Yearbook
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Reviewing an audiobook on a literary blog is definitely cheating, but I’m doing it anyway. I *listened* to Yearbook, Seth Rogen’s memoir, and I liked it because Seth is a cool, interesting guy who has done a lot of cool interesting shit. If you don’t like Seth Rogen, you’re not going to like this book, so move along!
There is no cohesive thread to this [audio]book; each chapter reads as an individual story. Some common themes include drugs, celebrity encounters (with cameos voiced by the celebs themselves), early years of stand-up comedy, behind-the-scenes stories of making his movies (namely, The Interview), courting his wife, and... drugs. Even though he covered a ton of topics, I still felt like he left a lot on the table, which is a testament to his versatility. I wanted to hear about his experience with ceramics (he makes very cool vases-- peep his IG), his interest in interior decoration, and his relationship with Judd Apatow, etc. I basically wanted to hear about everything he’s ever done. I wish he had swapped his childhood stories for those stories, but that’s a minor note.
Seth is clearly very self aware, so the stories are honest and feel authentic to who he is. He has an open, refreshing philosophy on drugs, which he somehow shares in detail without being obnoxious. He speaks his mind and doesn’t hesitate to openly call out the weird celebrities he’s encountered. Overall, I enjoyed this for what it was: a celebrity memoir. It was entertaining, but not groundbreaking stuff. Some chapters made me giggle, and some chapters were kinda meh. I give Yearbook 3 out of 5 flames.
I certainly liked it better than the guy who wrote this unflattering but hilarious Goodreads review: “Just because you have been sexually aroused by an odd man, doesn’t mean you should read his memoir. I’m glad I downloaded this illegally.”
If you’re feelin a celebrity memoir for some reason but you’re not sure where to start, I’ve also reviewed the following memoirs:
Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham
Just Kids by Patti Smith
My Booky Wook: A Memoir of Sex, Drugs, and Stand-Up by Russell Brand
Bossypants by Tiny Fey
Yes, Please by Amy Poehler
