You Deserve a Drink: Boozy Misadventures and Tales of Debauchery

by Mamrie Hart, Grace Helbig (Foreword)

Mamrie Hart is a drinking star with a Youtube problem. With over a million subscribers to her cult-hit video series “You Deserve a Drink,” Hart has been entertaining viewers with a combination of tasty libations and raunchy puns since 2011. Hart also co-wrote/co-starred in Dirty Thirty and Camp Takota with Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart.

Finally, Hart has compiled her best drinking stories—and worst hangovers—into one hilarious volume. From the spring break where she and her girlfriends avoided tan lines by staying at an all-male gay nudist resort, to the bachelorette party where she accidentally hired a sixty-year-old meth head to teach the group pole dancing (not to mention the time she lit herself on fire during a Flaming Lips concert), Hart accompanies each story with an original cocktail recipe, ensuring that You Deserve a Drink is as educational as it is entertaining.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Memoir, Biography, Comedy, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

274 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2015

About the author

Mamrie Lillian Hart is an American comedian, actress, writer and performer. She gained popularity in 2011 through her online YouTube show You Deserve A Drink for which she has won a 2014 Streamy Award for Actress in a Comedy. She currently has over 1.2 million subscribers and her main channel has over 84 million views. She also co-wrote, co-produced and co-starred in the 2014 film Camp Takota and the 2016 film Dirty 30.

Reviews

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whelp next time I see Mamrie at a party I'm sure to be overzealously friendly because after reading this book I REALLY WANT TO BE FRIENDS but it won't happen because she's busy and I'm kind of creepy. Oh well.

Of all the autobiographies I read during the last year, this and John Cleese's were my favorite. Mamrie is a great writer, and she's led a much more interesting life than I have, and her stories of friendship and drunkeness really made me jealous that I didn't move to NYC right after college and live that crazy life of...single early 20's-ness-ness.

[Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man oh man this is pretty much what I expected! I'm brainstorming some tipsy ways to do a video review of this, so look out for that.

[Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy Mamrie Hart's over the top humor and wit, you will really enjoy this book. It's a compilation of (ridiculous) stories of Mamrie's life, from spring break trips gone wrong to setting herself on fire at a Flaming Lips concert. While it's not a life-changing read, it's fun and highly enjoyable. I found myself chuckling many times throughout, and it pairs perfectly with her YouTube show of the same name. 3 stars.

[Angie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never had to stop reading a book to wipe away tears from laughing. Until now. This book had me in stitches from the beginning to the end. PLUS! BONUS BUILT IN DRINKING GAME! Every chapter is accompanied with a special drink so that you can play alone.

This book is fun and funny just like Mamrie.

[Maria Dimitrova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of the MacHalo Reading Challenge. A biography of your choice..


I laughed my head off! At first I wasn't sure that this is a good choice for this particular entree because I don't even like Mamrie Hart. Sure I've watched a couple of videos but she's just not my thing. Yet with a title like that I was intrigued. I read it while simultaneously reading On the Origin of Species and it was a great pairing because when things got too boring I would jump to this one and have a couple of laughs. So what can I say - this book saved my sanity :)

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ideal reader for this book is the person who's seen and enjoyed Mamrie Hart on one (or both) of her YouTube channels: You Deserve a Drink and Mametown. Go ahead. Watch a video or two. I'll wait...

OK. So, most of what you see in the videos is what you'll get in the book. Wacky, pun-centric humor. Cocktails. Girl friendships (of the crazy and mostly supportive variety). Off-color jokes. It's all here! Including a few cocktail recipes that sound very intriguing...

What's new is a whole lot of personal anecdotes. From the story of the childhood Carmen Miranda Halloween costume to the story of spring break at the gay nudist motel, these are stories that haven't come up on the YouTubes. And sensitive readers be warned: there is debauchery here. Sex, drinking (obviously), bad language, drugs. If these things bother you, perhaps this is not your book. But if you like Mamrie and enjoy her humor, you could do worse than spend a few hours reading this book. And for writing it, I think Mamrie Hart deserves a drink.

**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that best friend where in your relationship, there is no such thing as oversharing (and she can make any terrible story sound hilarious)? That's Mamrie. Her collection of amazing stories is so much fun because of how she tells them - with reckless, loving abandon. There were many points where I laughed out loud. Overall, this is a fun book that makes you want to be best friends with the author (and maybe also take her to an AA meeting). (If you're reading this, Mamrie, please be my friend.)

[Kirby Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased because I know Mamrie, but this really is a perfect book for (1) beach reading, (2) airplane reading, (3) gifts- I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy this, (4) fun reading any time of year!! Essentially, this is laugh out loud funny for everyone. I can honestly say that this book made me crack up hard throughout, and Mamrie is a great writer with perfect comic timing. This was so much fun to read and has stories that are actually crazy and unusual, different from most other humor collections. It is the most well written humor/essay collection I've read in a long time, and there are a lot out there. Michael Ian Black wrote a great review on the NYT for your reference! Highly recommended to all for summer 2015!

