So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
"This book feels like a real conversation. When we enter Retta's world we are at the best party and in the hands of a gracious, self-perceptive, and deeply hilarious host." — Amy Poehler
This program is read by the author.
In this hilarious audiobook essay collection, Parks and Recreation star Retta shares the stories that led to her success in Hollywood.
In So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know, Parks and Recreation star Retta takes us on her not-so-meteoric rise from roaches to riches (well, rich enough that she can buy $15,000 designer handbags yet scared enough to know she’s always a heartbeat away from ramen with American cheese).
Throwing her hard-working Liberian parents through a loop, Retta abandons her plan to attend med school after graduating Duke University to move to Hollywood to star in her own sitcom—like her comedy heroes Lucille Ball and Roseanne.
Say what? Word. Turns out Retta might actually be on to something. After winning Comedy Central’s stand-up competition, she should be ready for prime time—but a fear of success derails her biggest dream.
Whether reminiscing about her days as a contract chemist at GlaxoSmithKline, telling “dirty” jokes to Mormons, feeling like the odd man out on Parks, fending off racist trolls on Twitter, flirting with Michael Fassbender, or expertly stalking the cast of "Hamilton," Retta’s unique voice and refreshing honesty will make you laugh, cry, and laugh so hard you’ll cry.
Her eponymous sitcom might not have happened yet, but by the end of So Close to Being the Sh*t, listeners will be rooting for Retta to be the next one-named wonder to take over your television. And she just might inspire you to reach for the stars, too.
More Praise for So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know:
"Two things — 1) Don't yell 'Treat Yo Self' at Retta if you see her in person, a lot of people have done that already, just whisper it to yourself and give her a thumbs up. That'd be cool. 2) Check out her book. Stop reading this quote and buy it already, boo boo." — Aziz Ansari, bestselling author of Modern Romance
"Hollywood has no more honest, hilarious, or necessary guide than Retta. If her tweets aren't enough, get ready for the fullness of her vision — you're gonna laugh. You're gonna think. You're gonna be hella glad you came." — Lena Dunham, star of Girls and bestselling author of Not That Kind of Girl
"Reading this book is like having the best coffee date with the life-long friend I wish I had. Retta makes me laugh and feel so hard." — America Ferrara
Retta
Actress and comedian RETTA has delighted audiences with her performance aptitude and comedy precision and has established herself as a consistent first pick for Hollywood. Retta currently stars as Barbara on the Bravo hit series Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce. Previously Retta spent seven seasons playing the uber beloved office mate Donna Meagle on NBC's critically acclaimed comedy Parks and Recreation.
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Reviews for So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know
239 ratings20 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book was hilarious!!!!! I was cracking up the entire book... well done!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great book! Retta Is funny and Will keep you laughing through the whole entire book! A must read
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Love her. Very enjoyable audiobook read by her. Her authenticity is the best, lots of fun stories from her life.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Captivating, loved every minute! Thank you for writing such a delightful memoir.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Okay book, quick read with a cup of coffee or tea!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I rarely give 5 stars but this was such and unexpected joy. So much laughter, legit out loud. Honest, transparent, and without a doubt self deprivating. The good, bad and Hella funny. All the things people never say about themselves, but all with love. It was a warm read that has me smiling the whole way through. I didn't know Retta, but now love her!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Funny, informative, great writing and just a good time.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I loved this book!! She had ne laughing throughout the entire book. I felt like she was sooo genuine and raw. And I didn't know she was on Parks and Rec but now after reading her book makes me want to go watch the show!! A must read if you want a book full of laughter.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5So ? enter?taining. I could not stop laughing out loud and I listened to this in three days, which is a huge deal for someone who doesn’t “do audiobooks.” I’m a visual learner and it takes too much effort for audio to keep my attention - but not this book. Listen immediately.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Retta is hilarious, intelligent and charming. Very entertaining audiobook.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Feels like real life/ it feels like your talking with a friend . It's also really funny
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5TMI, TMName-dropping, good for background sound for quiet housecleaning chores
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book made me laugh aloud constantly! It was like listening to an old friend from high school. Retta is funny, vibrant and here to stay! I cannot wait to hear and see more from her.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5So funny and insightful. I laughed outloud several times with my haedphones on at work listening to this. Lovee it!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Absolutely hilarious. I loved this book soooo much she kept it so real. I want another book from her.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I’ve never seen Parks & Recreation. I know Retta from her leading role in Good Girls also starring Christina Hendricks and Mae Whitman. Let me tell you, Retta is just as funny talking about her off-screen life as she is when she’s playing Ruby Hill. This memoir was filled with hilarious anecdotes about her life navigating fame, one of my favorites being her reaction to getting cut in line at the bathroom at the Golden Globes by Taylor Swift. Keep on keeping on, Retta!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book was amazing! There is so much to love! I can't remember the last time a book made me physically laugh and stand agape at the character's experiences. And this was even better because I could picture Retta, who I love, in these scenarios. The fact that she narrated made the experience 1000% better as well. She puts just as much personality into this reading as she does into her characters as and actress. I loved the way I could relate to much of her story and obsessions, especially her experiences as a child of immigrants and how she keeps that sense of humor about it that is so hard to find in books about immigrant lives as well. 15/10 !
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5It was ok. Not my type of funny, but I smiled a time or two.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Loved! So down to earth and funny. Rhetta be my bff
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Write another one!!!!!! This audio made my commutes tolerable I was laughing constantly