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beckyreadsitall's review
3.0
This was a quick, fun read. No really, I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this book, so be warned if you are in public while reading. I read Mastromonaco's first book, and while that was more focused on her time working in the White House, this was a lot more personal, and had advice and tips without seeming too preachy.
I love hearing her on podcasts - she's so sharp - and that definitely carries over into her writing as well. Would recommend!
I love hearing her on podcasts - she's so sharp - and that definitely carries over into her writing as well. Would recommend!
katefinityreads's review
4.0
To be honest, I’m giving this book 4 stars mostly because there’s an entire chapter about cat rescue, so I know that Alyssa has her priorities in order. I think that the point of this book is not well-defined. The title suggests that she’s going to impart some advice/life lessons which will help you make better decisions, but it’s definitely not that; it’s a collection of essays about some of her experiences that may or may not be relevant to you at all, but are usually funny. The ending is also SO ABRUPT I was like, wait where’s the conclusion? What is the overarching “so here’s the thing?”
Her first book was definitely better in terms of content and structure, but there are some pearls of wisdom in here about work, caring for animals, and deciding not to have children. I would recommend for reading on a plane or if you’re looking for something light to read on your commute.
See more of my reviews: Blog // Instagram
Her first book was definitely better in terms of content and structure, but there are some pearls of wisdom in here about work, caring for animals, and deciding not to have children. I would recommend for reading on a plane or if you’re looking for something light to read on your commute.
See more of my reviews: Blog // Instagram
meghananna's review
5.0
I LOVE a great memoir. I try to read at least two a year. So Here’s the Thing... was actually my third of 2019, so far.⠀
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I read Obama’s Dreams From My Father earlier this year when I was really missing him and Alyssa Mastromonaco’s Who Thought This Was a Good Idea the summer before when I was lying on a beach. It also made me miss Obama, but it made me LOVE her.⠀
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Alyssa Mastromonaco is one of the funniest, most inspiring writers I’ve ever read. I can’t help but read some of her best lines out loud to whoever will listen to me. Her second book had the exact same effect on me. Ugh, I loved it (and her) so much.⠀
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I read Obama’s Dreams From My Father earlier this year when I was really missing him and Alyssa Mastromonaco’s Who Thought This Was a Good Idea the summer before when I was lying on a beach. It also made me miss Obama, but it made me LOVE her.⠀
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Alyssa Mastromonaco is one of the funniest, most inspiring writers I’ve ever read. I can’t help but read some of her best lines out loud to whoever will listen to me. Her second book had the exact same effect on me. Ugh, I loved it (and her) so much.⠀
ellenrackley's review
3.0
Well, I read that in basically a day. Alyssa's books are really more like collected blog posts, with the occasional Obama appearance. A little silly, a lot meandering, and mostly fun. No real "lessons" or "themes" other than her life through the collection to hold it together. Enjoyable anyway.
nordstina's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
This was such a fun, fast read. Alyssa is hilarious and i think maybe my spirit animal. I loved her first book so was so excited that she was putting out a second. I probably liked the first one a bit better just because it was a bit more detailed about her life and work (probably my fav Obama staff “memoir”). This one had some great stories. I especially appreciated the chapter on her thoughts about motherhood.
kellyhager's review
This is a really fun book of essays. It's focused a lot more on pop culture than politics, so if the fact that it's written by President Obama's former deputy chief of staff is a stumbling block, don't let that keep you from enjoying it.
But as much as I love talking about pop culture, it's the political essays that I liked the most. Alyssa is a little bit older than I am, and the chapter on Monica Lewinsky is probably my favorite in the book. When that scandal was happening, I was a teenager and I didn't pay that much attention. I'm pretty sure my attitude was roughly the same as everyone else's (somewhat anti-Monica, making fun of her looks and that dress; very little feeling about Bill Clinton's responsibility/culpability in the whole thing) which I'm ashamed of now. We didn't really think about power differentials in the 1990s and we certainly didn't do things like hold men accountable for their actions. (We barely do that now!). But I'm better now.
I also loved her brief list chapters (things in her bag and things on her nightstand, etc.). I don't know what it is, but I absolutely love lists. I love making them but I also love reading other people's. I guess it's just interesting seeing what other people care enough to write down? (Or type, I guess; lists on paper can be rare now.)
This is a fast read, and I hope to read her first book soon. I have it; I just haven't read it yet. (That would be the first sentence on my list of things I say most often, btw.)
But as much as I love talking about pop culture, it's the political essays that I liked the most. Alyssa is a little bit older than I am, and the chapter on Monica Lewinsky is probably my favorite in the book. When that scandal was happening, I was a teenager and I didn't pay that much attention. I'm pretty sure my attitude was roughly the same as everyone else's (somewhat anti-Monica, making fun of her looks and that dress; very little feeling about Bill Clinton's responsibility/culpability in the whole thing) which I'm ashamed of now. We didn't really think about power differentials in the 1990s and we certainly didn't do things like hold men accountable for their actions. (We barely do that now!). But I'm better now.
I also loved her brief list chapters (things in her bag and things on her nightstand, etc.). I don't know what it is, but I absolutely love lists. I love making them but I also love reading other people's. I guess it's just interesting seeing what other people care enough to write down? (Or type, I guess; lists on paper can be rare now.)
This is a fast read, and I hope to read her first book soon. I have it; I just haven't read it yet. (That would be the first sentence on my list of things I say most often, btw.)
aliibera's review
4.0
There's lots of good stuff here (probably not really 4 stars worth but I'm not going to apologize for having a girl crush on Alyssa Matromonaco), I'd love a book with a bit more shape to it, this feels more like a series of very good blog posts but again, I'm a fan so I'm not sorry I bought it or read it.
asteph's review
5.0
Alyssa is my ultimate role model in life, tbh. I absolutely loved her first book and this one was just as fabulous. I suggest her books to any women (period, but also) who are looking at their lives and wondering how they get to where they want to be. Her thoughts have been invaluable to me in my growth and I know her books would help anyone who may come across them. Read this!
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