What do you think?
Rate this book
Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes) #2
Please Like Me
Freaked out by her fortieth birthday, the creator and executive producer of Never Have I Ever reflects on the importance of good friends—and the mortifying obligations it takes to keep them.
Yes, Mindy Kaling is the genial Hollywood celebrity who posted twelve selfies from a single Oscar party, but that smile took work. In this hilariously honest essay, Mindy reflects on the social anxiety that she traces back to the slices of white cheese her parents served at her ninth birthday party. Little has changed in thirty years—least of all the fear of being judged forever. It’s probably best to just back away.
From the acclaimed writer, actor, director, producer, and New York Times bestselling author comes Nothing Like I Imagined. In these essays, Mindy Kaling shares the latest chapters of a multitasking life in Hollywood. Read or listen to them in a single setting. Either way, they’re pitch-perfect.
Yes, Mindy Kaling is the genial Hollywood celebrity who posted twelve selfies from a single Oscar party, but that smile took work. In this hilariously honest essay, Mindy reflects on the social anxiety that she traces back to the slices of white cheese her parents served at her ninth birthday party. Little has changed in thirty years—least of all the fear of being judged forever. It’s probably best to just back away.
From the acclaimed writer, actor, director, producer, and New York Times bestselling author comes Nothing Like I Imagined. In these essays, Mindy Kaling shares the latest chapters of a multitasking life in Hollywood. Read or listen to them in a single setting. Either way, they’re pitch-perfect.
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2020
About the author
Mindy Kaling
25 books250k followersMindy Kaling is an actor, writer, producer, and director. She currently stars in the Hulu original comedy series “The Mindy Project," which she also writes and executive produces.
Before "The Mindy Project," Mindy was best known for her work on the critically acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning NBC show “The Office.” In addition to directing, producing, and portraying celebrity-obsessed Kelly Kapoor, Mindy wrote 18 episodes of the series, including the Emmy nominated episode “Niagra.”
In 2011, Mindy penned the comedic memoir Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns), which continues to be featured on New York Times’ and USA Today’s best-seller lists. Mindy’s second memoir Why Not Me? was released in September 2015 and launched at #1 on the New York Times’ best-seller list.
In 2005, Mindy made her film debut as the object of Paul Rudd's unwanted affections in Judd Apatow’s THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN. Most recently, Mindy lent her voice to the character Disgust in the Oscar-winning Pixar animated film INSIDE OUT alongside Amy Poehler and Bill Hader, and was seen in THE NIGHT BEFORE alongside Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. She will next begin production on OCEAN’S 8 alongside Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway.
Mindy was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2012. In 2014, she was named one of Glamour’s women of the year.
Before "The Mindy Project," Mindy was best known for her work on the critically acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning NBC show “The Office.” In addition to directing, producing, and portraying celebrity-obsessed Kelly Kapoor, Mindy wrote 18 episodes of the series, including the Emmy nominated episode “Niagra.”
In 2011, Mindy penned the comedic memoir Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns), which continues to be featured on New York Times’ and USA Today’s best-seller lists. Mindy’s second memoir Why Not Me? was released in September 2015 and launched at #1 on the New York Times’ best-seller list.
In 2005, Mindy made her film debut as the object of Paul Rudd's unwanted affections in Judd Apatow’s THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN. Most recently, Mindy lent her voice to the character Disgust in the Oscar-winning Pixar animated film INSIDE OUT alongside Amy Poehler and Bill Hader, and was seen in THE NIGHT BEFORE alongside Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. She will next begin production on OCEAN’S 8 alongside Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway.
Mindy was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2012. In 2014, she was named one of Glamour’s women of the year.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 620 reviews
December 26, 2023
Mindy Kaling is an actor, writer, and director who doesn’t need any introduction. She has an ability to tell complex problems in a funny manner.
In this book, she mentions crucial topics like social anxiety and loneliness.
My favorite three lines from this book.
“For a socially anxious person, it is both flattering and disconcerting to be asked into the holy sacrament of best friendship by a total.”
“The problem was I didn’t want just anyone’s company. I wanted the company of funny, smart, like-minded people. That’s when I realized something about myself: I would rather be lonely than bored.
I would rather be lonely than be friends with non-friends. Losing friends is hard, but losing fake friends, as it turns out, is pretty damn easy.”
“My barometer for making friends is that you can’t get to know someone by hearing about everything they like—you need to hear about what they don’t like. It’s only when you are willing to go out on a limb by admitting you’re not a fan of something that you’re vulnerable enough to earn my trust.”
