I’ll Have What She’s Having 🥂
By Chelsea Handler



I’m a huge fan of Chelsea Handler. I find her hilarious and a true feminist icon. I’m constantly amazed by her self-reflection and awareness. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything she’s written, watched her show, and even seen her live. I was thrilled to receive this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

In her latest life chapter, she concentrates on her ongoing journey toward enlightenment, her tumultuous love affair with Joe Koy, and her subsequent breakup with the comedian. Her path towards continued happiness contains love, laughter, and believe it or not - children.

That said, there were some glaring issues that I couldn’t overlook. The memoir felt disjointed, almost like a collection of short stories rather than a cohesive novel. It was also self-aggrandizing in the worst way possible. She spends a significant amount of time discussing her desire to be less selfish and less self-absorbed, but the entire narrative feels exactly that - self-absorbed. Pages and pages dedicated to her own greatness and her efforts to be giving, while simultaneously insisting that she will never put herself second to anyone else again. It simply felt counterproductive.

Furthermore, it lacked humor. The humor I had anticipated was nowhere to be found. Instead, it was more self-help and less comedy, which wasn’t what I had hoped for.

Overall, it was a good book, but it wasn’t her best work. I miss the vulnerable, angry, and gossipy Chelsea. Self-actualized Chelsea just isn’t as entertaining.

I would recommend this book to individuals who are fans of Chelsea Handler, self-reflection enthusiasts, and therapy practitioners.

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I have loved a Chelsea Handler for many years. I have read all her books and this is one of my favorites. Each story not only can make you laugh, but also shows how much she has grown as a person. The stories she tells can make anyone want to be a better person. I look forward to hearing more stories from her in the future..

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book had both comical anecdotes and insightful life lessons, but ended up falling a bit flat for me in comparison to Chelsea’s other books. I felt it was missing the laugh out loud moments I’ve come to expect from her. I do appreciate the evolution of Chelsea and her introspection, but there was a bit too much of that for me within each essay.

Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!

I’ll Have What She’s Having
By Chelsea Handler

Chelsea delivers a heartfelt, reflective, and empowering collection of autobiographical essays focusing on personal growth and healing. I’ve been a fan of Chelsea since the beginning and have read all her books as they’ve been released. If you’re up to date on her comedy evolution then the change of tone from her first book to this one won’t be surprising, but if you’re expecting something similar to her earlier 2000’s reads– her vibe is totally different (in the best way) but you’ll still enjoy her trademark humor.

The essays are non-linear which worked for me since they’d all make sense on their own, but they’re more impactful when read in order. Chelsea doesn’t shy away from vulnerability and honesty as she details her up’s and down’s. My favorite aspect is how dealing with difficult truths about herself led to being able to love herself and her life more than ever. I appreciated the message that being true to yourself is important, but owning where you might be falling short is just as vital.

I learned, laughed, and teared up while reading this book- likely because I share many of Chelsea’s qualities. I love that Chelsea begins to find comfort in being alone, reading, and spending time in nature. I thought the aspects about having a special relationship with children despite not wanting children herself were beautiful. I always enjoy seeing strong representations of the varying ways women can thrive and I think Chelsea is an amazing model of genuine female empowerment.

Thank you Penguin Randomhouse and NetGalley for this early read!

I like Chelsea Handler and was skeptical about another book as I read her others. However, this one is just as funny, covering covid lockdowns, family issues and the Bush twins.

I wish people understood how Chelsea Handler is secretly one of the most generous human beings out there. Her family and friends are her world and she'll move mountains for them. Her humor and growth are on full display in her latest title.

My only wish was a more linear timeline for the stories shared and one or two chapters trimmed at the end, because the more vacations described the less relatable Chelsea becomes.

Exceptionally written and captivating throughout. Thoroughly enjoyed reading her life lessons and how she applied them to life.

This is a little outside what I was expecting and is less comedy (like Handler's other books) and more about self-discovery and finding your voice/power as a woman. Still a fun read!
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for access to this eARC.

This was honestly such a bizzare read. I understand she is feeling very proud of her emotional growth and commitment to relationships - fair enough. But so many of the passages felt self congratulatory in a way that had me wanting to skim ahead to actual action, rather that repetitive reflection. The weird self reflection quotes (if that's what to call them?), further pulled me out of her narration.

I like Handler and have been a big fan of her other works, but this one just didn't land for me.

Chelsea Handler had me at the dedication page! As a former Flight Attendant, I have read most of her books mid-flight in my jumpseat and received some questionable stares from passengers as I tried to control my laughter about her skid marks (details in My Horizontal Life- if you have read it, you know what I’m referring to). With that, I went into this one with a blind eye expecting her same fiery, sassy, and tell all moments about life and those who have came into her path. Instead, it was a more toned down version of her experiences with therapy and her journey of self-reflection/change.

