It’s safe to say I’ve been having a giggly summer. I’ve been obsessed with Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo’s podcast “Giggly Squad” for about a year, and have recently been diving into their other projects –– even their seasons on “Summer House.”
Other than listening to their podcast and watching them on reality TV, I was thrilled to read Berner and DeSorbo’s new book: “How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously.” While I began reading it because I am a huge fan of both of them, I didn’t realize how much I would relate to the duo’s post-grad struggles. This book is packed with laughs and advice for 20-somethings who are dating, starting a career and taking that next step.
A Little Admin About “Giggly Squad”
Berner and DeSorbo met on season 3 of “Summer House,” a Bravo reality show centered around a group sharing a house for the summer in the Hamptons. They instantly connected as the newbies of the house, especially when everyone else was fighting. Throughout their seasons, viewers saw them grow up –– watching as they both experienced ups and downs in their own friendships and relationships.
While still on the show, the duo started “Giggly Squad” in 2020 as an Instagram livestream during the pandemic. As it grew, it eventually turned into a podcast in October of the same year.
On “Giggly Squad,” Berner and DeSorbo reflect on their experiences dating, living in New York and building a career.
Something that I love about “Giggly Squad” is that it sounds like two best friends who never run out of things to talk about. They switch from topic to topic, whether it’s pop culture related, relationship advice, decentering men or just chatting about their cats.
But, this year, Berner and DeSorbo took over another form of media. On April 15, their book, “How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously,” launched. So of course, I had to read it.
Why I Recommend
While I won’t spoil anything, I can say that this book is filled with funny stories, unique chapters and just great older sister advice. Throughout the book, they discuss their own journeys to “Giggly Squad,” as well as Berner’s stand-up comedy career and DeSorbo’s fashion influence. They explain times when they learned lessons, had anxiety and practiced being “delulu.”
As they tell their stories, they talk about their 20s with a lighthearted attitude –– explaining their struggles and mishaps using hilarious language and anecdotes.
As someone who has just graduated and is trying to get a job in a creative industry, this book gave me so much guidance. Did this book convince me to get a cat once I move out? Yes. But, it also taught me that I need to give myself some grace when it comes to job rejections and trying new things. Navigating this year after college is scary, but it felt nice to read about Berner and DeSorbo’s anxieties in their 20s and how they conquered them.
If you read “How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously,” let me know by emailing me: gingerlyons23@gmail.com!
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