Shit, Actually

The Definitive, 100% Objective Guide to Modern Cinema

By: Lindy West

Narrated by: Lindy West

**Your Favorite Movies, Re-Watched**
New York Times opinion writer and bestselling author Lindy West was once the in-house movie critic for Seattle's alternative newsweekly The Stranger, where she covered film with brutal honesty and giddy irreverence. In Shit, Actually, Lindy returns to those roots, re-examining beloved and iconic movies from the past 40 years with an eye toward the big questions of our time: Is Twilight the horniest movie in history? Why do the zebras in The Lion King trust Mufasa-WHO IS A LION-to look out for their best interests? Why did anyone bother making any more movies after The Fugitive achieved perfection? And, my god, why don't any of the women in Love, Actually ever fucking talk?!?!

From Forrest Gump, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, and Bad Boys II, to Face/Off, Top Gun, and The Notebook, Lindy combines her razor-sharp wit and trademark humor with a genuine adoration for nostalgic trash to shed new critical light on some of our defining cultural touchstones-the stories we've long been telling ourselves about who we are. At once outrageously funny and piercingly incisive, Shit, Actually reminds us to pause and ask, "How does this movie hold up?", all while teaching us how to laugh at the things we love without ever letting them or ourselves off the hook.

Shit, Actually is a love letter and a break-up note all in one: to the films that shaped us and the ones that ruined us. More often than not, Lindy finds, they're one and the same.

Critic reviews

BookRiot, "Book Recommendations for October 2020"
Fortune, "Five New Books to Read in October"
SeattleMet, "11 Localish Books to Read This Autumn"
Up News Info, "5 new books to read in October"

"TWO THUMBS UP."—SAMANTHAIRBY

"Oh God, I hope something I make is skewered by Lindy West--what an honor!"—ELIZABETHBANKS

"It's annoying how many good, funny, and laser-precise books Lindy has written. Here's another damn great book! It's the opposite of shit, actually."—AIDYBRYANT

"[A] laugh out loud romp... [these essays are] warmhearted, acutely self-aware, and surprisingly timely, providing insight into modern society through movies first sold on VHS... Like catching up with a dear and funny friend, this insightful and irreverent book is a soothing balm for turbulent times."—Kirkus Reviews

"Queen of keenly observed, hilariously rendered cultural criticism, West offers this delicious distraction from reality....a cathartic, joyful exploration of entertainment....in true West form she reads like your smartest, funniest, and warmest friend. A perfect blend of substance, escapism, and laughter - a gift from West to the rest of us."—Booklist Review (starred)

"It's a no-holds-barred romp through modern movie-making."—LitHub

"[A] hilarious, sharp collection..."—BookRiot

"In our opinion, Lindy West is the ultimate authority, and we agree with her on all matters--including her assessments of beloved iconic movies... Shit, Actually is the ultimate read for the pop culture-obsessed."—Hello Giggles

Laugh out loud - SO MUCH FUN!

I love movie recaps and this was exactly what I was looking for at a time I am watching more movies than ever. Even if you haven’t seen some of these movies, you’ll want to after hearing Lindy’s take. I’m so excited for even those new to Lindy’s work to laugh out loud at her hilarious writing. Well done, Lindy! Just the book we needed!

14 out of 10 dvd’s of The Fugitive!

i save this audiobook to re-listen to when i need it most, and every time i am delighted that it still gets out loud laughs out of me. Lindy is a true national treasure, and i hope someday to see a sequel to this book with more movie’s and perfectly articulated opinions.
hot tip if you need more relief from the state of the world: Lindy has a podcast with her best friend Meagan Hatcher-Mays, called ‘Text Me Back’. it is the only podcast, so mind as well give it a listen. they are a delight.
For more movie related guffaws, Lindy has a newsletter called ‘Butt News’ (not as pretentious as it sounds) with more film reviews- these pockets of wit and levity are a true balm. A+ no notes.

Watching the movies mentioned is not a prerequisite!

I don’t watch movies and got this book because I will consume anything Lindy West is involved in and somehow missed that it was about movies. First two sentences I though “shit, actually...maybe this book isn’t for me” glad I didn’t turn it off (tbh I was riding my bike and can’t mess with my phone without crashing yet) because it was amazing like everything else Lindy West does. Congrats on another book, please write more. And maybe come our gay wedding and be our officiant? ❤️

So good

This book is just a hoot. This is the second time I’ve listened to this and it just cracks me up!

Feminist writer Lindy West examines many of the problematic but beloved films of our past with her iconic wit. Her humor, candor, and critical eye blend so well in her writings.
Titanic, Forest Gump, Harry Potter, Love Actually, Twilight, American Pie, etc all have many troublesome moments that would not fly in modern movie making. Yes, we can still love these movies but realizing where some massive missteps have occurred is important in our growth as a society. West dives in headfirst with her feminist eye while still keeping the book a laugh out loud journey.

I loved West’s first memoir “Shrill” (I also adore the tv show) and bought this on audible the day it came out. She also narrates it splendidly. Her Sean Connery impression makes me giggle just thinking about it. If you want a laugh and to learn a few things, I highly recommend this audiobook!

Such a fun way to learn about some of these movies that I have not actually seen!

A few of the movies West rates in this book are ones I have not seen and I can’t really think of any better way to have experiences those stories than through her description!