I was able to listen to this audiobook because of NetGalley provided me a free, digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Presley works for a late night comedy show. She wants to be given more responsibility and move up, but in the here and now she’s proving herself to be a hard worker.

She’s got great relationships with a couple close friends in the city and with her grandparents who live in the south.

I loved that Presley (who is not really very comfortable outside of her bubble) decides to let her guard down, little by little.

This story resonated with me because I’m also not the most peopley of people. I get stuck in my ways, put walls up, and shy away from tough emotions.

Humor Me showed me that you can stay true to yourself while simultaneously experiencing more, growing, and confronting those things you’ve shoved deep down.

And there’s great jokes that provide comic relief!

The narrator took me a moment to get into, her voice is just so young sounding, but overall I liked the audiobook.

Heartwarming. I will recommend to others.

HUMOR ME is a bright-eyed, big-hearted read about the ways that the ambitious among us balance professional drive, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness in a city full of opportunity - like New York City.

Cat Shook's debut novel, IF WE'RE BEING HONEST, was one of my favorite reads of 2023, a family drama with plenty of humourous hi-jinxes and a ton of warmth celebrating a misshapen, family. Shook's got an eye for getting to the core of the challenges that plague new adults, specifically those toeing the line between a Millennial and Gen Z identity. The author, who set her debut novel in her home state of Georgia, sets her second novel in hew current home, New York City. It's the story of Presley Fry, an assistant at a late night comedy tv show, Presley's still grieving the loss of her estranged model, and watching her peers and pals succeed in their career and romantic interests. Enter Susan Clark, a former best friend of her mother's who has recently been involved in a familial scandal. As Presley struggles to move forward in her career in the comedy scene (off-stage only, thank you!) she develops an unlikely friendship with Susan and other members of her family, and these new relationships allow her to look at the city (and job) she loves so much with a whole new perspective.

If you've ever dreamed of living in New York, or if you have, this is one that you'll see a lot that resonates with you. Shook also captures the particular heartbreak that comes from working in a lower rung of an entertainment career: The expectation that you'll do the work for the love (and no money) of it. The expectation that your job is around the clock - and that it's ok that that's true. That the chance to date, to explore, to find a personal life in NYC is not a priority over your creative industry. As such, it's a novel that cut close to the bone for me. But it's as much a challenge of the myth of having it all in NYC as it is a genuine love letter to New York City. Few authors nail the city, its unique challenges, its grisly heart and cruel reality, and Shook can be proud that she's accomplished that here. For a novel about comedy (and there are some great jokes in it) it's surprisingly tender, exploring the power of friendships: Cross-generational ones, ones formed on trauma bonding, the ones that are more important than any potential boyfriend, the ones that allow us to carry on when we don't know how else to. Yes, there's love in this story, but the love of friends is what really shines through here.

I really enjoyed Cat Shook’s previous book, and this one fell a little flat for me. I felt like the story was a bit slow paced, but I really enjoyed the NYC of it all. The behind the scenes of the comedy world was interesting, and the shoutouts for Las Culturistas were perfect. Definitely a good pick if you’re into character driven novels more so than plot-driven. Thanks so much for the advanced copy.

Good look into NYC life and dating scene. I thought the themes of handling grief and friendship were interesting. Presley’s friendship with Susan was especially unique and fun to read.

I really loved and enjoyed this book and the audiobook is a must-listen! What I loved most about Humor Me is its ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments and the realities of life in a way that's both relatable and uplifting, especially for women navigating their own journeys of self-discovery and healing. It doesn't shy away from the messy parts of life but instead embraces them with authenticity and empathy. By the end, you'll find yourself laughing, crying, and ultimately feeling inspired by the protagonist's resilience and capacity for love.

The narrator's voice is like your best friend sharing her deepest thoughts and funniest anecdotes over coffee. It's warm, funny, and filled with insights that hit close to home. Whether she's navigating awkward dates or grappling with her own insecurities, you can't help but root for her every step of the way. If you're looking for a romcom that's as touching as it is entertaining, this audiobook is a definite must listen!

If you like Sex in the City, Friends, Seinfeld etc you'll love this, It has such a New York vibe it's infectious, It's funny, catch and sweet. Perfect combination for any romcom.

This was a fun book to listen too. I felt like Ferdelle Capistrano did a great job telling the story. Her voice was very smooth and entertaining. The characters in were well written, relatable and enjoyable. You will be rooting for them as they go through their own situations. I loved the relationship between Presley and her moms old friend Susan. Presley's love life was a fun ride to go on. This book was fun, will have you laughing and have a few heartfelt moments. I would definitely recommend this audiobook!

Thank you McMillan Audio and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this ARC for my honest opinion.

You can be friends with your dead mother's friend. All your friends don't have to be your age. Actually having the variety in ages will give you variety in experiences. You can end up saying yes to people you thought you won't even talk to. People don't usually show their vulnerabilities when you are just acquaintances

Presley got a boring job and it was not getting any better. With her mother's passing, life was slapping her left and right. Susan Clark was mother's best friend and happened to be her boss' boss' boss' wife. Susan wanted to be the mother Presley lost and made sure that she was looked after. Presley was bit reluctant as she saw this friendship as Susan's way to connect her son and Presley. However, there was much more Presley didn't see in this friendship.

