I read Cat Shook's debut novel, If We’re Being Honest, last year and thought it was fine. There were too many characters and subplots, which made it hard to care about any of them. However, I liked her writing style, so I decided to give her new book a try. To my surprise, I absolutely loved it! It's hard to explain why, since not much actually happens. It's about a 20-something in New York City coping with grief after her mother's death while reconnecting with one of her mother's oldest friends. But something about it clicked with me immediately.

The portrayal of grief was nuanced. Presley had a complicated relationship with her mother and is avoiding dealing with her grief. What really stood out for me, though, was the exploration of friendship. Presley has an amazing bond with her roommate Izzy, a complicated (and unhealthy) friendship with her coworker Adam, and is navigating how to be friends with Susan, her mother's oldest friend, whom she barely knows. All three friendships felt realistic.

Books about floundering 20-somethings can be hit or miss for me, but this one was definitely a big hit! It may not be for everyone, but I hope there will be others who will love it as much as I did.

HUMOR ME
Cat Shook

DNF at 11%

HUMOR ME by Cat Shook is not for me. Cat Shook is not for me. This is my second attempt at a Shook book and it was as much a failure as the last one.

There is an undercurrent of hate within the pages. The attempts at sarcasm are off. And the jokes are not funny and often are at the expense of one demographic or another.

A big disappointment!

Thanks to Netgalley and Celadon Books for the advanced copy! I’m sorry this one didn’t work for me.

HUMOR ME…⭐️⭐️

Would recommend for fans of…
🏙️ Romantic Comedy
🏙️ You, Again
🏙️ Queenie

If I had to make a pick for the book that surprised me most this year, it would 100% be Cat Shook’s Humor Me. And after sitting with this book for more than a month, I can definitely say that it’s one that will stay with you long after you read it.

It’s hard to define what genre Humor Me falls into, but I’d classify it as contemporary fiction with a healthy dose of romance. It is a story that really sneaks up on you, starting out as an exploration of a young woman figuring out her life in the midst of grief before evolving into a story that’s as focused on friendship as it is romance.

Presley is the main character, an assistant at a late night show who’s figuring out her next steps after the passing of her mother. In the midst of this, she meets Susan, her late mother’s childhood friend, and the two women form a bond that helps both of them grow in the midst of difficult times.

The story is told through Presley’s POV which I thoroughly enjoyed, as a lot of her worries about her career and friendships would be relatable to anyone who is, or has been, in their 20s, unsure of what the future holds. Presley’s voice was refreshingly funny as well, which helped balance out some of the deeper emotional moments in the story (alcoholism, parental loss, and workplace harassment are all discussed throughout). Even though those heavy topics are key to the story, there was a sense of hope and lightness that kept the story moving forward.

*slight spoilers below*

In terms of the romance, I adored Clark. Getting to see how he and Presley bonded was so sweet, and I loved all of their scenes together. But as much as I loved seeing their HEA, I thought ending the story with Presley and her best friend was a lovely and perfectly poignant conclusion.

Humor Me is out now. Thanks to Celadon and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Humor Me by Cat Shook
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Humor Me is one of those books that’s perfect for keeping you company while folding laundry. I can’t say I was enthralled or dying to know how it would end, but it was enjoyable nonetheless

.Our protagonist Presley is 25 and.. it shows. Think Adelaide vibes - but with way more potty mouths, stand-up comedy, and pop culture references. There’s also an unexpected bit of heart here: Shook dives into grief in a way that’s raw meaningful.

SATC and GIRLS fans, you’re in luck—New York is a major player here, with vibes reminiscent of both shows following funny and spunky young girls trying to find their way in the big city .

Overall, if you’re in the mood for something light, real, and genuinely funny, it’s worth a go.

While classified as a romance (or even a romcom), Humor Me felt more like a coming of age novel as we follow main character Presley Fry as she navigates New York City, trying to get promoted (not to mention her crush at work!) and working through her complicated relationship with her deceased mother. This is definitely a character-driven story as we follow Presley through the ups and downs of her life.

I actually enjoyed this one more than her previous novel, If We're Being Honest. I connected more to the characters in this book and enjoyed the setting and humor.

