A review by illstoptheworldandreadwithyou
Humor Me by Cat Shook

4.0

Humor Me tells the story of Presley Fry, twenty-something standup comedy enthusiast and assistant at the Late Night Show, set against the backdrop of New York City as the Me Too movement is gaining more and more momentum. In many ways it’s a love letter to New York from the perspective of a transplant to the city, a study in coming to terms with grief, and a story of how much one is still growing up in their 20s. 

 

The synopsis description of Presley as “jaded” is certainly apt. She’s not a warm and fuzzy type, and she keeps most people at arm’s length. I loved watching her friendship develop with Susan, Presley’s late mother’s friend, and especially adored how Clark interacts with Presley. 

 

I appreciated the depictions of grief, the complicated feelings associated with it, and the different versions of it—grief over a loved one, who meant different things to different people, and grief over changing friendships and relationships. 

 

There are romantic elements to the story, but they aren’t the focal point. Humor Me is more about Presley coming of age and her evolving friendships. 

 

Ferdelle Capistrano’s narration captures Presley’s personality so well. I enjoyed her vocal choices for the other characters, too, especially how she portrays Susan’s warmth and Clark’s affability. 

 

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.