library_brandy's review against another edition

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4.0

A collection of essays (mostly humorous). Less political then I'd expected for a former White House staffer Obama, but still light and engaging. I want to be Alyssa's friend.

charlotteshreve's review against another edition

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5.0

I honestly wish I could have Alyssa narrate my life, and listening to this audio book gave me a little taste of what that would be like. An incredible book filled with laughter, frank discussions about the tough things, and a little kick in the ass to make me want get going.

cqg's review against another edition

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1.0


I read Mastromonaco’s first book at the end of last year and I found it to be endearing and intriguing (love stories about President Obama). But her second collection of short essays was a drag to get through. I think at a different moment of my life (high school??) the reflections that Mastromonaco presents as personal and emotional would read as such, but now they read more like someone attempting to create authenticity where little existed. •
Yes, I enjoyed her little lists of what she travels with or what she keeps in her bag. I thought her reflections on self-confidence and body awareness were insightful. But I definitely felt like this book was not worth the energy. If the author isn’t putting in the work to reflect on themselves, why would it inspire me to?

smdamm's review against another edition

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5.0

Alyssa is the type of person I strive to be. She’s a smart, no nonsense person with a life experience that has taught her how to sort of “master” life. Anyone who reads this book is lucky to walk away with some big perspectives and small life tips that could change everything. I felt like I was sitting in a room speaking with a friend whom I consider a mentor the whole time I was reading. Highly recommend.

jrt5166's review against another edition

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3.0

I really wanted to love this book, but I just... didn't. I enjoy Mastromonaco's online presence, which is why I picked up this book. It's a collection of stories, advice, and interviews. For me, this book simply lacked direction. There were some shining moments, but too often I found myself thinking: 'why are you telling me this?'

bookishandlegal's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.0

I really liked this one! I listed to Mastromonaco’s first book and liked it fine but wasn’t super into it. I really really liked this one though! The pacing was great and the essays were all fun, relatable, interesting, and often informative/inspiring. The essays were all on fairly different topics but the book still felt cohesive and the essays flowed well with each other. I don’t know that a lot of the essays and stories will stay with me long term but this was super fun and enjoyable while reading. 

alisonfrenzel's review against another edition

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2.0

Loved her first book, but this fell flat for me.

ekennard11's review against another edition

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5.0

I love Alyssa!

amydobrzynski's review against another edition

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funny informative reflective slow-paced

3.0

sevenacrebooks's review against another edition

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5.0

So Here’s the Thing by Alyssa Mastromonaco
Available Now

If you have read Mastromonaco’s first book, Who Thought Was a Good Idea?, listen to her co-host the podcast Hysteria, or have seen her on tv, you know that Alyssa is a warm, genuine, and kind human being and that is showcased in her latest book of essays. Full of her trademark humor and wit, So Here’s the Thing, is a hilarious look at the often unfunny things that fill our adult lives. Not everyone can pull off sharing stories of state dinners with the President and First Lady and then follow them up with cringe-worthy stories of IBS flare ups and having high ranking government officials see you in your underwear. But Mastromonaco does pull it off. Her essays are engaging, warm, and full of practical advice that she, unfortunately, learned the hard way. Perfect for the reader who is looking for something fun and thoughtful, even if you are not a huge fan of politics.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own.