I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts: Mini-Meditations for Saints, Sinners, and the Rest of Us

by Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana Grande (Foreword)

Aristotle. Socrates. Descartes. And now, Chenoweth. (How about some women, am I right?)

From television actress, Broadway star, and New York Times bestselling author Kristin Chenoweth comes I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts, an inspiring high-design, colorful book featuring philosophical-ish musings on connection, creativity, loss, love, faith, and closure. Just like Kristin’s grandmother inspired her to trust her heart and develop her own belief system, you'll be inspired to develop your own life philosophies, as you journey through some of Kristin's most vulnerable and humorous personal stories, in her constant pursuit to make the most out of life.

In each chapter, you'll find:


Behind-the-scenes stories from Kristin's personal life
High-design, colorful pages of inspirational quotes
Engaging prompts, prayers, and inspiring quotes

Oh, and a warning: There will be Bible verses. There will be f-bombs. Read responsibly.

I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts is the perfect book to pick up on days when you need an extra shot of encouragement, a little laughter, and a gentle reminder that kindness can take you a long way. This is a great gift to give for birthdays, holidays, graduations, Mother's Day, or for fans of Kristin Chenoweth, known for her Emmy Award–winning role in the ABC hit series Pushing Daisies and Broadway's Wicked.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Biography, Humor, Philosophy, Self Help

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 17, 2023

About the author

Kristin Chenoweth is an American singer, musical theatre, film, and television actress, and author. Some of her best-known roles have included her Tony Award winning role as Sally Brown in Broadway's ,You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, her role as Glinda in Broadway's Wicked, and her role as Annabeth Schott in television's The West Wing. She was a cast member on the ABC comedy-drama Pushing Daisies; her portrayal of Olive Snook on that show was recognized with a 2009 Primetime Emmy Award.

Reviews

[Taylor M · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

I don’t know what I was expecting, maybe actual meditations per the title but it was extremely religious and mostly prayers.

Even the few meditations were Christianity based. This might be a Christian’s cup of tea but as someone atheist looking for a funny read and some light meditations this became more of a sermon than anything.

[Kimberly R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book of uplifting thoughts by Kristin Chenoweth.
This was a very inspiring book of being knocked down and being able to get back up and overcome your troubles. It also tells how she finally met her biological family. She’s a great actress and author and I hope to read more of her books.

[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 2 out of 5]

After all, she’s the authority on . . . .



I was searching for a new, funny memoir to listen to and when this popped up as a recommendation on the Reddit I snagged it from the library real quick. I assumed the title was just a little funny ha-ha and that it wouldn’t really be her philosophizing, but it wasn’t so I’m a wrongreader (or wronglistener, as the case may be here). I’m just not a religious (or even spiritual) person so this wasn’t for me. Also, it appears it was intended to be some sort of almost devotional sort of workbook with various prompts, so other than the bonus of listening to her delightful delivery, it was really intended to be on paper rather than audio.

[Sammi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll be honest... this one disappointed me. I adore Kristin and will read all of her books and always support her but this collection fell flat. Kristin is so witty, fun and funny, with so much life experience so I was expecting a full- tour-de-force of amazing advice. (spoiler alert: I didn't quite get it).

This was a quick little book with versions of the cover art inside (& I do adore the cover art). Most of the advice were religious and in prayer format. Otherwise, there were lists and bullet points. I don't mind a modge-podge and artistic designs for books but for such a short book to be made up of mostly repeated art and lists, I wasn't a huge fan.

Arianna Grande wrote the introduction which was a huge win and she had many kind things to say.

Overall, not quite what I expected or hoped for but I will always give Kristin another chance.

[Philip · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was an impulse read. It was all pink and shocking as it stood out for me browsing for potential reads. It didn't sound like my thing - and as we'll see, it sure wasn't - but the first part of the title still piqued my curiosity. And it was short so, I figured, what the hell.

I knew nothing about the author previously, but I liked Pushing Daisies back in the day. I probably should have looked at some reviews before starting this one. Chenoweth most certainly is no philosopher, but I kinda figured she'd philosophize a bit...

Nope, but she sure sprinkled some of that bible stuff all over. To borrow a phrase from Frank's RedHot, she put that shit on everything. I suppose it might work for some people, for me it just emphasized how little any of this book resonated with me.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining little book in which powerhouse Broadway actress/singer Kristin Chenoweth shares life advice and stories from her career, relationships, life during lockdown and learning about her birth parents. Really great on audio with songs interspersed throughout the narrative. Much thanks to @librofm for an ALC copy!

