Why Not Me - Review

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
Rating: Very Good
Source: Library (audio)
Description:  In Why Not Me?, Kaling shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life, whether it's falling in love at work, seeking new friendships in lonely places, attempting to be the first person in history to lose weight without any behavior modification whatsoever, or most important, believing that you have a place in Hollywood when you're constantly reminded that no one looks like you. (from Goodreads)

Genre: Nonfiction - Memoir

Why I Picked This Book: I loved Mindy as Kelly Kapor on The Office and really enjoyed her previous book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

My Impression:  I wasn't sure what to expect with Why Not Me?  Mindy had covered most of her childhood and early career in her first book so I wasn't sure what was left.  In her 2nd book she takes us back to college and then to the end of The Office and the beginning and creation of the Mindy Project.  We see her a little bit older, a little bit wiser, and a whole lot gutsier but still most definitely herself.  She's the woman you want to be best friends with because not only is she intelligent enough to have discussions about comedic greats and the ins and outs of becoming a successful writer but you just know you could also debate if those shoes really work with jeans and she'd be all for it.
I really enjoyed her stories on her short lived time as a sorority girl, dating a guy in the Secret Service (or at least I think he was), getting her show started, and listening to BJ Novak defend himself for his behavior at the theater.  I didn't find this book laugh out loud funny and there weren't moments where I absolutely repeat something to my husband (which is best - he's still recovering from the Bill Bryson book I read a few weeks ago) but it was entertaining and interesting and just plain fun.  Mindy has mastered being smart but not pretentious or unapproachable as well as being shallow without being superficial or vapid.  She's incredibly honest  and witty and listening to this book made me feel happy.
My primary complaints would be that the stories do feel a little random and there are a few that kind of feel like filler.  Also, there's not nearly enough BJ Novak but I guess it really isn't his book so I can't complain too much about that.
I went the audio route which is read my Mindy and is lots of fun.  Listening to it feels a bit like hanging out with a good friend.  If you're an audio fan I recommend going that route though I really think it would read great as well.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Absolutely!  In fact I'm thinking about going back and getting the audio for Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? because I really enjoyed the audio of this one.

Would I Recommend this Book?: This is a bit more of a difficult question than usual because I don't think she's for everyone.  If you're familiar with The Mindy Project or her character on The Office definitely pick this one up.  If you're not maybe watch an episode (she's way more put together and less crazy than either character) and see what you think.  Or get this one from the library - especially if you can get it on audio.