Book Review: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. Mindy Kaling is known as a successful television actress on The Office as well as her own The Mindy Project, but she is also an author.
Published in 2011, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) tells about Kaling’s upbringing, and road to The Office and pre-Mindy Project fame. While following a chronological order, the book offers uniquely Mindy-style life lessons and advice. Throughout the book is a constant theme of comedy, as one should expect from a successful comedy television writer like Kaling.
Kaling’s book is firstly a chronological account of her life, education, social circles and rise to fame (although she wouldn’t put it that way). She tells of her peculiar childhood, being raised in an Indian immigrant family of doctors. Her atypical childhood interests (watching SNL religiously and writing comedy skits) and all so typical social issues make for a comedic tale, with some very good life points in the mix.
Her college experience at Dartmouth, as well as following years in her NYC apartment with her two friends Brenda and Jocelyn. Together they made for a typically comedic journey of young professional life and problems, from dating to subway safety.
A very interesting part of Kaling’s book is her rise to entertainment fame through her and her friends’ play in New York. The road from there to television writing success is surely an interesting one from Kaling’s point of view. Her anecdote about her guest writing appearance on SNL and resulting friendship with Amy Poehler is an especially funny passage.
Ultimately, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) is a hilarious tale of Mindy Kaling’s early life and everything she has learned from it. It shows that everyone can be successful and it actually a very empowering read. This book is perfect for everyone, but especially young adults and teenagers looking for some inspiration or just funny story with a happy ending. Overall a 5/5 star read; highly recommended.
