Book Review: Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

Book Review: Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea book cover

A Hilarious Romp Through Chelsea Handler's Misadventures

With an average rating of 3.84 from over 166,000 readers on Goodreads, Chelsea Handler's 2008 memoir Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea delivers exactly what fans expect: unfiltered humor, outrageous anecdotes, and the comedian's signature blunt honesty. This 264-page collection of essays showcases Handler at her most relatable and ridiculous.

What Makes This Book Special

Unlike traditional memoirs that follow a linear life story, Handler presents a series of hilarious vignettes that highlight her unconventional upbringing, dating disasters, and alcohol-fueled misadventures. The book's strength lies in Handler's complete lack of filter - she shares embarrassing moments and poor decisions with equal enthusiasm, turning each story into comedic gold.

Readers consistently praise the book's laugh-out-loud moments, with many noting they couldn't read it in public because of uncontrollable laughter. The chapter about Handler's attempt to adopt a Vietnamese baby (without actually going through proper channels) remains a fan favorite, perfectly showcasing her irreverent humor.

Who Will Enjoy This Book

This memoir is perfect for:

  • Fans of Chelsea Handler's television work and previous books
  • Readers who enjoy humor memoirs from comedians like Tina Fey or Amy Poehler
  • Anyone needing a light, entertaining read that doesn't take itself seriously

It's worth noting that the humor is decidedly adult - vodka features prominently in the title for good reason. Handler's stories frequently involve alcohol, dating mishaps, and situations that wouldn't be out of place in a raunchy comedy film.

Criticisms and Considerations

While most readers find the book hysterically funny, some note that the humor can feel one-note if read in long sittings. The episodic nature means some chapters shine brighter than others, and Handler's privileged perspective occasionally shows through. However, these factors don't detract significantly from the overall entertainment value.

Final Verdict

Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea delivers exactly what it promises - a wildly entertaining collection of stories from one of comedy's most unapologetic voices. While not for the easily offended or those seeking deep introspection, it's a perfect choice when you need to laugh until your sides hurt.

Ready to dive into Chelsea Handler's hilarious world? Get your copy on Amazon today.

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