Ellen DeGeneres has a new book, Seriously…I’m Kidding  and the hilarity begins on the cover. She begins by noting that instead of having famous author quotes complementing the book, she will instead praise the reader. “That is a beautiful blouse you’re wearing. It goes so nicely with this book.”

Released in November, this is DeGeneres’s third comedy novel full of jokes and short stories. Its contents include Ellen effortlessly joking about her new undertakings—being a Cover Girl, her brief time working on American Idol, and hosting her talk show. She includes a bucket list; the first item is “Buy more buckets.”

With a narrative about ‘The Secret of Life’ (it just says Kale), mock journal entries, yoga, being late, quips, and haikus, Ellen adds her sense of humor to everyday topics. If you are looking for a lighthearted book and heaps of laughs, Seriously…I’m Kidding is a great read. There are stories and jokes for everyone, including coloring pages for kids—seriously. And who doesn’t want to read a chapter titled ‘Random Things That Might Help You But Probably Won’t’?

Ellen has a page devoted to making a pros and cons list of pros and cons, and you’ll be chuckling at her comedic perspective on the world through her trademark ramblings. Though occasionally lacking a laugh out loud moment, this unique and refreshing celebrity memoir, which is less like a memoir and more like a combination of monologues, allows the genuine, vibrant Ellen shine through beautifully.

Beneath the witty remarks, DeGeneres has implicit messages for love, common sense and positivity, while keeping the tone lighthearted and adding a comedic twist. Being a prominent member of the gay community, DeGeneres briefly mentions her marriage to Portia de Rossi, discussing how they have a normal relationship like anyone else. In the book, Ellen answers the long anticipated question about if the couple, who have been married for over three years, are going to have children. She also teases Portia for her many lotions. “Each kind says it has something special in it for your skin—aloe, shea butter, coconut, cocoa butter, vanilla, lemon extract. That’s not lotion. That’s one ingredient short of a Bundt cake.”

Between ‘Ellen’s Guide to Gift Giving’ and ‘Gambling Tips’, this outrageous book will keep you giggling and chuckling throughout. As the bio at the end mentions, “She currently hosts The Ellen DeGeneres Show and has hosted both the Academy Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards. She would host you for dinner if she got to know you better.” After reading this book, I wish she would host me for dinner too!

Harper Collins Austalia

$26.99

By Gabrielle Deimeke