Mindy Kaling’s Book Is Super Awesome And You Should Read (Or Listen To) It Immediately

Don’t you love it when you already really like and respect someone, and then that person does or says something to make you like and respect them even more?

That’s how I felt when I read (well, listened to, actually, since I got the audio version) Mindy Kaling’s book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns).

I already adored Mindy for her noteworthy role as both writer and actor on NBC’s The Office. Every time anyone references a fashion show of any sort, this Kelly Kapoor gem of a quote immediately comes to mind. (Does this happen to anyone else?):

In her book, Mindy is quick to remind readers that Mindy Kaling and Kelly Kapoor — while they do share some overlapping interests and characteristics — are most definitely NOT the same person. Mindy’s way, way cooler. I feel like we’d be friends.

That was one of the best things about listening to Mindy read her book, in fact. It seriously felt like one of my friends was in the car, too, or on the treadmill beside me at the gym.

I’ll admit: When I got this book, I was anticipating it to be pure fluff. Cleverly penned, enjoyable fluff, sure, but fluff nonetheless. Turns out, it’s not all that fluffy — and that’s a wonderful thing. Sure, Mindy devotes chapters to giving dating advice to guys (she recommends they keep just two products — Kiehl’s for their faces and Bumble and Bumble for their hair — in their medicine cabinets so girls will think they’re discerning but not too high maintenance when they snoop in said cabinets, for example), but she also gives meaningful commentary surrounding the nature of high school girls, her career journey (which got really kicked off by the wildly successful two-gal show, Matt and Ben), and how much she loves hanging out with her family and looks forward to starting one of her own.

This is a book I look forward to listening to again a few months down the road. If I have a daughter, I’d love for her to read this book when she’s in high school. All that to say, if you’re on the hunt for a new book to add to your reading list, I’d recommend adding this one.