Samantha Irby, a witty author and TV writer, shares her humorous take on life's absurdities. She discusses her strategies for navigating social interactions while hiding underlying frustrations with humor. Irby embraces JOMO, believing no one is truly having a better time, and reflects on her impactful 'Fat Babe Pool Party' episode in Shrill that celebrated plus-sized representation. Their chat dives deep into friendships, showing how casual bonds can be just as meaningful as deeper connections, enriching our social lives.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Humor as Coping Mechanism
Samantha Irby explains how humor helps her cope with grief.
At her mother's funeral, she found herself laughing hysterically at the minister's repeated mistake of calling her deceased mother by her sister's name.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Deflecting Criticism
Try responding with "I like it" when people question your preferences.
This disarms criticism and allows you to stand by your choices.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Addressing Negativity
Address negativity directly by telling people you don't think they like you.
This can shift the dynamic and set boundaries.
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In 'We Are Never Meeting in Real Life,' Samantha Irby presents a collection of essays that humorously and candidly discuss various aspects of her life. The book includes stories about her troubled family background, her experiences with irritable bowel syndrome, her relationships, and her career. Irby's writing is known for its raw humor and ability to find comedy in even the most challenging situations, making the book a relatable and entertaining read. Despite tackling serious topics like family trauma and poverty, Irby maintains an upbeat and comedic tone throughout the essays.
Wow, No Thank You.
Samantha Irby
In 'Wow, No Thank You.,' Samantha Irby delivers a collection of essays that humorously navigate her life as she turns forty. The book includes stories about her career, her reflections on becoming a successful writer, and her experiences living with her wife and step-children in a small white, Republican town in Michigan. Irby's writing is characterized by its self-deprecating humor, candid discussions of her insecurities, and her ability to turn even the most mundane or challenging situations into comedic gold. The essays touch on various aspects of her life, including her health challenges, her work in Hollywood, and her observations on modern society, making the book a relatable and entertaining read.
Meaty
Samantha Irby
Meaty is Samantha Irby's debut collection of essays, first published in 2013 by Curbside Splendor Publishing and later reissued by Vintage in 2018. The book is a compilation of her blog posts and new material, offering a candid and humorous look at her life. Irby discusses a wide range of topics, including her battles with Crohn's disease, her childhood, relationships, and everyday life. Her writing is characterized by its wit, irreverence, and honesty, making the book both funny and poignant. The essays cover serious issues like her mother's multiple sclerosis and her own health struggles, as well as lighter topics such as food and personal anecdotes, all presented in her unique and engaging style.
Shrill
Notes from a Loud Woman
Lindy West
In 'Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman,' Lindy West shares her journey from a shy girl to a bold feminist voice through engaging and humorous essays. The book addresses topics such as body image, puberty, abortion, sex, love, and feminism, using West's razor-sharp wit and vulnerability. It critiques societal norms, fat shaming, and misogynistic humor, while advocating for self-acceptance and the empowerment of women. The book is praised for its ability to make readers laugh, think, and question existing ideas about women and body image.
1. Sam’s life-changing strategies for (reluctantly) interacting with humans.
2. How we use humor to hide the lava of rage churning beneath our surface.
3. Sam’s friendship theory and why she doesn’t need a deep soul connection with every “lowercase f friend.”
4. Sam’s embrace of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)–and why she genuinely believes no one else is having a better time (except maybe Abby).
5. The behind-the-scenes story of the “Fat Babe Pool Party” Shrill show–and why that episode was one of the most important things she’s ever written.
About Samantha:
Samantha Irby writes the "Bitches Gotta Eat" blog, and is the author of WOW, NO THANK YOU; WE ARE NEVER MEETING IN REAL LIFE; and MEATY. She has been a writer and/or co-producer for TV shows including And Just Like That, Work in Progress, Shrill, and Tuca & Bertie.
We Can Do Hard Things 
