A review by bookswithsoumi
Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

See full review on my website Books With Soumi

Ali Wong‘s standup specials on Netflix made me laugh out loud, and I even went to see her live in Massachusetts back in 2018! Apparently, I love memoirs written and read by comedians because I’ve already listened to Amy Poehler’s memoir, and I listened to Colin Jost ‘s memoir right after Ali’s. When I was listening to Ali Wong’s memoir, I felt like it was just like her standup! In a series of essays addressed to her two young daughters, Ali talks about about her life growing up as a mixed ethnicity (Chinese and Vietnamese) Asian woman growing up in California, her hard work trying to make it in standup comedy, her fun times in college, her trouble dating in New York City, and all the challenges she faces as a mother. 

I appreciated how emotional and raw she got, especially when discussing how she coped with her miscarriage, pregnancy, and motherhood. Miscarriage is a topic often shoved under the rug as women sometimes feel guilty or ashamed when the misfortune occurs. It’s so helpful to share these experiences so other women can feel less alone, and she recounts how grateful she was to know that other strong women like Michelle Obama and Beyonce. Ali gets into the (sometimes graphic) details of childbirth, breastfeeding, and motherhood. It’s totally unglamorous, but Ali manages to make her horrifying experiences hilarious. 

Like all my five star reviews, I feel that I will come back to this book later in life when I am looking for inspiration. Especially the chapter titled, “Tips for Giving Birth,” because I just really enjoyed her wisdom. 

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