‘Why Not Me?’: Kaling’s book offers honest, humorous perspective on dating, friendships and fitting in

There's something about Mindy Kaling. It could be her lack of pretension, her complete honesty, her sense of humor or her convincing ability to make us think she's just like one of us.

At a stop at an airport recently on my way back to Cedar Rapids, I picked up her book, 'Why Not Me?” to help pass the time during a long layover. Even though it was a late flight, I couldn't put the book down and read the entire way home.

In her book, Kaling covers a wide range of topics that any twenty to thirty-something woman (or any woman really) can relate to. She shares stories about dating, friendships, clothing and even her routine. I found this part to be particularly enlightening, because it ties into her diligent work ethic, which she addresses at the end of the book. Plus, once again, she shows us that she has the same struggles we all do, such as looking like a zombie in the pre-dawn hours and getting an oily face after a long day of working.

Kaling fills the book with stories about how she got to where she is today in her career. From The Office to The Mindy Project, she gives us an inside look at the ups and downs of having an idea and then pitching your dream.

The book also details a surprise encounter with President Barack Obama, and an unexpected connection that came as a result of that meeting.

Her conversational writing style pulls you in and makes you think the two of you are sitting across from each other at a coffee shop and talking. The book is also very funny. I found myself laughing out loud and numerous points while reading.

The most poignant part comes at the end, when Kaling recalls a speaking event in Manhattan. At the event, a young woman asks her for advice about getting her confidence back. Initially, Kaling gives a short response that was the first thing she could think of.

Now, in the book, she elaborates and dedicates a new message to the young woman at the event. As Kaling sees it, working incredibly hard and believing you deserve what you have are her keys to confidence. When you look at Kaling and read about her journey, you see a strong woman who champions diversity and cares about supporting young women on their own path. Given her success, you're inclined to want to follow her advice yourself.