Nonfiction Annotation:
Title: Maeve in America: Essays by a Girl from Somewhere Else
Author: Maeve Higgins
Genre: Nonfiction (memoir, essays)
Publication date: 2018
Number of pages: 245
Geographical setting: United States (New York), Ireland, Iraq
Time period: Modern - author's lifetime
Plot summary: Maeve Higgins is a 38 year old Irish comedian who moved to New York in her thirties after success in her native country with comedy and television. Her second book of essays, Maeve in America covers many subjects and times in the author's life. The opening essay tells of a time that was terrifying for Maeve but that most people consider a privilege - swimming with dolphins. Another essay is threaded with hope and bonding as Maeve recounts her time leading a comedy workshop in Iraq in 2016, with many of the participants travelling long hours and risking their lives to learn how to improve their comedy writing. Other essays include very relatable content like falling in love with a dress you can't afford but have to have, volunteering to walk shelter dogs and the ensuing comedy, and revisiting the place you grew up and noticing changes in the land and within yourself. This collection of essays offers a unique perspective from an immigrant woman with a unique career while making the reader laugh (almost constantly).
Subject headings: Memoir, immigration, comedy, comedians, Ireland, New York
Appeal: This book will appeal to fans of comedy and hopeful tales. Higgins tackles some serious questions with humor. Readers looking for a strong female voice will also enjoy this work.
Three relevant fiction works and authors:
The Road Home by Rose Tremain
I included this book because it is about an immigrant but also because it is uplifting and also contains an Irish character. The main character is a man but it is still an immigrant tale with lightheartedness throughout.
Why Did I Ever by Mary Robinson
I included this book because like the essays in Maeve in America, it is made up of short, funny passages. It is also from the point of view of a woman and many of the quips deal with her outlook on life much like Higgins' book.
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
I wanted to include this book because Jones goes through a lot of the same things that Higgins does in her essays. Both are single women trying to figure things out and both do it in a very humorous way.
Three relevant nonfiction works and authors:
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
This is also a book of funny essays by a female writer. Like Higgins, Lawson struggles with depression and looks for ways to find the best in life. Her essays also include very random topics like Maeve's including: Meeting koalas, taxidermy, and possum encounters.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Like Higgins, Fey is a very funny comedian with a lot of experiences to share. This book delves into Fey's childhood a little more than Maeve's book does, but sometimes it is nice to get a perspective on where the writer is coming from.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Another funny book by a female comedian and writer. Like Higgins and Fey, Poehler is a writer as well as a performer. Her ability to write shows through just like Higgins. Poehler's funny anecdotes will appeal to fans of Higgins as well.
Title: Maeve in America: Essays by a Girl from Somewhere Else
Author: Maeve Higgins
Genre: Nonfiction (memoir, essays)
Publication date: 2018
Number of pages: 245
Geographical setting: United States (New York), Ireland, Iraq
Time period: Modern - author's lifetime
Plot summary: Maeve Higgins is a 38 year old Irish comedian who moved to New York in her thirties after success in her native country with comedy and television. Her second book of essays, Maeve in America covers many subjects and times in the author's life. The opening essay tells of a time that was terrifying for Maeve but that most people consider a privilege - swimming with dolphins. Another essay is threaded with hope and bonding as Maeve recounts her time leading a comedy workshop in Iraq in 2016, with many of the participants travelling long hours and risking their lives to learn how to improve their comedy writing. Other essays include very relatable content like falling in love with a dress you can't afford but have to have, volunteering to walk shelter dogs and the ensuing comedy, and revisiting the place you grew up and noticing changes in the land and within yourself. This collection of essays offers a unique perspective from an immigrant woman with a unique career while making the reader laugh (almost constantly).
Subject headings: Memoir, immigration, comedy, comedians, Ireland, New York
Appeal: This book will appeal to fans of comedy and hopeful tales. Higgins tackles some serious questions with humor. Readers looking for a strong female voice will also enjoy this work.
Three relevant fiction works and authors:
The Road Home by Rose Tremain
I included this book because it is about an immigrant but also because it is uplifting and also contains an Irish character. The main character is a man but it is still an immigrant tale with lightheartedness throughout.
Why Did I Ever by Mary Robinson
I included this book because like the essays in Maeve in America, it is made up of short, funny passages. It is also from the point of view of a woman and many of the quips deal with her outlook on life much like Higgins' book.
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
I wanted to include this book because Jones goes through a lot of the same things that Higgins does in her essays. Both are single women trying to figure things out and both do it in a very humorous way.
Three relevant nonfiction works and authors:
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
This is also a book of funny essays by a female writer. Like Higgins, Lawson struggles with depression and looks for ways to find the best in life. Her essays also include very random topics like Maeve's including: Meeting koalas, taxidermy, and possum encounters.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Like Higgins, Fey is a very funny comedian with a lot of experiences to share. This book delves into Fey's childhood a little more than Maeve's book does, but sometimes it is nice to get a perspective on where the writer is coming from.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Another funny book by a female comedian and writer. Like Higgins and Fey, Poehler is a writer as well as a performer. Her ability to write shows through just like Higgins. Poehler's funny anecdotes will appeal to fans of Higgins as well.
I was excited to see Furiously Happy on the read alikes, I love Jenny Lawson! And Amy Poehler as well? I think I need to read this book asap. Looks like she is in good company. I think we all could use a good laugh right now. Did you enjoy the book?
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy the book! I think if you like Jenny Lawson, then you'd like Maeve Higgins.
DeleteAwesome annotation! I like how Maeve in America is a collection of essays. I feel like this lessens the need for the entire book to have the same exact topic, and makes the storytelling more flexible. Some positivity and humor is also something I could use right now, too! The read-alikes helped me know more of what to expect in Maeve's book.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really fun book! Reading the description, I immediately thought of Tina Fey's autobiography so I was excited to see it in your nonfiction read alikes. I know many people who claim they don't like non-fiction, but when given a more lighthearted read (like this one) start to find enjoyment in this genre. In terms of memoirs, I think adding humor also helps readers to connect to the authors life because it is not just boring facts, but real-life anecdotes that they can connect to.
ReplyDeleteI love it when comedians write (and narrate) their autobiographies. I feel like it helps their audience understand that they have also suffered hardships but come back laughing. I have heard many good things about this book. Thanks for the great annotation!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds awesome! Great job on your summary and readalikes! I may have to pick this one up! Full points on both your annotation and prompt :)
ReplyDelete