I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are is a witty, hilarious, and honest read from Rachel Bloom. She bares it all with her truthful essays and poems tackling subjects like bullying, anxiety, theater, and dealing with fame. 

The book starts off with Rachel describing instances where she was bullied in school. Her stories of getting bullied hit home. I feel like so many of us have been bullied in some way. I liked that she is honest with her thoughts and how she learned to understand that no matter the circumstances of the bullying, it probably left you feeling like you didn't fit in with the normal people. 

As the book goes on, Rachel doesn't shy away from the fact that she isn't like 'normal people' and that isn't a bad thing. It was cool to see how she came into her own and learned to appreciate her quirks and wit. Rachel sure has a way with words and if you didn't already know you will love her roommate poems and pitch for a realistic amusement park.

For fans of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, you are in for a treat. She details how the show came about and gives you an insight into how fame can have its ups and downs. I laughed so much during this book and yet there were moments when it felt like I was having real talk with my girlfriends. 

I give I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are 5 stars. I loved how relatable this book was. Readers can expect Rachel to showcase her wit and humor with her straightforward writing. I loved her poems, getting to understand her better through her experiences, and fully appreciated her footnotes.

Full disclosure: I’m a HUGE fan of Rachel Bloom and her fantastic show “Crazy Ex Girlfriend”, so when I heard she was writing a book, I immediately placed it on preorder. And then when I was selected to read an advanced copy, I may or may not have squealed in delight.
Rachel breaks down various moments of her life with her uniquely hilarious wit, even stories that featured more somber situations such as being bullied in school and her struggles with a mental health disorder. I felt like I was sitting down and having a heart to heart with a close friend, albeit one that tends to drop Broadway references and turn the story into a on-the-spot play and didn’t mind if I occasionally burst out laughing. I admire Rachel’s honesty and it made me an even bigger fan of hers. 
Even if you have never heard of Rachel Bloom, this would be an enjoyable read. Each essay is unique and features multiple quotable lines. I really enjoyed the essay from her dog Wiley’s point of view, as well as the ideas for an amusement park and of course, all the details about bringing “Crazy Ex Girlfiend” to the screen. Major props also go to the artist who chose a 1980’s Judy Blume-esque book style design for the cover.

I love Rachel Bloom, and I enjoyed this book. I felt like I could hear her reading the book in my head! Some of the essays weren’t my favorite, maybe I just wasn’t in the right mindset. The bullying ones were intense and made me sad for Baby Rachel. But other essays were so funny and great (ex. the Princess one, the Wiley one, and another one that I’m forgetting...)

I wish this was a Crazy Ex Girlfriend memoir (or a straight up memoir instead of essays) though, because I have questions and I love behind the scenes stuff. But maybe one day! Really liked this book. Also every single part about Adam Schlesinger emotionally destroyed me. RIP Adam. (Also posted on Goodreads)