Description

'I laughed, I cried and then I laughed again' LENA DUNHAM 

'Smart and funny … reminds me of the best of Nora Ephron’ GUARDIAN

Writer, actor, and director Desiree Akhavan shares the stories she was told to shut up about—hilarious, horny, heartbreaking tales of a life in pursuit of art and love. When it comes to shame, award-winning filmmaker and director Desiree Akhavan knows what she’s talking about – whether it’s winning the title of The Ugliest Girl at her high school, acquiescing to the nose job she was lovingly forced into by her Iranian parents, or losing her virginity to a cokehead she met in a support group for cutters. In You're Embarrassing Yourself, Desiree goes to the rawest places: the lifelong struggle to be at peace in one’s body, the search for home as the child of immigrants and the anxious underbelly of artistic ambition.

With all the humour and vulnerability of Jennette McCurdy and the warmth and nuance of Jia Tolentino, You're Embarrassing Yourself is equal parts funny and heartfelt, charting an artist’s journey from outcast to overnight indie darling, to (somewhat) self-aware adult woman. The result is a book that captures the pathetic lows and euphoric highs of our youth, and how to survive them, in a voice that is unmistakably, unapologetically Desiree’s.

Paperback 
Publication: 14 Aug 2025, Fourth Estate 
ISBN: 9780008204372

Extent: 208 pages

Product form
  • David's Bookshop

You’re Embarrassing Yourself by Desiree Akhavan

    'I laughed, I cried and then I laughed again' LENA DUNHAM  'Smart and funny … reminds me of the best... Read more

    £10.99

    • Shipped today? Order within: Aug 25, 2025 16:00:00 +0100

      • Guaranteed secure & safe checkout.

        shop pay

      Description

      'I laughed, I cried and then I laughed again' LENA DUNHAM 

      'Smart and funny … reminds me of the best of Nora Ephron’ GUARDIAN

      Writer, actor, and director Desiree Akhavan shares the stories she was told to shut up about—hilarious, horny, heartbreaking tales of a life in pursuit of art and love. When it comes to shame, award-winning filmmaker and director Desiree Akhavan knows what she’s talking about – whether it’s winning the title of The Ugliest Girl at her high school, acquiescing to the nose job she was lovingly forced into by her Iranian parents, or losing her virginity to a cokehead she met in a support group for cutters. In You're Embarrassing Yourself, Desiree goes to the rawest places: the lifelong struggle to be at peace in one’s body, the search for home as the child of immigrants and the anxious underbelly of artistic ambition.

      With all the humour and vulnerability of Jennette McCurdy and the warmth and nuance of Jia Tolentino, You're Embarrassing Yourself is equal parts funny and heartfelt, charting an artist’s journey from outcast to overnight indie darling, to (somewhat) self-aware adult woman. The result is a book that captures the pathetic lows and euphoric highs of our youth, and how to survive them, in a voice that is unmistakably, unapologetically Desiree’s.

      Paperback 
      Publication: 14 Aug 2025, Fourth Estate 
      ISBN: 9780008204372

      Extent: 208 pages

      Login

      Forgot your password?

      Don't have an account yet?
      Create account