Survival of the Thickest: Essays

Written by Michelle Buteau

Narrated by Michelle Buteau

*Now a comedy series on Netflix!*
From the stand-up comedian, actress, and host beloved for her cheeky swagger, unique voice, and unapologetic frankness comes a book of “zesty and hilarious” (Publishers Weekly) essays for fans of Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me by Mindy Kaling and We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union.

If you’ve watched television or movies in the past couple of years, you’ve seen Michelle Buteau. With scene-stealing roles in Always Be My Maybe, First Wives Club, Someone Great, Russian Doll, and Tales of the City; a reality TV show and breakthrough stand-up specials, including her headlining show Welcome to Buteaupia on Netflix; and two podcasts (Late Night Whenever and Adulting), Michelle’s star is on the rise. You’d be forgiven for thinking the road to success—or adulthood or financial stability or self-acceptance or marriage or motherhood—has been easy, but you’d be wrong.

Now, in Survival of the Thickest, Michelle reflects on growing up Caribbean, Catholic, and thick in New Jersey, going to college in Miami (where everyone smells like pineapple), her many friendship and dating disasters, working as a newsroom editor during 9/11, getting started in stand-up opening for male strippers, marrying into her husband’s Dutch family, IVF and surrogacy, motherhood, chosen family, and what it feels like to have a full heart, tight jeans, and stardom finally in her grasp.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Dec 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781797108339

Michelle Buteau

Michelle Buteau is a comedian and actress, known for her roles in Always Be My Maybe, The First Wives Club, Someone Great, Russian Doll, and Tales of the City. She is also the host of The Circle and has stand-up specials—including the award-winning Welcome to Buteaupia—on Netflix and Comedy Central. She is the cohost of the podcast Adulting, and the executive producer, writer, and star of Survival of the Thickest on Netflix. She lives in the Bronx with her husband and twins. She and her husband also run Van der Most Modern, a vintage furniture store in Brooklyn.

Reviews for Survival of the Thickest

[Ebony · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't imagine reading this book over listening to it. Nothing beats listening to Michelle telling these stories. Very funny and entertaining. She is so real and comfortable in her own skin. Loved every second of this book. Highly recommend it.

[Tash · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very entertaining while still being open and raw. The audio was very engaging.

[Phyllis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Looking forward to seeing more from her. She is very transparent about her life. She’s hilarious and hope she has much success.

[Opal Brown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was so much more than I expected! She’s fabulous and so real!

[Kim Brown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Smart. Funny. Heartfelt. Honest. Definitely worth the read ( or listen)!

[Meka · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I couldn't get past chapter one due to her excessive swearing.

[kity16 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was a good book. It had some good jokes. I didn't know about her so i didn't know whay to expect

[Crystal Green · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. It held my attention until the very end. It’s funny and engaging. I’m from Jersey- therefore, there are some things I can relate to. I highly recommend this book.

[April Hoffmann · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely loved the book!! I'm a white mom with biracial adult twin boys, 22 and a very successful daughter, 29. Oh and my I don't give a FUCK list is long and will continue to be added to on the crazy ass 2020.