Title: Humor Me
Author: Cat Shook
Publisher: Celadon Books
Genre: Contemporary/Literary Fiction
Thank you @celadonbooks for the #gifted ARC of Humor Me by Cat Shook. This book is out TODAY, 7/9. Happy Pub Day!
I’m 2 for 2 with this author. @catshook_ consider me a fan! In Humor Me, Cat, has put together a brilliant character driven story that explores complicated grief, has a coming of age vibe, an unlikely friendship, and just truly finding yourself under all the layers of life. Somewhat slow moving, however, you just can’t help but root for the main character, Presley!
Presley is a young assistant working her tail off at a Late Night comedy show. She’s tasked with finding new comedic talent. Other than these work outings, she leans very heavily on her roommate and best friend from college, Izzy. I loved the way the author explored and wrote these friends. You see, Presley, has been suppressing her grief over her mother’s death. They didn’t have the best relationship; her mother was an alcoholic that Presley took care of a lot.
One day out and about, Presley bumps into Susan Clark her mother’s childhood best friend. Susan is going through something complicated in her life and these two bond over her mother and form an unlikely friendship. Susan also tries to play matchmaker since her son, Lawrence, is Presley’s age. The only problem is Presley and Lawrence are complete opposites! Oh, and, Presley is maybe into her best friend, Adam, from work!?
Cat keeps you guessing with the romance in this story. Will it be Adam, Lawrence or will she just continue on with online dating hookups!? Fear not, it’s never a love triangle and authentically and well done.
Fans of books that take place in NYC are going to love this love letter to the city!
In summary, I throughly enjoyed my time in these pages and recommend this one. Also, note, that if you struggled with the author’s first book with many POV’s this one is a singular POV. While I mostly ended up reading this in print, I also had a #gifted listening copy from @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 that is superbly narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano.
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