You probably already suspect you like Mindy Kaling. The smarty pants funny girl has carved a nice bit of niche fame for herself playing Kelly Kapoor on NBC's much-loved "The Office," and she did it all without a reality show, a divorce or public meltdown. But casual fans of the show may be less aware of her involvement behind the scenes. Not only is she a key member of the Emmy-nominated writing team that brings the show to life, she's even directed a couple of episodes.
If you follow her on Twitter, you also know she likes Beyonce and online shopping.
I've long been a fan of Kaling. I can always be counted on to rally around smart, funny women, and am eternally more interested in the most mundane things about them (What is Tina Fey watching these days? Does Amy Poehler have a favorite brand of beer?) than I am in the most outlandish details of some boorish reality star's private life. I've always thought Mindy has a unique talent for exposing the tiny sadnesses that add up to make something hilarious and human. I'm a writer too, so my admiration for the talents of other writers is limitless.
Kaling dropped her first book – "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)" – last week and it was exactly as I hoped it would be – funny, observant and weirdly educational. Yes, her book is similar to Tina Fey's "Bossypants" in that it tells the tale of a perfectly sweet, well-adjusted and awkward childhood that gave way to a determined young woman with a passion who pursued it tirelessly until it happened, but – and it could well be Kaling's age and where she is in her life (still single, no kids) – I found it far more relatable.
I'm sure that just about anyone will enjoy Kaling's book, but if you are someone striving in the arts, it is going to hit you like a punch in the stomach. Kaling's tale is deeply relatable, and she is standing on the other side as proof that if you are talented and willing to work hard, you can maybe make it too.
Below are a few bits of advice I gleaned from Kaling's book that I think everyone can benefit from. Read More...
By Daniela Capistrano