I took some time and read her first book first and then read this book. I was slightly underwhelmed by this book but I did think it had good and funny parts. I think it would have been better as an audiobook to really get the full effect and like you're listening to a podcast episode. I didn't know anything about her before reading her books, so it also may be better if you do know her first so you really feel the connection there.

I like what I was able to read.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Twelve Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was lighthearted and an easy read, but one I didn't really connect with. Not a favorite and didn't keep my interest.

Alyssa Mastromonaco is here with a great guide to life. Full of humor and great advice, this is a definite must read! She not only has her stories, but those of other women who have great advice on how to live a more full life.

I like searching the NetGalley site seeing what is coming and what I could potentially read and review. With that said, it is really a tough decision to not finish a NetGalley book. I do hope publishers learn.

So Here's the Thing is an abomination. Trashy. Vulgar.

DNF

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity.

This was such a fun collection of essays from a woman who used to work with President Obama during his White House days. Mastromonaco has some great anecdotes of her time in politics, as well as some of her other adventures in life. I loved her style of writing - so fresh and insightful, but also really funny as well. The only thing I disliked was the order some of the stories were told in. Because it wasn't chronological, sometimes it took me out of the story to hear tales from her youth and then jump right back into present times. I hope she decides to write another book because I'd be interested to hear her take on the rest of the Trump presidency (as this was written in 2019). I would recommend this to anyone who's interested in politics but wants a sillier, lighter take on things.

I always enjoy hearing the behind the scenes gossip from the Obama administration - whether it’s from the Pod Save the World team or Beck Dorey Stein’s great “From the Corner of the Oval.” Alyssa Mastromonaco’s “So Here’s the Thing…” felt a little flat for me. Alyssa doesn’t come off as particularly likable, and her essays aren’t witty enough for me to really feel invested in her irritable bowel syndrome or her over-the-top gushing over Dan Pfeiffer (“we’re just friends, I swear!”…). After this read, I’m not feeling inspired to explore her other essays. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was definitely written for a younger audience but I enjoyed this all the same. It was not as good as her first book as she did not get as deep like she did with that one, but this was still fun and had a couple of nuggets of good advice. It is a quick read, and easy to do via audiobook, she narrates it and has a great voice to listen to. I enjoyed the mix of politics and pop culture but enjoyed the political essays as that is where she seems to shine the most.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-galley to review.

Reading this book made me really wish Obama was President again! The author Alyssa Mastromonaco, an accomplished woman who previously served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations in the administration of President Barack Obama from 2011 to 2014 (and was the youngest woman to hold that position) has a lot of great stories, advice, insight, and humor to share with us civilians of the world. If you love politics, this book is for you. But there is also great advice to share like the 'Seven things in my Medicine Cabinet', or the 'Seven things in my Closet" or the 'Seven things that are always in my Suitcase.' Her chapter on "Why you should always listen to Michelle Obama" was a hoot (and I had to look up the word giardia as a result). I also learned the phrase "Platonic Life Partner" and now I need one. Long story short - this book will offer some life hacks, some political insight, some cautionary tales, and entertain all along the way!

This is the sequel to "Who Thought This Was A Good Idea" so as expected more Obama era anecdotes, an update on AM's life since leaving the WH, and more lists.
I enjoyed this book and would probably read another if she wrote it. The book is easy to follow and feels more like a publisbed series of blog posts than an actual memoir/novel.

This is the first book I've read by Alyssa Mastromonaco. She gets rave reviews for her first book, Who thought this was a good idea. This book is advertised as girl's guide to life, tackling the highs and lows of bodies, politics, relationships, moms, education, life on the internet, and pop culture. It is a series of essays and short stories on these subjects. She injects the serious subjects with quirky humor. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

3.5 stars

This was a quick, fun read. It's a book of personal essays that range in topic from politics to career shifts to relationships and more. Alyssa Mastromonaco is funny and relatable. I honestly wanted to like this one more than I did, but I still enjoyed reading it.

So Here's the Thing is the second book by Alyssa Mastromonaco and it is a fun, easy read. The first one was a tad more interesting since it had more stories about life in the White House and with the Obama's but I still found myself enjoying this one as well. Honestly, some of the most interesting stuff to me was personal such as the struggles with IBS. I think thats the topic that probably divides the reviewers the most, if you have stomach troubles you get it and if you dont, you dont.

Huge AM fan here. So grateful for the opportunity to read her second book. This was like having a conversation with your BFF. I always appreciate the peek behind the curtain into politics, however this book is that and so much more.

so here's the thing...i really wanted to like this book. i waited sooooooooooooo long to be approved for this one and then, it just sucked. so. that's the tea.

So Here’s the Thing by Alyssa Mastromonaco
Available Now

If you have read Mastromonaco’s first book, Who Thought Was a Good Idea?, listen to her co-host the podcast Hysteria, or have seen her on tv, you know that Alyssa is a warm, genuine, and kind human being and that is showcased in her latest book of essays. Full of her trademark humor and wit, So Here’s the Thing, is a hilarious look at the often unfunny things that fill our adult lives. Not everyone can pull off sharing stories of state dinners with the President and First Lady and then follow them up with cringe-worthy stories of IBS flare ups and having high ranking government officials see you in your underwear. But Mastromonaco does pull it off. Her essays are engaging, warm, and full of practical advice that she, unfortunately, learned the hard way. Perfect for the reader who is looking for something fun and thoughtful, even if you are not a huge fan of politics.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own.

Alyssa's first book, "Who Thought This Was A Good Idea" proved to be amongst the finest of post-Obama years staffer memoirs. This follow up title cements her status as a hilarious, engaging, and thoughtful political analyst and person. The section with Monica Lewinsky is sure to reshape many readers' long-held beliefs about the household name. Easily enjoyable and thought provoking. Well done, Alyssa. Loved it!

Alyssa Mastromonaco wrote a follow-up to her earlier memoir, Who Thought This Was a Good Idea. Her new memoir covers her civilian life after she left the White House. She offers a lot of useful advice to young professional women who are trying to balance work with relationships, including the time sensitive nature of family planning while devoting most childbearing years to a demanding career.

I enjoyed her earlier book more, mostly because of the behind-the-scenes look at the Obama administration through the lens of a young, successful staffer. I do recommend this book to young, professional women who enjoy memoirs by successful women.

I ended up listening to 'So Here's the Thing..." on audiobook when it was released. Alyssa is such a funny storyteller, and I highly recommend listening to her narrate her own stories.

Alyssa doesn’t hold back. Her description of life in the fast lane, working at the White House, is real, gritty, and ultimately very funny. Loved it.