When I was growing up in an era of three main tv channels, you only knew about things if they were in writing, on the news at 5, 6 or 10 or if you experienced it first hand. If a photograph was taken you would not see the results for weeks, or even months. It was easy to live in your own little world, unaware of what others were doing. My how times have changed! Much of what happens now is reported instantaneously and we can see exactly what we’re missing. The title of Mindy Kaling’s memoir, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, plays on the fear that we’re missing out on something, somewhere. Kaling’s collection of thoughts and remembrances takes us back to her childhood in the Boston area. She shares the experience of growing up as a first generation Indian American. She takes us through the teenage trials of finding one’s identity while surviving middle school and high school.

One of the major turning points in her life is the discovery of Saturday Night Live. I remember the first time I saw SNL. My parents had picked me up from soccer camp in Texas and we were going to spend some time traveling around visiting relatives. That night in the hotel I watched SNL for the first time. I vividly recall the experience. For Kaling, she had found her people. She knew that these bits brought her great joy and she craved the experience of giving others that experience.

However, as the good daughter of her Indian American parents, she first pursued a college education at an Ivy League University. She was hugely successful at college and entered into the post college years anticipating similar success. She moved to New York City and had just enough of a struggle to provide witty stories before landing on the writing team of The Office.

Kaling’s stories are so much fun to experience through her writing. I could hear her voice as I read and see her facial expressions. Her new television show, The Mindy Project, is one of my must see shows. If you ever feel like you’re missing out on the “in” experiences, get together with Mindy Kaling through her writing and acting and you will find a kindred spirit.