I really enjoyed this! It’s a series of memoir-style essays from a comedian who had a similar upbringing as me - safe home, great parents… and constantly worrying about your eternal soul. His notes about having to talk politics with his family these days hit home real hard. But there’s also a bit about going on a date with Satan so we’re not doing regular memoir here, it’s comedy bits and essays as well. I picked this up from @netgalley, thank you!

Is It Hot in Here (Or Am I Suffering for All Eternity for the Sins I Committed on Earth)? by Zach Zimmerman 💀
🌟🌟🌟✨

When I came across this essay collection in @booksaremagicbk earlier this year, I was instantly drawn in by that title. Seriously, 10/10, incredible work by all involved.

Unfortunately, the essays the book contains didn't live up to those high expectations. From Zimmerman making a sad salad for his conservative family at Thanksgiving to "First Lines of Rejected 'Modern Love' Essays", I was often amused but didn't often laugh out loud or pause for thought. A lot of the anecdotes told - especially the one about the author meeting Alyssa Edwards - were mostly non-stories. Overall I wanted more from the collection.

With that said, the essay "#2", about Zimmerman losing a friend to gun violence, was moving and brilliantly-written. I'd definitely read more from Zimmerman, this just didn't stick the landing for me!

💀 Read it if you want a funny book with themes around growing up gay in a conservative environment.

🚫 Avoid it if you're not a natural essay reader - I'm not and I kept losing momentum with this one!