Magazine

Making Our Own Fun With Our Miran-ual

'Is It Just Me?' by Miranda Hart
Published October 2012 by Hodder and Stoughton

'Is it just me?' Miranda asks in her new, first, brilliant, what I call, book, wherein she outlines just a few (323 pages worth) of the most embarrassing situations of her life so-far. How are we supposed to react when we accidentally hide in a cupboard for the majority of a friend's dinner party? What are we supposed to say when the boss catches us doing a 'gymnast finish' after taking a diving roll across six giant balls of bubble wrap?

If you would rather be at home, eating biscuits on your own, than attending social events where networking is involved, then this is definitely the book for you.

I read this book, as suggested, with a cup of tea and a slice of cake, curled up in my reclining armchair (I'm twenty-five, since you ask) and it genuinely felt like I was having a good old goss with a school chum. Miranda takes us, her Dear Reader Chum, on a journey through awkward moments and embarrassing situations in the hope that we too have experienced some of the awkward moments she narrates. I have definitely been in some similar situations – not that I'm confident enough to share which!

There are laughs from beginning to end, as well as some truly touching moments when it comes to the most satisfying, loving, reliable relationship of her life – with her adorable-sounding dog, Peggy.

It's clear that Miranda is more comfortable writing sketches and screenplays than prose – she gives stage directions throughout – but they're so much a part of her character that they add to the overall cosy, chummy tone of the book.

If you're a fan of Miranda you will absolutely adore 'Is it just me?', and if you haven't seen Miranda, then you can catch up with series two at the BBC website, and then you can get hold of this book, and absolutely adore it.

'Is It Just Me?' by Miranda Hart, published October 2012 by Hodder and Stoughton, is available is available from Miranda Hart's website HERE, and all good bookshops.

Amelia Wells