Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come by Jessica Pan

Book Review

Does anyone else throw on a wig when they’re feeling insecure (or having a bad hair day)? No, just me (and Moira)? Cool. 😎

I’m so glad Bad Bitch Bookclub chose Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come for our March book. This is a book I didn’t know I needed in my life. While I identify as an extrovert, I’ve definitely become a major homebody over the past year (because hello, global pandemic). I put a poll in my stories the other day asking if other people felt a sense of anxiety about resuming life post-pandemic and 98% of those who responded answered in the affirmative. If you are among that 98% (like me), I highly recommend you read this book - introvert or not.

Jessica Pan is funny, vulnerable and incredibly relatable as she sets off on a year-long journey to learn how to “extrovert.” Through a series of experiments - including talking to strangers, improv classes, stand-up comedy and solo travel - the author consistently pushes beyond her comfort zone in an effort to fill her life with more joy, connection and purpose. While some of her misadventures are downright hilarious - like asking random strangers on the tube “who is the Queen of England?”- others are incredibly heartwarming - like when she hosts an American-style Thanksgiving feast for all her new friends.

More than anything, this is a book about connection and how to break past the barriers that tend to make us feel small, isolated and incapable. After a year of being confined to our homes and adapting to virtual life, I think this is a book we can all relate to on some level. Clocking in at just under 250 pages, this is a quick read that will make you laugh, cringe and feel seen.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?? After reading about this author’s experience, it has me wanting to sign up for improv classes (despite that sounding like my worst nightmare 😅).