Samantha Irby is honestly, incredibly funny. I chose this to read and review because she has become a phenom and I felt I needed to weigh in on what she’s about, and give my take on it. And yeah, she’s pretty gritty—her language is frank and what some may feel is crude. But she is so for real—she writes the way people speak these days, and it’s authentic and sincere, and very funny. I did not imagine that, being so different superficially, Irby and I would have so very much in common. I think that reflects the fact that her observations are truly universal. Do not dismiss Irby as black woman humor, or fat woman humor. She presents those things, but really so much more. Also, in addition to the humor, these essays are not just for laughs—Irby conveys honest truths about living in this time and culture.

Irby shares facts about her upbringing and childhood, government housing, addicted parents, divorce, poor single mother— a tough childhood, seeing more than a child should. She had no adult to guide her, to teach her basic adulting, to get her to have a game plan for life, with goals. She unsparingly shares her ping-ponging life of bad choices, recoveries, more bad choices. When she talks about 2am anxiety about humiliating moments from years ago—I’m not the only one?! Her humiliating, cringe-worthy menstrual moments—what woman cannot relate? The scheduling and wardrobe difficulties of dealing with Crohn’s Disease and IBS, not to mention sexuality complications—if you’ve had IBS, you will appreciate her candor! Living in the culture when anorexic models were sold as the normative female body messed with many a woman’s body image. Irby’s sincerity and frankness are so refreshing. Her humor shows that it is not only survivable, but one can thrive and succeed.

I hope Irby keeps sharing her view point on our culture, and her life experiences. As her style evolves, I look forward to her future work. I just need to remember to wear a panti liner.