Dear Girls by Ali Wong: A Hilariously Unfiltered Guide to Life, Love, and Career

Author: Ali Wong | Pages: 240 | Goodreads Rating: 3.84/5 (from over 97,000 ratings) | Get it on Amazon

An Introduction to Ali Wong's Wild World

If you’ve ever seen one of Ali Wong’s stand-up specials, you know she holds nothing back. Her book, Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, & Advice for Living Your Best Life, is no different. Written as a series of letters to her two young daughters, this book is a riotous, raw, and surprisingly tender look into the life of one of comedy's biggest stars. It’s not your typical advice book; it’s a survival guide filled with the kind of wisdom you can only get from someone who has truly been through it all.

What Makes This Book So Special?

Readers have consistently praised the book for its authentic voice. Ali Wong’s personality jumps off every page. The humor is sharp, unapologetic, and often downright filthy, but it’s always grounded in real-life experiences. She masterfully balances laugh-out-loud stories about terrible dates and weird jobs with poignant reflections on family, cultural identity, and the challenges of building a career while navigating motherhood.

A standout element for many is the cultural insight. Wong delves into her Vietnamese-Chinese heritage, sharing stories about her family with both humor and deep respect. She talks about the pressures and joys of her upbringing, offering a perspective that is both unique and universally relatable when it comes to understanding where we come from.

A Note on the Content

It’s important to mention that this book is decidedly for a mature audience. The language and topics are candid and explicit, staying true to Wong's stand-up style. While the book is addressed to her children, it’s really a gift for adults, filled with the unfiltered truths about relationships, sex, and the messy reality of adult life that you wish someone had told you earlier.

The Final Chapter: A Touching Surprise

Many reviewers specifically highlight the book's conclusion as a powerful and emotional payoff. The final letter is not written by Ali, but by her husband, Justin Hakuta. This shift in perspective provides a heartwarming and genuine look at their relationship, adding a layer of depth and sweetness that perfectly complements the raunchy humor of the preceding chapters. It’s a beautiful reminder of the love and partnership that underpins the chaos of life.

Final Verdict

Dear Girls is a triumph. It’s more than just a collection of funny stories; it’s a heartfelt, brutally honest, and empowering memoir. Ali Wong doesn’t just tell her daughters how to live—she shows them, scars and all. If you’re looking for a book that will make you snort with laughter one minute and nod in thoughtful agreement the next, this is it. Just be prepared to blush a little along the way.

Perfect for fans of: Amy Poehler’s Yes Please, Tina Fey’s Bossypants, and of course, anyone who loves Ali Wong’s boundary-pushing comedy.