I have mixed feelings about this book, but I think it’s because I’m not a mother. At the beginning, I was like “whoa Ali, TMI!” But then I was like, “ok, I feel you!”

I was talking to my sis who did say that it hits a lot harder if you’re also a working mom cause you know exactly what she’s saying when she talks about exploding poop and afterbirth.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Ali Wong for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of Dear Girls. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.


Stand up comedian, actress, and writer, Ali Wong can now add author to her list of accomplishments. You might recognize her from her Netflix specials Baby Cobra or Hard Knock Wife. Or maybe you’ve seen her Netflix movie “Always Be My Maybe”. The movie where the meme with Keanu Reeves went viral. If you haven’t seen it, google it - and you’re welcome. She has written a book in the style of letters to her daughters. Each chapter has cute headings like “How I Trapped Your Father” and “A Guide To Asian Restaurants”. But if you think that she has toned down her language, she hasn’t. This is on-brand Ali Wong. Be prepared for a crass, dirty, vulgar style that she is known for. It is very similar to her stand up. If you enjoy her comedy routines you will love this book. If not, maybe watch a special before buying this one.

I am a bit in the middle with this one. It was okay, there were some funny parts, some cringe-worthy parts and some yawnable moments. You get some real moments, but not enough. It would have helped me feel more connected to the book had we had more realness. It seemed distant in some ways. I think if you love her humor, you will find lots to laugh at. I’m not in love with potty humor so sometimes I felt like really, again? I understand why she makes those choices, but I don’t like it in men any more than I do in women. I’m not offended that a woman is saying these things. I just am not a big fan. I was still left wanting more after reading this book. I don’t think you get to know her any better from the book, than what you see up on stage. She says herself the those are just caricatures of real people. So I felt like I was reading a caricature of Ali Wong. Not getting to really know her. The most personal moment in the book is the letter her husband writes in the afterwards. There are some funny parts, but it isn’t laugh-out-loud, hilarious all the way through. As I said, maybe her fans will really love it. Just okay for me.

Ali Wong is funny. Anyone who has seen her stand-up specials would be able to tell you that. Dear Girls gives us a peek into Ali’s mind as she shares her unique memories and insights through a series of letters written to her young daughters. She shares (or perhaps overshares) her thoughts about dating, sex, relationships, childbirth, work, food, and, family with a refreshing mix of humour and honesty. An overlying theme throughout the book is identity. With each letter, the reader gets a closer look into Ali’s view of her identity as a comedian, wife, woman, her Asian ancestry, and ultimately being a Mother. She shares her own exploration of her Vietnamese Mother’s country and culture which helps lead her to a better understanding of her upbringing and ultimately helps her define herself as a Mother as she gains a greater appreciation of her own Mother. Dear Girls is everything you love about Ali Wong, shockingly funny, uniquely perceptive, and perfectly relatable.

I love Ali as a stand up comedian she slays the comp in my opinion. But, with her as an author of a book now with her comedic persona, I was in love from the first part before the chapters started. I have to say when a comedian writes a book they deliver all the emotions especially humor. I laughed so hard I peed myself (almost) especially her talking about her vagina like it's a bad thing so much in here to 😂😭😍

Basically, these "letters" to her daughters are a lot like her stand up. If that is not your cup of tea, this book is not for you! I enjoyed reading a bit of her back story (the study abroad section particularly) and seeing who she was outside of stand up. I think this would be a fun read for a high school student.

I think Ali Wong is a genius.

From the moment I watched Baby Cobra I was hooked. She just has a specific kind of humor that resonates with me. So as soon as I saw that she was writing a book, I knew I'd have to clear my schedule to read it.

Let's just get the obvious question everyone will have out of the way: Yes, Dear Girls is hilarious. I think I laughed-actually-out-loud at least a dozen times in just the first chapter. Wong isn't afraid to say anything, but her brand of "raunchy comedian" never comes across crass. Her take on comedy is so incredibly refreshing in a world that has long been dominated by white males. It perfectly illustrates just why we need different points of view in everything, from comedy to books. The same humor that made Ali Wong a staple on the comedy scene shines through just as much in this memoir. Who else can make jokes about erectile dysfunction and explosive diarrhea while coming across as charming and endearing?

