I was not familiar with author and comedian Rachel Bloom before reading this book but I found her writing to be thoroughly entertaining while also being very open and vulnerable. I especially connected with her sections on mental health, feeling like an outsider, and experiencing rejection.

I found it super refreshing how Bloom could share such an array of thoughts, some funny and some heartbreaking within a few sentences. It is such an important reminder that sharing all parts of life actually helps connects us, and reminds us that we probably have more in common than we initially thought.

I will say that some of it felt a bit over the top and some of the essays resonated with me more than others, but this is often what happens for me when reading this with this style of writing. Nevertheless, Bloom is a talented creator and I love her goal of helping unite us through our weird thoughts and tendencies.

I was also totally drawn to this book by its cover, so props to Rachel Bloom and her publishing team for a book cover that totally reminded me of my childhood Sweet Valley High books I read under the covers with a flashlight...

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

It’s funny. It’s weird. It’s occasionally oddly insightful and poignant. Guys, gals, and nonbinary pals, this book is everything I hoped for and then some, a candid testament to the value of honesty and the absolute falseness of the idea that everyone else is normal while you’re just an oddball. From the inimitable Rachel Bloom, creator/star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and creator of amazing songs/music videos including “Fuck Me Ray Bradbury” and “I Steal Pets,” comes a memoir that I can truly say is unlike any memoir I’ve read to date. It contains some echoes of other fun female-comedian-memoirs like Amy Poehler’s Yes, Please…and then amps up the weirdness to a new, wholly delightful level.

In lieu of a plot summary (because…you know…memoir plots are fairly self-explanatory?) I’ll give you a quick rundown of things included in this bite-size tome:

Poetry written by Rachel as a child
A sample resume for theater people
A guide to dealing with bullies
A literal map of a hypothetical amusement park
A short-form musical about Rachel’s experiences in theater growing up (you can listen to all 15 minutes of it on her website, too! Yes, you can even listen now, if you don’t mind spoilers for…uh…her life I guess?)
Excerpts from childhood-Rachel’s diary
An “interview” between Rachel at age 23 and Rachel at age 13
A chapter from the point of view of Rachel’s dog
A one-question personality quiz
Explanations of jokes that almost got cut from the script of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend for being too dirty
A complaint about straight men in musical theater
A Harry Potter fanfic about the Hogwarts Drama Club
…and so much more!

Rachel Bloom’s life has been marked by intermittent battles with anxiety and OCD, a love of theater that eventually led to her musical-comedy career, feelings of profound isolation, and a deep respect for the creative activity that results from excessive time spent in the bathroom (it’s a whole thing, you’ve just got to read it to understand). This book talks about sex, mental health, Disney, and everything in between. And yet, for all the crazy turns her life has taken, Rachel Bloom has always managed to face the weirdness head-on with a combination of pluck, neuroticism, deflection with humor, and a whole lot of heart.

Rachel Bloom is a highly creative, brilliant comedian who also happens to just be brilliant in generally (like, nerdy-intellectual–maybe that should have been obvious from the fact that, again, she once literally wrote a sort-of-parody song about her deep love of Ray Bradbury). The sheer number of chapter formats she was able to fit into this tiny tome–only 288 pages!–while maintaining quality throughout was impressive to say the least. She managed to weave through thematic threads, especially the idea of “normalcy” and whether that’s even really a thing, while also avoiding the common memoir pitfall of becoming ultra-repetitive.

Rachel’s narrative voice is clear, conversational, and laugh-out-loud hilarious (no, seriously, I laughed audibly quite a few times while reading this one). I think this tone is a perfect fit for this sort of book, where a lot of the stories are cringe-inducing and could be horribly embarrassing if treated too seriously (e.g. bad relationship patterns, sex stuff, the aforementioned bathroom thing). It feels more like a chat with a friend than a lecture from a celebrity, which, you know, I guess is kind of the point. I was also a big fan of her footnotes throughout, sometimes clarifying points but often just adding fun jokes on top of already-comedic tales.

