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Humor Me
Author: Cat Shook
Source: NetGalley
Pub Date: July 9, 2024

Humor Me is a love story of New York City from the perspective of a talent scout for a late-night comedy TV show. The cast of characters is great fun, including the lead, Presley, her roommate Izzy, her work crush, and her extended faux family (old family friends), including Clark and his sunny mom, Susan. The whole story is so well-paced and oozes good vibes. Presley comes from a single-parent home, but Mom was a raging alcoholic. Mom has also recently passed away. Presley has never known stability and still carries guilt for her mixed feelings. It also makes her closed off to romance. But life happens, and Presley works on breaking down walls, allowing people to care about her, share with her, and want to help her succeed and be happy. This book is a SOLID 4.5, and I know it will be immensely successful. I cheered for Presley throughout the book and enjoyed seeing New York City through her eyes. This was a dynamic love story. #romance #friendship #family #trust #chicklit #NYC #NewYork @catshook_ @celadonbooks #celadonreader @netgalley
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the Celadon Books, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.
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This was a fun and charming read I devoured fairly quickly.

Presley is an assistant at a late-night talk show. She enjoys her job although she doesn’t make much money; getting the opportunity to work with her friend (and crush) Adam is more than worth it. Plus, she’s recently been given the responsibility of scouting out comics for a slot on the show. She’s always loved stand-up, and now she gets to go to comedy shows as part of her job.

Presley is still dealing with unresolved grief over her mother’s death. While her mother was a serious alcoholic, Presley still remembers some of the fun they had. But anytime someone talks about her mother, it’s like a punch to the gut.

One day she runs into Susan, a childhood friend of her mother’s. Susan’s husband helped get Presley an internship at the network, which led to her job. But now, he’s been accused of sexual harassment, which leaves Susan vulnerable, and she latches on to Presley. The last thing Presley would have imagined was striking up a friendship with someone like Susan, but surprisingly they seem to click.

This is a story about friendship, love, dating, and life in New York City, as well as how difficult it is to recover from loss. It also so accurately captures how first jobs can be fun even though you get paid next to nothing, and how they give you the chance to build your community.

Cat Shook has a real talent for character development and creating compelling personal dynamics. This book is funny, steamy, and a little emotional.

Many thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the advance copy! The book publishes 7/9.

Something about this book really captivated me and I devoured it in less than 24 hours. The comparisons to Curtis Sittenfeld’s “Romantic Comedy” are apt, in the obvious way that both books take place in the entertainment industry, but also in the writing of the main characters and both women’s struggles with anxiety and dealing with some emotional challenges. Cat Shook’s writing here was compelling and the dialogue and characters felt lived in and genuine. I was nervous about the Susan subplot, but ultimately got on board with how that was handled.

This felt like a fiercely feminist book through the depictions of friendship, the handling of the Adam situation, and the coverage of gender politics in the workplace. I liked how Shook handled the friendship dynamic between Presley and Isabelle. It was also uncanny how Shook was able to make the early days of the #MeToo movement feel somehow nostalgic and also like I was back in that time period getting angry again for the first time as all the accusations kept surfacing.

Yes, I would ultimately classify this as a romance (with some very sweet and steamy scenes) but it was so much more than that—perfectly encompassing the feeling of being in your mid-20s and trying to figure out how to be an adult. “Humor Me” very much felt like a love letter to New York City; I was glad to pick up on a lot of the references and neighborhood shoutouts having just visited the iconic city for the first time this month.

There is a lot to unpack with this book, but I really loved it and I am eager to read more of Cat’s work!

Oh, this was such a tender and beautiful book. Two decades on from my own sudden parental loss, Humor Me felt like such a much-needed journey. I really appreciate Cat Shook's brilliant writing, and am grateful for this book.

This was cute. Very heavy on the love for NyC so it’s a bit much. There’s not a lot to the story but it’s still a good read.

