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In this refreshingly candid memoir, Kal Penn recounts why he embarked on a surprising journey that has included acting, writing, working as a farmhand, and smoking fake weed with a fake President of the United States, before serving the country and advising a real one.
About the author
Kal Penn has played leading roles in some of the world’s most-watched television shows, including How I Met Your Mother, 24, Designated Survivor, House, and more. He currently stars on the Disney Junior animated series Mira, Royal Detective. He was also the cocreator and star of the NBC/Universal comedy Sunnyside, and host, cocreator, and executive producer of a six-episode series in October 2020 for Disney’s Freeform Channel called Kal Penn Approves This Message, aimed at entertaining and informing young voters. On the big screen, Kal has starred in movies that have collectively grossed more than a billion dollars, including the Harold and Kumar franchise, National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, Superman Returns, The Namesake, and many other critically acclaimed blockbuster titles. He has also served as an adjunct lecturer in sociology and film studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and in sociology and political science at the University of California, Los Angeles. Kal has worked at the very highest levels of politics, as an Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, where he was President Obama’s Liaison to Young Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and the Arts communities in America. He was born and raised in New Jersey.
Summary
In this refreshingly candid memoir, Kal Penn recounts why he embarked on a surprising journey that has included acting, writing, working as a farmhand, and smoking fake weed with a fake President of the United States, before serving the country and advising a real one.
Additional text
“It’s crazy to me that a groundbreaking actor like Kal Penn is also so funny, humble, and down-to-earth. His life is fascinating and his book is wonderful.”
– MINDY KALING, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Why Not Me?, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), and Nothing Like I Imagined (Except for Sometimes)
"Kal Penn's journey is insightful, funny, and instructive for anyone who's ever grappled with how they fit into the American dream."
– RONAN FARROW, New York Times bestselling author of Catch and Kill and War on Peace
“Kal Penn is an American treasure. Which means that this book is essentially a treasure map. And the words inside the book are gems. And probably some of the words are also a skeleton with a bejeweled crown and an eye patch that has cobwebs all in between the skeleton fingers that are clutching all the gems because the treasure was so shiny and valuable that the skeleton happily perished while being buried with them. THAT’S how good this book is!”
– ANDY SAMBERG
“Kal is one of the most intriguing human beings I’ve ever met. His stories are magical and inspiring, and the way he tells them provides a ton of lessons to be learned. All his stories are must-reads.”
– ROB GRONKOWSKI, New York Times bestselling author of It’s Good to Be Gronk
“An incredibly joyful and insightful experience for the reader . . . Kal Penn’s journey is unique and special and demands respect. He delivers his story with a kind of compassion and humor we simply do not usually see. I recommend this read to anyone and everyone.”
– KIEFER SUTHERLAND
"This is such an enjoyable read—fearless, yet respectful on every page! The self-deprecation and other missteps had me rolling with laughter, and the candor with which Kal talks about some of his struggles made me emotional. An inspiring book!"
– TONY SHALHOUB
"By turns hilarious, poignant, and inspiring, Kal Penn’s memoir is a gem. A great read!"
– DAVID AXELROD, New York Times bestselling author of Believer: My Forty Years in Politics and former senior strategist for President Barack Obama
“Kal Penn’s new memoir is a must-read for brown kids in America.”
– ZOFEEN MAQSOOD, The American Bazaar
"Looking for a book that’ll make you laugh out loud? Look no further."
– DAILY HIVE
“A gift for anyone in need of a laugh or pep talk, You Can’t Be Serious is loaded with a perfect blend of ‘you can’t make this stuff up’ and ‘don’t stop believing’ fun.”
– ROXANNE BAKER, SRQ Daily
