My Life as a Goddess: A Memoir through (Un) Popular Culture

by Guy Branum

[ibeforem]

Guy Branum is a comedian/writer who is possibly best known for being a writer for Chelsea Handler and the Mindy Project, and the host of Talk Show the Game Show and the Pop Rocket podcast, which is how I was introduced to him and became a fan. Being familiar with Guy and his style/delivery, this book was even more than I expected.

Guy uses pop culture, allegories, and more to tell us the story of his life so far. Growing up as a bookish, overweight, Jewish boy in an area more accustomed to corn-fed (or maybe almond-fed) football players and in a time where teens coming out as gay wasn't a thing, Guy struggled to fit in and find his place. He learned to find comfort with his mother and the pop culture she shared with him. With his wry, often self-deprecating sense of humor, Guy takes us to the important places, times, and people in his life.

I was touched by the unexpected tenderness and forgiveness in the chapter about his relationship with his no-nonsense father. I also learned a surprising amount about the history of Canada and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and was treated to a fantastic analysis of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. Also, I learned all I ever need to know about Entourage.

If you are a fan of Guy, and maybe more so if you don't know who he is, do yourself a favor and pick up the audiobook version of this. Guy's own voice lends so much life to his writing, making things even as dry as the aforementioned history of Canada a compelling listen.