Interesting read! This was a very different read than what I normally stick to. But it was a good change! The characters development was great, the storyline kept me invested and wanting to read more! I’m so glad I was able to read this one!

Presley is an intern on a late night tv show in charge of searching for new stand up comedy artists. She’s trying to work her way up the ladder to a more permanent position. She loves her life in New York City and would not change it for anything. She’s been navigating complicated feelings after her mother’s death. She believes she’s managing well until she runs into her mothers old friend Susan. They form an unlikely friendship. There’s miscommunication, new found friendships, and of course love.

I laughed and cried a bit throughout the book. The banter between the characters was amazing!! Loved the open communication between Presley and Clark.

Such an amazing book!!! Cannot recommend it enough.
Thanks to Celadon Books and Netgalley for the e-arc copy!!

3.75
Thank you Celadon and NetGalley for providing me an
ARC of Humor Me. Humor Me follows Presley Fry, a comedian scouter from New York, as she navigates the grief that comes with her mother's death and the development of new relationships.
I thought the setting of this book was perfect. I really felt as if I was in New York. Everything was well-described, and I could picture every comedy club and dingy bar!
I also love the character and relationship development.
Susan and Presley's friendship was honestly my favorite part of the book. I could connect to all of Presley's inner circle as well.
However, I was not a huge fan of being inside Presley's mind. I understand that she is negative because her mom had died a few years ago, but I think the negativity was too much. I also did not like the Metoo references. They added nothing to the story and just kind of annoyed me.
My thoughts on this are all subjective though, of course!
I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a deep, emotional story but with witty humor and a great New York City setting.

Unfortunately, I found it quite difficult to connect to the main character. I felt like the story was a bit all over the place and it was hard for me to find the story line in it all. I appreciate the opportunity to read this though.

I gave Humor Me four ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you Net Galley and Celadon Books for this ARC. These are my honest opinions.

I loved this book! It’s so interesting because there’s not a lot that happens in the book, plot wise. But, on the other hand, there’s so much that’s going on.

Car Shook can write characters! I absolutely relate to and understand several characters in this book. Mostly, Presley, but also Susan and Izzy. And Clark, too. I was invested it them and wanted to keep on reading about them. There is so much development and growth that I feel like I knew them.

This book is hard to explain, but it’s almost like you are friends with these characters and you’re talking to them on the phone and getting caught up on their day to day life.

My only complaints are that there were a few times where he got a little sluggish and the ending was abrupt.

This was cute, sweet, heavy on the love of NYC (I for one just DO NOT get it), and charming. I think it was a nice read, but nothing that will stick with me long term.

Such a sweet and lovely story! A Rom-Com, but with a bit of a twist, in my opinion. I loved Presley Fry (what a fabulous name too) and her love of New York City was palpable. As a native New Yorker myself, I loved hearing about her and her best friend, Izzy's love of the city, and all the fun ways they continue to experience and enjoy it.

Working as an assistant on the Late Night Show, it's Presley's job to scout new comedic talent, a job she loves. We also learn at the very start about her secret love for her co-worker, Adam, as well as the weight she carries after losing her mom, Patty, an alcoholic with whom she had a complicated relationship with. When she runs into Patty's old friend from back home in Georgia, Susan, now a rich NY socialite, Presley feels obligated to accept a lunch invite as it was Susan who helped Presley land the job she loves so much when she first moved to NY. While Susan is dealing with a huge issue of her own, I really enjoyed watching their friendship develop.

My first book by Cat Shook, I loved the story, the realistic characters, and the NYC setting. A wonderful book about friendship, grief, humor, and unexpected love that I SO enjoyed!

"Humor Me" was a perfectly okay rom-com-y book.

It definitely had elements of "Romantic Comedy" (by Curtis Sittenfeld). but in this book the main character works at a late night talk show (instead of a weekly sketch comedy show that airs on Saturday nights), and she's only a couple years out of college (instead of having approximately a decade of experience).

