Wilmette Public Library discussion

For the January/February online book club discussion, we will be discussing Mindy Kaling's book, "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me." Add your comments below and add to the discussion!

I just finished this book and I really liked it! I would consider it a read-alike to Tina Fey's "Bossypants," and Julia Sweeney's "If It's Not One Thing, It's Your Mother" but a little meatier/thorough than "Bossypants." Even if you haven't seen the American "Office" TV show, her insight into her own feelings and experiences is really inspiring. Her writing also really enabled me to connect to her personal experiences (maybe because we're close in age?). She has great observations about Joni Mitchell's album, "Blue" and was hilarious, and so true, to read about.

This is a charming and very funny book. I found Mindy's honesty about her setbacks in life to be refreshing, especially her honesty about her struggles with dating. I must confess something now: I've never watched "The Office. " However that doesn't matter because most of the book is not about the Office. It's about Mindy's successful attempts to forge her own independent life, even while paying respectful homage to hard working immigrant parents, without falling for the unsavory aspects of fame. Mindy is always a very thoughtful person, making choices most of us ordinary folk would. Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book are the many references to movies, t.v. shows, music, comedy stars, and even literary figures like Shakespeare that Mindy makes. Her recommendations are ever so good! A winner of a book.