This book did not work for me. After reading the preview, I was intrigued enough to forgo the next book on my tbr for this one but don’t think this one was for me. As one of the “young millennials” (29) the author refers to, I really wanted to relate to her stories, especially her rough childhood (mine was likewise in shitty, rundown towns) but I just couldn’t connect. It felt that the author tried too hard to make trauma funny, which ultimately translated to crudeness to me. I think this may be a hit with the elder millennial crowd.

Thank you to the publisher for a chance to preview this in exchange for an honest review!

As an elder millennial, I don't think I have ever related to an author more than I did with this book. The experience of a childhood lived in the 80s and 90s, a first computer with Internet access and questionable chat friends, terrible relationships and "maturing" into adulthood yet still not feeling your age are just a few of the hilarious stories the author shares. I read "Cooter Bone" to my husband out loud and we both howled with laughter, tears streaming down our faces. I honestly don't think we will ever forget it and it will likely become a long running joke. Without a doubt, "A Product of Genetics" is at the top of the list for the best humorous memoirs and I will absolutely be buying a physical copy on release day. I genuinely hope so see more of Jess Gutierrez's writing in the future.

**Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.**

Jess H. Gutierrez's 'A Product of Genetics (and Day Drinking)' was a really fun collection of life stories. Each of the stories she told was incredibly funny and sometimes seemed too absurd to be true - coming from someone who's lived a fairly "normal" life in comparison.

I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially for those who want to be introduced to memoirs and non-fiction. However, I have two minor qualms. The first is, the tone of the book felt very much "I'm a cool mom." Gutierrez does not shy away from making jokes and using slang or curse words. This is not to say I have a problem with authors who write in this style, but with every sentence using terms found on Urban Dictionary or a casual "fuck," it felt heavy-handed. My second qualm is that the book, at times, felt like it lacked a common theme or direction. The common thread among these stories was "I've had these crazy experiences that are both comical and questionable." As I said, each of these stories was HILARIOUS and crazy, but I didn't feel like they tied together beyond that. Note that these are both EXTREMELY personal preferences, and it did not stop me from enjoying the book, nor would it stop me from recommending it to others. These are just observations I feel would be helpful for others who like to know more about what they're getting themselves in to.

Absolutely hilarious and spot on collection of essays about coming of age in the 90s. I spent the entire time laughing (except the end when I burst into tears, gotta say, was not expecting to cry, but here we are.) Gutierrez is witty, weird, ridiculously fun, and endlessly relatable. A voice to watch out for--sign me up to read absolutely anything she comes up with next.

I have never connected more with a book in my LIFE. So many laugh out loud moments. While we did not have exactly the same experiences, I am also a Mom/former shit show who grew up in the 90’s. I am also shocked to have not gotten a modeling contract after my biker chick Glamour Shots adventure, or had my sanity questioned for going to see Titanic NINE times in theaters. I have yet to stab my Mom with an epipen, likely because neither of us have access to one.

This was such a fun read. Millennials/Elder Millenials who are still shit shows but in an adultish, less deadly way, this one is definitely for you.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the eARC. I thought this book was very funny and at times it made me laugh out loud. As a millennial it gave me a lot of nostalgia and I absolutely loved the cover! Definitely recommend.

The best way I can describe this book is nostalgic cringe (in the best way). Made me feel extremely nostalgic. But as a parent realized how crazy things were when we were kids.

A Product of Genetics (and Day Drinking)" by Jess Gutierrez is a collection of essays that hilariously explores the experiences and struggles of being a millennial. As someone born in 1999, I found that I could relate to about half of the essays, but that didn't diminish the enjoyment I felt while reading this book. Gutierrez's writing style is refreshingly witty and engaging, and she manages to make some thought-provoking points about the unique challenges faced by our generation. Overall, it is a well-written and entertaining story that not only entertains but also sheds light on the millennial experience. This books comes out on my birthday so definitely go check it out !