The format of this memoir was wonderful to read. Written as letters to her two daughters, it added something special to the stories. A sweetness that was so heartfelt. Wong seems to really have a grasp on emotion, which seems obvious when viewing her comedy, as she's so good at making people laugh. But this book also shows how great she is at evoking other emotions. I found myself tearing up several times throughout, both happy and sad tears. I found myself wanting to travel the world, see new places, experience things I've never experienced. I don't read much nonfiction, and I enjoy it even less often, so for a memoir to really move me like this is something special.

Ali Wong has so much to tell in this memoir, so many stories and experiences, so much advice. Yes, it may have been written with her two daughters in mind, but I highly recommend this book to anyone. Whether you're just looking for a laugh or something so much deeper, Dear Girls has something to offer for everyone. It was easily one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a long time, and is one I'm sure I'll revisit in the future.

This book! This woman! Seriously, if you're a fan of Ali Wong's standup you are going to enjoy this book. I could practically hear her voice in my head while I read this one. Even if you haven't seen her work, this one is not to be passed over. Structured as letters written to her daughters, Dear Girls is chock full of stories of Ali's past experiences and repercussions and delightful insights. It reads like having a conversation with a good friend. One that's unfiltered, swears like a sailor and is entirely an open book. So, the best kind of course. Outrageous and outstanding - if you're looking for a book that will have you laughing out loud the whole way through, Ali Wong delivers.

I received a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I will admit that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy #DearGirls as much as I did. This a comedy book, and Ali Wong does not disappoint with this collection of essays and stories written to her children (to be read when they are older). The letters are all brimming with her acerbic wit, and hilarious (often crass) insights which feel so much like Wong that you can almost hear her saying every line as you read. Wong also offers up a lot of legitimate lessons and wisdom from her upbringing, cultural background, her comedy career and love life. I found her direct, honest approach refreshing, and she struck a hard to walk balance between being heartfelt and being very funny. 4 stars-- would be great book for beach, or travel- easy to read and enjoyable.

Ali Wong is the best. I adore her. Always Be My Maybe is one of my favorite movies of the year. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her comedy specials when I can’t be bothered with so many others. I was so excited when I found out she was releasing a book.⠀
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It was so well done. As expected, it’s hilarious and raunchy and perfect. Each chapter is a different letter/lesson for her daughters, so it’s also very heartfelt and caring and sweet.⠀
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I laughed out loud in public too many times and I couldn’t care less. There were also times I got a little teary eyed. Most notably, at the epilogue, which is another letter to her daughters, but from her husband. Woo boy, that one got me when he started talking about how strong Ali is and how much she loves her family.⠀
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Thank you so much @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for the #gifted advanced copy. I loved it so much.⠀

Ali Wong you've done it again. I can't imagine this woman coming up with anything that isn't amazing. I'm 99% sure she shits rainbows...maybe she's the unicorn that is in the Squatty Potty commercials.

Dear Girls is a book comprised of 14 letters written to her daughters discussing her process of becoming a wildly successful comedian, mother, wife while also discussing Asian American culture and pride. I loved experiencing the author side of her. Her book was still her typical extremely funny and raunchy self but the reader also gets a small look into the person she is off stage.

I think one of my favorite parts of her celebrity is how she has inspired so many women to speak up and (more importantly) laugh about the not so glamorous parts of being a woman. She continues this pattern in Dear Girls; discussing the messy parts of being a wife and mother. I had so many, "something to look forward to but I'm glad I've been warned!" moments.

My only constructive criticism for Ali (and this is not regarding her book) is why the hell doesn't she sell Ali Undies merch at her shows?!?! She's missing out on an untapped market...espeically for someone who is...money motivated. IMO, if you're going to consistently show your underwear during your set, you better have your own line for the fans. I recently went to her Seattle Milk & Honey show (at the same place that she filmed Baby Cobra *swoon*) and I sped walked out of the show looking to get myself some undies! But no, she and her husband proudly sell bootlegged posters....and that's it. Not that it wasn't awesome to see Justin, Ali, but still. Note: (I've tried to comment about this on her Instagram multiple times but the beezy limits comments).

