I didn't really like this book despite trying to pick it up several times. I might finish it but I doubt it.

Thank you net gallery for the advanced copy of this book. This was a memoir sort of, definitely not a linear story. It was funny at times, tragic at others. If you took out the sex scenes it would probably be about 50 pages. Not for kids.

Jeffrey Self has been a name I’ve known, recognized, and always enjoyed whenever he’d pop up in ‘30 Rock’ or on episodes of ‘Attitudes!’ podcast, as well as the sketches he and Cole would put online. In this memoir, Self reflects on the journey that has brought him a successful career full of hilarious (and sometimes heartbreaking) stories. From sex work to musical theater to glowing worms in a cave, Self has such a distinct voice and regales the past with reverence.

Jeffery Self's first book for adults is a memoir-in-essays that takes readers through his upbringing and career as well as his struggles with mental health. He uses his signature dry wit throughout the book, which was ultimately very enjoyable and a quick read!

As with most books of essays by non-professional writers, I think this book could have used a little more time in the oven (which often is more of an issue with the way things work rather than with the writer themself). That aside, I really enjoyed reading this quick little memoir. I picked it up during a particularly cold and dreary week in March and it definitely helped me get through the days with a warmer heart. Self is witty and silly but clearly contains an intense depth of feeling and self-understanding (pun unintended) as well. Of particular interest to me was the essay about the writer's early sex work and then tenderness with which he handled his former self and his johns in its remembrance. Self is an astute social observer and I would love to read more from him, perhaps more social observation a la Fran Leibowitz or Vivian Gornick. I worry that he has hidden some of his sharpness under all the silliness but I think it is possible to do both at once. You see that weave sometimes in this book and that, to me, is a very special skill - one worth sharing.

Jeffery Self’s novel talks about his experiences as a gay man with a lot of mental health issues but he always spins things in a funny way. Whether ignoring a bleeding gogo dancer, attending an underwear party on Fire Island, or hiding in a bathroom instead of working/socializing/attending class, he always manages to elicit a laugh. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot about him spiraling into depression or manic behavior but it was all interesting.

I have no clue who this guy is, but the book was funny. Jeffery Self is an actor, director and writer. He has been in some crazy situations and experienced a lot for someone born in 1987. I laughed out loud a few times.

Thanks to HarperOne and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

A fun, hilariously entertaining collection of Essays. Self ability to deconstruct his persona and examine the inner workings of his mind with honesty and compassion is truly remarkable. The essays he wrote are brilliant, wild and heartbreaking.

I unfortunately did not connect with this collection. I found the writing to be casual in a way that felt forced.

I could not put this book down!!!

Even not knowing all the references and not being a gay man, Jeffrey Self manages to see something in all of us and face the moments we shy away from even as he proclaims he is running and hiding. Love his writing style, his tone, his narrative - I could listen to this man talk about anything. I will be recommending this to everyone I know, and checking out his other works!!

A tour de force!

I’m always a sucker for a good memoir. I honestly have no idea who this guy is. I read the description and the book sounded like something I would enjoy. I wasn’t wrong. There is the perfect amount of humor to combine with the realistic struggles of mental health whether you are famous or not.

Is there anyone funnier than Jeffery Self?

I doubt it. Well, maybe Cole Escola, but they worked together so...does it count?

Jeffery writes about life, his life and his adventures. This is the definition of madcap adventure - from Georgia to Los Angeles to New York to bed to Los Angeles back to New York. All of this movement, plus falling in love, falling out of love, breakups, and makeups.

This is a gay adventure story that just so happens to be true....ish.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

In Self-Sabotage, Jeffery Self talks about some of his past favorite things including running away and taking to bed. Speaking of the latter, the kids call it bed rot these days. I’m a fan of both. I also ran away from (redacted) but back to the review. Jeffery Self is a funny guy and wordsmith. There’s not a chapter called Yes And but it is mentioned. I cackled with Jeffery along with every nudge nudge wink wink. I spent a lot of time on YouTube (re)searching surviving videos of Jeffery & Cole Casserole, VGL Boys and Sweatin’ to Sondheim. I found myself being gay past cultured. Read if you’re a fan of name dropping, the theatre, self-doubt, hilarious bons mots and slutty shenanigans. ARC provided by HarperOne via NetGalley. I received an advance reading copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

So many funny essays and many omg moments! Could not believe where he was driving to and what he was doing during his high school and early twenties. But loved his honesty and how it brought it to where he is today.