What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Hotter

From the comedian and New York Times bestselling author of Idiot, a new essay collection about finding the funny even when your life is falling apart.

The world knows comedian and content creator Laura Clery for her hilariously unhinged characters, brutally honest storytelling, and ability to find humor in places most of us wouldn’t dare look. But now, she’s facing a few things even she didn’t see coming: Her seemingly rock-solid relationship crumbling into a very public, very painful divorce (yikes!). Becoming a single parent to two children (oof!), one of whom has significant special needs. Worst of all? She even started dating again (ew!). But instead of pretending like her life couldn’t be better, Laura’s putting it all on the table: mess, madness, and middle fingers included. And this time, she’s writing her own happy ending.

A survivor of addiction, abuse, and even a regrettable flirtation with bangs, Laura reveals how we can break down, rebuild, and still find a way to laugh during life’s worst moments—whether it’s waking up to find your career’s work wiped from the internet, your date begging you to take a magic pill for your boobs, or getting your water shut off in the middle of bathtime. Raw, real, and darkly funny, Laura proves that there is always joy to be found even when life serves you its absolute worst: and that what doesn’t kill you really will make you hotter. You might just have to get through a few disasters first.

Laura Clery is a mom, actress, influencer, and comedian best known for posting comedy sketches and vlogs about her day-to-day life on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where she has a combined following of nearly twenty-six million and upwards of ten billion views. She is the author of Idiot and Idiots. Laura lives in Los Angeles with her son and daughter.

"In darkly humorous, conversational prose, the author admits that while marital discord is a harsh, unmooring gut punch, it can also provide opportunities for personal growth, clarity, and enlightenment."
— Kirkus Reviews

"Sometimes a few minutes of alone time at dawn or dusk is all you’re going to get to pick up a book. If that sounds familiar, you should have comedian Laura Clery’s latest at hand. Featuring more of the signature bold and hilarious storytelling that made her a social media darling, these essays take on the devastating aftermath of her divorce, forging a path as a single parent, taking the plunge into the dating pool again and rebuilding her confidence. We can all relate to the effort to find joy in trying times."
— Canadian Living