I’m Kind of a Big Deal
Author: Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
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Stefanie Wilder-Taylor is a writer and a comedian. This collection of short stories runs the gamut; there are stories about her flubbing at a comedy show, driving around pseduo-celebrities in a town car, performing as a back up dancer for a Bob Dylan music video and auditioning to be on a dating show. And of course, Wilder-Taylor is a big deal…in her own mind, that is.
I wanted to like this book. I really did. The synopsis kind of reminded me of one of Chelsea Handler’s books, which I love. A comedian writing short stories…I was hoping this book would be laugh out loud funny. And the book was blurbed by Jen Lancaster, who I find hilarious. I was a little disappointed in this book and while I didn’t love it, there were definitely things to like about this book.
I loved reading stories about how Wilder-Taylor got into comedy. Scenes with her odd father were definitely funny; they seemed to have a pretty weird and interesting relationship. It was also fun to read about her journey to LA to make it as an actress and comedian. I’ve always dreamed about visiting LA (and who hasn’t dreamed once or twice about making it as a big star?) so these stories were the most fun to read. The many stories about her auditions and trysts in reality TV were filled with wry humor.
My favorite part of the book was the open letters to Angelina Jolie. I found myself laughing out loud and nodding along at how true everything Wilder-Taylor was saying. I found the letter format a welcome change in the format of the story. Wilder-Taylor was at her funniest in these letters.
I was thrown off by the last few stories in the book where the tone goes from funny to serious. Wilder-Taylor outlines her struggles with alcohol. It’s definitely admirable that Wilder-Taylor publicly shares this story, I didn’t feel that it had a place in this otherwise humorous book. I felt deflated after reading this chapter.
Even though I didn’t love this book, I’d like to try out some of Wilder-Taylor’s other titles. They sound hilarious: NAPTIME IS THE NEW HAPPY HOUR and IT’S NOT ME, IT’S YOU.
2.5/5
Review copy provided by GalleyGrab.
I’m getting more into short stories/vignettes these days and definitely love books written by hilarious ladies! Sorry this one wasn’t quite as good as you’d hoped it would be, but I’d still consider giving it a read. A blurb by Jen Lancaster would definitely get my attention!
Thanks for the review. It may have been better to include the disappointing chapter into another book. Once I start reading a humorous book, I expect it to continue all the way to the end.
Ann
I had this book from Galley Grab but I didn’t get to it. After reading your review, I wish I had.
(I’m actually reading Chelsea Handler right now, so I perked right up when I saw that you like her books.)
@Clementine Bojangles, Don’t worry…I don’t think you missed too much. I love Chelsea Handler’s books though!
I love reading the works of honestly funny ladies. While I’m not sure even I would love this – although I do love the title – I think I might end up giving it a try.