Mindy has written this book in a hilarious manner that will make us smile and think at the same time.
—————————————————————————
You can also follow me on
Instagram ID - Dasfill | YouTube Channel ID - Dasfill | YouTube Health Channel ID - Dasfill - Health | YouTube Malayalam Channel ID - Dasfill - Malayalam | Threads ID - Dasfill | X ID - Dasfill1 | Snapchat ID - Dasfill | Facebook ID - Dasfill | TikTok ID - Dasfill1
October 28, 2020
My conclusion after reading this Amazon Original short story by comedian/actress/writer Mindy Kaling of "The Office" fame?
This woman gets me.
At just over 20 pages, it's a breezy read, not diving particularly deep on anything, but still giving insight into her life as a socially anxious introvert in a largely extroverted industry. She offers snapshots into her catastrophizing ways (preach it sister!), her awkwardness at making new friends (I could write my own book on that), the sheer terror of having to plan any kind of social event (perish the thought!) and the general escape plan she needs to sneak out of said social events (I can case a room in 30 seconds flat for all the exits).
It's humorous, but there's also a poignancy and truth to the loneliness that social anxiety created for her and how she learned to find true, meaningful friendship with a few real friends, rather than settling for only an appearance of friendship with many. Looking into the rarified world of celebrity, it's always nice to be reminded that, at the end of the day, we're not so different.
★★★★
This woman gets me.
At just over 20 pages, it's a breezy read, not diving particularly deep on anything, but still giving insight into her life as a socially anxious introvert in a largely extroverted industry. She offers snapshots into her catastrophizing ways (preach it sister!), her awkwardness at making new friends (I could write my own book on that), the sheer terror of having to plan any kind of social event (perish the thought!) and the general escape plan she needs to sneak out of said social events (I can case a room in 30 seconds flat for all the exits).
It's humorous, but there's also a poignancy and truth to the loneliness that social anxiety created for her and how she learned to find true, meaningful friendship with a few real friends, rather than settling for only an appearance of friendship with many. Looking into the rarified world of celebrity, it's always nice to be reminded that, at the end of the day, we're not so different.
★★★★
November 26, 2020
I am in love with her friendship with BJ Novak, which is a weird stanse to have on something that in noway affects my life, I do realize that. As en extrovert it´s nice to read an introverts point of view to really understand what someone else is going through. It´s so fun to read about someone hating the literal situation that I would love to be in.
The only downside is the fact that this could´ve been part of one book with essays instead of publishing it separately.
The only downside is the fact that this could´ve been part of one book with essays instead of publishing it separately.
October 11, 2020
We've been watching the Mindy Project (a rewatch for me, first time for my husband) so when I saw this series of six essays by Mindy Kaling it was an obvious download. The Kindle version is free to Amazon Prime members and after you download them you can access the audio free as well. Obviously I listened to this in audio read by the author - this essay is about social anxiety in Hollywood, how she made friends after moving to Los Angeles to write for The Office, her 40th birthday compared to BJ Novak's 40th birthday (and how good of a friend he is.)
If I may make a PSA - don't go up to Mindy and ask her to be your best friend if you've never met her before. It freaks her out.
If I may make a PSA - don't go up to Mindy and ask her to be your best friend if you've never met her before. It freaks her out.
November 11, 2020
Oddly enough, even though I like Ms. Kaling when I see her on talk shows (primarily Colbert), I have never seen a single episode of 'The Office' or 'The Mindy Project'. I DID read her first book, as well as her early play Matt & Ben, and enjoyed both. This is really just a short excerpt from her new book Nothing Like I Imagined, and while I relate a LOT to her social anxiety, I also realized that she is perhaps best when taken, like this, in small doses.
Also: since she speculates here about Matthew Perry's love life, I think it's fair game to reveal the thing I find most intriguing is that she has had two children as a single parent, but not revealed who the father is; since she used to date 'best friend' B J Novak, one can perhaps speculate he provided the genetic material, and she is certainly entitled to her privacy - but inquiring minds want to know!
Also: since she speculates here about Matthew Perry's love life, I think it's fair game to reveal the thing I find most intriguing is that she has had two children as a single parent, but not revealed who the father is; since she used to date 'best friend' B J Novak, one can perhaps speculate he provided the genetic material, and she is certainly entitled to her privacy - but inquiring minds want to know!
August 11, 2021
After reading her essay on being Hindu, I had to read the next essay to see what she had to say.
