I'm Laughing Because I'm Crying
 | |
| Author | Youngmi Mayer |
|---|---|
| Genre | Memoir |
| Publisher | Little, Brown and Company |
| Publication date | November 12, 2024 |
| Pages | 256 |
| ISBN | 978-0-316-56923-1 |
I'm Laughing Because I'm Crying is a 2024 debut memoir by comedian Youngmi Mayer, published by Little, Brown. It follows Mayer's childhood as a biracial Korean American growing up in Saipan and her experiences as a single mother in New York City, among other parts of her life and identity.[1]
Critical reception
Publishers Weekly wrote that Mayer "blends wit and wisdom in this charming account of growing up biracial in Korea and Saipan," calling it "the arrival of a promising new voice."[2] Kirkus Reviews praised the memoir's treatment of Korean history and culture, writing that "if you can tolerate the use of words as a blunt instrument, this challenging book has a lot to say."[3]
Los Angeles Times called the book "indeed funny" but found that it also "offers trenchant and often painful observations, on growing up mixed race, the suicide crisis in South Korea, and the pervasiveness of white supremacy."[4]
The San Francisco Chronicle called Mayer "outrageously funny" and praised "the book's most rewarding quality: its brutal honesty."[5]
The Rumpus said that "Mayer's unique, bicultural perspective on what makes a good joke is what makes the book compelling...This intercultural awareness and intellectual nimbleness facilitated humor and empathy in equal measure."[6]
References
- ↑ "I'm Laughing Because I'm Crying". Hachette Book Group. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ "I'm Laughing Because I'm Crying: A Memoir by Youngmi Mayer". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ "I'm Laughing Because I'm Crying". Kirkus Reviews. 2024. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ Vognar, Chris (2024-11-23). "Her memoir offers painful observations on growing up. She wants you to laugh while crying". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ Burling, Alexis (2024-11-15). "Review: Comedian Youngmi Mayer spills all her dirt in memoir". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ Copperud, Deborah (2024-11-25). ""I Think Everything Can Be Funny": A Conversation with Youngmi Mayer". The Rumpus. Retrieved 2026-04-11.