The book also felt very of-this-moment; while a lot of it was written pre-pandemic, the epilogue addressed some more recent events in Rachel’s life, including the birth of her daughter, the death of her long-time friend and cowriter Adam Schlesinger, and the general pervasive unease that has followed us all through the age of COVID-19. After J.K. Rowling’s horrible comments about trans people over the summer, Rachel added a footnote to her Potter fanfic chapter indicating her disagreement with those views, her conflicted feelings about the series in light of it’s author’s behavior, and pointing out that fanfic isn’t official and, therefore, does not give any money to Her Royal TERFiness.

There were only a handful of sections in the book that missed the mark for me. The chapter from the perspective of Rachel’s dog, Wiley, didn’t quite land; it was a good idea and writing style, but using it to tell the story of Rachel winning an Emmy felt forced. The picture of Wiley afterward was so freaking adorable, though. And another chapter, an extended parable about wanting to be liked, dragged on longer than necessary without the payoff that I would expect from a section that took up that many pages. But really, in a book with so many amazing elements, two small missteps hardly tarnish my feelings about the rest of it!

Let’s face it: 2020 has been stressful as heck. I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are is the sort of quick, optimistic, relatable book we need right now to remind us we aren’t alone. It doesn’t shy away from hard topics, but it puts everything in a light acknowledging that things can get better. And, of course, a reminder that normalcy is not just overrated, but nonexistent.

I have to admit that it was only the title and cover that led me to request I Wanna Be Where the Normal People Are. It was a few days after the most traumatic presidential election I'd ever experienced, and I thought, "Yes, I, too, want to be where normal people are. Where is that? Does this Rachel Bloom have the answer? I must read it immediately and find out." I needed to laugh, and Rachel Bloom supplied that in plenty.

I will say this collection of essays is not for the faint of heart. It's irreverent, raw, and there's a lot of talk about bathrooms and things that happen in bathrooms. But I had so much fun reading it. I think if we all spoke our true thoughts all the time, we would have much less anxiety--and a lot less friends, but are they really our friends if we can't speak our true thoughts to them??

I wasn't sure who Rachel Bloom even was when I requested this book, but I was pretty sure I'd seen the pilot episode of My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the musical dramedy she co-created and starred in. I remembered thinking it was funny, and now I'm not sure why I didn't watch more episodes. I'll be remedying that soon!

The first half of the book is my favorite. It's organized in a somewhat chronological order, so it starts with Rachel's childhood and goes forward. I could identify with her stories of being bullied, feeling awkward, and coming to accept who she really is--and what that even means. It's rewarding (and funny) to read how she learns to be happy with herself, and how she ultimately decides "normal" is overrated.

If you’re a ‘theater/theatre’ person, you’ll appreciate her essays on that, as well. She writes about being a woman in the theater, as well as being the only woman in a television writing room.

A bit of a mixed media book, it contains diary excerpts, drawings, and poems. This is a quick and utterly satisfying read!

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for an advance reader's copy.

I WANT TO BE WHERE THE NORMAL PEOPLE ARE • Rachel Bloom • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m just a girl in love...with Rachel Bloom. Read these essays. Laugh a little, love Bloom a lot. Thats it. Thats the review.

In all seriousness, this essay collection is a delight that is so authentically Bloom that I felt like she was in the room with me. Sure, some of the topics are super weird, and you may sit there thinking "what the hell am I reading?" but that is what separates this book for so many other celebrity memoirs. I anticipate doing a re-read oof this book soon, this time on audiobook (assuming Bloom narrates this book herself).

Read This Book If:
- You love the TV show "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," Rachel Bloom, theater/acting/comedy, Harry Potter fan fiction (along with a footnote voicing how we all feel about how bad J.K. Rowling sucks), or stories about poop.
- You are looking for a light-hearted read to knock out in one after noon.
- You have always felt...not normal. Whether it be because of bullies, quirky habits/hobbies, or something else entirely. Bloom bears all and reminds us that maybe there is no such thing as normal, and if there is, maybe it's not all it's cracked up to be.
- You are here for the weird and the wonderful.

