You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost)

Publisher's Summary

In the tradition of #Girlboss and Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, a funny, quirky, and inspiring memoir from online entertainment mogul, actress, and "queen of the geeks" Felicia Day about her unusual upbringing, her rise to Internet stardom, and embracing her individuality to find success in Hollywood.

The Internet isn't all cat videos - almost.

There's also Felicia Day - violinist, filmmaker, Internet entrepreneur, compulsive gamer, hoagie specialist, and former lonely homeschooled girl who overcame her isolated childhood to become the ruler of a new world - or at least the world of Internet-geek fame and Goodreads book clubs.

Growing up in the South, where she was homeschooled for hippie reasons, Felicia moved to Hollywood to pursue her dream of becoming an actress and was immediately typecast as a crazy cat-lady secretary. But Felicia's misadventures in Hollywood led her to produce her own web series, own her own production company, and become an instant Internet star.

Felcia's shortish life and her rags-to-riches rise to Internet fame launched her career as one of the most influential creators in new media. Now Felicia's strange life is filled with thoughts on creativity, video games, and a dash of mild feminist activism - just like her memoir.

Hilarious and inspirational, You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) is proof that everyone should embrace what makes them different and be brave enough to share it with the world, because anything is possible now - even for a digital misfit.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2015 Felicia Day (P)2015 Simon & Schuster

Don't dismiss this one out of hand!

I had never heard of the author until a Goodreads friend wrote a glowing review of this book, so I decided to check out the audio sample; I liked it a lot, and my library had long hold queues for the book, so I dropped an Audible credit on it - great choice!

Sorry if this sounds fogey-ish to the whippersnapper cognoscenti, but to explain ... Felicia Day had a series called The Guild on You Tube, has moved on to other projects, and is very well known in "gamer" circles, and geekdom in general. Not for you, you're thinking? Not for me either, and I loved this book!

I hate re-hashing plots (as it were), but regarding what to expect: her youth being home schooled in the Deep South (by liberal parents), University of Texas (at I believe 16), a solid career in advertising gigs in L. A., internet addiction to online gaming (role play NOT gambling) which pretty much tanks her acting gigs, then resurrection with her own creative work, which succeeds more than she'd ever expected.

Here's why I'm raving about the book so much: she's naturally funny (largely self-effacing), yet makes serious points effectively. Highly distilled, her message is about living for yourself, not others' expectations, as well as not getting too caught up in (meaningless) drama.

Again, I want to emphasize that I started the book as trying something "out of my comfort zone." If you're a fan of memoirs by someone who expresses herself well (Felicia left Texas with an A average), but are hesitant about the sci-fi/fantasy/gaming aspect, don't worry about it! Unless you've been hanging out in a cave, or the very heights of intellectualism, you'll manage. The last chapter I felt got a bit carried away on that score, but she was making a larger point, and the episode was one that's important to her.

Regarding the audio narration -- absolutely No Way could anyone else have told her story as well as she does herself.

94 of 97 people found this review helpful

Feels like I've spent a week hanging out w/Felicia

I've been a fan of Felicia since the first season of The Guild. I feel a little weird admitting this, but my brain registers her as one of my friends even though we've never met. I can't think of another actor, artist or celebrity that I both admire and consider a kindred spirit. All week during my commute to and from work, I've listened to Felicia read her book and I applaud her candidness, her honesty and her indomitable spirit.

While listening to her story about meeting one of scifi's leading ladies and commenting on her golf cart, I seriously almost got in a car accident from laughing so hard. It's not all laughs, though. There's some very brave and honest soul bearing moments. I found this book incredibly inspiring, and I'm so glad I chose the audiobook format. If you get this book, *NO NOT* miss the .pdf download that comes with it.

49 of 51 people found this review helpful

Not in my wheelhouse

This is a look into the life of someone quirky and creative who starts her own business and pays a steep price for internet fame. If on-line gaming, science fiction and web videos aren't in your wheelhouse, then I suggest skipping this book. This isn't badly written, but I never felt a connection with the author.

Ms. Day's narration of her own book was very good.

51 of 54 people found this review helpful

I didn't realize I could like her more

This book was amazing. I've always been a fan of Felicia Day. But this book just made me like her more. She's inspirational and motivating, while at the same time she comes across as genuine, kind, smart, funny (I laughed out loud on several parts), and an all around amazing woman. She has accomplished so much on her own, and continues to do so through horrible hateful events. (Gamergate). She has inspired me to never be afraid to be weird or odd and to never be sorry about creating said weirdness. As an artist I always expect the worst from random people on the Internet where I post. But if Felicia is any indication, it's not the trolls that need to be heard or even that little voice inside your head telling you that you're not doing anything right. It's listening to that quieter voice inside that says "keep going. You're doing ok." I'd recommend this book to anyone struggling with their inner creator. Especially young women and even young men who just need to know that their struggles are not pointless. And that everything will be ok. Eventually.

19 of 20 people found this review helpful

Felicia no longer needs to be anxious. #theflog

So many 90's references I felt like I was remembering these from my own childhood. On her web series, The Flog, she looked liked she was so anxious about how this book would turnout. Let me tell you, there is no need worry. This book was great and a delight to listen to.

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

Completely impossible to put down.

Fantastic. I walked in to a pole reading this book, it's that hard to put down. Felicia Day is fun and charming but more then that, she relatable, as a closet geek girl who pretends to be a boy online, to avoid harassment. I was crying, really crying over this book, Read it. Its that good.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

A must read.

Felicia pretty much sums up everything great and dirty and magical and awful about the Internet and also being human. I left this book feeling inspired, ready to tackle everything, but also slightly crying. That's probably how life should be anyway.

Go get 'em, Felicia.

23 of 27 people found this review helpful

The modern day Bird by Bird

inspirational and hits homes for fellow nerds. I tried desperately to pace myself but this book is about as addicting as World of Warcraft.

25 of 30 people found this review helpful

Seemed good, but not for me

I was that rare listener that got this book but had never heard of Felicia Day. I am an older male, but I do like to try new things in my reading and listening. I was intrigued by her story as a home-schooled kid turned into a successful techy super nerd. I think this book will have great appeal to young people, especially girls. Just a little way into it, I realized it was not for me, and I stopped.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Inspirational and humorous

Inspirational and humorous: I'm not crying it's raining on my face, and other strong emotions

3 of 3 people found this review helpful