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this advanced digital copy. I think this is the most excited I have been about a book in a long time. Now I need to get my hands on a print version!

I received this as an eARC to read for free in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for giving me access.

I am a big Ali Wong fan. I’ve watched her Netflix Specials, movies, and shows. Ali Wong is my Spirit Animal (Person?). I highly recommend watching at least one of her specials before reading Dear Girls. You’ll have a better experience reading it in her voice.

You know how you read in your inner voice? Well it would be her voice instead. And it makes it that much enjoyable. Better yet, get that audiobook as well, I know I am.

That being said, Dear Girls is a hilarious compilation of letters addressed to her daughters. They are full of hilarious stories. Some of which a child would cringe at, “Awww mom! I don’t want to hear about your sexcapades! GROSS!”

This was extremely enjoyable and I didn’t want to put it down. I recommend to anyone that loves comedy — especial raunchy comedy — to read this or give this a listen. You’ll be laughing your buns of cinnamon off!

This was so much fun to read! It's a quick read, but absolutely hilarious. I laughed so hard reading every chapter, but I also got very emotional during some of it. I can't relate to her chapters about marriage or being a parent, but her chapter about understanding what her mom went through really hit me hard. I relate to Ali with so much and I hope she writes another book!

She's even more blunt and out there than in her comedy specials.

Ali Wong, best known for her over-the-top, raunchy humor about life as a female minority, writes a series of letters to her daughters-but cautions them to not read it until they are over 21. Extremely crass, very blunt, and sometimes foul-mouthed, there is still some sentimentality and love woven into the mostly funny mix.

Getting to read Ali Wong’s new memoir dedicated to her daughters, Dear Girls, was such a thrill.

Ali Wong shares stories of her childhood, her college years, how she met her husband, the birth of her children, the development of her career, and everything in between. She pens each chapter as a letter to her two young daughters, and goodness gracious, I hope they are OLD when they finally read this, because some of the details that Ali shares would make the raunchiest of people blush.

In the first ten percent of the book, I had already made a handful of highlights, and I’m not really a note-taking gal. I read while drinking my morning coffee, and while brushing my teeth, and while flat ironing my hair (it’s not so hard when you’ve been straightening your hair for nearly fifteen years). The morning I started Dear Girls, I started laughing while I was brushing my teeth and spat foam all over the mirror. It’s safe to say I’ve never done that before.
Despite all the hilarity, there were some more serious notes. Wong talks about being teased and heartbroken by boys and being sometimes neglected by her family and parents who were already in their forties when she was born. She also talks a lot about being an Asian woman in Hollywood (but that is not all she is! Don’t pigeonhole the woman!) and Asian identity, which I love. Her descriptions of Asian dishes had me drooling and craving Korean food.

This is quite honestly the best celebrity memoir I’ve read in years, and that’s truly saying something, as the celebrity memoir section of the bookstore has seemed to triple in size lately.

Ali, the girls are lucky to have such a talented and funny mommy!

P.S. DO NOT miss the Afterword by Wong’s husband. It is so sweet and made me tear up!

Dear Girls is a book made up of Ali Wong writing letters (chapters) to her young daughters. The letters are hilarious, cautionary candid tales telling of Ali's life experiences from childhood through adulthood and cumulating into her becoming a mother. She is frank, candid, vulgar and hilariously real about all aspects of her life. She is not afraid to take risks and encourages her daughters to do so but to also learn from the mistakes their mother has made.

Her book reads like her stand-up comedy specials (heck she mentions them enough in the book). She is fearless and really puts herself out there and pokes fun at her body, dating, her husband, having immigrants as parents, sex, food, pregnancy, and how taking risks paid off and made her a better person and stand-up comic.