[Sequoia M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a breezy, ballsy memoir and was excited when Hart announced she was writing one, although apparently I forgot that I was so excited that I preordered it. When it came it was a surprise, a present from drunk me to sober me. I opened it, intending just to glance at it to get the flavor and ended up sucked in, finishing it in a day, laughing out loud. Hart's writing is an even stronger voice than she presents in her YouTube videos - that of the over-the-top but genuine and funny friend who is up for any ridiculous adventure. The tone is snappy and sincere, not just a gal pal relating things that happened, but offering affirming asides. The structure is nominally echoing her show, and chapters are preceded with drink recipes, which I actually want to try to make (Coke and peanuts!) but aren't necessary given the strength of her writing - and I read a lot of comedienne memoir. I was disappointed when I turned the page and realized the book was over. I can only hope she has other anecdotes and plans to follow up with another volume.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

By far one of the better funny essay books I've read in the last few years, and I'm not even a fan of hers from YouTube. It's bawdy without being gross (mostly), indulgent while still being smart, and fearless while still being (very) funny. If you like this kind of book and are up for being regaled for the self-described boozy misadventures and tales of debauchery, pick this up.

[Josie Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it took me a while I'll give it five stars because it had me laughing, and I absolutely enjoyed the plot twists in each and every story. The "Alabama Blizzard" story had me laughing so much!

[Ashley Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know who deserves a drink, after finishing this book? Me, that's who.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in one sick day home from work, and was not disappointed. Like Mamrie herself, this book is bawdy, booze-soaked and completely hilarious. Plus, she really is an excellent storyteller, and her voice jumps off the page. Choice quotes:

"Sunsets are the photography equivalent of people telling you what they dreamt."
"Shaking the gin will make it bruise quicker than the knees of a hemophiliac after a blow job."
"I'm not sure if you guys know this, but the Deep South has a serious boner for deviled eggs. Like a 'call your doctor if your erection does not go down after eight hours' boner."
"Have you ever watched someone on a beach with a metal detector? The closer it gets to metal, the more intense the beeping becomes. That was my ass getting closer to a bathroom."
"When you're picking a flower girl, you go for the most cherubic, not the most charismatic. I was always covered in dirt, and until I was four, I had the same haircut as Sandra Bullock in Gravity. Not cute."

[Foteini Fp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Περιστατικά τραβηγμένα από τα μαλλιά συνδυασμένα με την ανάγκη να χωθούν περίπου είκοσι έξυπνες ατάκες σε κάθε παράγραφο κι ας τις είχαμε ακούσει ξανά από την you tube περσόνα. Όχι, ευχαριστώ. Αστεράκια δυο απλώς και μόνο επειδή δεν μου πάει η καρδιά να βάλω μόνο ένα αστεράκι σε βιβλίο.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really had fun!!! Which is all you could ask from a book by Mamrie.

Sadly no drinks were taken while I was reading the book, I mean, I suppose it's for the best because if I were to take a sip every time she told me to I'd probably DIE. Also my body's timing was totally against me, I could barely drink tea.

ANYWAY, I like reading about people's weird experiences, especially as I'm a recluse idiot who does nothing of import, and this book does not disappoint. Mamrie has lived a crazy life that makes for a light read and a good time. I went in expecting more about her time trying to be an actress and building her youtube channel, that wasn't really the case, but her stories were great nonetheless.

The chapters she talks about panic attacks and almost shitting her pants were so relatable I kinda wanted to hug her a lot. I'm always on the lookout for spiritual bowel buddies, as in, people who are not afraid of being open about their bowel movements and the trouble they cause them, so yeah, I hoped Mamrie would go there and when she did I was so thankful.

Also, I really hope her younger audience can take something from her stories about body positivity and female friendships, they were cool and something I can see women who are taking their first foray into feminism and trying to be comfortable in their own skin benefitting of. I want to start a topless tuesdays club myself, it seems awesome as fuck, plus I really need to learn some crafts.

All that being said my one complaint: There's a lot of misogynistic language. I know that's how Mamrie speaks and she doesn't mean to offend anyone and, honestly, she doesn't. However, it was always a little jarring for me, something that would interrupt my flow while reading, so I thought it was worth mentioning.

Overall, a really funny book, would recommend etc etc.

[Nev · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Mamrie Hart’s YouTube videos for years. I bought this book back when it came out in 2015 but for no discernible reason I never got around to reading it. I’m so glad I decided to pick this up, it was hilarious ride from start to finish.

