Mindy Kaling has long been a hero of mine.
Apart from Tina Fey (every writer’s dream future self) there are few film and television writers in “the business” that can inspire aspiring film and television interns to hold out hope.
After reading “Live From New York,” an anthology of interviews dictating the history of NBC’s late night staple “Saturday Night Live,” this summer, I was both re-enamored with the world of writing and living sketch comedy, and unbelievably discouraged that it remains such a testosterone fest.
Is there a place besides the world of romantic comedies starring the 21st century Meg Ryan equivalent for a hopeful young and somewhat comedic writer like myself?
Unless there is only one spot already being filled by the much more photogenic Kaling, her book, “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” reminds me that there is, indeed, a place for the female nerds.
I read 80% of “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” in one, rainy afternoon. The extra 20% I saved so that I could have a laugh before bed through the weekend.
Kaling, writer and producer of NBC’s “The Office” who also plays the show’s wildly dramatic Kelly Kapoor, reminisces on grade school, New York City and life as a size 8 woman in America.
In one chapter, “Hooking Up is Confusing,” Kaling tackles the ever-relevant question: what is hooking up? I have wondered the same thing myself, any time anyone has ever told me that they “hooked up” with anyone. The term, though a universal slang, doesn’t have a universal meaning.
The book can be divided into personal stories, Hollywood stories, advice stories and goofy stories fit only for a memoir found in the Humor section (see chapters: “Revenge Fantasies While Jogging” and “Why Do Men Put on Their Shoes So Slowly”).
Though it doesn’t read as laugh-out-loud funny as Fey’s “Bossypants,” Kaling has a fresh voice that is relatable in a different way. Rather than dreaming of my life as a nerdy brunette who can’t dance, I saw my future as a hardworking staff writer (or staff writer’s personal assistant, because lets face it, jobs are scarce) for a low-rated, critically-acclaimed television show.
So whether you are a firm non-believer in 2012, dreaming of a future beyond college, you love “The Office” and hope to read about Steve Carrell, or you’re interested in getting a book for your girlfriend that will make you seem progressive and hip, try this witty hardcover on for size.
If nothing else, there are a lot of pictures.
“Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” is available on paper in stores and electronically.
Katelyn Trela is the Arts editor for The Daily Tar Heel. She once tried out for the musical “Annie” and failed to make the cast. Not even as an extra. She read Mindy Kaling’s “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” between Friday, Nov. 4 and Tuesday, Nov. 8.
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