be Kidding Me @ the library!

Self-Inflicted Wounds by Aisha Tyler

Are you familiar with the comedian Aisha Tyler? Maybe you've seen her hosting Whose Line Is It Anyway, or remember her as Ross's girlfriend on Friends, or perhaps you remember her Talk Soup days. No matter where you've seen her, you know she's smart observant and the kind of person you'd want to have coffee with and maybe hear some of her stories.

Here's your chance, grab Self-Inflicted Wounds, a cup of coffee, sit down with Aisha. She'll tell you stories about growing up vegetarian before it was cool, being a tall, dorky girl who didn't quite fit in until she found people like her. From her days frying up chicken in her mom's best shirt, to her trip down the mountain on a snowboard that resulted in a broken arm at the worst possible time, you'll laugh with Aisha. And like any good friend, she wants you to learn from her mistakes, and she'll be laughing with you.

Check out Self-Inflected Wounds @ the library!

Man Up! Tales of My Delusional Self-Confidence by Ross Mathews

Growing up in a farming town in Washington State might not have been easy for a boy with a voice like a girl, who just happened to like other boys (which he didn't figure out until after some experimentation with girls). Of course, when that boy is Ross Mathews, the confidence to be himself and find his own place makes life pretty fabulous.

The only career Ross really wanted was to be a talk show host, except maybe a corporate job at Lane Bryant, however that dream was kind of derailed (chapter eight will give you the full rundown, no book spoilers here). Oprah was his guide, and Ross would do anything to be on TV, which lead to an internship at the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, which lead to his first TV appearance as Ross the Intern.

Read about Ross's fabulous life, as well as his past, his dreams and his goals for the future. Oh, and a non-book spoiler: Ross's dream is coming true this fall on the E! channel, and this reader can not wait to watch! Check out Man Up! @ the library!

Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan

Just in time for Father's Day, comedian Jim Gaffigan has given readers Dad is Fat. This collection of essays and reflections on being a parent is hysterical. Fans of Gaffigan, as well as those not familiar with his stand-up, will find themselves laughing at his observations, quips and one liners on the strange world that children and parents inhabit.

Share a special storytime with your family and read his essays out loud. Read "The Pharaoh and the Slave" to your friend who is months (or days) from being a first time father. For the more literary types, there is a pretty accurate analysis of children's literature in "A Critical Analysis of Children's Literature". For those who value personal space and alone time, enjoy "How to Put Five Kids to Bed in a Two-Bedroom Apartment".


It's hard to find a comic who appeals to everyone, and Gaffigan comes close. Anyone who was a child, is a parent or had a child or a parent will enjoy Dad is Fat.

Note: Jim Gaffigan is doing a book talk and signing on Saturday June 15th at Boswell Book Company. Check out Boswell's event page for more information!

I Can Barely Take Care of Myself by Jen Kirkman

Jen Kirkman does not want to have kids. Contrary to popular belief, she will not regret this decision or change her mind. Unfortunately for Jen, most people don't understand that stating "I don't want to have kids" is not an invitation to debate. Fortunately for us this means she has a book full of stories about how and why she doesn't want to have children.

Fans of the Chelsea Lately show will recognize Jen's sarcasm and dark sense of humor. From growing up with anxiety (mainly from watching The Day After) to paying extra on vacation to be near the adults only pool with disastrous results, each of her stories builds on the fact that no, she does not want to have kids, and no she will not change her mind.

Readers looking for a light read after one too many baby showers and toddler birthday parties will enjoy I can Barely Take Care of Myself.