TL;DR: Just pick this one up or at the very least, borrow it from a friend or the library. It is a quick read and even if it's not for you, this book is an experience everyone should have.

You may know Rachel Bloom as the creator and star of the CW series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. But even if you don't, you'll likely enjoy this delightfully weird memoir on what it's like to be a weirdo surrounded by normal people. From a musical about Bloom's love of musical theater to a map of her dream amusement park, this book plays with form and takes you on an adventure through Bloom's weird brain. The essays felt a little disjointed at times and I think the whole book could have used a bit of a stronger concept. But honestly, I blew through this book in a day because I couldn't wait to see what weird direction the next chapter would take. I bet the audiobook is even better!

Fans of Rachel Bloom and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend will devour this collection of essays. Bloom's humor is as pointed as ever--dry, clever, at turns both exhausting and exhilarating. Sharing details of her life both frivolous and deep, Bloom offers the reader a hilarious and poignant exploration of what exactly "normal" is, and if any of us are really normal at all. Will this book change your life? Probably not. Will it bring you a lot of joy for a few hours? Absolutely.

My thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advance reader's copy.

Just when I thought I couldn't love Rachel Bloom any more! This book was hilarious. The essays were quippy and bordering on ridiculous (and sometimes just crossing way over into that territory), in the best way possible. I love Crazy Ex-Girlfriend but after reading this I feel committed to partake in whatever Rachel's next works will be.

I'm a big fan of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, even though sometimes I found it over the top or too broad. I expected this book to be over the top too, but in an enjoyable way. I certainly didn't hate it, in fact parts were great, and it's a quick read, but it was a lot of too much.

I connected most with the book when it wasn't trying so hard, which is the irony of dealing with a theatre kid; trying hard is what they're going to give you. The parts of the book that did not have a layer of artifice between the story and the reader, whether that artifice was a Harry Potter fanfiction, or a script, or a personality quiz, etc. are the ones that work the best. I'm actually fascinated by someone who is as willing to be vulnerable as Rachel Bloom is, and her ideas are the strongest when she's not putting hats on hats.

I often think there are sex joke people and then there are poop joke people, but Rachel Bloom manages to be both. I had trouble with all the poop jokes, honestly, but there's something really interesting about her story about being toilet trained, and what, if any, is the purpose of shame in society. There are lots of sources of shame I wish people could free themselves from (shame about bodies, shame about mental illness), and then there are times I feel like people could really use some shame (sex pests, maybe poop storytellers?)

Ultimately, if you've seen CXG and Rachel Bloom's brand of zaniness is up your alley, you'll probably enjoy this.

I had never watched "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" before reading Bloom's book, but I knew of her. I laughed out loud at several points in this book. It was honest, amusing as hell and just enjoyable from start to finish. Bloom was unashamedly herself as she told stories about her youth, her adolescence, her college years, up to her days as a star. I especially enjoyed reading about what it's really like at award shows. She's relatable and irreverent and it comes across as such in this book. Thank you for making me smile in 2020, Rachel Bloom.

Rachel's memoir (makes noises about a memoir being written by someone younger than our oldest children...) / collection of essays is pitch perfect for any reader who has enjoyed her work as a screenwriter / songwriter. Her trademark frankness taken one step farther than the audience may be comfortable with is on display here to full effect, as she recounts her journey from being a defiantly outlier kid to a successful award-winning more insightful version of that dramatic and vulnerable person.

I really, really love everything that Rachel Bloom does: all her comedy, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, even her Instagram. However, I had such a hard time connecting with this book. I wanted there to be a MUCH stronger narrative arc, particularly in the beginning.

Full disclosure: I am a huge fan of Rachel Bloom and "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" is one of my favorite shows of all time. I loved reading Bloom's voice as she recounted her childhood, experiences with mental illness, and early days as a comedy writer and actor. She writes candidly and comically throughout but still gives emotional weight to sections that deserve it. The afterword especially packs a punch in light of the death of Adam and the COVID-19 pandemic. I highly recommend this to fans of the show or libraries that serve lots of theater kids.