While I enjoyed most of the book, and chuckled at plenty of the jokes. I'm not a fan of the very abrupt ending. It doesn't exactly end on a horrible cliffhanger, but there were plenty of things that could have been addressed/wrapped up with a pretty quick epilogue.

HUMOR ME by Cat Shook and narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano was a light read perfect for summer.

I paired the digital with the audio, which added to my enjoyment.

Quick overview: Pressley works in a late night comedy show and enjoys finding the talent, but is worried about her assistant status. She is grieving the loss of her mom when she comes across Susan, a friend of her mom's who forms a connection with her. Pressley is working to come to terms with her changing reality.

This is a story about grief, family, friendships, and love. Normally this would be a great combo for me. This one didn't quite give me the depth I was hoping for. I thought her relationship with Susan was odd. It felt a bit desperate instead of compelling, and I really wanted to love the intergenerational friendship. I did enjoy her journey of acceptance of relationship changes with her best friend and with Susan's son.

Maybe it was just my mood. If those aspects sound like a good fit for you, please give it a try! I did enjoy it, just hoped for more.

Thank you to @netgalley @celadonbooks for sharing this light summer read that is out on July 9th!

I really enjoyed this book! Not so much a rom-com as it is the story of a woman living her life and dealing with her grief. The characters were lovable (although I could have done with less "I don't like girly stuff" from the MC) and the setting of 2017 NYC was perfect for some of the characters stories. As someone who has never lived in NYC, I really appreciated the way the author made it sound cozy even though you're in a city of millions.

However this one just... ended. I have so many questions! I don't need to see every single conversation had within a relationship, but I would like some more time spent with a new person. Did the roommate go to the wedding? How did it go with the comedian on her official taping? Did the mom and the MC stay friends?? I just needed a small epilogue and I would have been satisfied.

If you're on the hunt for a contemporary romance that will make you laugh out loud and tug at your heartstrings, look no further than "Humor Me." This delightful novel masterfully blends humor and seriousness, creating a story that's as entertaining as it is poignant.

"Humor Me" stands out in the romance genre with its unique approach to humor. The author weaves in laugh-out-loud moments seamlessly, bringing joy in ways that feel fresh and unexpected. It's not just about the jokes, though—the humor here is smart, situational, and deeply tied to the characters' personalities, making it all the more enjoyable.

But don't be fooled by the lighthearted title. This book also delves into more serious themes, exploring family dynamics, friendships, and trauma with sensitivity and depth. The protagonist's journey is one of growth and self-reflection, navigating the complexities of her past and how it shapes her as an adult. The way the story addresses these issues feels genuine and heartfelt, offering readers both entertainment and emotional resonance.

One of the most touching aspects of "Humor Me" is how relatable it is. Many readers will see reflections of their own lives in the protagonist's experiences, making her journey all the more impactful. Whether it's dealing with family challenges, fostering meaningful friendships, or overcoming personal trauma, this book touches on experiences that many of us can connect with on a deep level.

In conclusion, "Humor Me" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-rounded story of personal growth. It's a perfect blend of humor and heart, offering a refreshing take on contemporary romance. So, if you’re ready to laugh, cry, and cheer for a character who feels like a friend, add "Humor Me" to your reading list. You won't be disappointed!

Presley is an associate producer for a late-night talk show. Her job is to scout new comedians for the Friday night segment. Her mother has recently died, and they had a complicated relationship. When one of her mother's close friends from childhood runs into Presley in the city (and is having her own family troubles), she and Presley form an unlikely friendship.

