Samantha Irby provides us with a look at her life thus far through a series of semi-related essays in her book, Wow, No Thank You. She takes us on a journey from living in her car, to dating and hooking up, to stealing electricity from the hallway of her apartment building with extension cords. She discusses marriage, step-parenting, and her unbelievable and amazing path to working as a writer for television. Humor is never absent in any part of this book, including all of her discussions about using public toilets and embarrassing herself in front of her peers. She talks about her life with such candor that despite what she might say, she has an immense amount of admirable self-confidence.

I read this book during part of the 2020 quarantine and I have to say it was a welcomed distraction. Samantha’s self-deprecating humor made me laugh in so many relatable ways—something that I really needed. She keeps it real even when it’s really gross. She keeps it real even when it’s really embarrassing. Her life doesn’t sound like it’s been all roses and butterflies and she even goes as far as to say it’s still not, despite what we might think of a real-life published author. She’s funny, she’s smart, she’s quick, she’s talented, and she’s human. That’s what I found so profoundly special about her. I would Absolutely recommend reading this book because it reminds us that even when we think a situation is bad, it could be a whole lot worse and in every situation, if you look hard enough, you can definitely find the humor to make it all worthwhile.