You do not need to be a fan of Ali Wong to read this book. I really didn’t know much about her prior to reading this one. I saw a couple of clips on YouTube of her performing while pregnant. If you were not a fan before this book, you will be after reading it. Unless you are turned off by talk of gapping buttholes and her multiple descriptions of her big bush. Seriously, someone needs to introduce this woman to laser hair removal or as least take her to get waxed. Just thinking out loud there.

This book is fabulous although it seemed to stop on a dime. It just ended and then there was the afterword written by her husband to their two daughters.

Overall, a hilariously funny, frank, raunchy, heartfelt and entertaining read.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, it cracked me up and made me smile! All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Comedian Ali Wong has been a hilarious stand-up comedian, a writer for Fresh Off The Boat, as well as an actress. Now she can add writing a hysterical memoir to her list of accomplishments.

Dear Girls is an incredibly funny, heartfelt, sometimes raunchy, love letter to her two daughters, both of whom make appearances in Wong's two Netflix specials (she is pregnant in each special), the first Baby Cobra (with daughter Mari) and Hard Knock Wife (with daughter Nikki). Each chapter starts out Dear Girls and then Wong proceeds to give her best advice such as not to go to knock-off Vietnamese restaurants, to how their dad once took her on a romantic date watching YouTube videos of Adele.

She gives us a look at her college years of drinking in excess to falling in love (not with their dad). She takes us on an eating tour of Vietnam along with meeting some of her relatives as she tries to find out about her Vietnamese roots. She comically explains how she played the C-section card with her husband having to have a C-section after 24 hours of labor. According to Wong, she did not change a diaper the first month of her daughters life!

She tries to explain to her girls how she slept with two homeless men (accidentally) but they turned out to be really good dates! We get to learn how she landed her husband Justin a Harvard Business School graduate and how they got married (at City Hall) and how she found her dress (on E bay)! Did I mention he was a Harvard Business School graduate?

But as funny as the book is, it is as much a love letter to her dad whom she adored and who passed away and whom she misses terribly, and to her mother who has been an incredible help since the birth of her children and to all her relatives and friends.

This book will make you laugh and cringe (at the same time)! It will make you root for Wong (and all women), and will teach you about cultures and where not to eat! The Afterward, written to their children by her husband is just an extra bonus to quite an enjoyable book!

Thank you #NetGalley #RandomHouse #AliWong for the advanced copy. The book will be out October 15.

If you’ve seen Ali Wong’s stand-up, you know she can be raunchy and brutally honest. That holds true of this memoir, too. She writes letters to her two young daughters, explaining herself, her past, and her work, her struggles in the male-dominated comedy world. Always interesting and often laugh-out-loud funny.

4*
Pros: Funny, witty and full of amazing references. Relatable to a deeper level. Unapologetically honest. Feminist and brings to light situations that all of us women have gone or will go through. Beautiful down-to-earth takes on motherhood, being a working mom, marriage, professional success in a risky career, thriving as a minority, getting in touch with your roots. Honestly, a well-rounded hilarious read.
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Cons: Too crass and crude. Ali mentions that her girls are only allowed to read this book as adults, but I would never want to read this about my mother, even if I was 60.

There has always been that stupid sexist thought that women aren't funny. So of course women comedians have it so much worse than their male counterparts. Ali Wong isn't only a woman but she's a WOC and she is one of the funniest comedians I have ever bared witness to. Raunchy, unapologetic, and witty, Ali transfers all of that to this fantastic book and more and we catch glimpses into her life, her upbringing, raising two daughters, and more.

It's not only a great read but it's a hilarious read as only Ali herself can bring. Dear Girls is about risk taking following your dreams even when the risks are insane and finding yourself along the way even if it means losing bits and pieces of who you are along the way. It's inspirational and it's fiunny as hell. Ali Wong isn't a role model. She's human and she reminds us of that in every paragraph, every page, every sentence. She's you and me. That's what makes this book so great.

This was hysterical! If someone has watched or been to any of her comedy specials, looked at her instagram or listened to anything else she's done, this will be right up their alley. It was hilarious and I found myself reading passages to my forever annoyed husband through laughing tears. (He likes her too...however I'm pretty sure he didn't understand a damn thing I was saying).