Samantha Irby, the witty author behind the Bitches Gotta Eat blog and writer for shows like Shrill, shares her life-changing strategies for dealing with the absurdity of everyday interactions. She dives into humor as a shield for hidden rage and her unique theory on friendship—embracing 'lowercase f friends' without the need for deeper connections. Samantha hilariously advocates for the Joy of Missing Out while revealing the impactful story behind the 'Fat Babe Pool Party' episode from Shrill, showcasing body positivity and inclusivity.
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Humor Shields Childhood Trauma
Samantha Irby uses humor to handle trauma from her poor and unstable childhood.
She laughs through painful moments, like a funeral mishap, to survive emotional hardship.
insights INSIGHT
Humor Engages Harsh Reality
Humor can be both a protective shield and a deep engagement with reality.
Samantha chooses to find absurdity in life to make it less scary and more bearable.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Therapy Sparks Bold Life Strategies
Samantha's therapy battle includes clashing with cognitive behavioral approaches that soften negativity.
She developed two life-changing strategies: "I like it" to own preferences and confronting people who show dislike.
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Samantha Irby's "Needy" is another installment in her series of witty and insightful essay collections. This book continues her exploration of personal experiences, focusing on themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the challenges of adulthood. Irby's signature blend of humor and vulnerability shines through, making the essays both funny and deeply relatable. The book delves into the complexities of human connection and the search for belonging. It's a candid and honest look at the ups and downs of life, offering readers a chance to connect with Irby's experiences and find solace in her humor.
We Are Never Meeting in Real Life
Samantha Irby
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.
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.
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.
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 
