Why Not Me

Hollywood starlet Mindy Kaling Kaling shares her ongoing, laugh-out-loud journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life.

Hollywood starlet Mindy Kaling shares her ongoing, laugh-out-loud journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life.

This is the story of perseverance, strength, trials and tribulations of a first generation Czech whose parents escaped Prague in 1968. It was during the Warsaw Pact when the Russian military invaded Prague, Czechoslovakia, in order to promote communism. Without a father in my life to help me become a man and with a mother who struggled most of her adult life with paranoid delusional schizophrenia, I was left alone to grow up. I started in foster homes, angry, confused and lacking answers to several questions about my life. At eleven years old I became hooked on drugs and alcohol and was on my way to becoming a criminal. I was brought up on the streets of Vancouver and had many encounters with the authorities, so was heading to a place I really didn't want to go. Instead of going to jail I tried to enlist in the Canadian Army, and with a letter of intent I was saved from a life behind bars. In a surprising turn, I was denied joining the Canadian Forces because of my lack of education. I took advantage of the situation and decided to change my life. By the time I was 22, the deaths of 12 people around me challenged me to escape the world I once knew and search for a new, better life. I met a beautiful older woman, fell in love again and started a family. Not much time went by until I was tested once again by the break up of my family. Soon afterwards I was introduced to an exquisitely fantastic English lady and a wonderfully talented acting coach who is so friendly, patient and understanding. I eventually overcame the challenging demons of my past. After 18 months of acting classes I started as an extra, then in theatre and commercials. Now, I am an actor. I immerse myself into taking any roles that are put in front of me. My life turned around and seemed to be more manageable. And being distracted by new challenges left me feeling useful and contented. My construction career became another stage. I worked on some of the biggest projects in British Columbia history. At the age of twenty I was hired as a labourer for a gas company in Victoria, British Columbia. There was a mad panic to get every commercial and residential building hooked up to natural gas. I took advantage of every opportunity and gradually started operating equipment. I had my sights on the big jobs, big equipment, even bigger paychecks, to where I would work for some of the biggest companies in the world and on the largest projects in the province. This was just another persona I undertook. I eventually became an actor, author, journeyman excavator operator, foreman, security person, bodybuilder, usher, host, volunteer, world traveller. I am an advocate for positive reinforcement of oneself. Everyone has a story to tell, how many chapters is up to you.

Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck–impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence “Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I’ll shut up about it?” Perhaps you want to know what Mindy thinks makes a great best friend (someone who will fill your prescription in the middle of the night), or what makes a great guy (one who is aware of all elderly people in any room at any time and acts accordingly), or what is the perfect amount of fame (so famous you can never get convicted of murder in a court of law), or how to maintain a trim figure (you will not find that information in these pages). If so, you’ve come to the right book, mostly! In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls. Mindy Kaling really is just a Girl Next Door—not so much literally anywhere in the continental United States, but definitely if you live in India or Sri Lanka. This enhanced eBook includes an audio introduction from the author; audio commentary from Mindy’s friends, including The Office costar B. J. Novak and Parks and Recreation creator Michael Schur; bonus photos, including an exclusive “Avalanche of Awkwardness” slideshow of never-before-seen childhood photos with audio commentary; and three full chapters read by the author.

When his father is stricken with Alzheimer's, Michael Rosenheim begins to read about his father's life in old journals, only to discover that his father had reinvented himself during the Second World War and hidden his dubious past.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In this hilarious instant classic, the creator of The Mindy Project and Never Have I Ever invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood. “[Kaling is] like Tina Fey’s cool little sister. Or perhaps . . . the next Nora Ephron.”—The New York Times Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck–impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence “Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I’ll shut up about it?” Perhaps you want to know what Mindy thinks makes a great best friend (someone who will fill your prescription in the middle of the night), or what makes a great guy (one who is aware of all elderly people in any room at any time and acts accordingly), or what is the perfect amount of fame (so famous you can never get convicted of murder in a court of law), or how to maintain a trim figure (you will not find that information in these pages). If so, you’ve come to the right book, mostly! With several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? proves that Mindy Kaling really is just a Girl Next Door—not so much literally anywhere in the continental United States, but definitely if you live in India or Sri Lanka. Praise for Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? “Where have you been all our lives, Mindy?”—Glamour “Who wouldn’t want to hang out with Mindy Kaling? . . . [Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?] is like a mash note to comedy nerds.”—Time Out New York “Very funny.”—Boston Globe