This one was just as witty as the last one! It was all about her experience of turning 40 in the land of silicone and size 3's. Then her best friend also turned 40 and that turn of events was something to behold.
I like the way she gets her thoughts out to page. You can feel her humor, her sarcasm and wit all throughout.
I look forward to the next essay now!
This one was just as witty as the last one! It was all about her experience of turning 40 in the land of silicone and size 3's. Then her best friend also turned 40 and that turn of events was something to behold.
I like the way she gets her thoughts out to page. You can feel her humor, her sarcasm and wit all throughout.
I look forward to the next essay now!
December 8, 2020
Lol
This short little book really made me chuckle! I can relate to so much of what Mindy describes in this little story about social anxiety and wanting to spend time with people but not quite knowing how to find your people, etc. She also mentions her friendship with BJ Novak and I love that friendship so am always happy to read about it :) This took me about 20 minutes to read and there are a few others on KU written in short story format like this so I'll seek them out too! All the Mindy, please.
This short little book really made me chuckle! I can relate to so much of what Mindy describes in this little story about social anxiety and wanting to spend time with people but not quite knowing how to find your people, etc. She also mentions her friendship with BJ Novak and I love that friendship so am always happy to read about it :) This took me about 20 minutes to read and there are a few others on KU written in short story format like this so I'll seek them out too! All the Mindy, please.
October 9, 2020
Loved these totally relatable stories about being socially awkward and yet wanting people around. You don’t picture her being awkward in any way, but the stories she tells are so me! And being at BJ Novak’s 40th birthday party at chateau marmont! Yes please!
October 8, 2020
I enjoyed this short story in which Mindy shares about her social anxiety and how it relates to her birthdays - from her 9th to her 40th! The way Mindy writes, you really feel like you're her friend. It almost felt like I too was invited to BJ Novak's 40th birthday bash, but sadly, I wasn't.
November 29, 2020
This is part of a collection of essays and I'm going to give it an overall rating of 3.5 rounded up to 4.
I listened to these on audio book and Mindy Kaling comes across as extremely personable and funny. It felt like i was listening to a friend tell me about her weekend.
I listened to these on audio book and Mindy Kaling comes across as extremely personable and funny. It felt like i was listening to a friend tell me about her weekend.
September 29, 2022
I feel so goddamn seeeeennn when I listen to Mindy!!
I’d rather be lonely than bored—yess, Mindy, yess! This hits soo close to home! I want female friends who’ll watch Grey’s Anatomy with me and who will understand my social anxiety, too!!
I’d rather be lonely than bored—yess, Mindy, yess! This hits soo close to home! I want female friends who’ll watch Grey’s Anatomy with me and who will understand my social anxiety, too!!
March 2, 2021
Mindy Kaling’s essay, Please Like Me (But Keep Away) is fairly standard Mindy Kaling material. She addresses her social anxiety as a comedy and it is funny, although I feel bad that she runs into a lot of interesting people yet isn’t comfortable engaging in casual conversation with them because she doesn’t know them. I can’t imagine not being able to strike up casual conversations. I do that all the time. The reason I don’t like parties so much is usually the music is so loud I can’t have a conversation with anyone or I’m familiar with the party-goers and have already explored the limits of my casual conversation with them. Then I get bored, irritated and restless and want to go home to my quiet house, cats and shelves of books waiting to be read. I’m guessing Mindy considers the “don’t socialize” aspect of Covid a bonus.
Her description of the fortieth birthday party B.J. Novak threw her sounds excellent and just my speed. Close friends and acquaintances only. Plus yummy birthday cake. His own fortieth birthday party sounds a tiny bit like hell on earth. I love the idea of the pre-rolled joints and specialty cocktails and most of the guests sounded interesting (I would have loved talking with the astronomer), but the random celebrities who didn’t really know me—I mean, why bother with them? When B.J. asked her to be the toastmaster she agreed and wrote her speech and practiced it incessantly to overcome her social anxiety but then doesn’t have the chance to give it because a drunk famous baseball player (who I’d never heard of but I don’t care about baseball) took the mic from her and rambled drunkenly for a long time about B.J., a guy he barely knew. That would have pissed me off and I probably would have taken the mic back, but Mindy was happy to have the “aggro and slightly misogynistic” Red Sox Hall of Famer steal the spotlight; she faded into the background (where she is happiest).
This is a fun little essay and I enjoyed it. I did not enjoy the Kindle app barely allowing me to read the last page before it pushed me into the “before you go, rate this book on Goodreads and Amazon” screen. What the hell, Kindle. Let me finish reading the book before insisting I rate it.
