Survival of the Thickest

Bookseller recommendation

“I listened to this on my commute and it felt like, hilarious comedian, Michelle Buteau was hanging out with me in my passenger seat. What I liked was that, like everyone, she has insecurities (especially as a mixed-race plus-size woman in our society) but she doesn't dwell on them and then fully embodies confidence, not cockiness and not in a ra-ra-bumper-sticker way. If you need a good laugh, if you need something relatable that easily switches to unrelatable in the best way possible, if you need a friend, listen to this audiobook. Essays range from her early years in comedy to bumbling hookups that led to her Dutch husband to 9/11 and trying to get pregnant via IVF. I always prefer listening to comedians because their personalities really come through and Buteau has personality in spades.”

— Emily • Third Place Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I had seen Michelle's stand up on Netflix and her special had become one of my favorites. When I saw she had written a collection of essays, I couldn't wait to begin reading. I couldn't be happier that I choose the audio version! Buteau reads with such emotion and enthusiasm it doesn't feel like a book at all but rather a podcast or long stand up set. I found myself deep belly laughing or heaving gut wrenching sobs through a variety of relatable topics. An absolute delight!”

— Leslie • A Likely Story