Winter break is fast approaching and there is a chance you might just find yourself with some time to read for fun!
If you are looking for a low pressure, light read, you are going to want to check out Mindy Kaling’s newest book, Why Not Me?
Kaling is best known for her roles as Kelly Kapoor on the sitcom The Office and as Mindy Lahiri on her own show The Mindy Project. By delving into the 240 pages of her most recent publication, you will quickly learn that besides her successful acting career, Kaling can write, too.
Although her tone throughout the nonfiction book is quite light, she touches on some serious subjects within the chapters. Much of the book actually focuses on how hard
she works. Unlike her first autobiography that focused primarily on her personal trials and tribulations, Kaling’s second publication dives into her career and path toward success.
Kaling deplores the view people have that success simply fell upon her and she stresses the fact that her job is difficult and she has had to work hard to get to where she is today.
“This work,” she explains, “is the key to my confidence.” Confidence, in fact, filters into much of her writing. As a minority woman who lacks the stereotypical Hollywood body type, Kaling has had to deal with extensive criticism regarding her body over the years. She approaches the subject delicately but still makes a point about the types of criticism with which television actors are forced to deal with on a daily basis.
This inside look into the not-so-glamorous side of Kaling’s Hollywood life makes her seem extremely relatable.
Additionally, her humor is impeccable. Each chapter introduces something unexpected and witty. With titles like “Spray Tans (Surprise! I’ve been white all along!),” how could they not?
One particularly relatable section includes Kaling’s description of her time in college. Kaling attended Dartmouth College which she describes as “an academic institution located in lawless rural New Hampshire, where when you arrive, you are given a flask of moonshine and a box of fireworks, and you are told simply to, ‘go to town’ – except there is no town, there is only a forest and a row of frat houses that smell like urine.”
This particular chapter was especially humorous to me because that very town in “lawless rural New Hampshire” happens to be my hometown and her description could not be more accurate.
Regardless of where you are from, however, her description of college life is amusing and interesting, and her experiences with Greek life in particular are noteworthy.
Whether she is discussing how to “Get your hair on
fleek” or her disappointment in society’s view that young girls innately lack self confidence, Kaling finds a way to make her writing engaging and entertaining.
If you find yourself with a spare hour or two once you have successfully struggled through finals week, give Why Not Me? a try.