Book Review: Humor Me | Cat Shook

This is a spoiler-free review of Cat Shook’s newest book, Humor Me. If you’re looking for spoilers and a chat about the ending, head over to my spoiler review.

I was surprised to see that a lot of people are calling Humor Me by Cat Shook a romance book. I guess it depends what your definition of romance is, because there is definitely a love story. But if we are going off overall vibes I would actually say this is contemporary fiction. Either way this is a charming story!

What is Humor Me about?

Presley Fry is not amused. She’s been an assistant at the Late Night Show for way too long, she’s adopted a “business casual” approach to dating to save herself from the embarrassment of seeking genuine connection, and she’s content to allow her gregarious roommate, Isabelle, to orchestrate her entire social life. And yet, Presley is absolutely enamored with her job and the world of stand-up comedy. The joy she finds in discovering up-and-coming comedians, the beauty and connection in their shared humor―it’s enough for now.

Enter Susan Clark, the childhood best friend of Presley’s late mother, whose death still knocks the wind out of Presley whenever she reaches for the phone. Susan is married to the head of the network where Presley works, and she is determined to take Presley under her wing and ease her way through life in the big city. She’s also determined to connect Presley with her son, the bright and affable Lawrence, who couldn’t be further from Presley’s type.

As Presley grapples with the loss of her mother and finds her people among those who seek out comedy to make the world a bit brighter, Humor Me reminds us that friendship can emerge from where you least expect it and that shared laughter can ease some of the deepest pain.

What did I think?

This was unexpected in a good way. I was expecting an enjoyable but run-of-the-mill romantic comedy. Despite the romance plot (which I enjoyed—I’ll get to that), I didn’t think that the romance was the most prominent storyline until towards the end. Rather, I felt this was a story about Presley, her grief over losing her mother, the solace she and Susan found in their connection, and her journey of self-discovery. And then there is a love story, too. But it isn’t the love story I expected.

Susan Clark’s storyline appears on the surface to be included as a catalyst for Presley to meet other viable dating options (her son, Lawrence) and to connect about her late mother. Susan brings both of those to the book, but her character is experiencing her own story of love, loss, betrayal, and opening up. Her husband is the head of the network where Presley works, and he’s been caught up in his own #metoo scandal. The book doesn’t touch heavily on her husband, though. Susan needed someone to connect with as she processed what happened in her marriage, and Presley being the daughter of her best friend offered her a way to both connect with her friend, but also mentor a younger woman. They also connect over losing someone they cared deeply for. She also, of course, introduces her sons to Presley and becomes the family that Presley needed. Susan’s story doesn’t go where you think it will, and that is a positive thing. I appreciated the way it was left. It felt organic and healing, somehow.

I keep thinking of all the cheesy sayings about opening yourself up to new connections (when life closes a door… etc.) after reading this book. Despite rolling our eyes at the saying themselves, their message is true. We always have options, and sometimes it isn’t life that is trapping us, it’s ourselves. Presley is closed off in many ways, she has crafted a narrative about herself that she doesn’t do relationships. But does she actually believe this, or is it because of her crush on Adam?

I’d argue it is the latter, because we also don’t see Presley engaging in casual flings in the book. She isn’t looking to meet anyone as long as Adam is still an option (though she doesn’t admit this to herself until some tough love from her bestie, Izzy). Presley and Izzy’s friendship was authentic to being in your early twenties. They experience the complications that occur when close friends grow into their adult lives and relationships at different times and at different paces, and are finding their new normal. Issy was a serial dater, but finds herself with a girlfriend just as Presley is dealing with a tough relationship moment with Adam. I liked seeing their growth!

I have more to say but I’m going to take it over to the spoiler review so I can get into the details. If you’ve read Humor Me (or just want to know how it ends), join me over there!

Thank you to Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for my copy. Opinions are my own.