This book is pretty different than what I thought it would be. It is not just a rom com (although it does have those elements), it is not just a coming-of-age story of a millennial in NYC (although it does have those elements), and it is not just a story of an unlikely cross-generation friendship (yes, it has that too.) I really enjoyed this book. I loved Presley's job and how she got to go listen to stand up and her work politics and motivations. I liked her complicated friendships and the found families. Mostly, I liked that it was some new territory and not the same old story but also familiar and warm. I liked Cat Shook's previous book, but I thought this one was even better and I can't wait to read whatever she writes next.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

I enjoyed Humor Me and thought it was well-written and engaging. The characters were fun to meet and I liked the NYC setting and the "Me Too" era time period. However, I also thought that the book was about too many things. There was romance (unrequited and requited), female friendship (both same age and navigating across generations), a bit of career angst, show business, men behaving badly, and ongoing grief and thinking about a difficult childhood. As a result, the narrative sometimes skirted the surface and resolution of issues didn't always seem well-earned. However, it was definitely an enjoyable, generally light read.

I don’t know about you, but before I read a book, I take the synopsis and the genres assigned to it in Goodreads into consideration to see if it strikes the mood. When books differ from those descriptors (in my subjective opinion), I feel the need to set the record straight, as it were.

I went into this book thinking that because it was about a woman working for a late night comedy show, it was going to have me laughing throughout. It did not. While it has some humorous lines and situations, this is book is too heavy to be considered funny. It also said it was a romance. While it has elements of the genre, romance is not the focus, though there are a couple of sex scenes (3 flames) and she does get her HEA, so there’s that. Also, that cover gives me heart eyes.

I went into this book expecting one thing and as a result, I had a hard time getting into it. When I let my expectations go and just let the story take me where it would, I ended up with so much more out of this book than I was expecting.

This book covers some heavy topics that might be triggering to some readers, like alcoholism, death of a parent and substance use. It also takes place in the entertainment industry around the emergence of the #metoo movement, which features heavily in the subplots. That’s some heavy stuff right there.

Our MC, Presley, is definitely living up to her “jaded” characterization from the synopsis though, so it did get that right, and this book is definitely a love letter to NYC and comedy. Presley is cynical, acerbic, and sarcastic, but has a heart of gold. I actually really liked her and found her incredibly relatable. In fact, all the characters were so well drawn that I felt like I knew them. I loved Izzy and think everyone needs a friend like her in their life. Susan was neurotic but so loveable. Their relationship was less about taking Presley under Susan’s wing (as per the synopsis) and more about seeking something in one another that is missing in their lives with the death of Presley’s mom. But I loved her unlikely friendship with Presley.

I enjoyed how the author called out problems in society in dealing with bias, prejudice, and injustice. Right at the beginning of the book, when Presley and Izzy are discussing how all they see in the news right now is talk about Weinstein, there’s a line where Izzy says “It’s been just enough time for a subject to be exhausted on Twitter, but not enough for actual societal or cultural thought.”

While there was so much I loved about this book, which focuses on healing from grief as well as friendship and letting people in, I do feel like the pacing was a little slow at times. I also felt a little bereft with the ending. I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but the way things just cut off felt unfinished. Maybe that’s the point, life goes on, go out and live it, but to me, it felt unfinished.

Still, if you enjoy exploring female friendships and want to travel to NYC without leaving your couch, this is a great book to do it with. I had Mrs. Maisel vibes, but contemporary and not from the comedian’s POV, just the late night show aspect and the comedy bar scenes. I really liked it and encourage you to give it a try!

This was a story about healing. It’s told from the point of view of angry, judgmental, introverted, and lonely Presley Fry. She’s still growing up and learning how to be kind despite other people being human. She spends most of her time disconnected from her feelings and trying to be perfect at work. She walks through panic attacks, making uncomfortable connections, learning that she doesn’t know everything, and acting on a crush for the first time ever.

I liked the chapter where Clark makes the boundary that she has to make the next move if she wants to see him again. Other than that, I had a really hard time connecting with this story and staying interested. I thought it would be funnier and fast paced. It was more sad and I didn’t always like Presley.

Thank you Celadon Books and Netgalley for lending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.