⭐️⭐️⭐️.3 (3.5/5)

𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
One thing I can say about this author, is that she knows how to write stories which are well composed with great detail and character development. Like her debut last year, this book does not disappoint with the plot at all! It was so well written, and there was a lot of intricated details, which I really enjoy when I'm reading contemporary fiction novels.

One aspect which I wasn't the biggest fan of was the pacing of the story. While the pace was rather slow for my liking, it does make sense based on the story itself. I would have like a bit of a quicker pace though in order to hold my attention more at certain parts.

When it comes to the characters, I absolutely loved Presley and Susan! I thought the bond they grew to have so sweet, and loved reading about their adventures together, and don't get me started on Susan's son - I loved him!

𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆:
- Character driven stories
- Emotional read at times
- Love letter stories to New York City

𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑷𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈: 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Ravine Vineyards🍷

The story of Presley, a young woman who has faced loss, avoids love, leans into friendship, and makes life a little lighter with comedy.

I really wanted to love this book because of the premise, but it didn't quite do it for me. I'm not sure if it's that there were a lot of different storylines happening for the main character or what, but it was just okay in my opinion

💭 MY THOUGHTS: I really just couldn’t get past the fact that I did not like Presley, the book’s female lead. She was not intentionally unlikable. I get she was dealing with the loss of her mother and hang ups from her past, but she really could not get out of her own way. She would often contradict herself in her own inner monologues and I could not find it in me to root for her. I felt she was too good for Lawrence. His patience for her was impressive a he deserves a medal for putting up with her hot then cold attitude. She also was really judgmental of people while condemning others for doing the same. End rant.

I did like the supporting characters though. They were dynamic and interesting and although I don’t understand why, really supported Presley and were great friends to her.

🎧 The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job bringing through all the different emotions Presley grapples with. Scenes of the comedians doing their acts were great to listen to as well.

Read for:
💙 Loss of a Parent
🍄 Unlikely Friendships
🚺 #MeToo References
🤣 Stand Up Comedy World
🔎 Single POV
📍 New York

⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice Level: 🌶️ / 5

Humor Me was a cute and quirky novel about a girl who was coming to understand who she truly was as a person. I enjoyed reading about her job, watching her friendships blossom and joining her on her journey of love. It was definitely more of a slow burn trope, but she really needed some time to navigate her emotions. I personally felt the story ended rather abruptly and would have loved to see an epilogue, but I’m hoping the author just left the door open for a book two. Overall, worth the time to read!

NetGalley gifted me and ARC of this book, but all opinions expressed are my own.

I listened to the audio version of Humor Me. The narrator did a wonderful job, however I feel like the book fell a bit flat. You were told the story of a glimpse in the main characters life. However, I feel that there was no true plot. There were a lot of characters that were difficult to keep up with at times. Not a bad book at all, just not what I was hoping for.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

A great book about female friendships, death of parent, starting out in a career and finding love when you least expect it. I enjoyed the characters and the NY setting, reference to Nora Ephron romcoms, Strand bookstore, family friends, and comedians.
I enjoyed the male/female work relationship that refer back to When Harry Met Sally and ask the same question can men and women be friends with NO benefits? The answer is, it depends. Presley’s bond with her grandparents reminded me of my own grandparents, some of the best people that I knew.
If you are looking for a book about friendships, starting out in careers and finding closure of death of parent you will enjoy this, I did.

Humor Me

A Love Story to NYC. This book is so strong on female friendship, navigating your 20s and grief.

Cat Shook writes a rom-com unlike anyone else! You even forget about the romance because the characters dynamics are so entertaining you just want to experience their lives as they go.

Presley is such a complete FMC, we navigate the story thorough her eyes and seeing her discovering herself, going through love and heartbreak, friendships in the most interesting ways and also dealing with the loss of her mom and navigating grief is truly amazing.

It literally felt like I was walking down each place of NY on my own, it was so realistic and entertaining. I loved the scenarios of the book and how vividly they were described and truly brought to life!

The narrator was also so good! She really transmitted all the feelings and was capable of painting a perfect scenery for the book. It was so good to listen to this book and feel NY with you, in your mind.

Thanks Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook.

4.5 stars rounded to 4

I’m not sure why I went into Humor Me with low expectations, but they were totally unfounded… I loved it! It reminds me of Romantic Comedy (Curtis Sittenfeld) with a dash of Just For the Summer (Abby Jimenez) and The Sweet Spot (Amy Poeppel). I can’t wait to go back and read the author’s debut novel!

Probably most of all, I loved the setting - you can’t read this and not want to jet to NYC. It’s a love letter to a city that can chew you up/spit you out and be the most magical place on earth, all in the same day.

The main character, Presley, has been through so much and is so strong - maybe too strong. She forms an unlikely bond with her late mother’s childhood best friend, and through her, gathers the courage to confront the complicated feelings she usually avoids about her mother’s life and death. It’s a story about the true meaning of friendship, friends who become family, and how we all get by with a little help from our friends.