Her description of the fortieth birthday party B.J. Novak threw her sounds excellent and just my speed. Close friends and acquaintances only. Plus yummy birthday cake. His own fortieth birthday party sounds a tiny bit like hell on earth. I love the idea of the pre-rolled joints and specialty cocktails and most of the guests sounded interesting (I would have loved talking with the astronomer), but the random celebrities who didn’t really know me—I mean, why bother with them? When B.J. asked her to be the toastmaster she agreed and wrote her speech and practiced it incessantly to overcome her social anxiety but then doesn’t have the chance to give it because a drunk famous baseball player (who I’d never heard of but I don’t care about baseball) took the mic from her and rambled drunkenly for a long time about B.J., a guy he barely knew. That would have pissed me off and I probably would have taken the mic back, but Mindy was happy to have the “aggro and slightly misogynistic” Red Sox Hall of Famer steal the spotlight; she faded into the background (where she is happiest).
This is a fun little essay and I enjoyed it. I did not enjoy the Kindle app barely allowing me to read the last page before it pushed me into the “before you go, rate this book on Goodreads and Amazon” screen. What the hell, Kindle. Let me finish reading the book before insisting I rate it.
January 30, 2022
Please Like Me (But Keep Away) was a great essay from Mindy Kaling about social anxiety.
This essay is told in three short chapters from various points in Kaling's life where she talks about her anxiety in social settings. She talks about her ninth birthday party, life after she moves to LA, and her fortieth birthday. The way Kaling described her anxiety was so similar to my own that at times it felt like I was reading about situations from my own life. I liked seeing how Kaling's feelings about her anxiety changed throughout the years and how she became more accepting of the way her brain works. The writing is very open and approachable and reads almost like you're having a conversation with Kaling.
Overall Please Like Me (But Keep Away) was a wonderful read and I will definitely be checking out more from the collection of essays this was from.
This essay is told in three short chapters from various points in Kaling's life where she talks about her anxiety in social settings. She talks about her ninth birthday party, life after she moves to LA, and her fortieth birthday. The way Kaling described her anxiety was so similar to my own that at times it felt like I was reading about situations from my own life. I liked seeing how Kaling's feelings about her anxiety changed throughout the years and how she became more accepting of the way her brain works. The writing is very open and approachable and reads almost like you're having a conversation with Kaling.
Overall Please Like Me (But Keep Away) was a wonderful read and I will definitely be checking out more from the collection of essays this was from.
May 28, 2021
Kaling presents an interesting look at what happens when someone who'd rather be home watching Netflix is forced to put herself out there and make friends.
October 25, 2020
Please Like Me [But Keep Away] is an apt title for the anecdotes in this hilarious and refreshingly honest essay. Mindy gets vulnerable as she reminisces about her ninth birthday, where her parents volunteered to throw her a party. While this offer would make most kids jump for joy, Mindy was filled with dread because she (incorrectly) believed that her South Asian (Tamil/Bengali) parents "would accidently mess up some important aspect of the quintessential American birthday party". Though the fear of being judged is not unique to immigrant kids and/or children of immigrants, it is nonetheless a prevalent feeling that first and second generation kids experience because they worry about being othered; they worry that they are either too much of one identity and not enough of the other. [Interestingly, these questions about identity and assimilation reminded me of Russel Peters' story about how his dad attempted to become Canadian by hosting a backyard barbecue where he unfortunately decided to grill some rice because he thought that's what Canadians do.] As the essay progresses, it continues to maintain a serious tone with Mindy revealing that she battles social anxiety. She also pushes back against the idea that all celebrities love socializing, which I'll admit was the view that I had, so Mindy's revelation came as quite a surprise. Yet, by writing so openly about her experiences, Mindy not only enables readers to easily relate to her but to realize that they are not alone in their struggles. Please Like Me [But Keep Away] was an eye-opening and an enlightening read.
July 8, 2022
This is the second of six books in Mindy Kaling's Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes) Series. These books are short stories about her life. In this edition, Kaling talks about how hard it was to meet people and make friends when she first moved to Los Angeles. Unlike the character she plays on The Office, Mindy is a bit of a shy, quiet person and very much a down-to-earth woman. On the one hand, she wanted to fit in and meet other people, and have a set of honest friends. On the other hand, she's perfectly fine staying at home eating take-out and watching Netflix. Her best friend is BJ Novak, who she met while writing/acting on The Office. He gets her, yet he's very different from her. In this short story, she talks about their friendship and how he has influenced her to step out of her comfort zone while also allowing her to be the "wallflower" that she is, and she's perfectly fine with that.