The author’s sharp humor and relatable characters make for an engaging read. I loved how Shook balances laugh-out-loud moments with poignant insights. The writing flowed smoothly, and the clever anecdotes kept me entertained from start to finish. My only minor critique is that a few storylines felt rushed, but overall, it’s a fun and uplifting book perfect for anyone needing a good laugh!

I love books with a character driven plot and this is a coming of age story that is very engaging. The setting is NYC which is also a favourite of mine. Presley works at a late night talk show and is starting to find the stand up talent to perform on the show. She hopes to move up in her current job and this is the first step. Presley also has a lot of unresolved grief from the death of her often absent alcoholic mother. Susan, a friend of her mothers when they were teenagers, befriends Presley and shows her a different side of her mother which helps her find more connection to her. Presley also struggles with letting people in and setting personal boundaries. As the book unfolds she gets better with this and is able to finally find some stability and clarity in her life. It was interesting to see Presley’s character develop throughout the story. The book also deals with some other layers such as the MeToo movement which was front and center during the time period of the story. This is the author’s second book and I have enjoyed both of them. If you like a character driven plot be sure to check this one out.

I listened to this one on audio and had mixed feelings. I really enjoyed the first half but then it seemed to drag a bit. I hated her coworker/ friend for some reason but liked the main character.

I usually go into a sophomore book by an author with a bit of dread, and it is rare when I am pleasantly surprised. It happened with this book “Humor Me” by Cat Shook. I had read the author’s debut novel “If We’re Being Honest” back in April 2023, and while I liked it and was interested in continuing to read the author’s work I wasn’t in love with it. This one I fell in love with, and am shouting from the rooftops telling you to read it.

Presley is the main character but there are some great other characters throughout this book that I grew pretty attached to like Susan Clark. While there is a romance in the book, it is secondary to the main themes of self-discovery and family. The other thing that I really enjoyed about this book were the comedy skits from the shows that Presley attended, adding the humor to this adorable book. This is a rare book that made me tear up at the end. Thank you to Celadon Books for the advanced copy, its been out since July and available wherever books are sold.

This one was okay. It's categorized as a romance but I don't think I would categorize it as one. It was still an enjoyable story.

Humor Me is a love letter to New York City and a poignant story about grief, friendship, career, and romance.

Presley felt relatable and I got to relive my mid-twenties vicariously through her. I was involved in the Chicago comedy scene at twenty-five, taking improv classes and spending a lot of time at Comedy Sportz. Presley's career is a lot cooler than mine was at that age though. I also related to her friendship with her mom's best friend. I have friends of all ages, but I have connected most often with women twenty to thirty years older than me.

Some parts of the story felt slow to me, but it held my attention for the most part. It was more for the bits I couldn't connect to as much. I did still find myself caring for Presley and getting angry on her behalf at times.

Overall, this is an interesting story that is worth checking out! Great for fans of Romantic Comedy and Dear Eliza.

(Trigger warning below.)

Movie casting suggestions:
Presley: Rose Reid
Isabelle: Renee Rapp
Susan: Mary Louise Parker
Clark: Joseph Quinn
Adam: Jacob Elordi
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TW: Drug/alcohol addiction (for a family member)

Humor Me by Cat Shook was an interesting read for me. The pacing of the story was on the slow side but it did include themes of humor and real emotion. The topics hit hard and are true to life. The characters were well developed and you want to feel a real connection to them. A very well written novel.

I tried really hard to read this one as I enjoyed her previous novel and love these types of novels. But I just could not get into this book or connect with the characters, especially the main one.

Maybe I will return to it at another time or try it in another format, such as an audiobook.

Thank you to Celadon books for a complimentary digital copy of this novel.

This is a fun and touching book about Presley Fry, who works at a late-night talk show in New York City. She’s dealing with the loss of her mom and trying to find her place in the comedy world.
The story is both funny and heartfelt. Presley is a relatable character, and her friendship with her roommate Isabelle is really sweet. The book shows how laughter and friends can help you through tough times.
Overall, it’s a charming read that fans of contemporary fiction will enjoy.
Thank you NetGalley!

