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Shit, Actually

The Definitive, 100% Objective Guide to Modern Cinema

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Shit, Actually

Written by: Lindy West
Narrated by: Lindy West
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Firebrand NY Times columnist and bestselling author Lindy West unpacks the beloved rom-coms and cult classics we love in order to dissect the culture we've created.

Lindy West was once the in-house movie critic for Seattle's alternative newsweekly The Stranger, where she covered film with brutal honesty and giddy irreverence. In Shit, Actually, Lindy returns to those roots, re-examining beloved and iconic movies from the past 40 years with an eye toward the big questions of our time: Is Twilight the horniest movie in history? Why do the zebras in The Lion King trust Mufasa—WHO IS A LION—to look out for their best interests? Why did anyone bother making any more movies after The Fugitive achieved perfection? And, my god, why don't any of the women in Love, Actually ever fucking talk?!?!

From Forrest Gump, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, and Bad Boys II, to Face/Off, Top Gun, and The Notebook, Lindy combines her razor-sharp wit and trademark humor with a genuine adoration for nostalgic trash to shed new critical light on some of our defining cultural touchstones—the stories we've long been telling ourselves about who we are.

At once outrageously funny and piercingly incisive, Shit, Actually reminds us to pause and ask, "How does this movie hold up?", all while teaching us how to laugh at the things we love without ever letting them or ourselves off the hook.

Shit, Actually is a love letter and a break-up note all in one: to the films that shaped us and the ones that ruined us. More often than not, Lindy finds, they're one and the same.

One of the "Best Books of 2020" by NPR's Book Concierge**Your Favorite Movies, Re-Watched** Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Gender Studies Social Sciences Entertainment Witty Funny

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What the critics say

BookRiot, "Book Recommendations for October 2020"
Fortune, "Five New Books to Read in October"
SeattleMet, "11 Localish Books to Read This Autumn"
Up News Info, "5 new books to read in October"
"TWO THUMBS UP."—SAMANTHAIRBY
"Oh God, I hope something I make is skewered by Lindy West--what an honor!"—ELIZABETHBANKS
"It's annoying how many good, funny, and laser-precise books Lindy has written. Here's another damn great book! It's the opposite of shit, actually."—AIDYBRYANT
"[A] laugh out loud romp... [these essays are] warmhearted, acutely self-aware, and surprisingly timely, providing insight into modern society through movies first sold on VHS... Like catching up with a dear and funny friend, this insightful and irreverent book is a soothing balm for turbulent times."—Kirkus Reviews
"Queen of keenly observed, hilariously rendered cultural criticism, West offers this delicious distraction from reality....a cathartic, joyful exploration of entertainment....in true West form she reads like your smartest, funniest, and warmest friend. A perfect blend of substance, escapism, and laughter - a gift from West to the rest of us."—Booklist Review (starred)
"It's a no-holds-barred romp through modern movie-making."—LitHub
"[A] hilarious, sharp collection..."—BookRiot
"In our opinion, Lindy West is the ultimate authority, and we agree with her on all matters--including her assessments of beloved iconic movies... Shit, Actually is the ultimate read for the pop culture-obsessed."—Hello Giggles
All stars
Most Relevant
Has a book ever made me laugh so hard and brought me so much joy? I have listened to this more than any book I own. It is a true gem. Sometimes I listen to it to go to sleep and giggle myself to sleep. Thanks Lindy for making something so awesome.

Hilarious, timeless, my favorite

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I laughed out loud so often that I had to stop listening while exercising. It was too hard to breath.

Hilarious escapism

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The author/narrator was hilarious. She captured amazing summaries of great movies, and also pointed out serious flaws in plot and diversity. Highly recommend!

I'm a new fan!

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Kept me company and made me laugh, but at times sounded like my ex reading tweets out loud for me before bed. At least it didn’t gradually settle for a shit job and abandon our relationship. The ending was as good as the beginning, very good pace, unlike my last relationship. I guess good feminist satire will always be better company than any cis man - even if it vaguely reminds you of an ex.

9/10 DVDs of The Fugitive

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This book is ABSOLOUTE PERFECTION - I loved every single chapter in this one from start to finish. Lindy West is insanely funny, and honestly I couldn't have rated these films better myself. I listened to this one on audio, which I think just elevated the hilarity of the critiques - I spent hours literally laughing out loud, crying with laughter at some points. More often than not I immediately archive my audio books when I finish them, but this one is staying permanently in my library as I cannot WAIT to listen to it again.

Insanely Funny!

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