By Robyn Rossit
Content warning: drug use, antisemitism
Yearbook by Seth Rogen was by far the funniest book I have read this year. Told through a collection of true stories/essays, the reader is taken on a journey through Rogen's childhood, his career, and everywhere in between. Fans of Seth Rogen's comedy, or even fans of comedy in general, will probably find themselves chuckling while reading Yearbook. The book is written in a very casual and down-to-earth manner that feels more conversational than formal.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was realizing how much the movie Superbad parallels Rogen's high school experience. I kind of knew that going in, but I don't think I truly realized the extent of it, right down to quite a few of the characters being named after real people. He also tells some hilarious stories about awkward encounters with other famous people including Kanye West and Nicolas Cage. Oh, to be a fly on the wall the next time he runs into them.
Unsurprisingly, a lot of Seth's stories do centre around drug use and the antics he has gotten into as a result. Even at the most inappropriate of times, his stories are still just as thoughtful as they are funny. He manages to touch on deeper topics such as his Jewish heritage and the antisemitism that he has experienced throughout his life.
Although I read the physical copy of this book, I am already eager to experience it again as an audiobook. Seth, along with some family and friends, narrate it, which sounds like it will further enhance the reader's experience. Rogen certainly writes true to his voice, because even reading the physical book had me imagining him reading it to me.
Overall, if you're a fan of Seth Rogen, you will probably enjoy Yearbook. It would be the perfect read to cheer you up on a gloomy day because making people laugh is what Rogen does best. He is a natural born storyteller and it shows.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.