Mindy opens up about her life in a wonderfully humorous way. She is very relatable, and it's easy to get sucked into her dilemmas, fears, and triumphs. Cute story. I generally like Kaling's humor. I read the first in the series and really liked it. I plan to read the rest of the series.
Mindy opens up about her life in a wonderfully humorous way. She is very relatable, and it's easy to get sucked into her dilemmas, fears, and triumphs. Cute story. I generally like Kaling's humor. I read the first in the series and really liked it. I plan to read the rest of the series.
March 30, 2021
Damn you for being so damn relatable, Mindy Kaling.
You have social anxiety despite seeming/being outspoken and funny? I have social anxiety.
You'd rather be lonely than be friends with people you're not really vibing with? Me, too.
You'll shamelessly eat three slices of birthday cake? Heck yes. ALL. DAY. LONG.
[insert weird fangirling noises that surface whenever I start talking about Mindy Kaling]
My heart was stolen with one simple line:
...I now have about seven great friends, which isn't a lot but is more than a sad Tennessee Williams character has.
I am forced to give this little story 5 Stars because I can't think of one thing wrong with it.
You have social anxiety despite seeming/being outspoken and funny? I have social anxiety.
You'd rather be lonely than be friends with people you're not really vibing with? Me, too.
You'll shamelessly eat three slices of birthday cake? Heck yes. ALL. DAY. LONG.
[insert weird fangirling noises that surface whenever I start talking about Mindy Kaling]
My heart was stolen with one simple line:
...I now have about seven great friends, which isn't a lot but is more than a sad Tennessee Williams character has.
I am forced to give this little story 5 Stars because I can't think of one thing wrong with it.
September 11, 2022
I love Mindy Kalings writing style. It's so real and you feel like you could be her best friend. She's having her daughter, her first child, and believes she's going to be a super mom and do it all as a single parent, until her friend tells her she really is going to need help. Mindy seems like she should be every girls best friend!
January 11, 2021
Charming and sweet
I’m a fan of the office but had admittedly never read anything of Mindy’s. This short story was a perfect introduction to her writing and I’m excited to read more. She’s brilliant and funny.
I’m a fan of the office but had admittedly never read anything of Mindy’s. This short story was a perfect introduction to her writing and I’m excited to read more. She’s brilliant and funny.
October 18, 2022
I was a latchkey kid, I am the child of immigrants, I’m a proud, people pleasing, just trying to make it in this world kind of person. Mindy Kaling has quite literally described my life, my goals, my thoughts, my ambitions, and so much more in this book, if you move any book to the top of your TBR list, it should be this one. I did listen to this book, and you should too!
September 9, 2022
So Relatable
Although this book was short, everything that was mentioned is something I've been through with social anxiety. I'm so glad I clicked on this book !
Although this book was short, everything that was mentioned is something I've been through with social anxiety. I'm so glad I clicked on this book !
September 26, 2022
The title suggest it would be a funny story but I don't find it funny. It is kind of a memoir.
July 18, 2023
Social anxiety - well explained!
August 17, 2022
Good audio about Mindy and her social anxiety.
October 8, 2020
She had me at the title! This short read was filled with Kaling's humor and down-to-earth thoughts/feelings. It was a fun way to spend a little time.
January 20, 2021
Honest - touching on boredom vs loneliness, and the reality of social anxiety
March 30, 2021
Relatable. Light. Easy.
Another quick read by Kaling! This was about 20 pages and I really enjoyed it! Made my Friday lunch break nice and relaxing. This one was more relatable for me and I really enjoyed!
I would recommend it! Again I got it for free so that's a win! #primereading
Another quick read by Kaling! This was about 20 pages and I really enjoyed it! Made my Friday lunch break nice and relaxing. This one was more relatable for me and I really enjoyed!
I would recommend it! Again I got it for free so that's a win! #primereading
Read
January 9, 2021Enjoying this essay series. I wish they were complied into one volume though bc my stats are going to be messed up!!
Loved how she talked about social anxiety here.
*I don't rate memoirs/personal essays
Loved how she talked about social anxiety here.
*I don't rate memoirs/personal essays
January 7, 2021
I will be logging these essays as separate books, because I have individual thoughts on each and for those numbers, baby. Buckle up these will be detailed, long, and spoil everything. (No one has to read these. This is for me)
I'm pretty sure this essay is my favorite one. I love friendship content.
