Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

February 27, 2012
In this audio edition of her memoir, Kaling charts the course of her varied life, while offering often hilarious, sometimes poignant tips and words of wisdom mined from her childhood and adult life. Through a series of essays, lists, and anecdotes, Kaling recalls her childhood in Cambridge, Mass.—complete with girl clique dates to the Cheesecake Factory—moving to New York City, her eventual relocation to Los Angeles, and her current job writing for and acting on NBC’s The Office. Kaling’s narration is conversational, entertaining, bubbly, and spirited—and reminiscent of Kelly Kapoor, her character on The Office—and the result is a short but very enjoyable listen. Kaling’s fresh humor, one-liners, and analogies (e.g., “We clung to each other with blind loyalty like Lord Voldemort and his snake Nagini. I of course was Nagini”) make this audio worth listening to a second time and sharing with friends. A Crown Archetype hardcover.

December 1, 2011
In the conspiratorial tones of a cool older or younger sister or pal, familiar to her twitter followers, Kaling, best-known as a writer-actress on the American version of The Office, traces her path from sensitive, chubby, Indian girl to woman-about-town in TV's comedy scene. In observant, bracingly hilarious, and surprisingly poignant essays and lists, Kaling gives her opinions on life, love, and the ridiculous amount of time it takes men to put on their shoes without holding back. That's not to say she isn't gracious about her family, friends, and coworkers (except frenemy Rainn Wilson) and ultimately reserves her best ribbing for herself. Also strewn throughout the memoir are some of the most adorable (read embarrassing) photos of herself. The showstopper on the back cover depicts her as a coke-bottle-glasses-wearing, androgynous child holding a puppet. To a year noteworthy for great funny ladies dishing about life in the biz, including the likes of Tina Fey and Jane Lynch, Kaling is an exciting addition.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)