I think sometimes with YouTuber books, or celebrity books in general, there’s a feeling that it’ll be subpar, majorly ghostwritten, or mainly stuff that’s already been revealed. With Mamrie’s book her voice totally came through and didn’t seem like something she just slapped her name on. Also, the majority of the stories were new to me and not just anecdotes being rehashed for the millionth time.

To me this book totally feels like something you could read even if you aren’t already a fan of her content. If you’re into reading funny memoirs about drinking, partying, sex, and friendships then I say give this one a shot.

[Christin · Rating 1 out of 5]

First off, I won this book, didn't buy it. So I read it just for funsies. It wasn't that fun. It was mostly sad.

I mean, if the first thing out the gate is how the author doesn't even read books, we're getting off on the wrong foot.

This is where my GenX/Millennial cusp status shows because "YouTube Celebrity" still makes me cringe. But that wouldn't be so bad except the writing is SO self conscious while trying so so hard. Too hard.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a quick read and laugh-out-loud funny and multiple points. Super enjoyable -- if not more so than other celeb memoirs I've read recently, at least on par with them. My only complaint is that all the drink recipes require wayyyy too much work. Who has the time or energy to make multiple simple syrups? Fancier people than me, I guess.

[Nancy Klatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really am not one for memoir books, as I find them all very similar to one another and feel that I need to REALLY know the person who is writing it. This however, is not one of them. I have watched several of Mamrie's videos on YouTube, but not enough to call myself a die hard fan. This book had me laughing out loud until I cried, and that's not something I do lightly. It's funny, it's honest, and it's one of the most relatable books I have read. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be able to sit down and have a good laugh.

[Cheyenne T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, feel-good read that warmed my heart. I loved reading about her summer camp experience and also all her drunken mishaps (that definitely made me feel less weird about my own).

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious stories. Its a wonder she is still alive. Thanks for the Mamries

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories and a hell of a lot of fun of drunken antics.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Grace Helbig serves as the Internet's awkward older sister, then Mamrie Hart is that cool sister that takes lots of shots with you when you visit her apartment. Much a bunch of other YouTuber's, Hart has decided to take her brand of humor from a digital to analog format with a memoir chronicling some of the more raucous events that have taken her to this point in her life. Unlike Helbig's book, however, this one does prove to be a more traditional memoir format and less of a guide on how to craft the perfect cocktail while undesirables on the subway. Apparently there are a lot of shenanigans on the NYC subway system, unlike the DC metro where you're shunned if you so much as cough on the train. But I digress.

Throughout Hart's book, the readers are treated to the many ways in which her life has been improved -- or hindered -- by drinking. (Hint: it's mostly been improved.) The conversational, breezy style of her writing makes it so easy to become immersed in the outrageous stories unfolding on the pages; it really does, at times, that you're sitting at a bar surrounded by friends with her regaling of times past. Do be warned, though, that Hart's sense of humor is not for the faint of Hart heart. These stories really do get into some raunchier or maybe more juvenile things -- there's an entire chapter devoted to trying to relieve a major bout of constipation while abroad -- and her language is definitely rated R. Luckily, my mouth is just as bad as hers, so I did not mind in the slightest. It actually endeared me to her even more to read someone who just did not care about projecting some kind of specific image to her audience; You Deserve a Drink is really all about preserving the authentic experience of all of her debauchery, to borrow her word. Very few "comedic" books actually manage to make me laugh out loud, but there were multiple points during which I had to put the book down to gather myself from laughing so hard. Her wit is biting and unapologetic, which just gets straight to my funny bone, apparently.

One of the cooler things about Hart's webseries is the built-in drinking game: take a drink every time she makes a terrible pun about the week's subject. Not to be outdone by anyone but herself, Hart's expertly crafted her book to include a drinking game, as well. Not only does each chapter start with its own unique cocktail designed to perfectly set the tone of the proceeding pages, but one is supposed to take a drink every time she mentions a 90's tv show, a snack you can get at 7-11 or some kind of slang term for genitals. (You'd be surprised at how much all three of these are mentioned even on the same page.) Luckily, I was mostly reading this book at work so I didn't get to drink myself into the emergency room like I'm sure she hoped would happen. Not to mention, a lot of the drinks she concocted for the book actually sounded Absolut-ely delightful, so I had no choice but to take pictures of the recipes to use for later. I do deserve a drink, damn it.

All in all, Hart more than exceeded my expectations with her book. As mentioned in my previous review for Grace's Guide: The Art of Pretending to be a Grown-Up, I never really have been one to latch myself to particular YouTube celebrities. However, after reading this book, I might have found a kindred spirit in Mamrie Hart. If there's one thing that she truly knows, it's that the way to a girl's heart is through her well-used liver.

