The Fake Ass Book Club Moni and Kat review "You're Embarrassing Yourself" by Desiree Akhavan
Sep 10, 2025
01:10:54
This week on the show, the hosts tackle Desiree Akhavan’s sharp and darkly funny essay collection You’re Embarrassing Yourself. From her “platonic soulmate” friendship with Chacillia to the nose job her Iranian-immigrant parents encouraged, Akhavan’s deadpan humor and raw honesty shine through every page.The discussion covers her awkward search for love (including the bleached-hair reinvention phase), the creative compromise of making a film she might not even like just to pay off student loans, and her reflections on shame, identity, body image, and belonging.The hosts also connect Akhavan’s themes to today’s cultural and political climate, share a few “Stranger Than Fiction” stories of personal embarrassment, and remind listeners why embracing imperfection is both hilarious and deeply human. Cheers!
Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. SPOILERS
Dedication:To our patrons as always!! We love you!
Moni: To every elusive act of unfiltered and actual self love and acceptance..it's the most beautiful and important love story we can create in this world.
Kat: To the high school students protesting gun violence
https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/indy-students-join-nationwide-rally-for-gun-safety-reform
About the book: Published on Aug 6, 2024 by HarperOne, Pages: 256, Audiobook: Approx 5 hourshttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/539659/youre-embarrassing-yourself-by-desiree-akhavan
About the author: https://www.desireeakhavan.com
Stranger than Fiction: 💜 Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!
Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. SPOILERS
Dedication:To our patrons as always!! We love you!
Moni: To every elusive act of unfiltered and actual self love and acceptance..it's the most beautiful and important love story we can create in this world.
Kat: To the high school students protesting gun violence
https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/indy-students-join-nationwide-rally-for-gun-safety-reform
About the book: Published on Aug 6, 2024 by HarperOne, Pages: 256, Audiobook: Approx 5 hourshttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/539659/youre-embarrassing-yourself-by-desiree-akhavan
About the author: https://www.desireeakhavan.com
Stranger than Fiction: 💜 Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!