Why Not Me?

Pithy, sarcastic, and full of irony, Mindy Kaling is the only logical choice to narrate her second volume of essays about the trials and tribulations of life in Hollywood. Reading in a jaunty, conversational tone, the star of the popular television show "The Mindy Project" will have listeners chuckling at her commentary on the excessive use of fake hair and spray tans in Hollywood. Her essays range from recollections of childhood to reflections on a career in the making. Kaling's unique vantage point as an actress of Indian descent peppers her writing and narrative style with distinctive flavor. These short essays are a perfect listen while multitasking. M.R. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

October 12, 2015
In her second collection of personal essays, actor and comedy writer Kaling (Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)) offers readers a refreshing glimpse of her life of "(minor) fame" and the work that she did to get there. Hilariously titled essays are interspersed with candid photos of the star. Kaling's irreverent take on life is both uproariously funny and dead-on. The book is chock full of cultural commentary, from the rise of "small-plates restaurants" in Los Angeles to why stars pretend not to like sex scenes; Kaling skillfully blends highbrow with low in her trademark witty voice. While narrating personal episodes, such as when she met President Obama for the first time and almost fainted at his praise, Kaling skirts larger issues like her mother's death or her "weird" relationship with actor B.J. Novak. At times her self-deprecating tone suggests that the Ivy League graduate is fluff-headed, which, based on the contents of this book as well as her meteoric career, is obviously not true. Advice on a variety of topicsâincluding why extensions make everyone more beautiful and how the world needs to start assuming that all young women are confidentâmake this an empowering and entertaining read.