Sexy Life, Hello

As a seasoned book reviewer and an avid lover of sharp, original storytelling, I can confidently say Sexy Life, Hello by Michelle Kicherer is one of the most captivating reads I’ve come across in a long time. This darkly comedic novella is a whirlwind of reinvention, absurdity, and biting cultural commentary wrapped in a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud package.

At its heart, the story follows Jane, a former teacher who finds herself in two wildly different yet oddly complementary jobs: nannying for twin toddlers and ghost-sexting for a famous porn star. It’s an outrageous premise, but Kicherer’s execution makes it feel not only plausible but deeply engaging. The duality of Jane’s life—caring for small children while simultaneously stepping into a fantasy world of erotic text exchanges—creates a tension that is both hilarious and thought-provoking.

Kicherer’s writing balances humor with an unflinching look at the commodification of sex, the blurred boundaries of digital identity, and the sheer unpredictability of modern life. Jane is a protagonist you can’t help but root for—relatable, messy, and perpetually trying to navigate a life that keeps throwing unexpected (and often ridiculous) challenges her way. The supporting characters, from her endearingly blunt friend Curly to the ever-polished yet enigmatic Lola (the porn star Jane ghostwrites for), add richness to the narrative, making every scene pop with personality and wit​.

Beyond the humor and absurdity, Sexy Life, Hello delves into deeper themes of self-discovery and agency. Jane’s journey is one of questioning societal expectations, pushing against the limits of her own comfort, and redefining what success and fulfillment mean to her. The novel cleverly critiques our obsession with celebrity culture, the performance of sexuality, and the often-unseen labor behind digital personas.

What impressed me most was Kicherer’s ability to weave moments of genuine poignancy into a story that could have easily been pure satire. There are passages that resonate on an emotional level, making Jane’s struggles feel universal even when they’re unfolding in the most unconventional circumstances.

If you enjoy books that are bold, witty, and unafraid to explore the weirder corners of contemporary life, Sexy Life, Hello is a must-read. It’s brilliant, subversive, and delightfully unfiltered—a novella that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.