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Review: Why Not Me? By Mindy Kaling

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MMM chapter.

As if we couldn’t love Mindy Kaling any more than we already do, in her much anticipated follow up memoir, Why Not Me?, Mindy continues to steal our hearts with her newest collection of hilarious, yet totally relatable personal anecdotes.

Divided into four sections regarding topics “For the Ladies,” her successful career in television, her romantic relationships (both real and fictional) and “All the Opinions You Will Ever Need,” Mindy discusses a wide variety of subjects that range from her Hollywood beauty secrets to the irrational thoughts she sometimes has at 4 a.m.

While her first book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), is written in a similar format, Mindy primarily covered stories of her journey and thoughts leading up to her breakthrough role in “The Office”. Her focus in this new collection highlights more of her recent experiences, especially relating to process of creating and starring in her own hit show, “The Mindy Project”. But if you’re still obsessed with Kelly Kapoor, don’t worry! There are still plenty of references to Mindy’s time on “The Office” including a section written by the show’s creator, Greg Daniels, and some insight into her complicated relationship with previous co-star and longtime friend B.J. Novak.

In Why Not Me? Mindy offers an illustrated guide to her glamour routine, enlightens readers on what you really need to bring to a dinner party and even reflects back on the time she briefly joined a sorority in college. She takes you on a tour of “A Day in the Life of Mindy Kaling” that follows her busy schedule of writing, filming and editing her show that usually includes McDonalds, napping, and free birthday cakes.

She casually name drops celebrity acquaintances and mentions her personal invite to the State Dinner while still maintaining her characteristic tone as a writer that makes you feel as though she’s an old friend. Mindy uses this close relationship with her readers to open up about her views on female empowerment and believing in yourself in the midst of doubt. Along with her witty, friendly writing style, it clear that Mindy has developed an even stronger sense of self and a contagious sense of confidence in Why Not Me? that makes it almost impossible to put down.

So if you have ever felt out of place, questioned if you were on the right path, struggled to find your confidence, have felt the need to bribe people for friendship with Skittles or are maybe just in need of a good laugh, this book is sure to leave you smiling and thinking to yourself, “You know what Mindy, you’re right; why not me?”

Communication Arts and Dance student in NYC. Interests include the arts, The Office, and anything with sprinkles. 
Jessica Norton, 22, Communication Arts major / Journalism minor at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. Pop Writer at MTV News. Creator and host of YouTube show of Camera By Her Side. Former Editorial intern at Us Weekly magazine, Features Entertainment & Lifestyles Intern at Seventeen Magazine, Assistant Team Advisor at NSLC Journalism, Film, and Media Arts, and Alloy Entertainment Digital Intern. I love yoga, traveling, pop culture, froyo, the beach, boy bands, bright colors, and lemonade. @jessnort || @camerabyherside