[Jen Kirsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't read this book in the summer if you want to fit into any clothes or flaunt that bikini bod you've been working on for the past long as fuck eight months (or so,) because you're going to want - wait, scratch that, have - a blizzard from dairy queen (whether you're a vegan or not), you're going to be convinced that it is totally normal (and encouraged) to drink as much as you usually do. No this book is not for the calorie conscious, or one with a conscience, or one who after reading it wants to be conscious after reading it.

All puns and fun aside, this book was a descent read. There were many moments I related to, especially since the author Mamrie Hart was born the same year I was. She often references pop culture from growing up in the 90s, which brought back fond memories for me.

I picked up this book at Chapters Indigo. I went in one Saturday afternoon looking for a light read, and this book was staring right at me. Not knowing who Mamrie was, I picked up the book and walked to the check-out line, fully judging the book by its cover, title and comments from famous people on why I should by the book. I'm an easy sell.

Since I've been reading a shit ton of humorous non-fiction novels, I expected to laugh out loud more. This book took me almost two weeks to get through. I felt like it was easily put-downable, unlike Jenny Mollen's 'I Like You Just the way I Am' and Sarah Collona's 'Has Anyone Seen My Pants?' each, which I read in one sitting.

If you like to booze it up, blackout on occasion, and are open for some dirty humour, then definitely add this to your reading list, but read the aforementioned books first. And don't expect some wicked ass take away from this book other then being slightly curious about mushrooms.

I'm out. Have a date with Dairy Queen that I'm already late to, yo.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Deserve a Drink: Boozy Misadventures and Tales of Debauchery
ACTUAL RATING: 4.5 STARS
“I remember a lot of sweaty dancing, doing sake bombs with some Japanese businessmen, and telling a guy he was attractive in a Bob Ross kind of way.”



Oh, Mamrie.

I lol'ed so many times throughout this collection of funny anecdotes. Mamrie is truly a fascinating human being. I really think she is hilarious, but I could not handle her in real life, I think. I would just want to watch her life from like a shoulder-angel type of way. Just to be included, yaknow?

That being said, this book was hilarious, the footnotes were probably my favorite part, and I am so happy I picked this up. I was worried it wouldn't live up to her YouTube brand of humor, but boy oh boy was I wrong. It is exactly her style, and even better in my opinion. She has more time to expand on her experiences and that makes it so much more cringe-worthy/amazing.

Overall, a very fun, easy read to just relax to.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to buy Mamrie's book since I love her YDAD & Mametown youtube channels. I was so happy to see that it is in true Mamrie form: hilarious & awesome!
As her title suggests, it is an autobiography relating to various events and moments in her life.
Each hilarious story/chapter is preceded by an original cocktail recipe with step by step instructions. I am making some this summer.
It is essentially a three for one since it includes her autobiography, cocktail recipes, and a drinking game.
I would suggest this to anyone interested in drinks, funny stories, comedy, youtube, acting, life in North Carolina, trips, life in NYC, childhood stories, camp stories, the 2000s...basically anyone will love this.

[AJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I am in a minority on this but it could be that only Mamrie Hart fans will enjoy this book. I am not that familiar with her other than I saw her on a TV show once and I know she has a YouTube channel that is pretty popular. For me it was self-indulgent and panderous. Just wasn't for me. I also feel like every time I read a memoir from an online star, be it vlogger or blogger, it reads just like this and I think I'm pretty over that.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This book will have you up until 3 am vibrating with laughter. I snort-laughed my way through this entire hilarious book and had the best time doing it. Mamrie is a wonderful writer and story teller and somehow makes her absurd life feel relateable. From the sharp wit to frequent saved by the bell (+ other 90's favorites!) references, this book was a perfect summer read that I never wanted to end.

[Heather F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Ms. Hart's and I loved this book. It's totally her humor; slightly crass to obscene, literally laugh out loud funny, and plenty of alcohol. There are also some poignant parts. That being said, it's also smart, funny, and an accessible read even for non-fans. I highly recommend this book!

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never heard of Mamrie before but I was definitely intrigued by the title of this book. Mostly because after the week I've had (yes, I know that it's only Thursday right now) I definitely deserve a drink. Yesterday was completely hectic and I'm still exhausted from it. Not sure how I'm still awake.. or even woke up but I deserve lots of alcohol with all the work hours I've put in.

Anything with good cocktails is a plus for me. Then there's Marmie's humor which made me laugh constantly. I feel like I need to watch something of hers on YouTube stat after reading this. Still haven't done that because once I finished reading this, and working, I crashed once my head hit the pillow. Today might be the day to dive into some internet videos.

In the end, she seems like a pretty fun person. I also found some fun drink ides that I kind of want to make. Maybe I can use my family members as victims.. I mean taste testers.