Mindy details the feeling of terror at social gathering when she was young with a great anecdote about her third grade birthday party and Swiss cheese. Little Mindy was afraid of what the other kids would think of her party, her lack cheddar cheese, and her very Indian house. The frequent referral to a painting of women in saris that showcases the painted women's boobs was amazing to think a third grade was scared her house was too sensual. And a funny detail for Mindy remember all these years.
The sections of finding worthy friends in a new places were rel-at-able. I, too would rather be "lonely than bored," or "lonely than have fake friends." I love being prideful.
Lang Fisher, Tracey Wigfield, and Mindy Kaling are a very cute trio.
The photo of Mindy's 40th birthday of holding her cake with B.J. seated next her to with his eyes glowing with the light of the flash from the camera and from the birthday joy for his friend is burned onto my retinas (the essay included a red-eye corrected version, boo). Same with the photos of her with a microphone at his 40th birthday singing 'happy birthday' nervously in from of a mob of people as the cake arrives. So, when Mindy started setting up 40th birthday stories, I was very excited for some behind the scenes of instagram content.
B.J. balling out for his 40th was wild. Sometimes, it truly does make no sense that they're friends except for it makes so little sense that its so right. On of the funniest lines in the entire essay collection to me is Mindy describing the Chateau Marmont in L.A as the venue for B.J.’s birthday which includes an aside about B.J.’s
relationship with the hotel, "The party would be held at the Chateau Marmont, B.J.'s favorite place in LA, where he even lived once for a few months during a dramatic phase."
OF COURSE HE DID.
Mindy requesting a plus five ( of Tracey+husband, Lang, and her two assistants) to his birthday, so she did not have to talk to the hundreds of B.J.'s guests? Checks out.
A large, drunk baseball player ripping a microphone from Mindy's hands during her birthday toast to B.J.? Checks out.
Mindy spending most of her time taking to the teenager daughters of the host about The Office? Checks out.
Somebody tell me the story of B.J. becoming friends with John Mayer, because I need those dots connected for me.
I'm pretty sure this essay is my favorite one. I love friendship content.
Mindy details the feeling of terror at social gathering when she was young with a great anecdote about her third grade birthday party and Swiss cheese. Little Mindy was afraid of what the other kids would think of her party, her lack cheddar cheese, and her very Indian house. The frequent referral to a painting of women in saris that showcases the painted women's boobs was amazing to think a third grade was scared her house was too sensual. And a funny detail for Mindy remember all these years.
The sections of finding worthy friends in a new places were rel-at-able. I, too would rather be "lonely than bored," or "lonely than have fake friends." I love being prideful.
Lang Fisher, Tracey Wigfield, and Mindy Kaling are a very cute trio.
The photo of Mindy's 40th birthday of holding her cake with B.J. seated next her to with his eyes glowing with the light of the flash from the camera and from the birthday joy for his friend is burned onto my retinas (the essay included a red-eye corrected version, boo). Same with the photos of her with a microphone at his 40th birthday singing 'happy birthday' nervously in from of a mob of people as the cake arrives. So, when Mindy started setting up 40th birthday stories, I was very excited for some behind the scenes of instagram content.
B.J. balling out for his 40th was wild. Sometimes, it truly does make no sense that they're friends except for it makes so little sense that its so right. On of the funniest lines in the entire essay collection to me is Mindy describing the Chateau Marmont in L.A as the venue for B.J.’s birthday which includes an aside about B.J.’s
relationship with the hotel, "The party would be held at the Chateau Marmont, B.J.'s favorite place in LA, where he even lived once for a few months during a dramatic phase."
OF COURSE HE DID.
Mindy requesting a plus five ( of Tracey+husband, Lang, and her two assistants) to his birthday, so she did not have to talk to the hundreds of B.J.'s guests? Checks out.
A large, drunk baseball player ripping a microphone from Mindy's hands during her birthday toast to B.J.? Checks out.
Mindy spending most of her time taking to the teenager daughters of the host about The Office? Checks out.
Somebody tell me the story of B.J. becoming friends with John Mayer, because I need those dots connected for me.
March 17, 2021
Social anxiety, anxiety, parties (birthday and normal), friendship and more. This will be the last of the short stories by Mindy Kaling for me. While they are interesting/fun for most, with each new story I just notice I have less interest in the topics and struggle to get through them. I guess the fans of her will love them, but I just don't know her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 620 reviews