So Here's the Thing...

Notes on Growing Up, Getting Older, and Trusting Your Gut

By: Alyssa Mastromonaco, Lauren Oyler

Narrated by: Alyssa Mastromonaco

From The New York Times best-selling author of Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? comes a fun, frank book of reflections, essays, and interviews on topics important to young women, ranging from politics and career to motherhood, sisterhood, and making and sustaining relationships of all kinds in the age of social media.

Alyssa Mastromonaco is back with a bold, no-nonsense, and no-holds-barred 21st-century girl's guide to life, tackling the highs and lows of bodies, politics, relationships, moms, education, life on the internet, and pop culture. Whether discussing Barbra Streisand or The Bachelor, working in the West Wing or working on finding a wing woman, Alyssa leaves no stone unturned...and no awkward situation unexamined.

Like her best seller Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?, So Here's the Thing... brings a sharp eye and outsize sense of humor to the myriad issues facing women the world over, both in and out of the workplace. Along with Alyssa's personal experiences and hard-won life lessons, interviews with women like Monica Lewinsky, Susan Rice, and Chelsea Handler round out this modern woman's guide to, well, just about everything you can think of.

©2019 Alyssa Mastromonaco and Lauren Oyler (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"A combination memoir and compendium of very good suggestions about how to get ahead—very far ahead—at an early age."—The Washington Post

"A moving, funny, and sometimes heart-wrenching look back at the years [Alyssa Mastromonaco] spent in politics and by [President Obama's] side. A must-read for anybody who's even remotely interested in how Washington works, but is worth reading for anyone who enjoys brilliant wit and once-in-a-lifetime stories...you'll probably end up reading it more than once."—PopSugar.com

"My favorite thing about Alyssa's books is knowing someone as normal as the rest of us can work in the most prestigious positions in the world and do it with a sense of humor and self-deprecation. We could all do with more of both. Read it, and laugh."—Chelsea Handler, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea

Words don't describe home much I appreciate AM

Fantastic and funny essays, peppered in with some serious stuff. She is candid, smart, witty and charming. I recommend this book for everyone, not just women and/or fans of President Obama. I'm positive this is not the only time I will listen to this book.

Amazing book

I was so intrigued and captivated the entire time. I would highly recommend this book.

So much fun

As a young professional in the political world, I have a deep appreciation for all of Alyssa’s advice and tips. This was a lot of fun to listen to and would recommend for any young professional trying to figure it out.

funny, honest, and enjoyable

This was such a fun book, it made me feel less alone in the world.

Great audible! Funny and heartfelt

Born to be a writer/narrator. Can’t wait for the next one! 5 stars for both books.

Love your relatability

I love her humor and relatability. We can all appreciate hard work and hustle opening doors. I look forward to her third book!

Sunshine on a cloudy day

Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed the perspective, the love of music and the friendships you shared. I enjoyed that you gave advice and you are not afraid to also share your difficult moments. Love the thought of everyone dancing and singing because it is hard to envision that these days. Thanks for the sunshine.

Not for me

Although I thought her first book entertaining and would highly recommend, I didn’t finish this one. I started hearing about Trump and couldn’t go on. Those who justify all he does annoys me but also hearing about his faults is annoying and not fun. I don’t know how much it continued because I returned the book. Alyssa is a great writer and narrator!!! This book just wasn’t for me! -Aleta

Too lightweight; wanted substance

Was expecting more from this book than frothy essays. Sometimes funny, but mostly cheeky. Alyssa is clearly smart and competent, so expected more from the book than lightweight stories.

Ugh so great and I hate to use the word cute but cute

I loved listening to Alyssa read her book. She is so witty and a real person, it made it super fun to listen to.