Read if you enjoy books set in NYC, featuring the NYC comedy scene, and/or books about coming of age in NYC, found family, intergenerational friendship.

🎧: Humor Me is narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano, a new to me narrator who does a wonderful job bringing Presley to life. Definitely a good one for audio!

This was a cute, entertaining book about Presley, a 20-something NYC intern at a late-night comedy show. She is trying her best to find THE stand-up act to bring to the show in hopes of a promotion. She spends her days interning at work and her evenings bantering back and forth with her co-worker, Adam, and attending stand-up comedy shows. One day, Presley runs into an old friend of her late mother. Susan is interested in reconnecting with Presley and Presley accepts the invitation as she misses her mother so much and is also unsure how to say no politely. Meanwhile, Susan is constantly throwing her son, Clark, at Presley in the hopes the two will form a connection.

This is a coming-of-age book more than a rom-com. While there is an HEA that is part of traditional romance, the story really flourishes with the friendships Presley forms. I loved the NYC scene and how boldly proud Presley is of her status as a resident. The stand-up comedy and late-night show scenes are not ones I am familiar with so I enjoyed getting to peek behind the curtain here. I adored Clark and Izzy (Presley's roommate and best friend). I loved watching her grow into herself. There is some social commentary within the pages but not so much that it ever felt like a platform for Shook to go on about. It felt true to the story. I listened to this book on audio and really enjoyed it more for that as I could feel it run a bit slow at some parts. The audio alleviated that slower pace. The narration is really well done and I was able to slip right into Presley's world with her.

If you are a fan of Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, you may like this one. I would recommend this to any lovers of the city, the comedy scene, or coming-of-age stories.

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!

3.75⭐️

Twenty-five-year-old Presley Fry has a lot on her plate! An assistant at a late-night talk show she is long due for a promotion and is on the hunt for a talented new stand-up comic to be featured on the show which has her exploring the stand-up comedy scene in NYC. It’s been a little over a year since her mother, with whom she shared a complicated relationship, passed away, and Presley is yet to come to terms with her loss. Her social life is mostly guided by her friend and roommate Isabelle, "Izzy," which is fine by Presley since she isn’t too confident in herself. She is also trying to navigate her feelings for a colleague, not quite sure whether the person thinks of her in the same light. When her mother’s childhood friend, the charismatic Susan Clark, who is also navigating a particularly disturbing life situation takes her under her wing, Susan’s friendship, advice and worldview not only nudge Presley out of her comfort zone but also help her to navigate her grief, open up to new experiences and embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery and personal growth.

The narrative is presented from Presley’s first-person POV. A lot is going on with the characters, but the narrative is fluid and the plot never gets convoluted or difficult to follow. The character-driven elements were stronger than the plot-driven aspect of this novel, which made this an interesting and enjoyable read.

The pacing is on the slower side, which suits the nature of the story. Cat Shook writes with wit, humor and much emotional depth and addresses sensitive themes such as complex mother-daughter relationships, alcoholism, the #MeToo movement, grief and infidelity with maturity and compassion. Her characters are real and relatable. We might not agree with all of their choices, but you can understand them. Presley is an endearing character and I was invested in her journey as she navigated her personal and professional struggles, her grief and much more. Susan is an interesting character and I enjoyed her dynamic with Presley. The romance angle was well-developed and deftly woven into the narrative. I enjoyed the insight into the NYC comedy scene, though I would have liked this aspect to have been featured in more depth. The ending is a bit too neatly tied up and convenient, but stories such as these are mostly predictable, so that’s not surprising.

Overall, I enjoyed Humor Me by Cat Shook and thought it was a well-written novel.

I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano, which made for a delightful immersion reading experience.

Many thanks to Celadon for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Recently, I've read more than my fair share of novels that include narcissistic, emotionally abusive and/or neglectful mothers. In this one, Presley's dead mom—who was also an alcoholic—is an outsized character, given that she's not physically present during the time of the narrative. The mother's childhood best friend, Susan, of course, had a very different experience with Presley's mom, which makes her awkward efforts to forge a friendship with Presley all the more difficult. Susan persists, and the relationship develops in surprising ways—in turns poignant, amusing, and sometimes still very awkward.

There are romantic relationships, but none are the primary focus. Presley's job is a major focus of the story. I liked her dedication to discovering new stand-up comedians and trying to help launch their careers. Also heavily present are feminist issues, the Me Too movement, and sexism. Despite all of that, the book is occasionally quite funny—in some instances even hilarious.

The audiobook is narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano, who is new to me. She did well voicing different ages, genders, and accents.

I'm glad I didn't dismiss this book automatically because I bailed on Shook's debut. I would have missed out on a solid, multilayered story.

3.5⭐

3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4

Humor Me feels very different than Cat Shook's first book If We're Being Honest, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Instead of being a family drama, it's more like a romcom. But a romcom that I found more enjoyable than most. In some ways it reminded me of Curtis Sittenfeld's Romantic Comedy, but without all the intricacies that go along with working on a show.

