by Mindy Kaling
First published 2011
Mindy Kaling takes readers through her transformation from an obedient daughter of immigrant professionals into a comedy writer and actress. She was once a shy, overweight kid scared of her own bicycle. Later she became an Off-Broadway performer who impersonated Ben Affleck. Now she works in Hollywood, where she tends to provoke arguments by saying "Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I'll shut up about it?" Kaling offers her thoughts on what makes an ideal best friend: someone willing to fill your prescription at midnight. She describes her perfect man as someone who notices every elderly person in a room and treats them well. She jokes that the ideal level of fame means you could never be convicted of murder. Don't expect weight loss advice though. Kaling calls herself a Girl Next Door, noting this applies mainly if your neighborhood happens to be in India or Sri Lanka.
Genres: humor, autobiography, contemporary, memoir, non-fiction, comedy
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Period: 21st-century
222 pages · Hardcover · Crown Archetype