Presley seemed like lacking motherly love. Her mother was not lovey, dovey mother. While Susan's attention felt too much at the beginning, it was something she was craving. Change in her reactions and her maturity was displayed very well. If you like coming of age novels for late 20 year olds, this could be the read for you.

Humor Me by Cat Shook

Presley Fry is a long-time assistant at the The Late Night Show. Presley enjoys finding new talent in comedians. She just needs to find the right one to get the promotion she wants.

Susan Clark is Presley's deceased mom's close friend and wife of the head of the network. She tries to befriend Presley.

Presley isn't sure how to handle the grief of losing her mom and how friendships can change in unexpected ways.

This is a very relatable book as we all navigate friendships, romance, and grief.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the early copy!

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook!

This one sounded right up my alley and I was so excited for it!

While there were a few scenes that resonated with me, I struggled to connect with the story and found myself continuing to get irritated while listening to this one.

The audio production itself was well done so the rating is not a reflection of the audiobook itself, just that the story was not for me.

This will be out July 9th and I'm sure will be a good fit for many!

Thanks to Macmillan audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this audio book. Humor me is a story about relationships and expressing yourself with friends, parents, significant others. It didn’t resonate with me but I think others in the mindset of the character will find a connection.

This book was good. It was nice to see the heroine to go through real life dating while also dealing with trauma. I just felt like there was something missing for me. I didn't quite get her relationship with Clark. The ending left me unsatisfied. It felt like there should have been more.

Humor Me, read by Ferdelle Capistrano is due out July 9th

Presley, daughter of an alcoholic single mother, was essentially raised by her grandparents while also caring for her mother. She thrives on staying busy and not getting too close to anyone. She doesn't share any of the grief she feels about her mother's recent death, even with her best friend and roommate Isabelle. Until a chance encounter with her mother's closest friend from childhood, Susan, starts Presley down a transformative road.

Though I initially felt a friendship between these two women couldn't work, they fit into the places they were each needing someone, and it really worked for me. I loved the steady building of Presley's place in her world - how she cast off what wasn't helping her and began to make peace with her losses.

Thank you to Macmillan audio and NetGalley for the audioARC of this novel.

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!

Thanks NetGalley for the audiobook ARC. Solid contemporary read, riddled with feminism. It really shows the slew of emotions we go through in our 20’s and the doubt that comes with. (thank God I’m done with my 20s).

Literally no plot, I was so bored. I kept increasing the speed just to finish the book.
I was hoping it would make me laugh out loud. It did not.

A story of a young woman who is still processing her alcoholic mother's death and healing from the pain she suffered as a child of a struggling mother, Presley Fry is determined to not let her past derail her. She has a steady job at a late night show in New York, but she's itching to be promoted and be able to have more creative control. She still has her former college roommate, now apartment roommate, by her side, and she doesn't do relationships because she refuses to get hurt again, and much prefers casual dating.

And that crush on her co-worker? Nothing she can't handle.

When Presley finds herself befriending her late mother's childhood best friend Susan, she finds that she learns more about her mother than she ever thought she would. And despite Susan's best efforts to play Cupid, Presley tries to resist the pairing with Susan's son, Lawrence. But could the Clark family be breaking Presley down? With Susan's motherly instincts and Lawrence always being at the right place at the right time, Presley begins to wonder if maybe she's been handling things wrong after all.

Told with humor, sarcasm, and just the right amount of romantic will-they/won't they, Humor Me is the second book I have read by Cat Shook, and I found it to be another enjoyable story that entertained me from beginning to end. The narrator did a fantastic job of keeping the dialogue fast-paced and fun to listen to. Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advanced digital audio copy of this book!

Genuinely funny and moving, Humor Me tells the story of Presley Fry, currently scouting standups for her job at a late night show, living with her best friend (Isabelle), crushing on her coworker, quietly grieving the loss of her alcoholic mother, and reconnecting with a friend of her mother's (Susan). There was a lot that I liked about Humor Me, particularly the sharp writing, solid friendship between Presley and Isabelle, and the relationship between Susan and Presley. I went in expecting more of a straight up romance, and while the romance was there and satisfying, I was glad that it didn't overtake other relationships.

This was just plain lovely.

Presley is in love with her best friend. Something she’s only recently come to terms with. But she has a big commitment phobia. Her mom passed away 18 months ago. Because of their tumultuous relationship and her mom’s addiction issues, she is conflicted and not dealing with her loss. On happenstance, she runs into her mom’s high school friend at the park and can’t tell her no when she invites her to meet up. How could she? She helped her land her dream job seeking out comedians for the night show. Just like NYC, a lot is packed in between the pages of this book.

The audiobook was perfectly done by Ferdelle Capistrano. Her intonation was captivating without being distracting.

Presley is a young woman living out her dream in NYC, working for a late night comedy show (I’m thinking SNL) as an assistant. She has gone through the loss of her alcoholic mother, and is befriended by Susan, an old friend of her mom’s.

Presley is a likable character who is trying to make it in the big city. She has depth as a character, and as a reader I was rooting for her. I enjoyed following her throughout her days, learning about her past and present relationships with friends and family. This is not a romcom, so the happily ever after is not the exact way I thought, but it fit the story. I wanted to keep picking this one up to see what Presley was doing in each chapter, like she was someone I knew in real life. The audio narration was really fun too, and I felt the narrator brought Presley to life.