I'm a Lot: Surviving Myself and All the People I've Been

by Alison Leiby

In this witty, absurd, and surprisingly moving memoir-in-essays, comedian Alison Leiby unpacks the multitudes women are told to be—and the joy of refusing to pick just one.

Have you ever frozen when someone asks, "So, tell me about yourself?" If so, take a page from I'm a Lot. Alison Leiby proudly embraces many Housewives stan. Discount shopaholic. Former jock. Happily single. Childless by choice and proud cat mom. Through these different roles and identities, Leiby reveals her hard-earned wisdom about what it's like to be a woman who does it all (except the things that make her say "uh, no thank you.")

When she was nineteen years old, a complication from back surgery left Leiby on her deathbed. After a surprising recovery, you might assume Leiby was ready to seize life by the you-know-what's. But instead of letting this one miraculous experience define her, Leiby's brush with death made her realize there is nothing more beautiful in this life than just getting to be yourself. And while women are still expected to conform to many patriarchal labels, Leiby ignores the pressure to be palatable and instead champions all the joyful, weird, and complicated selves she brings to the world.

In fourteen personal essays full of deadpan jokes, tender moments of candid introspection, and insightful social commentary, Leiby explores what it really means to occupy various identities in the modern age. She ditches the manufactured Instagram persona to show that sometimes the puzzle pieces don’t always fit to create a perfect picture but that doesn't mean we are incomplete.

Genres: Essays, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Laura Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an impressive book of essays by a true millennial eighties baby. Though I have older half-siblings, I was raised like an only child, so I related deeply to Alison’s need for solitude. She’s been through medical hell as well, having nearly died at 19 and faced similarly horrible health issues just a few short years later. She writes about terrifying experiences with humor and wit, and I absolutely see why she was a great addition to the writer’s room on THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL. She describes the ways women’s pain is not taken seriously. She also has some interesting essays about writing comedy during the 2016 election cycle and breaking up with Twitter after a certain billionaire ruined it. This is exactly the sort of memoir I am always looking out for.

[Mikey ಠ◡ಠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to "know" Alison and her work through the podcast she co-hosts called Ruined and, you guys, not to brag or anything but I was familiar with a lot of these stories because Alison has told them on the podcast. If any of y'all want more Alison, I recommend it! Also it's just a really funny and enjoyable podcast and who doesn't love a podcast rec from a stranger on the internet?

I always feel kind of strange rating someone's memoir because who tf do I think I am to rate someone's opinions and stories about their own life? Seems weird to me but I'm doing it anyway. 🤷‍♀️ I do find Alison (sorry usually I try to refer to authors as "the author" but having listened to the podcast for years now unfortunately the parasocial brain worm is just in there, making me feel like I "know " her so sorry y'all) to be highly relatable in her essays and laugh out loud funny. And a lot of what she wrote, made me feel less alone and less weird about who I am as a person. And oh my god, thank you for reminding me of Xanga! I had one and it was so, SO embarrassing! I still think there needs to be a whole essay about her cat, Rizz, but maybe that's for a future book?

I think this is a good book to read if you want to laugh and be entertained and maybe have someone help you feel a little less alone. Also, Alison, even though I'm positive you wanted me to, I'm still sorry I laughed out loud while reading about your abortion.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved, Loved, LOVED Alison Leiby's "I'm A Lot." I had no idea who she was before reading her memoir. I am just a biography/memoir junkie and will pick up anything in this genre that looks interesting. But, it was one of the best ones I have read in quite a while, mostly because she writes like a Real Person and not just as a kinda-celebrity with an inspiring story to tell.
There is an entire chapter on why Leiby believes Bravo, and particularly the Real Housewives, do not rot your brain. There is a chapter on her personal internal debate on to-have vs not-to-have kids, as well as on her internal struggle between being everything to a friend during the run-up to friend's wedding vs accepting a dream opportunity that may never appear again.
Woven throughout the book is Leiby's underlying story of living through decades with chronic pain and her many related back surgeries, as well as the work she put in to "making it" in the world she loved.
The reader finds themself rooting for her, cringing with her, getting furious with her, and wanting to jump-up-and-down hug her with Negroni in hand (heck with spilling it on the carpet). And, Leiby's experiences in "I'm A Lot" might also make you look at your own actions and biases about little things that you never realized might really be bigger things before.
Very Highly recommended

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy!

I know of Alison from her podcast, Ruined. She is a delight on that show and in clips I’ve seen of her standup. I knew that this would be funny, and it is, but I wasn’t it to be as poignant as it is. Alison breaks down her memoir into chapters that each cover something that defines her. It certainly helped that I found myself relating to her in many chapters (as a political, childfree only child), but I was really enthralled with her chapters on her chronic health issues. She had talked about some of it on the podcast but not to this extent.

The biggest reason why this memoir works is because it involves actual reflection on one’s life and choices. I have read some memoirs where I feel like the author is just regurgitating stories without taking time to really give us insight into them. But Alison is able to weave reflection and humor into serious (and not serious!) topics.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, Alison? I know you don't know me, but just FYI, you're my new bestie (best friend tier, that is)!

I loved this collection of essays and identified with SO much of it. I, too, had back surgery for a herniated disc last month. I was not conflicted at all about having a necessary medical procedure! I love the Housewives! I desperately wanted to work at Random House, but unfortunately they didn't hire me. I was never an athlete and I'm not single and child-free, but I definitely have fantasized about being all those things! Let's get a drink!

For anyone else who feels like they're a lot in any way, this book of essays is for you! It will make you laugh and feel seen. Thank you, BFF, for writing it!

Thank you to Random House, via NetGalley, for this ARC. I'm still a tiny bit salty that you didn't hire me as an editorial assistant decades ago, but I love you anyway!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Wow Alison has been through so much and has lived so many lives! Beginning with her childhood we learn about how sports became her identity and when one would end she would jump into the next until her body began to tell her otherwise. From her early college years until now, Alison has had the unfortunately experiences of life long chronic pain and the nuances of back surgery and impacts into her day to day life. Another random essay tucked into the end was around Bravo, and as a bravo addict myself, I greatly appreciated her recaps, especially Luanne of RHONY. So many funny essays, tied along with health concerns that frustrate you as a reader to know what she had to go through to get the right care she needed, and ultimately her acceptance of who she is today.

[Randi A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Leiby’s work in the past, and this deeply personal memoir lived up to high expectations. As a fellow New Yorker, only child, cat mom, child free by choice millennial, I related so hard to so many of these essays. I appreciated how they were pieced to really pull the audience in and the subsequent chapters built off earlier stories. My only hard disagreement was that Bravo fans have it better than Bachelor Nation - the golden age of The Bachelor captivated the country in a way Bravo just can’t 🤷🏼‍♀️

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Colleen Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful collection of essays covering unique topics that I haven't seen covered in other books.

Alison is a millennial comedienne, and takes us through some of the situations life has handed her: a childhood of sports, being childless, living in NYC, being an only child. The essays are well written, the topics deeply explored from Ms Leiby's unique lens, and are also hilarious. She had me lol-ing through post-op pain.

Being around the same age as the author, I found comfort in some of the references and topics from a similar childhood, but I think these essays would resonate with readers of all ages.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley

[kiersten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you a million to Random House, The Dial Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy. I must admit, I did judge a book by its title when I made my request.

This may have been one of my favorite memoirs to date. Broken up into chapters based on subject, told in essay format, this book was such a treat. Honestly it makes me want to watch The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I hope to see Alison Leiby more often in media, or maybe I am in the wrong corners (very possible).