Cat Shook’s Humor Me is a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud contemporary novel that centers on themes of family, grief, and the healing power of humor. It tells the story of a large Southern family as they navigate the aftermath of a tragedy, each member dealing with their loss in a uniquely personal and often humorous way.

The novel is filled with quirky characters, each adding their own flavor to the story. The protagonist, Winnie, is an endearing young woman who has returned to her hometown after a difficult breakup. While she’s grappling with her own personal issues, she’s also thrust into the chaotic dynamics of her family. The family itself is as colorful as they come, with larger-than-life personalities, awkward situations, and heartfelt moments that make you both laugh and cry.

Shook’s writing is witty and sharp, delivering a perfect balance of comedy and emotional depth. She has a keen sense of humor that brings levity to even the most challenging moments in the story. The novel shines in its dialogue—quick, witty exchanges between family members reveal the complexities of their relationships while keeping the tone light and entertaining. The humor feels natural and never forced, making the characters more relatable as they navigate grief and dysfunction.

But Humor Me isn’t just about laughs. Beneath the comedic surface is a story about love, forgiveness, and resilience. Each character, while funny in their own way, also has emotional baggage to unpack. The novel thoughtfully explores how people cope with grief, often highlighting the absurdity of life even in the face of loss. Shook beautifully shows how humor can be a survival mechanism, helping people get through the toughest times.

One of the novel’s strengths is its ability to depict a wide range of emotions. It moves seamlessly from laugh-out-loud moments to heartfelt, touching scenes that resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or complicated family dynamics. Shook handles these transitions with grace, ensuring that the emotional beats feel earned and never out of place.

The Southern setting adds a charming backdrop to the story, providing a vivid sense of place that complements the family’s eccentricities. Shook captures the warmth and quirks of Southern life, from the small-town gossip to the close-knit community where everyone knows each other’s business.

Overall, Humor Me is a delightful and refreshing read that blends humor and heart in equal measure. Cat Shook’s debut novel is a testament to the importance of family, the absurdities of life, and the power of laughter to heal. For readers who enjoy stories about imperfect families, witty banter, and finding light in the darkness, Humor Me is a must-read. It’s a book that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the beautifully messy nature of life.

As someone who loves SNL, the premise of this book was so exciting to me! I loved the first person POV and the entire way that Cat Shook presents the #MeToo movement from her characters experience.

Humor Me is a very well written novel that feels incredibly relatable. While it is a slower burn and the pacing a tad on the slower side for my usual taste, I thought it was done right and grabbed onto the reader, making me invested in the characters easily on. I felt myself rooting for the fmc and really relating to her struggles in life. The book touches on common themes such as relationships, friendships, grief, alcoholism, and cheating. This felt like you were reading a diary and you really got to know the fmc well. I will say it feels very character driven. This book ended up making me laugh quite a bit, tear up at times, and there was even some romance. It had it all. I do recommend if you like chick lit.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Cat Shook has transported me to a world that I have always wanted to know more about with Humor Me. It was fun and enlightening to see a glimpse into the worlds of the late night talk shows that I grew up watching and seeing how comedy greats got their break. Although this is not a book I would put in the Romantic Comedy category that I have seen so many erroneously compare it to, this is a wonderfully written humorous Women's Fiction Novel. The difference between the two is that this is a human comedy of life, love, and finding your way in New York City and the adult world whereas the former is just a funny snapshot of one contrived moment there for a laugh.

Shook will draw you in and make you feel a full range of emotions for Presley Fry. You will root for her to get her promotion, feel for her as she finds her way in the world, and be drawn in with the compassion she feels for those she books and has in the circles of work and friendship. This is a beautiful exploration of not just growing up, but growing into yourself.

This is a story for anyone who wants to see what it is like to be young or r experience the world der and frustration of our early carrers!

This is a nice come of life story about an assistant at a tv show that works finding comedy sketches for the show (hence the title). She recently lost her mother and have to navigate her adult life without her presence. She ends up finding a new unexpected friend in one of her mother’s friends, and from there she starts to rethink what she really wants for her life to get back on track.