This was okay and all, I just wanted to collect the cover and I liked the title. I’ll probably forget about this within the hour

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of “Is It Hot in Here?” in exchange for an honest review. There’s a lot that I appreciated about this. The way that Zimmerman weaves between grief and humor is effective and impactful. I particularly enjoyed his use of form. I don’t feel like the collection ended with a bang. While it makes sense, the way that identity and acceptance are explored throughout the work — I found myself wishing for just a bit more at the conclusion. Ultimately, I enjoyed it and would recommend it. 3.5.

A funny, off-beat, easy to read memoir about the mundaneness and complexities of being a gay comedian in the modern era. So hard, right?

I feel like a lot of my enjoyment from this stems from me not expecting it to be humorous. And I still don't think I would call it funny having read it. What it is is good storytelling. I did not think I was going to enjoy this at first with the starting essay, but it did really lay the foundation to connect back to throughout the book. The Seven Days of Creation Under Capitalism is the standout chapter and work reading just for it.

A lot of the humor didn't really land for me, especially the little lists peppered throughout the book. What I did enjoy were the heavier pieces, about his father, the death of his death friend, his mother's shift in perspective about Covid. There's still a kind of humor in the viewing of them, but toned down and giving a quiet thoughtful feel to them.

A quick, entertaining read, by turns wryly hilarious and moving, and extremely relatable if you're a gay man of a certain age who grew up with Southern Baptist parents.

Just a little trifling, but would read another book by him or go to see the stand-up.

This is why I still judge books by their covers. I added this solely because of its incredible title, and I loved reading all the words that followed.

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“Is identity a thing we construct or that we uncover? Is who I am a skyscraper I build or treasure I find by digging a whole to the center of the earth? Maybe both?”

I checked this audiobook out on a whim. It started out very funny but lost its humorous appeal early. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I read it instead of listened to it.