Bear likes going to the beach, but Chipmunk says "Not me!" in this Guided Reading Level D story, perfect for beginning readers. Summer is here, and Bear and Chipmunk are headed to the beach. Bear likes the sun, and the sand, and swimming. But Chipmunk doesn't. The sun is too bright, the waves are so big, and the big fish are scary when you're so small! Full of humor, Valeri Gorbachev's colorful illustrations add detail and help support understanding of the text—and they're sure to make young readers laugh, as Bear floats serenely past Chipmunk, who's stuck upside-down in a float. "Why did you come?" asks Bear finally, as Chipmunk tries to help collect their things. "I came to be with you," replies Chipmunk. Sometimes it doesn't matter what you're doing—as long as you're with your friends! Bear and Chipmunk enjoy winter weather, too, in Me Too!, another I Like to Read® book. The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own! Suitable for late kindergarten readers, Level D books feature wider vocabulary, longer sentences, and greater variety in sentence structure than levels A, B, and C. When Level D is mastered, follow up with Level E.

The dramatic rise and dizzying fall of Al Franken, the first Jewish president of the United States. From the first days of the Franken campaign as the candidate pledges 'to walk the state of New Hampshire, diagonally and then from side to side' as Al, aided by his covering sex addict and alcoholic deputy campaign manager, stuns the pundits by defeating Al Gore for the democratic nomination, then is swept into office carrying all fifty states. But from that moment of triumph it's downhill all the way...

For readers searching for more happiness and more success comes Why Not Me? The Keys to Unlock Your Power and Release Your Potential, a tenable and wise approach to getting the most from life by Mark Meincke. If the old adage seek and you shall find has any merit, this self-help guide is the perfect place to begin discovering the watershed of intuition, faith and harmony within oneself. Incredibly readable and deeply felt, this powerful guide helps readers overcome obstacles that are often self-imposed and always restricting in order for each person to reach their highest potential-no matter who they are or how old they might be. In five chapters, like "Understanding Your Purpose," "The Tools to Realize Your Purpose" and "The Wisdom to Maximize Your Potential," the author breaks down the world within to unleash the forces of soul-stuff and character. "Why not me" says it all to which the question becomes, simply, if not now, then when? Begin your life today.

Why Not Me?!? aims to inspire readers to drop every fear and follow their heart and soul to live the life of their dreams. Small’s true story balances personal experiences with spiritual lessons and guidance, and highlights what a year on Maui taught her about living her dreams with the goal of showing others the possibilities for them to do the same.

Inside this epic how-to book by the legendary Top Model Billy Jones, he simply and honestly answers the questions that every aspiring artist needs to know: How do I get started in professional modeling? What are the requirements for models in today's marketplace? How do I choose the right photographer, makeup artist, hair stylist and fashion stylist for myself? How important is it to have a professional portfolio and Comp Card to pass out to clients and potential clients? What are my realistic chances of success? How do I flip an interview to showcase my skills, talent and passion? How do I know this is my vocation? How much money can I expect to make and are there any guarantees of employment? Can I maintain my integrity and make a successful living? He goes above and beyond answering these questions to provide insight into the real modeling game and how it is played. He includes eighteen (18) tips and thirty-one (31) written and unwritten rules designed to keep you from being fired on your first day of a photo shoot and to help you flourish in the industry. And most importantly, Billy shows you how to answer the ultimate question..."Why Not Me?"

If you're eager to have a baby, doesn't the title say enough? Laugh, cry, share, relate - LOVE this book and all it offers to your soul. It's wit, wisdom and warmth from an author you'll quickly see as your sincere fertility-challenged friend. This information-packed, inspiring story is for women who are struggling with infertility and for those trying to support them. Enjoy an easy-reading journey you'll remember throughout life. Overwhelmed at the idea of dealing with friends' baby showers, insurance, husbands, needles, tears, heartbreak and surprises? This book captures it all in a delightful way that's packed full of truths and challenges to keep you moving forward. Indulge in a journey - reading this book - that will have you throwing your head back in laughter, curling up in the comfort of feeling understood, having raw honesty give you permission to be exactly who you are. Indulge. You deserve this! Get one for your best friend and your mom too.

Ruthlessly honest memoir of a widow's pain in coming to terms with the death of her husband. This haunting memoir of grief recounts the death from cancer of Nick Clarke, much-loved BBC radio presenter of THE WORLD AT ONE - and the aftermath - from his widow Barbara's point of view. With painful honesty, Barbara lays open her ambivalent feelings about the illness as it progressed, and her instinctive fear that this would be the end. As he got sicker, her fear grew, until he died an unfeasibly short time after his diagnosis. Barbara chronicles in unflinching prose her life after his death. A howl of anguish and anger, she describes how many of her friends and colleagues don't call, and don't offer support - how alone she is, and how she struggles to explain the unexplainable to her young twin sons. She has a breakdown, and a short-lived relationship (met with condemnation from some of her friends), but knows the process of dealing with her grief is barely beginning. A ruthlessly honest dissection of a widow's pain, this book is also a love story - an uncomfortably raw, utterly compelling memoir which ends without resolution; its author still fighting to come to terms with the hand life has dealt her.

