Well, This Is Exhausting

Essays

By: Sophia Benoit

Narrated by: Sophia Benoit

From Bustle columnist and host of None of My Business Sophia Benoit, this “charming and often laugh-out-loud funny” (Vogue) memoir-in-essays explores the ins and outs of modern womanhood—from finding feminism, the power of pop culture, and how to navigate life’s constant double standards—perfect for fans of Fleabag and eldest daughters everywhere.

Like so many women, Sophia spent her formative years struggling to do the “right” thing—to make others comfortable, to take minimal and calculated risks, to live up to society’s expectations—only to realize that there was so little payoff to this tiresome balancing act. Tired of trying so hard, Sophia finally let go of the crushing pressure to be perfect.

She navigates the highs and lows of the dating world (high: being a beta tester for Bumble; low: hastily shaving her legs before a hotel hookup and getting blood all over the sheets), and walks the line between being a “chill” girl and making sure her boyfriend’s nonchalance about altitude sickness doesn’t get him killed. She learns what it means to be a feminist, how to embrace her own voice, and when to listen to women who have been through more and have been doing the work longer.

With topics ranging from how to be the life of the party (even when you have crippling anxiety), to an ill-fated consultation with a dietician who deemed Sophia’s overindulgence in ketchup a serious health risk, to a masterful argument for why no one should judge you for having an encyclopedic knowledge of reality TV, Well, This Is Exhausting is not only “one of the funniest books you’ll read this year, but it’s also one of the most important” (Shondaland).

Loved it!

This book was an excellent mix of personal essays, memoir, and a splash of life lessons learned. It’s funny and entertaining with the right amount of depth and insights.

Sophia is inspiring

Sophia’s story is inspiring for women everywhere. As a perfectionistic, queer young adult woman, I feel everyday that everyone else has got it figured out. That everyone else is thriving in their jobs, schoolwork, friendships, and romantic relationships. Sophia destroys that thinking with her raw vulnerability with everything from eating disorders, to hookups, to battling negative self talk. If you’re looking for validation and comfort that you’re not alone, you’ve come to the right place.

Started off funny but…

I had really high hopes for this book and had it on my list to purchase for a while. The book started off pretty humorously, but it quickly turned political. I understand that an author can write whatever they choose, but I purchased this as a lighthearted listen based on the description and ended up, quitting the book halfway through.

Great storyteller

I loved the way she read the story, I thought the storyline was just okay.

love her vocabulary

I love her expanded vocabulary which is the reason I bought the book. she is funny and inspiring