If you are used to her previous books and looking for that laugh out loud comedy, this is not the one for you. It would be perfect for an audience who is looking for relatable moments about personal growth as there are some uplifting moments of self-acceptance and kindness with a strong emphasis on female empowerment. Personally, this one wasn’t for me because it lacked cohesion and was hard to follow with the jumping around of places and timelines. I would have preferred a more chronological order for each chapter as it read almost like a diary of her thoughts. However, this is not the final print so these are my own opinions at the time of reading.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

*Book publication date: February 25, 2025*
*Reviewed January 17, 2025*

During the second or third season of Chelsea lately, my wife and I went to a taping of the show. My wife brough Chelsea Handler's first book with her because Handler was known for signing books at the end of an episode. Unfortunately, we got seats in the back and we were specifically told that only people in the first row would be able to get their books signed. The ending came and my wife knew it was her only chance so she walked down the steps to where Chelsea was signing. I knew I'd be a lifelong fan when Chelsea saw her and walked up the steps to meet her, and then commended her on not listening to the security guards.

This is a book I wish Chelsea could have written when I was a preteen and trying to figure out where I fit in the world, and I think this is a perfect book for young adults. It's clear she's strongly and admirably pro-woman and puts her words into action. Hearing her experiences with therapy adds depth to the book and in typical Chelsea Handler fashion, there's a very healthy dose of humor.

I'm glad I read this. It made me admire CH even more than I had before.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy. I was so excited to get an early copy of this one. I have loved Chelsea Handler since the early days of Chelsea Lately. This is her 6th book and I've read all of them. As another childfree, single woman in her 40s with a dash of childhood trauma, I have always felt like Chelsea and I could be friends. Whether or not you enjoy this book will depend on whether or not you're a fan. If you're a fan, it feels like catching up with an old friend. There's introspection, advice and laughter. I appreciate her openness about her life and experiences. There have been a lot of versions of Chelsea, but this one just might be her best.

Loved this book! It was a breeze to get through because felt like a series of short stories but it laddered up to a larger message. Already recommended it to friends. It was also nice to learn more about Chelsea Handler. The stories about Oopsie, Woopsie and Poopsie were particularly endearing.

If you are looking for a hilarious, laugh until you cry biography like Chelsea's previous books, then unfortunately this isn't it. I went into this book thinking that's what this was and was sadly mistaken. It's a good book, don't get me wrong. It just reads more like a "self help" than a side splitting comedy about her life. I've been a huge Chelsea fan for years and I am just as much now as ever. I enjoyed this, just not what I was expecting.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from Netgalley. This review is honest, unbiased, and completely my own.

I always love reading about Chelsea's adventures and life journey! This book focuses more on her progress through therapy and personal growth rather than travel, but is still an interesting read.

No one makes me laugh quite like Chelsea Handler. I absolutely love all of her books and her latest book is no exception. I find her stories to be totally relatable. I love that she will talk openly about therapy (while adding humor of course). She isn't afraid to put her own faults out there. Her stories about Covid and meeting the Bush family showed the sweeter side of Chelsea as she touched on friendships and family. Just like Chelsea's other books; these books are stories about her own life and her own self reflection. If you aren't familiar with Chelsea and her humor, this book might not be for you. I loved it and it was a 5 star quick read for me!

Thank you so much to NetGallery and Random House for allowing me to read the ARC!

5 ⭐️

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this book in exchange of an honest review.

Whew.. this book! 🥺
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Side note, I’ve read most of Chelsea’s (6 published books) and this is my favorite. It’s honest, hilarious, captivating, intriguing, transformative and it makes you ask yourself questions about how to better yourself while also reiterating how beautiful and powerful you are. It’s almost like Chelsea is “fathering” you as the reader (read to book for clarity).
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This book made me want to be Chelsea’s bff or in the very least one of the very blessed children who get to be loved by such a kind woman.
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She is powerful, she is compassionate, she is ever evolving, she’s a parent of thousands, she’s honest.
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This book was very easy to read and it read as Chelsea is telling you stories while you are sitting on her balcony in Mallorca.

I couldn’t love it more!

3 stars.

Your enjoyment of this book may depend on how interested you are in Chelsea Handler. I’ve read a couple of her earlier published books and this is not the Chelsea of old, careening drunkenly into failed relationships and laughing at her own selfishness. New Chelsea has been through a lot of therapy and has decided to change her life (in some ways. She is still pretty self-indulgent and self-congratulatory) and it appears she has succeeded.

However, the book is simply part of her ongoing biography. It isn’t funny and I don’t know that it’s meant to be. It seems as if Chelsea wants to show everyone how much she has evolved and be lauded for it, because self-contentment doesn’t really seem to be her thing, she wants everyone to be seeing her; she is always performing, even here. Not that I doubt her sincerity about wanting to make changes to her life; I don’t, and she really seems to be wonderful to her family and those closest to her.

So, for me, this was a clear 3 star read because I was here for the irreverent funny and that was missing here. But The can’t hate on a book about a woman who is on a well-meant journey.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!