So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know

'This book feels like a real conversation. When we enter Retta's world we are at the best party and in the hands of a gracious, self-perceptive, and deeply hilarious host.' — Amy Poehler

This program is read by the author.

In this hilarious audiobook essay collection, Parks and Recreation star Retta shares the stories that led to her success in Hollywood.

In So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know, Parks and Recreation star Retta takes us on her not-so-meteoric rise from roaches to riches (well, rich enough that she can buy $15,000 designer handbags yet scared enough to know she’s always a heartbeat away from ramen with American cheese).

Throwing her hard-working Liberian parents through a loop, Retta abandons her plan to attend med school after graduating Duke University to move to Hollywood to star in her own sitcom—like her comedy heroes Lucille Ball and Roseanne.

Say what? Word. Turns out Retta might actually be on to something. After winning Comedy Central’s stand-up competition, she should be ready for prime time—but a fear of success derails her biggest dream.

Whether reminiscing about her days as a contract chemist at GlaxoSmithKline, telling “dirty” jokes to Mormons, feeling like the odd man out on Parks, fending off racist trolls on Twitter, flirting with Michael Fassbender, or expertly stalking the cast of 'Hamilton,' Retta’s unique voice and refreshing honesty will make you laugh, cry, and laugh so hard you’ll cry.

Her eponymous sitcom might not have happened yet, but by the end of So Close to Being the Sh*t, listeners will be rooting for Retta to be the next one-named wonder to take over your television. And she just might inspire you to reach for the stars, too.

More Praise for So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know:

'Two things — 1) Don't yell 'Treat Yo Self' at Retta if you see her in person, a lot of people have done that already, just whisper it to yourself and give her a thumbs up. That'd be cool. 2) Check out her book. Stop reading this quote and buy it already, boo boo.' — Aziz Ansari, bestselling author of Modern Romance

'Hollywood has no more honest, hilarious, or necessary guide than Retta. If her tweets aren't enough, get ready for the fullness of her vision — you're gonna laugh. You're gonna think. You're gonna be hella glad you came.' — Lena Dunham, star of Girls and bestselling author of Not That Kind of Girl

'Reading this book is like having the best coffee date with the life-long friend I wish I had. Retta makes me laugh and feel so hard.' — America Ferrara