Title: Is It Just Me?
Author: Miranda Hart
Format: Paperback
Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads
Blurb: Well hello to you dear book browser. So, here’s the thing: it is just me or does anyone else find that adulthood offers no refuge from the unexpected horrors, peculiar lack of physical coordination and sometimes unexplained nudity that accompanies childhood and adolescence? I am proud to say I have a wealth of awkward experiences and here I offer my 18-year-old self (and you too dear reader) some much needed caution and guidance. Let’s call it, because it’s fun, a Miran-ual. I thank you.
Review: I am a mahoosive Miranda Hart fan. I could watch her over and over again and still be in tears of laughter. I didn’t really have any idea what approach this book had but upon realising it was a sort of ‘Miranda guide to adulthood’ I was so excited to get stuck straight in. The book is split into 18 sections and covers topics from beauty to hobbies, dating and Christmas and as well as lots of anecdotes from Miranda’s life, is written partly in a conversation between her and her 18 year-old naïve self.
I loved how this book was written and formatted; there wasn’t too much chunky text, the sections were short and the conversations between her and her 18 year-old self were fantastic. I often wonder what I’d say to my 18 year-old self if I could speak to her so I really enjoyed this aspect of the book. If I did ever meet her, I’d probably tell her to work harder in sixth form and stop spending all her money on wine.
Don’t expect anything serious from this book; no big chapters with tons of wise advice that sounds like it’s from some yoga practising, broccoli eating life guru. It’s very, very easy, free and light-hearted. It’s funny, oh so very funny and it made me laugh out loud within the first few pages. But although the main theme of this book is comedy, there are still some fantastic, ‘Miranda-esque’ words of advice scattered throughout.
“I think it’s sad when people stop dreaming, or start losing hope. Because holding onto the bonkers dream might just turn out to be the most marvellous thing you ever did.”
I have absolutely no idea if this book was ghost written but if I had to venture a guess, there’s no way I could imagine it was because every single sentence just oozes Miranda-ness. She has a very distinct “voice”, humour and manner of speaking and the entire book is just so ‘her’ that you can almost imagine her sitting in front of you, reading it to you rather than you reading it yourself.
It’s every bit as funny and light hearted as what I would expect from Miranda Hart but above all else I think she has this incredible ability – whether by book, stand-up or the TV series – to make you feel like you’re not alone, even if you’re the only person in the room. Miranda really is the friend you never had and ‘Is It Just Me?’ makes you realise that really, we’re all a bit wacky and that it’s never, ever ‘just you’. Miranda Hart, I salute you.
Rating: 5 of the biggest, scrummiest cupcakes for Miranda
[…] Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart: If you like the show, ‘Miranda‘ and like Miranda Hart’s humour then I would strongly recommend picking up a copy of Is It Just Me? IT made me howl and cry-laugh. What more could you want on a rainy day? (see my review here). […]
Miranda Hart! I didn’t know she had a book out 😮 I LOVE BOOKS LIKE THIS THO! Ones that are hilarious and you can relate to. I might have to shimmy my way down to the library and have a looksie at this ^_^
I got this for Christmas last year and I absolutely ADORE her BUT I just couldn’t get into the book. I don’t know why because I agree with you – it reads exactly as though she’s speaking to you. Maybe I was in a weird mood when I tried, I really do think she’s brilliant. Thanks for reminding me that I should have another go!
M x
Oh no! That’s such a shame! What was it that you didn’t like? Maybe you were having an off day (; xx
This book sounds just me cup of tea! I’ll admit I’ve never really watched Miranda unless she’s been on something I was watching anyway, but a book full of awkward life experiences, anecdotes and advice is definitely something I could get on board with!
Oh I would highly recommend watching ‘Miranda’ her sit-com, I can’t believe it took me so long to watch it! (: xx
ADORE Miranda Hart! I remember there was a radio presenter saying he didn’t quite get how she’d sold out a show so fast and I pulled over to call in. He was inundated with calls and nobody could quite describe why she was funny but everyone was gushing! Thinking about it later I was so glad I didn’t get through, because I’d have done the same thing!This is going to go on my ‘I’m all Christmas booked out’ list, along with some other bios:)
Aww I can totally see how she completely sold out! She’s completely one of a kind and her attitude is just spot on. She’s definitely the best friend that all of us never had, she just understands what it’s like to be human and to be real and doesn’t beat around the bush about anything (: xx
I still randomly laugh at things I think of from her show!
This sounds like the kind of book you need for all those grey days. Miranda is someone I would love to meet, and this is a good way of doing just that.
It really is! It’s perfect for when you’re not feeling great – you really feel like you know her reading this (: xx