Why Not Me?

From the bestselling author of the well-liked New York Times novel Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

is a compilation of articles that are as witty, perceptive, and intensely personal as the creator and star of The Mindy Project.

In Why Not Me?, Kaling discusses her continuous search for fulfilment and excitement in her adult life. Among her many endeavours are attempts to become the first person in history to lose weight without making any kind of behavioural changes, falling in love at work, making new friends in lonely places, and—above all—believing that you belong in Hollywood despite being reminded daily that no one looks like you.

"How to Look Spectacular: A Starlet's Confessions" has Kaling sharing her lighthearted tips for unfailing on-camera beauty. "While your natural hair colour could suit your skin tone, this is Hollywood, baby—this isn't the land of acceptable. Here, honey blonde is the typical hair colour for a lady with dark complexion. "Player" recounts Kaling's experience of being wooed and rejected by a female acquaintance in Los Angeles. "A newer model had taken my spot. And now their fringe matched.") In "Unlikely Leading Lady," she reflects on the obsession Americans have with actress weight ("Most women we see onscreen are either so huge that their only scenes involve them breaking furniture or so thin that they're walking clavicles"). Additionally, Kaling divulges certain details about her relationship with B.J. Novak, her close friend and former lover, in "Soup Snakes". ( "I will freely admit: my relationship with B.J. Novak is weird as hell." )

Anyone who has ever experienced a turning point in their life or work may connect to Mindy's hilarious collection of essays, which transforms the glamour, celebrations, and fears of her second coming-of-age into a collection of pieces that will make you laugh out loud. Additionally, the sections where she discusses meeting Bradley Cooper may be skipped by individuals who have never had a turning moment.