Save Yourself

Memoir

By: Cameron Esposito

Narrated by: Cameron Esposito

This "hilarious and honest" best-selling memoir from a rising comedy star tackles issues of gender, sexuality, feminism, and the Catholic childhood that prepared her for a career as an outspoken lesbian comedian (Abby Wambach).

Cameron Esposito wanted to be a priest and ended up a stand-up comic. Now she would like to tell the whole queer as hell story. Her story. Not the sidebar to a straight person's rebirth-she doesn't give a makeover or plan a wedding or get a couple back together. This isn't a queer tragedy. She doesn't die at the end of this book, having finally decided to kiss the girl. It's the sexy, honest, bumpy, and triumphant dyke's tale her younger, wasn't-allowed-to-watch-Ellen self needed to read. Because there was a long time when she thought she wouldn't make it. Not as a comic, but as a human.

Save Yourself is full of funny and insightful recollections about everything from coming out (at a Catholic college where sexual orientation wasn't in the nondiscrimination policy) to how joining the circus can help you become a better comic (so much nudity) to accepting yourself for who you are-even if you're, say, a bowl cut-sporting, bespectacled, gender-nonconforming child with an eye patch (which Cameron was).

Packed with heart, humor, and cringeworthy stories anyone who has gone through puberty, fallen in love, started a career, or had period sex in Rome can relate to, Cameron's memoir is for that timid, fenced-in kid in all of us-and the fearless stand-up yearning to break free.

Indie Best Seller

Washington Post Best Seller

Seattle Times Best Seller

One of Bustle's Most Anticipated Books of March

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Cameron Esposito (P)2020 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

"Cameron's humor is hope. Her quick wit is both a balm and a guide for anyone who has ever stepped out blithely into a world of doers trying to force themselves closed upon us. This book is about survival and love and laughter. I loved it." (Jacqueline Woodson, number one New York Times best-selling author and actual literary genius)

"It can't be understated how necessary a book like Save Yourself is.... I think everyone would benefit from reading this book, but most of all I hope Save Yourself finds its way into the hands of every queer person longing for stories like their own." (Tegan Quin, musician, inventor of most lesbian haircuts, and coauthor of High School)

"Cameron is as hilarious and honest in these pages as she is on the stage. Because our stories are so similar, her hard-won wisdom and brilliant humor have helped me heal. Save Yourself is a gift that will help every person who reads it become braver, bolder, and more comfortable in their own perfect skin." (Abby Wambach, author of number one New York Times best seller Wolfpack and Olympic soccer star who Cameron believes she's the same size as)

A funny, heartfelt, and incredible read

I first heard about Cameron Esposito when listening to her podcast, Queery, and being able to listen to her tell her story was just incredible. She is a role model, and wove together a unique story that is also relatable and packed with all the right humor. One of my top books of 2020!

Real. Relatable. Hilarious. Human.

I have been a fan of Cameron Esposito since I first saw her standup in videos years before I had my own queer lightbulb. It was a pleasure to hear her story. Sending Love and thanks to the author. From a fellow queer Catholic. Thank you for being a sight into a community I needed before I knew myself.

Excellent book, and Dreamy Voice!

First of all I need to admit that I have never listened to a full audiobook before. The ones that I've tried have off-putting voices, or I couldn't track the story well enough when listening. This book has quite literally changed the way I think about audio books. I just realized I needed to listen to an audiobook done right! Cameron's voice is smooth and comforting, and I enjoyed the entire book from beginning to end. I snort laughed multiple times, lightly cried, and full-blown ugly cried. It was phenomenal!

I also ordered the book from my local, independent bookseller, but for to COVID-19, the timing is longer than normal. can't wait to receive it and take it in in a couple while new way.

Great job, Cameron!

Excellent

Honest. Thoughtful. Poignant. Witty. Hilarious. I highly recommend the audible version because Cameron’s delivery makes all the difference.

Wow! What a great book.

As a fellow queer ex-catholic, just a few years older than Cameron, this book really spoke to me. I listen to a lot of autobiographies, especially by non-male comedians, and this one really stands out. It has a beautiful combination of earnest self reflection, aspirational writing and was really entertaining to boot. Great!

LOVE IT!!

Funny,!!! Bravo! Love that she is open and honest about religion and how that plays in a young mind. A great story about becoming and accepting who you are.

Connected with this Story

I really connected with your story, Cameron. I also grew up as a little gay catholic kid, and went to K-12 of catholic school in the Midwest, and a religious college. I also connected with your telling about sexual assault and the way you used humor to talk about it before you realized what it was. I did the same. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I take comfort in knowing that I'm not alone and there are people with similar experiences 💕

Doubting thomas

Growing up In Catholic families and in parochial schools leaves no room for thinking. Glad the author brought forth her truth and her story. Birds eye view of rooted stigmatism. Awesome

Couldn’t Stop Listening

This book is exactly what I needed right now. It was funny, relatable and a great escape from the current state of the world. I liked the audiobook so much I bought a hard copy of the book.

Wonderful & Inspiring

I loved this book! She has such moral courage and clarity. Along with joy and humor. It is sad for me to learn about what she had to go through to be true to herself. But I am grateful she has done the work. I am grateful this book exists for others on the path to being true to themselves. The world is a better place when we are all respected and loved for who we are.