Winner of American Library Association Schneider Family Book Award! Bobby Phillips is an average fifteen-year-old-boy. Until the morning he wakes up and can't see himself in the mirror. Not blind, not dreaming-Bobby is just plain invisible. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to Bobby's new condition; even his dad the physicist can't figure it out. For Bobby that means no school, no friends, no life. He's a missing person. Then he meets Alicia. She's blind, and Bobby can't resist talking to her, trusting her. But people are starting to wonder where Bobby is. Bobby knows that his invisibility could have dangerous consequences for his family and that time is running out. He has to find out how to be seen again-before it's too late.

Why Not Me is a personal memoir and self help guide that chronicles the life journey of Jason Brader, CSCS. Jason is an entrepreneur, inventor, coach, and motivational speaker who shares his life's story and teaches different strategies that helped him overcome the loss of both of his parents to cancer while in high school, overcome addiction, and pursue his goal of becoming a collegiate strength coach. Jason's unique life story is motivating and provides tools that will help you maximize your true potential. This book chronicles his journey from A-Z and provides a framework on how to overcome anything that's thrown your way. Regardless of what stage of life you are in, this book is a must read to help you maximize your performance. You will be asking, "WHY NOT ME" and utilize the same motivational techniques as Jason to reach your goals.

Oftentimes we face challenges or problems. We may ask ourselves, why did this happen? Why is this happening to me? Why God, why me? Because of God's love for us, why not ask why NOT me? When we are able to come through life's challenges not only will our faith grow, but our tests will be a testimony of encouragement to others.. God will use our testimony to bring others to Christ. The challenges of life can be a growing process for us, if we look at them as a way to gain wisdom and grow in our faith. When God created us he created us for a specific purpose. As we navigate through life our challenges will help to shape our lives for the better. When we discover our passion in life, we are on the right path to our destiny. The way others look at us will be a reflection of what's inside of us. As we go through life's challenges, we need to realize that we can take our burdens to the Lord. There is no situation that we face that is impossible for God. Our love for God should not be based on what he can do for us or what he can give us. But we are to honor him for who he is. Powerful, Awesome, Loving, Holy and Mighty. Everything that we have belongs to God, when we put things in their right place in our lives and honor God, he'll bless us with all we need. Every challenge, test or situation we face is so much easier when we seek the spirit of God for guidance. Through that we'll have the strength we need to endure whatever comes our way. As we face the challenges of life, we should not complain because our walk with Christ will bring us to some valley and mountain experiences. These experiences will help us to grow spiritually. Last we are to face the challenges of life, knowing we have God on our side. He's there when family or friends leave you. Be encouraged and know that you don't have to go into the battles of life alone.

A NEW EDITION UPDATED IN 2020 • Why is it so hard to say "I made a mistake" — and really believe it? When we make mistakes, cling to outdated attitudes, or mistreat other people, we must calm the cognitive dissonance that jars our feelings of self-worth. And so, unconsciously, we create fictions that absolve us of responsibility, restoring our belief that we are smart, moral, and right—a belief that often keeps us on a course that is dumb, immoral, and wrong. Backed by decades of research, Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) offers a fascinating explanation of self-justification—how it works, the damage it can cause, and how we can overcome it. Extensively updated, this third edition has many recent and revealing examples, including the application of dissonance theory to divisive social issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement and he said/she said claims. It also features a new chapter that illuminates how cognitive dissonance is playing a role in the currently polarized political scene, changing the nation’s values and putting democracy itself at risk. “Every page sparkles with sharp insight and keen observation. Mistakes were made—but not in this book!” —Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness “A revelatory study of how lovers, lawyers, doctors, politicians—and all of us—pull the wool over our own eyes . . . Reading it, we recognize the behavior of our leaders, our loved ones, and—if we’re honest—ourselves, and some of the more perplexing mysteries of human nature begin to seem a little clearer.” —Francine Prose, O, The Oprah Magazine

Mandy McMillan was not a fighter. She was ordinary: a hairdresser, a party girl, a bit of a coward when it came to all things medical. The worst she'd ever fought was a cold. Then she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 27 - the second in her group of five friends to be struck down by the disease. She'd had a one in 1,900 chance of getting it. Her cancer was incurable; chemotherapy almost killed her, her body was so ravaged that she almost gave up, but Mandy battled on. Her one stroke of good fortune? The arrival of new wonder-drug, Herceptin. Then a miracle happened: Mandy gave birth to Britain's first Herceptin baby, a little girl conceived, carried and born to a mum on long-term treatment. A drug saved Mandy McMillan, now a daughter called Holly is keeping her alive. And she will fight every single day to see her child grow up.