I’m Just a Person

Imagine that over the course of four months, you endure a brutal and exhausting illness, you lose your mother, your relationship falls apart, and you’re diagnosed with cancer. And then imagine that your job is to make others laugh. This scenario would break most people, but instead, it made Tig Notaro a household name and helped redefine her in more ways than one.

I’m Just a Person is Tig’s journey in her own words, taking us through the repeated and unexpected heartaches of loss, the awkwardness and humiliation that comes with being ill, and all the social and personal struggles that come with either of those taxing situations. And yet, she has penned a very funny, deeply moving narrative. This isn’t emotional torture porn or blandly uplifting treacle; this is hardcore honesty and sincerity told through a hilarious, sardonic lens.

Not only is it a terrific, meaningful read, but it was a wonderful guidebook that helped me be there for a friend who endured a similar loss. Knowing what to say and what not to say is just one worthwhile lesson Tig provided amongst all those laughs and poignant words.