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a perfectly pink little pick-me-up! If you need some inspiration or encouragement, just flip this book open to any page and you’ll find it.
I really feel this book was made to not read in order, but to read pages on a whim and be pleasantly surprised. It’s a feel-good book and makes a wonderful gift. I also enjoyed the short story and “thoughts shared on screwing up”.

A big thank you to Harper Celebrate for this book won in a Goodreads Giveaway!

Thanks for reading.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genres: Autobiography/Memoir/Nonfiction

I love the author. She is funny and she is so much fun to listen to and to watch. This book was super short. She talked about her faith mostly and how she overcame some hardships as well as how she has made tough decisions in her life that has led her to be exactly where she is.

I listened to the audio and I'd recommend that version because she comes across as genuine and honest. But I will caution any listener to not bump up the speed above 2.0 because she is a fast talker to begin with.

[Rheathebookwormdreamergirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 actual rating! This book was cute, but I was expecting more just straight up memoir, and I didn’t get that. I think had my expectations been lower, I would have given it at least a 4.

[Star Gater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Celebrate for accepting my request to read and review I'm No Philosopher.

Published: 01/17/23

Have you ever seen Chenoweth interviewed? She writes and carries herself throughout this book the same way. Her parents instilled the need to have a solid work ethic and she has done that. I attribute her fun personality to upbringing.

She doesn't delve deep, ask for pity or paint herself as a victim. She does mention tough subjects, speaks candidly and maintains her priceless humor.

I enjoyed the parts of her life she shared.

I would gift this to not just a young person considering theatre, but anyone who has a dream.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Kristin Chenoweth is an amazing singer, performer and writer. She has a way with words that is charming and inspirational. I love her sense of humor. I laughed out loud several times while reading this book. I was able to meet her and she signed my copy of this book when she was doing a book tour in my area. So many tidbits of wisdom, faith and motivation loaded into this book. I can definitely see myself reading it again.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had really high hopes for this book, until she made it political. It was a good read until then, but it ruined the book.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Kristen Chenoweth's memoir, A Little Bit Wicked, years ago and even shared it with my sister because I loved it so much. This was just as enjoyable and the author certainly knows how to charm her way into the reader's heart. The audio performance alone was worth the price of admission. Her laughs, voice breaking, and even brief passages of singing all culminated into a fantastic listening experience. Kristen Chenoweth is such a powerhouse, both inside and out. Her advice was phenomenal and I'll be thinking about it for many years to come. My favorite passages were the differences between humility and humiliation as well as the difference between cancel culture and accountability. I also loved the bible verses and parables she included in her book as well. I thought she did an excellent job finding a balance between her secular and spiritual views. As a Christian, her advice was so comforting to hear and find someone with similar views such as myself. I don't know if those who aren't religious will find that same solace, but this is the one self-help book I'll ever need. I had a lovely time listening to her and I hope she writes another book in the future. She is a burst of sunshine and I'll always be a fan of Kristen Chenoweth.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do love Kristin Chenoweth, and you could hear her voice in every word of this little book.

I honestly don't know what I was expecting, but it was not that much praying. But underneath all that, there is still a lot of positive attitude and wisdom to soak up, even if you don't share her religion, and at the end of it, I smiled and laughed, contemplated and pondered, and felt like I had a nice long chat with a good friend. So while there might not be a lot of content, more like a few snippets from her life with lessons she learned from it, I enjoyed it.

*I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley*

[fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

it really is just a collection of thoughts, it's a little all over the place & not super well written but i still enjoyed! i think it's cool that she was able to write a book about various topics that she had an opinion about. also, i thought it was cool how much she talks about her faith, her knowledge of the Bible and how she says that it plays a big part in her life! anyway it was entertaining & i did like a lot of the things she had to say :)

[Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, it was uplifting and lighthearted. It is full of personal anecdotes, encouraging words of self-image, and thought-provoking questions of your beliefs. The book is presented in a fun and eye-catching design. It's the kind of book you need on your shelf to visit and re-visit like a good friend.

[Caitlin R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a weird little compilation of a book. I liked some, I disliked some, but at least it was pretty right?

What I liked: the stories about Kristin’s life, these were the parts I kept reading for and really enjoyed. The cover is also pretty.

What I disliked: the feeling that this book didn’t know what it wanted to be, and then didn’t know how to market that. Was it a memoir? Was it an inspirational quote book? Was it lists and Venn diagrams? Was is a do-it-yourself journal? Kind of all of the above, but only a little bit? And then a whole lot of Christianity - which I didn’t really gather from the subtitle (I thought it was going to be more religion-neutral meditations).

Not horrible, but definitely going to be more your speed if you identify as Christian!

