Survival of the Thickest

Essays

By: Michelle Buteau

Narrated by: Michelle Buteau

*Now a Netflix series—Season 2 coming soon!*

Stand-up comedian and star of Netflix’s Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall and creator and star of Survival of the Thickest delivers a collection of “hilarious…bracingly honest” (Real Simple) essays in her unique voice, cheeky swagger, and unapologetic frankness that’s “one of the year’s most relatable books” (Bustle).

If you’ve watched television or movies in the past couple of years, you’ve seen Michelle Buteau. With scene-stealing roles in Always Be My Maybe, First Wives Club, Someone Great, Russian Doll, and Tales of the City; a reality TV show and breakthrough stand-up specials, including her headlining show Welcome to Buteaupia on Netflix; and two podcasts (Late Night Whenever and Adulting), Michelle’s star is on the rise. You’d be forgiven for thinking the road to success—or adulthood or financial stability or self-acceptance or marriage or motherhood—has been easy, but you’d be wrong.

Now, in Survival of the Thickest, Michelle reflects on growing up Caribbean, Catholic, and thick in New Jersey, going to college in Miami (where everyone smells like pineapple), her many friendship and dating disasters, working as a newsroom editor during 9/11, getting started in stand-up opening for male strippers, marrying into her husband’s Dutch family, IVF and surrogacy, motherhood, chosen family, and what it feels like to have a full heart, tight jeans, and stardom finally in her grasp.

Critic reviews

"Fans of comic, commentator, and actor Michelle Buteau will laugh out loud throughout these frank essays. Buteau brings her characteristic candor, humor, and flawless comedic timing to some difficult topics, for example, infertility and people commenting on her light complexion. Those unfamiliar with Buteau's humor will find the audiobook to be a wonderful way to learn about this multitalented woman whose star is on the rise. The production is a stellar example of an entertainer turned writer using her talents as a narrator."

Hilarious, Warm-hearted, Irreverent

A wonderful listen and loved hearing it in Michelle’s voice. If you love her stand-up comedy, you’ll love hearing her in this medium. She’s is amazing in the wacky, funny moments and shines in the personal, vulnerable moments. I laughed, I cried, I renewed my commitment to flossing.

Was enjoyable, or something like that

I found it to be an likeable read, entertaining and Insightful. Was not my cup of tea, but I liked the taste.

YUPpppp

Ya mad, or wat? I'm so feeling this. The only things I didn't agree with was Michael & Bill. But WTF. That's your truth , feelings AND YOUR BOOK!! HURRAY! IT WAS AWESOME! And? What's next? That's the Caribbean in me, in case your missing some seasoning .... juggling family et. al. . This book is all that AND MORE than a bag of great chips. BUY, BUY BUY...no sell ( NYSE). ok, well...CONGRATULATIONS on this book and I loved you (&Amy) in "You'll Always Be My Maybe".

Fantastic, moving, heartfelt

I did not expect to get emotional during this book but I cried a couple of times! It’s very funny but her performance is also vulnerable and compassionate.

Get Your Ear Holes Ready for a Ride:)

Kept me smiling throughout:) Love Michelle and I am inspired by her journey. She is not afraid to tell you it was not all sunshine.