And You May Find Yourself…

And You May Find Yourself… by Gen-X author Sari Botton, is about “finding” yourself later in life-after first getting lost in all the wrong places. As Botton discovers, the wrong places famously include her own self-suppression and misguided efforts to please others (mostly men). In a series of candid, reflective, sometimes humorous essays, Botton describes coming to feminism and self-actualization as an older person, second (and third and fourth) chances-and how maybe it’s never too late to find your way…assuming you’re lucky enough to live long.

While mainly presented in a chronological arc, the stories in this episodic memoir lend themselves to being read in order, or individually, as stand-alone pieces.

“In her edgy, tender, witty way, Sari Botton has written a book for any woman who ever contorted herself to fit culturally imposed ideals, in other words, all of us. In witnessing the ways Sari has fought and failed and flourished, in the poignancy and laughter, there is deep wisdom and an abundance of spirit.”

-Beverly Donofrio, author of Riding in Cars with Boys

“A fresh and humorous meditation on the trials and tribulations of a smart Gen-X young woman who tries to extricate herself from a straitlaced suburban upbringing to become a cool, East Village girl, only to keep falling for the wrong man, the wrong therapist, and the wrong job… until she doesn’t. Botton’s hilarious and self-aware pages on dating all the wrong men recall some of Candace Bushnell’s original Sex and the City essays and Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’ Diary.” -Catherine Texier, author of Breakup

“A humanizing, humble, and hard look at a life. Investigative journalism of the soul. Sari Botton’s And You May Find Yourself is like the older sister of My Misspent Youth by Meghan Daum. You will absolutely find yourself in this intelligent, clever, and clear-hearted book.”

-Chloe Caldwell, author of The Red Zone: A Love Story

“This is a fierce and funny book about fighting back, speaking up, and singing. Sticks and stones may break your bones, but Sari Botton proves words can save you-and give you something to smile about as you walk away.”

-Sejal Shah, author of This is One Way to Dance: Essays

“And You May Find Yourself reminds us that the more specific and particular a person’s story is, the more universal it feels. I’m glad Sari Botton solved the mystery of herself and gladder still she was generous enough to share the answer with readers. -Laura Lippman, author of My Life as a Villainess: Essays