[allie luka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved some of her sentiments like “stop apologizing and say thank you for being patient with me” but could do without all the religious aspects.

[Jordan Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge Kristin Chenoweth fan. Everything she touches seems to be spun into gold. She’s a powerhouse of talent. I loved her memoir, so I was excited to get my hands on this new book of hers!

This was an easy, read-it-one-sitting book with captivating graphics, fonts, and illustrations to highlight the themes of her anecdotes. If you want a feel-good book, this is the one.

The only reason I gave it 3 stars is because I don’t agree with some of the theology she described in one of the earlier chapters. Sadly, it was an unbiblical progressive Christian perspective. I mention this because although I wouldn’t necessarily call this a Christian book, Kristin definitely talks about her faith in every chapter. This particular view she poses in one of the chapters could be misleading to new Christians.

We’re all on a journey of faith, so I hate to throw the baby out with the bath water, especially when she got so many other aspects of faith right in later chapters.

Overall, I thought this was a fun read that totally encapsulates Kristin’s personality. I’d recommend it with the caveat I mentioned.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with the way that Kristin talked about being a God-fearing Christian on some pages and then used inappropriate language and said that it was okay to pick and choose what you liked from the Bible on another page.

That’s not really how loving Jesus works. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Overall, I loved her banter and fun little tidbits of joy throughout!

[MookNana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristin Chenoweth is utterly charming, smart, and entertaining as always. This is a very enjoyable read that gently encourages readers to reflect and become better versions of themselves. There are fun infographics, journal prompts, and thought exercises to help readers ponder big ideas like connection, humility, and openness to life. The book does reference Christian scriptures and concepts, but not in a way that's preachy or prescriptive. It's merely offered as one more thing that may help a reader make sense of themselves and the world. Personal growth is always a worthwhile goal and I would highly recommend picking this up as a fun, useful way to continue on that path.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

"i'm No Philosopher, But i Got Thoughts:Mini-Medications for Saints, Sinners and the Rest of Us" by Kristin Chenoweth, Is a nice quick read. she shares her thoughts on basically how to keep yourself going through this sometimes difficult and challenging world. Most of her book is upbeat of her thoughts from positive attitudes, seeing the world in different lenses. and offers breathing exercises. she shares snippets of her life the good and the challenging { like when she suffered a serious head injury. } being adopted and finding the right time to contact her birth family{ I can relate to this since I am adopted} dealing with the covid like the whole world has endured. a nice advice book.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m No Philosopher But I Got Thoughts: Mini Meditations for Saints, Sinners, and the Rest of Us

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Everand
Dates Read: 10/30/24
Rating: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Kristin Chenoweth

The Story:
I love this little powerhouse of a human. She is so positive but still lets us see her human moments. I always enjoy time spent with her books.

[Samantha Frazzini · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars - I absolutely adore Kristin Chenowith and even loved listening to her narrate this audiobook but unfortunately this just fell short for me.

There was nothing really stand out about this memoir and what I thought would be a mindfulness approach to life was just not quite that and even felt a bit scattered.

[Clint Read-Brittian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!!!! I wanted to read this before I meet her on Monday. She’s amazing!!!!!! This had me laughing and crying!!!! There is a lot of advice in this little book that hit me straight in my heart! I def will be rereading this many many times again in the future. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[Florence Migga]

After deciding audio wasn’t a good way to read this one, I picked up the physical book. I read a little more, and ehhh. I think maybe this isn’t meant to be read straight through like a novel. I’ll keep it in my side drawer to maybe pick up sometimes before bed? Maybe.

[Mary Louise]

it's got a 2-star average but i'm still interested?

[Bookish Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up with no idea what Chenoweth would chat about, and that was definitely my bad. Chenoweth seems like she would be fun to talk to in real life, though.

[Carmen Liffengren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Not quite a memoir, it's more Chenoweth's philosophy of life. However, It just felt a little light on content. I really enjoyed her memoir, A Little Bit Wicked and I thought this might be more like a follow-up. While this book felt very conversational, replete with snippets and musings, I was left wanting more.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested this audiobook from my library because I love memoirs and was intrigued by the title. I didn’t know who Kristen Chenoweth was except for suspecting she was in a tv show I didn’t watch.

Unpopular opinion based on other reviews… I loved this book! Yes, it’s about faith. There are bible verses and prayers. But there’s a big fat indicator to those in the title. “…saints, sinners”… not to mention the description. Chenoweth comes across as so entertaining, down to earth and even wise. Her book reads as the epitome of what I expect of any person of faith: joyful, loving, humble, inclusive, accepting of herself and others as they are, faithful.

And now to look for a copy that I can highlight the heck out of.