Life lessons? Check. Laugh-Out-Loud moments? Check. Brilliant narration? Check. PICTURES?! Check. Is there anything Miranda Hart can’t give me? Rating: 4/5

*This is book #7/75 for my 2013 book challenge. You can take a look at my different reading challenges here.

Does everybody struggle with the hazards that accompany, say, sitting elegantly on a bar stool; using chopsticks; pretending to understand the bank crisis; pedicures – surely it’s plain wrong for a stranger to fondle your feet? Or is it just me?

I am proud to say I have a wealth of awkward experiences – from school days to life as an office temp – and here I offer my 18-year-old self (and I hope you too dear reader) some much needed caution and guidance on how to navigate life’s rocky path.

Because frankly where is the manual? The much needed manual to life. Well, fret not, for this is my attempt at one and let’s call it, because it’s fun, a Miran-ual. I thank you.

I was a fan of Miranda’s long before I picked up her book. I happen to be a lover of all things British, and first stumbled upon her sitcom (also named Miranda) while looking for a way to catch up on Skins. I fell in love instantly with the quirk and awkwardness that makes up this lovely woman, and I have been laughing at with her ever since. For those of you that haven’t witnessed that flawlessness that is her show, I went and found you the (full) first episode. You’re welcome.

Now, as for the book, I might just be able to call this the most fun read I’ve ever had. Where Miranda shines on our television screens, she does nothing short of sparkle inside these pages. Her narration was absolutely on point. She chose to tell her stories directly to the reader, or in this case her dear reader chum, and the choice was a brilliant one. With random interruptions from her 18-year-old self, she was laying some major knowledge bombs on me without me even realizing. There were tasks (random outbursts, for example), pit stops complete with checklists, and even cute little drawings to accompany certain stories. And there were lists, LISTS I TELL YOU! I happen to be a huge fan of a good list. Love lists. Such fun!

While her stories, not surprisingly, were hilarious, they also rang completely true. I am a little less than two decades younger and a good foot shorter, but I could relate to a lot of what she said. And what I couldn’t relate to, I knew I would in the (very near *gulp*) future. There was a lot of really great insight here, and a lot of “ohmygod how has that actually happened to her?” moments. The best part, though, came during the final chapter. Her 18-year-old self has spent the entire book worrying about her life and how it turns out, only to finally find out that her deepest, most wildest dream is the one that actually came true. Leaving us all with a sentiment that we should love ourselves, weirdness and all, and never give up on dreams. Ever. She even quoted my favorite quote, which I will leave you with as well. “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams go, life is a barren field frozen with snow.”

Rating: 

If you’re interested in reading my GoodReads updates from this book you can do so here. I must say, they’re quite entertaining. It will tell you exactly what I was thinking on certain pages.