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So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know
- Narrated by: Retta
- Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
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Publisher's summary
This program is read by the author.
"This book feels like a real conversation. When we enter Retta's world we are at the best party and in the hands of a gracious, self-perceptive, and deeply hilarious host." (Amy Poehler)
In this hilarious audiobook essay collection, Parks and Recreation star Retta shares the stories that led to her success in Hollywood.
In So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know, Parks and Recreation star Retta takes us on her not-so-meteoric rise from roaches to riches (well, rich enough that she can buy $15,000 designer handbags yet scared enough to know she's always a heartbeat away from ramen with American cheese).
Throwing her hardworking Liberian parents through a loop, Retta abandons her plan to attend med school after graduating Duke University to move to Hollywood to star in her own sitcom - like her comedy heroes Lucille Ball and Roseanne.
Say what? Word. Turns out Retta might actually be on to something. After winning Comedy Central's stand-up competition, she should be ready for prime time - but a fear of success derails her biggest dream.
Whether reminiscing about her days as a contract chemist at GlaxoSmithKline, telling "dirty" jokes to Mormons, feeling like the odd man out on Parks, fending off racist trolls on Twitter, flirting with Michael Fassbender, or expertly stalking the cast of Hamilton, Retta's unique voice and refreshing honesty will make you laugh, cry, and laugh so hard you'll cry.
Her eponymous sitcom might not have happened yet, but by the end of So Close to Being the Sh*t, listeners will be rooting for Retta to be the next one-named wonder to take over your television. And she just might inspire you to reach for the stars, too.
Critic reviews
"Two things - 1) Don't yell 'Treat Yo Self' at Retta if you see her in person, a lot of people have done that already, just whisper it to yourself and give her a thumbs up. That'd be cool. 2) Check out her book. Stop reading this quote and buy it already, boo boo." (Aziz Ansari, best-selling author of Modern Romance)
Featured Article: Tune into the Best Audiobooks and Podcasts by Sitcom Stars
When you love a TV show and follow it for seasons, it almost feels like the characters are old friends. That's why audiobooks and podcasts by fan-favorite sitcom stars can feel so uniquely engaging and intimate. Whether they're letting you in on behind-the-scenes stories, recalling memories from their own lives and careers, or simply telling interesting or funny anecdotes, it's a joy to hear beloved actors share their points of view in their own voices.
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What listeners say about So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Nise
- 07-05-18
My SPIRIT person! Lol'd the whole way through it!!
Fun to listen too. I could just imagine the faces she was making telling these stories!!! Laughed out loud a lot!!!
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4 people found this helpful
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- Joel Poole
- 06-29-18
So good
Aaammmmazing so glad I got this book. Must read for summer road trip. Motivation must read
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1 person found this helpful
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- jacqueline gibson
- 06-27-18
Good listen
Just started it. Very funny and realistic. love it so far! Cant wait to finish it. Already 4 chapters in.
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1 person found this helpful
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- ordeyf
- 08-13-18
Born a Star
love is not enough. you were born to be a star. born greatness. i laughed, cried and almost pee'd more than once. your read and personally shines in this book. BEST BOOK I HAVE LISTENED TO!
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- She'sAlive!
- 09-28-18
So good, so good, so good
I’ve listened to this book multiple times. It’s great to hear someone tell their story in a way that’s honest and relatable.
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- Tasha Martin
- 04-08-19
Best Performance of an Audiobook...
should be an award at all the award shows in Hollywood and Retta should win it EVERY! TIME!
So glad I decided to listen to this book instead of read it. The writing is already delightful, but Retta brings a level of joy to her reading I've not yet experienced in an audiobook.
If I had read this book, I would have gone through the rest of my life searching for a Rosebud I didn't even know I was looking for and didn't know I was missing. It would have been sad and full of miserable longing. And I wouldn't have had a clue how to fill that need. Retta's performance of this book is everything I never knew I always needed in my life.
Retta doesn't just read - she PERFORMS. And you feel like you're sitting with her listening to her tell some stories. It's like being besties with the class clown, who just happens to love Hamilton as much as you do. Do yourself a favor. Listen to Retta read the book. SRSLY. (Listen to this book. You'll see what I did there.) :)
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- Victoria Lealao
- 07-13-18
Love Retta's "read'
loved it so much I had to listen to chapters over and over. obsessed with her. . .
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- MichelM
- 07-29-19
Highly recommend this one!
I so loved listening to this every morning. It was hilariously motivating all at once.
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Overall
- Kyle Winnick
- 11-24-18
so funny
I loved this so much. I feel like we are friends. what an amazing woman
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- Maggie Christ
- 08-06-18
Retta is my hero
Y’all know Retta is amazing but this book made her even cooler. She shares real stories and jokes and you feel like she’s your best friend as you listen. Loved every second. Sad it’s over.
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