This just did not hit for me. Perhaps the humor just didn’t tickle my funny bone, or the weirdness that is living with COVID makes this not fall for me. In any case, I found this not funny and a bit anxiety producing. Putting it aside for now.

essentially the same as ‘Crazy Ex Girlfriend’ except for Rachel Bloom instead of Rebecca Bunch + book form instead of musical comedy tv form. these two crucial differences account for all differences between the book & award-winning show. I WANT TO BE WHERE THE NORMAL PEOPLE ARE hits similar achievements: various formats throughout it, calming fusion of humor & vulnerability, & ultimately a strong feeling that the reader isn’t alone. the afterword made me cry bc the author’s friend & writing-partner Adam Schlesinger died of COVID. she conveys in the the afterword that she hasn’t fully processed it yet bc we’re still in the midst of COVID, hence doesn’t seem real that one of the most important people in her life is no longer on earth. so sad, & my heart breaks for everyone close to Adam Schlesinger. book dedicated to him. I relate deeply to Rachel Bloom & to ‘Crazy Ex Girlfriend.’ I’ve watched the show several times, & this won’t be my last time reading the book.

If Mindy Kaling's and Samantha Irby's books had a baby, I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are is it; I cannot count the amount of times audibly guffawed reading this. This book has everything: awkward childhood memories, advice on how to deal with bullies, an insider's look into the entertainment business, a mini musical about musical theatre, Harry Potter fan fiction, and a heartfelt afterword that made me cry. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This book of essays is by Rachel Bloom, who's the creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, a show that I was a huge fan of. Her TV series was full of witty dialogue, which prompted my initial interest in this nonfiction read. First off, the cover gives me throwback The Babysitters Club book cover vibes, which is so much fun. Then, inside the text is composed of relatable, conversational language that's both funny and impactful. It's focused on a bunch of different stories chronicling everything from childhood, selling the CXG series, to falling in love, and more. Sure, these stories may be full of funny language and jokes, but they all have deeper meanings with heart. The read is told through first-person accounts, make-believe stories, original scripts, her actual childhood diary entries, and even Harry Potter fanfiction! Bloom's tone of voice in this book of essays is very relatable, which makes me laugh out loud because, like, I GET IT. After reading, it makes you realize, 'oh, hey I wasn't normal either and who cares because being me is much more rewarding and fun.' It gives hope to all us theatre kids out there about our futures and that things will get better. It's a one-sitting read because it was enjoyable, funny, relatable, honest, and authentic.

For the Rachel Bloom fan, for sure! I don't know if you weren't already aware of her/her work this would have any interest to you because it is sort of rambly, has maps(!) and poems but if you already enjoy her you will like it.

This book definitely had both funny and relatable moments. I think I was expecting it to be a bit more vulnerable or emotional at times, for this reason I really appreciated the addition of the afterword.

Sometimes you read a celebrity's memoir and you realize that they are not as cool as you once thought they were. This is not the case with Rachel Bloom's soon-to-be-published book, I Want To Be Where the Normal People Are. In fact, as much as I loved Rachel BEFORE reading this one, I think I love her even more after (if that is even possible). Bloom's wildly vulgar humor is in full force in each chapter of this book and she is not afraid to get personal (REALLY PERSONAL). If you are a Crazy Ex-Girlfriend fan, you will love this book. If you aren't a Crazy Ex-Girlfriend fan, go watch the series NOW because obviously, you haven't seen it yet (you can't have watched the series and not have become a fan). My favorite chapter from this memoir is the one where she talks about all the things she couldn't feature on the show because of network restrictions (and how she got around some of those restrictions). From a literary perspective, this is a solid memoir and if you are as big of a fan of Rachel Bloom as I am, it is imperative that you add this one to your reading list!

Fans of Crazy Ex Girlfriend will enjoy this look at the life of the show’s creator and star. The schedule of bathroom breaks is particularly fun. Bloom doesn’t shy away from the gritty reality of living with mental illness, nor the power of having a diagnosis and a treatment plan.