This was an interesting audiobook about Elaine May. I didn't know too much about the subject of the book but it was a pretty good one to listen through and I learned a fair amount. The book was quite long and there were definitely times I felt less interested, but overall it was well done. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to listen to this audiobook.

Miss May Does Not Exist by Carrie Courogen
Story and Content: B
Writing: B
Narration: A-
Best Aspect: Lots of details and mentions many wonderful films from over many decades.
Worst Aspect: Very long, but I learned a lot about a person I never heard of.
Recommend: Yes.

I didn't know who Elaine May was prior to reading this book. Do I need to apologize for that? I'm always on the lookout for a good (auto)biography/memoir, particularly when it's about a person new to me. What amazed me, the more I listened, was that I didn't know who she was. That could be related to the fact that I am of a younger generation and not quite so deeply interested in the performing arts. It could also be due to the fact that, as the title plainly states, Elaine May is hidden. Carrie Courogen does an excellent job of explaining why Elaine May is hidden, from honestly revealing Elaine May's own propensity to shun attention to calling out the places where sexism may well be at work.

Miss May Does Not Exist: The Life and Work of Elaine May, Hollywood’s Hidden Genius is not a quick read. This is befitting a subject whose career has spanned such a long number of years, beginning when she performed vaudeville with her father as a small child, running into the pandemic where she played a role in a movie made over Zoom! Carrie Courogen doesn't just gush over her subject, either. When Elaine needs to be called out, whether for sloppy work or sloppy dress, Carrie Courogen will do it. It makes for a better biography.

I wish I had access to the print copy so I could see where Carrie Courogen found all of her research material. (Not that I didn't thoroughly enjoy the audiobook. Erin Bennett was a wonderful narrator). Some of the quotes felt as if Carrie Courogen had been there herself to interview their speakers. I've been hearing a lot of press surrounding this book, describing it as a worthy tome doing justice to its subject. Now that I understand who Elaine May is, I would have to agree. I would like to thank Dreamscape Media for allowing me to experience this NetGalley audiobook.

MISS MAY DOES NOT EXIST is such a wonderful biography. Courogen created a compulsively fascinating and enlightening look into a Hollywood comedian, director, actor, and writer. The author opens the door into a life that until now has been more out of the spotlight than in it.

I will say that I didn’t know much about May going into this book. Her relationship with Mike Nichols and some of the work she has been involved in interested me, so I thought I would give the book a chance. And boy am I glad I did. Elaine May’s life is filled with the ups and downs of any artist looking to push boundaries while still maintaining a level of artistic integrity. She has flaws and has stumbled. She has stood behind her work when others tried to change it. She seemed to always move forward even when there were roadblocks.

The way the author pieces together the life of this more reclusive artist is amazing. I found myself getting lost in the story, and at times, forgetting that this is in fact about a real person. I am so glad I found out more about Elaine May and her work. She is truly someone, women especially, should know about. There can never be too many strong and talented women in the arts.

Audiobook Note: Listening partly to this book was so enjoyable. Erin Bennett, the narrator, makes this biography feel like a bio-pic I would see on the screen—large or small. Her diction and pace are perfect. Not to mention how she brings Courogen’s words to life. So good!

I received an advanced audio copy of this book on NetGalley.

I love a biography and picked this book sheerly on the genre. I will admit, I had no idea who Elaine May was before I started listening to "Miss May Does Not Exist". But I sure do now! Her life was fascinating, tumultuous, entertaining, humorous, and somehow very relatable (despite being a world-renowned comedian, filmmaker, actress, and writer).

This book is engaging and pulled me in right away as I simply wanted to know "What happened to Elaine May?". She truly is an enigma who deserves this deep dive into her life. Better late than never as she is now 92.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was professional and documentarian-like. This is a compliment as it means I was not distracted by her, I just wanted to learn more about the subject!

This was a fascinating story and a marvelous behind-the-scenes view of the developing role of a key player in the world of comedy/comedic writing. I started reading the book, and then the audio book version became available and I requested that and listened to the remainder of the story. I will admit that I found the audio version more engaging for this one. I am always curious as to why some books just work better for me in a particular format. In this instance, the narrator brought the stories and anecdotes to life for me in a way the text did not seem to. Whatever the reason, I found this to be a very interesting profile of a brilliant woman.