From Booklist *Starred Review* Here’s all you really need to know about Chelsea Handler, straight from the girl herself: “It is not lost on me that my life has become ridiculous.” Handler, star of her own late-night TV show, Chelsea Lately, and best-selling author of three previous titles, including Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea (2008), takes readers on her travels; each adventure can only be described as a total shit show. Absurdity reigns, from a safari in Africa, where the only ones getting penetrated (her favorite word) are the hundreds of baboons at the lodge, to the Bahamas, where after eight days in Africa without a bowel movement, Handler finally lets loose into an innocent kayak. The U.S. is not left unscathed, either. At most times, Handler is surrounded by her friends—let’s face it, she wouldn’t survive on her own—and Chunk, a half-German, half-Asian dog that she believes to be the reincarnation of her dead mother. As long as someone can make a decent margarita, and there’s Xanax on hand, Handler is just fine—although the same can’t be said for the people she encounters. The final chapters really have nothing to do with travel and feel less connected to the rest of the book; in Handler’s defense, she was probably drunk by this point in the writing process. But if you’re one of the millions who enjoy Handler’s sarcastic, self-deprecating humor (and her tendency to be pantless), then you may just pee yourself laughing as she humiliates herself from Montenegro to Telluride. Unfortunately—really unfortunately—photos weren’t available at the time of review, but based on the shenanigans described, they have a ton of potential. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Who’s not watching Chelsea Lately at 11/10c? --Ann Kelley Read more About the Author Chelsea Handler is the star of her own late-night talk show on E!, Chelsea Lately, and E!'s comedy series After Lately, as well as the #1 bestselling author of Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang; Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea; and My Horizontal Life. Read more
E**.
Traveling with Chelsea
This is definitely the weakest of Chelsea Handler's books currently released books, and it's also a bit different. There aren't many tales of Chelsea's sexual exploits. Instead, UGANDA BE KIDDING ME is comprised of tales of Chelsea's traveling "adventures," starting with her safari trips in Africa (hence the title). Unfortunately, most of the tales, while amusing, weren't really that funny to me. She demonstrates how clueless she is and some stupid predicaments she gets into the more privileged she gets. Instead of cheering her on (like in the previous novels), I wanted to tell her to grow up. Sadly, I don't think I laughed out loud at Chelsea's musings once (unlike her friend Heather McDonald's latest). Ironically, I *did* LOL at her friend "Schmitney Schummings'" observations about Chelsea in UGANDA.If you're a big Chelsea Handler fan, it's worth a read, but if not, this isn't the book to start with.P.S. I'd also like to point out that the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, has some pretty crappy editors on staff. I noticed lots of typos, double (repeated) paragraphs, etc. in the hardcover 1st edition. This is your best work? Seriously? Uganda be kidding me.
J**D
More of the same from Chelsea
The least interesting of Chelsea’s books. Quite honestly I found myself bored. Her sense of humor has gotten a little stale and it’s kind of sad to see a woman her age acting so foolishly and be so proud of it. If you’re looking to capture the magic of her early books you’ll be disappointed.
B**B
honest, witty and random
This book is essentially a smattering of random life events with about half the book themed with travel. I found her honesty about herself and her friends and family really refreshing because honestly, as crazy as she may seem, she has a level of awareness that is strangely refreshing. What I found interesting is that maybe the anecdotal parts of the stories were embellished or exaggerated for effect, but ironically often in a way that would make her appear worse or more at fault for her transgressions. I mention this because there were differences from these stories in the book to on her standup special and in interviews. Chelsea Handler has a way of allowing you into her mind and her thought process which again is pretty ironic when compared to her stories of being such a liar as a child and even now. Ultimately it was interesting reading about a fairly eccentric person who is obviously trying to do more for herself and seems to have a very generous spirit and nostalgic and kind heart. Her sharp and biting remarks or sarcastic quips are a stark comparison to her extreme closeness with her friends and strong emotional ties with her sister. If it sounds as though I'm reviewing the author and not the book, that's because in this case I think they're synonymous. You really get a glimpse into how a very unique person's mind works.
D**S
Chelsea Handler delivered again.
Let me start by saying that I am a huge Chelsea Handler fan, and have been for years. I bought this book with excitement, and I was not disappointed. Her style is raw and funny, and she doesn't mince words. I usually take three or so weeks (reading in the evenings for a short time) to read a book, I'm pretty sure this was completely finished in three days. Her travels to Africa make a great backdrop for her shenanigans, and it was interesting to get to know a bit more about her real life friends. I hope she will come out with another book soon.
C**S
Funny book
Chelsea wrote another funny book that focuses on her travels around the world. Her stories are hit and miss in that some of them are hilarious, while others are just mildly entertaining. I bought a copy of the first printing and there were major editing errors. One of the most notable was two identical paragraphs right next to each other and then of course several spelling errors and other common things that should have been spotted. I would hope that in the later editions these have been corrected.
F**D
No, no, no...
I love, love, love Chelsea as a person. But some of the stories are a bit contrived and unbelievable. Despite her self depreciating humor it is obvious that she is not an idiot. I also just didn't find myself laughing at much of this book. It was also a bit weird that this book was 90% Africa vacations and 10% other traveling. It just seemed disjointed. The writing is weak, but I do think that is because Chelsea actually writes her books, so I'll give her props for that. If not, she needs to fire her ghost writer because dang, it's bad.My biggest pet peeve is the editing. There were unforgivable mistakes. For example, there are two paragraphs in a row that are the same. Just a read-through should have caught that -- no editing skills would be needed! I have worked in publishing and I get that mistakes slip through. But there were so many horrible ones that I found it distracting.
J**.
I enjoyed her raunchy and ridiculous stories
This book was very enjoyable. As a long time Chelsea fan, I enjoyed her raunchy and ridiculous stories. This definitely isn't my favorite book of hers, but it is still entertaining. The book picks up as you get further into it and the best material is toward the end. I particularly enjoyed reading about her attempts to seduce one of her tour guides. Grammatically, I noticed a few mistakes, but it wasn't overly distracting. A great, easy read for those of you who are looking for a laugh that doesn't require too much thinking.
D**L
Not very good or funny
I've read all her books and this one kinda fell flat and I've been a fan. But in Uganda Be Kidddng Me there are not many laughs at all and is mostly self serving. Maybe it was a way to fly all her friends to Africa as a tax write-off. Not that I expect Chelsea to be any kind of great person,but one unsettling aspect is that she viewed Africa without any regard or acknowledgment of it's beauty or people. It should be called "Uganda Chelsea on Xanax". Maybe when taking so many Xanax she thinks her writing is funny.
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