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.

So Here's the Thing by Alyssa Mastromonaco, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations under President Barack Obama, is a quick, fun book to read.  The book is a collection of essays covering everything from Mastromonaco's decision not to have a child to lists of things she has in her nightstand and her favorite White House mementos.  Also included are brief interviews with Monica Lewinsky and Susan Rice, among others.   As with her first book, she is vulnerable, funny and honest.  I enjoy her quirky sense of humor and I find her easy to relate to.  I think my favorite essay in the book is "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Specifically Barack Obama and Jennifer Hudson).  In it Mastromonaco gives some excellent advice, telling the reader that everything you do does not have to be a part of some great life plan, it is fine just to do something because you want to.  She also tells us that self care is important and that there is always time for dancing.  I think she gives great advice and this book is well worth the read. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for my review.  This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon and Barnes and Noble upon the book's publication.

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.

This book was amazing and funny recounts of her time in the Obama administration.  A fun read for the times right now.

I liked her first book, this one seemed rushed to fulfill what must have been a two book deal. I wish there was more there but it seemed hurried and sloppy.

Another wonderful book by this author.She shares her life advice she is open honest hilarious wise.zLove her talk with Monica Lewinskey.Will be recommending this wonderful book.#netgalley #twelvebooks

While I agreed with a lot of what she was saying, it was a bit preachy at times, but I think fans of Alyssa Mastromonaco will find a lot to like!

So Here's the Thing by Alyssa Mastromonaco, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff in the Obama administration, is very good. So many essay collections feel disjointed and half-assed but neither this one nor her first book, Who Thought This Was a Good Idea, both written with Lauren Oyler, fall into that category. 

So Here's the Thing (swipe left for a full summary) has everything from tough love advice to humorous anecdotes about people famous people, and everything in between. It's specific enough that women in politics will feel like it's written for them, but broad enough that you can enjoy it even if you had no idea who Mastromonaco was prior to reading the book. I especially enjoyed the little lists that rounded out sections of the book like 'Things You Should Never Say to or Around Your Boss' and 'Seven Things That Are Always In My Suitcase'. The interviews with friends and former colleagues like Amb. Susan Rice and Dan Pfeiffer were fun as well. 

My one complaint is that the book at times felt a little lacking in heart and love. But it was very funny and I suppose not all self-help type books are filled with love and hugs.

I'll also be posting a review of this book on my blog, HopefulHanna.com, on August 31st, 2020. At that point it can be found at https://hopefulhanna.com/read-in-august-2020.

Hands down, one of my favorite books ever. Such an unfiltered, honest and witty view into the Obama administration. Simply put, I’d like to be friends with Alyssa!

Prior to reading this book I had no idea who Alyssa Mastromonaco was - I’m Canadian. I actually had no idea this book would be about politics, which leads to the only negative thing about this book - the title is misleading. I was expecting some interesting information/self-help surrounding “growing up, getting older and trusting my gut”. 

What this book did bring is comedy and a lot of interesting information about American politics and the inner workings of the White House. A very quick read that will leave you smiling and even laughing the odd time. :)

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy for an honest review.