In Humor Me's case, the main character Presley works as an assistant on a late night show. Her job is to discover up and coming comedians to feature on the show and so she's often out and about at various NYC comedy clubs. She's never had a boyfriend and has a serious crush on her coworker, Adam, who instead of confessing her feelings to, she simply becomes best friends with. She had a rough childhood with an alcoholic mother who passed away last year and has just started to reconnect with one of her mother's childhood friends, a very wealthy NYC woman named Susan.

I enjoyed Presley as a character and thought many of the happenings in the book were very true to the life of a 20-something living in the city, in terms of jobs, friendships, and romance. But a few things drove me crazy about her. I didn't love how she dealt with her feelings for Adam and I also didn't like how we didn't get any information about how she felt about Susan's son Clark as she was becoming friends with him.

Overall, I found the book to be an entertaining listen with some funny moments. It made me wish I spent some of my 20s in NYC!

I enjoyed the premise of this book and would recommend it if you're looking for a day-in-the life type of story about a young woman in the city, a la Sex in the City.

The FMC Presley is in her mid-20s and works in the comedy scene in New York. I lived in NYC in my twenties so I could relate to the theme of a coming-of-age story in the big city. Presley, however, is a commitment-phobe/serial dater who has a thing for a coworker.

There are lots of extraneous plot lines and I often felt unsure where the story was going. For example, Presley reconnects with one of her mother's old friends, whose husband has been accused of an inappropriate relationship with his employee. This plot line didn't really go anywhere and I felt that the book lacked cohesion in the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my review.

Rating: 4.5 stars!

Yes. A million times yes. The NYC adventures, the comedy clubs and the secondary tone of a romance was my absolute favorite. We follow the main character around NYC while shes scouting for the new big comedian. Shes battling a relationship she remembers with her mom, a friendship keeping her afloat, and a potential budding romance. There was a spicy chapter towards the end that felt weirdly out of place in comparison to the incredibly mild nature of the rest of the book which is the only reason my rating dropped from a 5 to a 4.5.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐞 explores the life of Presley Fry, a working twenty-something who actually loves her job. She is an assistant at a late-night show and does the bookings for comedians. It takes up a lot of her time, but so does the pain that still grips her heart from losing her mom.

When Presley is introduced to Susan, her mom's childhood friend, they enter a complicated and somewhat unlikely friendship.

This centers a lot on grief, loneliness, unresolved feelings, and finding the person who just gets you. Presley is not only dealing with the grief from her mother’s death but also has a complicated relationship with Adam, a friend from work. As Susan helps Presley better understand what her mother was like, Presley feels like she can start forging her future path. I liked watching her growth, not only the healing from grief, but also the fact that she began to stand up for herself.

I was rooting for Presley. She was one of those characters who needed a win. I kept hoping Adam would wake up and see what he had in front of him! Her roommate, Izzy, became such a sweet and loyal friend. And I loved the time we got with Presley’s precious grandparents.

If you love character-driven novels filled with the reality of work, friendships, the tangle of relationships, and the sights and sounds of New York City, then I recommend you pick this one up today.


Thank you @celadonbooks for the gifted book.
Thank you @Macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook.

This is the second book by Kat Shook that I have read in the past few months, and this one just gave me all the warm fuzzies! The story against the setting of NYC was so atmospheric, and I just felt like I was right there along with the characters. Since I grew up in a southern town, I find that I really relate to Kat Shook’s characters since most she has their childhood take place in a small southern town. This story was the perfect amount of lighthearted, funny, sweet, but had the depth to make it feel realistic. This book solidifies Kat Shook as an auto-buy author for me, so I really look forward to reading more from her in the future! I was lucky enough to get a signed edition of her first book, so I’m now on the hunt for a signed edition of Humor Me to add to my shelves 🙌 Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!

On the surface, Humor Me may seem like just another fluffy work of chick lit—with the main character going through one comical mishap after another on the way to her happily-ever-after. But it’s much deeper than that. It’s an entertaining but often emotional story about grief and friendship—about creating connections with other people and opening up to the messiness of life.

Full review published on NightsAndWeekends.com and aired on Shelf Discovery.

A heartwarming mix of rom-com and slice-of-life coming of age story set in the nighttime TV show world & NYC. Although very low-stakes, I liked many of the characters in this book and enjoyed listening to the audio galley. Recommended for fans of slower paced, character-driven books about friendship, NYC, grief, and found family.

I expected Humor Me to resemble the HBOMax show Hacks, but told from the POV of the writer (or assistant in the case of Humor Me). However, this did not live up to my expectations of humor and wit with the comparison I had made based on the synopsis.

In fact, there is a bit of this audiobook that I must have tuned out or glossed over because I don’t honestly remember too many of the details. I did enjoy the exploration of navigating of relationships in your 20s.

I would have liked to see more of Susan’s growth and as a person. I enjoyed Presley and Susan’s budding relationship, but it felt like her character wasn’t very dimensional.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.