Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? is Mindy Kaling’s debut memoir, published in 2011, and an instant New York Times bestseller. Blending humor, honesty, and warmth, the book follows Kaling’s journey from an awkward, imaginative girl in Massachusetts to a writer and actress in Hollywood.

Told through short essays and witty observations, Kaling reflects on childhood, friendship, ambition, love, and fame, offering both laugh-out-loud stories and moments of genuine insight. She shares her experiences writing Matt & Ben, joining The Office, navigating dating mishaps, and embracing her identity as a confident, funny woman in an image-obsessed industry.

Part memoir and part comedic manifesto, the book’s charm lies in its relatable voice and self-deprecating humor. It celebrates creativity, individuality, and resilience—reminding readers that success doesn’t come from perfection, but from being authentic, persistent, and unapologetically yourself.

Mindy Kaling (born Vera Mindy Chokalingam in 1979) is an Emmy-nominated writer, actress, producer, and comedian known for redefining female comedy in Hollywood. Raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by Indian immigrant parents, Kaling studied at Dartmouth College, where she developed her comedic voice through improv and playwriting.

Her breakout moment came with the play Matt & Ben, followed by her iconic work as both writer and performer on The Office. She later created, wrote, and starred in The Mindy Project, and went on to produce acclaimed shows such as Never Have I Ever and The Sex Lives of College Girls.

Known for her witty storytelling and relatable humor, Kaling has become an influential voice in entertainment, celebrated for bringing depth, diversity, and warmth to television. She continues to write, produce, and inspire audiences worldwide with her blend of intelligence, heart, and unapologetic honesty.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? is not just her memoir—it’s a celebration of ambition, friendship, and authenticity. Kaling’s message is timeless: success doesn’t mean becoming perfect; it means being brave enough to laugh at yourself and keep going anyway.