We've got about one month left before we leave summer 2013 behind, and since summer often leads to vacations, I've assembled a list of memoirs you've got to add to your summer reading list. Naturally, these will also be great in the autumn, winter, and spring, but the summer is now, and there's no time to waste. You deserve good books and good laughs by great writers and comedians, so without further adieu, here is some summer reading you can't go wrong with.
"I Don't Care About Your Band
We know every single one of the guys Julie Klausner describes in her 2010 memoir, which makes her tales of dating and navigating the world easy to understand, relate to and appreciate. The creator and host of the acclaimed How Was Your Week? podcast, Klausner writes the same way she approaches her podcast: clear, well, and hilariously. Like the big sister to all of us, I Don't Care About Your Band gives us the tools to steer clear of anyone unworthy of our time (or if it's too late, to look back on those people with a sense of humour).
"Everything is Perfect When You're a Liar
If you've been following Kelly Oxford on Twitter, you're already familiar with her cutting wit and choice words, so a book is a natural extension of both. However, Oxford uses her memoir to shed some light on early years and stories we haven't since been privy to, proving through each essay why the likes of Jimmy Kimmel and Diabo Cody reached out to help jumpstart her writing career. (And you will love her story of trying to find Leonardo DiCaprio in L.A. as a teen — honestly, it's a gift.)
"How To Be A Woman
We need to talk about and defend feminism more — and Caitlin Moran does an amazing job of getting that conversation started. By linking her own stories with the broader feminist lessons she's learned from them, she works not only to educate and inspire, but also to entertain (seriously, I laughed out loud at the mechanic's while getting my car fixed and annoyed everybody). She's also followed it up with Moranthology, and is working on a third book as we speak, so the sooner you get your read on, the better.
"I Can Barely Take Care of Myself: Tales From a Happy Life Without Kids
Chelsea Lately's Jen Kirkman is a wonderful comedian and podcaster, so none of us should be surprised that her book maintains that legacy. Tackling everything from breaking into comedy to her desire to remain child-free, Kirkman handles each topic with humour (obviously) and confidence, making you feel like you're a friend she's having drinks with. And for the love of all that is good, if you can see her live, do it.
[photo via Pinterest]
