Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You

Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You

By Kunal Nayyar

Format: Audiobook 

Length: 06:42:31

First Publication: 2015

Genre: Memoir, Humor (nonfiction) 

Borrowed - Libby

SYPNOSIS

Of all the charming misfits on television, there's no doubt Raj from The Big Bang Theory - the sincere yet incurably geeky Indian-American astrophysicist - rank among the misfittingest. Now, we meet the actor who is every bit as loveable as the character he plays on TV. In this revealing collection of essays written in his irreverent, hilarious, and self-deprecating voice, Kunal Nayyar traces his journey from a little boy in New Delhi who mistakes an awkward first kiss for a sacred commitment, gets nosebleeds from chugging Coca-Cola to impress other students, and excels in the sport of badminton, to the confident, successful actor on the set of TV's most-watched sitcom since Friends.

Going behind the scenes of The Big Bang Theory and into his person experiences, Kunal introduces readers to the people who helped him grow, such as his James Bond-loving, mustachioed father who taught him the most important lessons in life: Treat a beggar as you would a king. There are two sides to every story. A smile goes a long way. And, when in doubt, use a spreadsheet. Kunal also walks us through his college years in Portland, where the takes his first sips of alcohol and learns to let loose with his French, 6'8" gentle-giant roommate, works his first-ever job for university's housekeeping department cleaning toilets for minimum wage, and begins a series of romantic exploits that go just about as well as they would for Raj. (That is, until he meets and marries a former Miss India in an elaborate seven-day event that we get to experience in a chapter titled "My Big Fat Indian Wedding.")

Full of heart, but never taking itself too seriously, this witty and often inspiring collection of underdog tales follows a young man as he traverses two continents in search of a dream, along the way transcending culture and language (and many, many embarrassing incidents) to somehow miraculously land the role of a lifetime.

Why did I pick up this book?

I thought he was the Silicon Valley and Stuber guy. But no, it was just another Indian actor named Kumail Nanjiani. I'm not racist! I swear! ...right?

Actual Kumail Nanjiani

I also wanted an easy audiobook to listen to since it helps pass the time when I'm stuck in traffic on the drive home from work. Easy as in, not that much brain power or thinking to follow along. And memoirs are like podcasts. 

It being short was a nice plus. I wouldn't have to stress about finishing within the 21 days borrow time. I could always renew my loan but I rather not.