Mike Birbiglia has always been an entertainer. His newest muse is Oona, his first child (and only child, if he has his way). She is the subject of his off-Broadway comedy show, Netflix special and second book, THE NEW ONE: Painfully True Stories from a Reluctant Dad.

Mike and his wife, Jennifer Hope Stein (to whom he refers as Clo, for a reason unbeknownst to us), had always vowed never to have a child. When Jen has a change of heart, Mike grapples with his thoughts on his health, family and fatherhood.

He starts off with all the reasons he would not make a good father, opening up to the reader about his flaws. Throughout the book, I emotionally connected with him; his narration makes it easy for us to empathize. He talks about his health issues, his insecurities about becoming a father, and his cynicism about the current state of the world. Even non-parents will relate to his troubles.

"Reading this raw and vulnerable book was almost like opening a page into Mike Birbiglia’s diary; his emotion is truly refreshing.... I recommend it to anyone who is in need of a little joy, love and laughter."

Although he touches on many serious topics, Mike maintains a lighthearted brevity throughout. He makes it compelling, with unfiltered, raw commentary full of self-deprecating jokes and hilarious musings.

Mike spends the majority of the book discussing his shortcomings and struggles as a father. He feels as if he no longer belongs in his family, that he has become a third wheel to the mother-daughter duo. Traveling the nation for his job, he wavers between hanging onto his old life and radically adjusting his present life for Oona. He grasps at straws to find a purpose as a father to her. He cannot compete with Jen, the source of comfort and food. I think showing the underbelly of parenthood was very impactful. Mike brings to light the expectation of parents to absolutely adore their children. Parenthood is supposed to be a joy unlike any other, but that isn’t always the case. I appreciate how Mike’s humor addresses this behavior and somewhat normalizes it.

Interspersed throughout the book is poetry by Jen. I am not an avid poetry reader, but I thought the collaboration fit beautifully. It gave me insight into Jen’s perspective, which is a fascinating juxtaposition against Mike’s narration. Whereas his writing is brash, funny and forward, hers is polite, pretty and soft. Alternating between these two styles gives the reader a fun look into the couple’s relationship. It is a unique combination that adds another dimension to the work.

Reading this raw and vulnerable book was almost like opening a page into Mike Birbiglia’s diary; his emotion is truly refreshing. He is a wonderful comedian who will have you laughing and crying and thinking, all in the span of a single chapter. THE NEW ONE is full of doubt, acceptance and family love. I recommend it to anyone who is in need of a little joy, love and laughter.