YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS

Fans will be grateful that Kal Penn, known for the Harold & Kumar movies, narrates his own memoir because he brings his signature comedy to every moment. We are treated to an easy, comfortable style that switches smoothly between stories of growing up a child of immigrants and behind-the-scenes moments on Hollywood sets. What might surprise many is Penn's intellectual side, which comes out in his anecdotes of serving as a White House aide under Barack Obama. This mix of actor and politician is a welcome surprise that adds many levels to the listening experience. Penn has created a unique, honest performance, very different from the standard celebrity tell-all. This is an enjoyable and informative listen delivered by a pop-culture figure who's all grown up. M.R. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2021]