This was a great ride through Suzi Ruffle’s life. It is so funny, heartfelt and thought provoking. This is exactly what I needed to read right now!

What made this stand out for me is not only is this an autobiography but this takes a pause at the end of each chapter to ponder with an expert on the chapters subject matter via Suzi backstory.

If you are familiar with Suzi work either her comedy through standup or her various podcasts then this is a must for you. It is so enjoyable, very personal which did make me love this more and it is also very queer. Given that it is pride month so fitting!

Honestly pick this up and devour this like I did. If you need a laugh or like me a pick me up with a splatter of perspective then this is a must read! I was given an opportunity to read this via NetGalley and Pan Macmillan so thank you as honestly it was the tonic that I needed.

I’ve been a fan of Suzi Ruffell for years, and like many great comedy memoirs, in this book she combines her signature humour with more intimate conversation and detail.

The structure of this book worked particularly well, with each chapter being framed as the answer to a question. Each chapter ends with a short interview with someone very knowledgable on the topic being discussed, often people well-known in their own right. It was a really nice way to explore different aspects of Ruffell’s life, and made it feel like we were on a journey of self-discovery with her, rather than having a more detached relationship as reader and author. Conversely, this structure also allowed Ruffell to be more selective about what she shared about her personal life (as is everyone’s right).

There are of course plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, some of which are similar to some Ruffell’s stand-up routines, many of which are completely new, and a few of which work far better in a book than they would on stage which is always nice to see! It was also incredibly readable, striking just the right tone to keep me hooked.

If you like Suzi Ruffell’s comedy then there is no doubt you will enjoy this book, and even if you’re new to her, I think this book would be a great introduction.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

After finishing this book I can now pair some of the earlier performances I searched out via grainy YouTube videos with stories that Suzi tells in Am I Having Fun Yet?, and as a fan finding out these relatable stories really make for a great read. The book covers everything from anxiety, loss, relationships, parenthood, feminism and one of my favourite topics, just how far has equality for the LGBT+ community come (not far enough is the short answer) but Suzi very well articulates why and with the help of her chapter expert shares thoughts on where it needs to go. Suzi then talks to experts in each area to round off the chapters which really round these off perfectly.

Whether you’re new to Suzi Ruffell or a long time fan, I think this book has all of the wit and charm you’d expect from Suzi’s writing, whilst also the humility and self awareness that some writers / famous people seem to lack. I would say it’s worth looking up some of her sets before reading this if you are new because knowing the impressions she does of her family really help you to read this in her voice and for me made it a lot funnier, even when some of the themes were a little on the sadder side. This book has confirmed that all lesbians our age do love Kate Winslet and Mel C a lot and I have decided I should in fact be telling my therapist more of my unhinged thoughts that pop off in my head after reading this book, because maybe I’m not quite as alone as I thought.

I’d give this 10 stars if I could, and really hope to see more works in the coming years.

I adore Suzi Ruffell and everything she stands for—and this brilliant, funny, heartfelt book only deepened that admiration. If you’re a fan of her stand-up, podcasts, or TV appearances, you’re going to love this. But even if you’ve never seen her before, there’s something here for anyone who’s ever overthought life, questioned themselves, or just wanted to feel a bit more understood.

Technically a memoir, this book is also part advice guide, part warm-hearted chat with a mate. It’s structured around chapters that explore different themes from Suzi’s life—like anxiety, relationships, ambition, sexuality, and motherhood. She reflects on her own experiences with warmth and trademark wit, then ends each chapter with a conversation with an expert or friend, including the likes of Dr Kirren Schnack, Elizabeth Day, Dolly Alderton, Charlene Douglas, Laura Bates, and more.

I loved the format—it kept the pace moving and gave the book real depth. Suzi’s reflections are full of her dry humour, but they’re also incredibly open and honest. She talks about growing up closeted in Portsmouth, feeling out of step at school, struggling with anxiety, studying acting, carving out a career in comedy, and eventually finding joy in both her relationship and parenthood. Her voice comes through so naturally on the page that I often felt like I was hearing her speak directly to me.

And while the book isn’t about comedy, her humour is ever-present, which makes even the more difficult subjects accessible and moving. Her take on anxiety—how it creeps into the corners of life and love, how it’s linked to ambition and overthinking—was particularly relatable for me. But there’s resilience and hope threaded through every page, and a sense that things can work out, even if you’re a worrier.

One of my favourite touches was the inclusion of music throughout the book. Suzi references the pop songs that shaped each period of her life, and it adds a brilliant sense of time and place. Honestly, it makes a great unofficial playlist!

If I had one small wish, it would be for a reading list of the books recommended by her contributors—though that may well appear in the final edition. The expert voices are all people you can go and follow or look up afterward, which adds another layer to the experience.

Although I read a digital ARC (thank you, NetGalley!), I’ve already pre-ordered the audiobook—because this is absolutely the kind of book that’s meant to be heard in the author’s own voice. I can’t wait to listen to Suzi narrate it herself. I imagine it’ll only add more warmth and humour to what’s already a truly special read.

And on a personal note—after hearing how much Suzi adored her drama school training, I’d love to see her in more acting roles. She’s spoken so many times on her podcast with Tom Allen about her dream of appearing in Call the Midwife, and I genuinely wish the BBC would take her up on it. Imagine the viewing figures if she were cast in the Christmas special! She’d be perfect.

Am I Having Fun Now? is relatable, thoughtful, and so full of heart. It’s a book about finding your place in the world, navigating the messiness of life with humour and honesty, and learning how to be OK—even if you’re not always. I want everyone to read it.

If you like Suzi’s comedy, you will like this.

Each chapter is a part of Suzi’s life that she wants to address where she tells you how it relates to her (be it a story or second hand experience), adds some of her usual wry observations and then the chapter ends with a conversation with a professional and / or friend to discuss the subject matter of the chapter.

I found this narrative style very interesting and could really sense Suzi’s personality throughout the whole thing as well as having a narrative arc throughout brining you back to the main point.

I sped through this and could not recommend it highly enough.

This is the memoir of Suzi Ruffell, a 38 year old British comedian.

I have been a fan of Suzi Ruffell for a long time and have enjoyed all her appearances on television. I love the content of her humour and think that she is in the top league of stand-up comedians here in the UK.

I do enjoy reading books, generally in the crime/mystery/thriller genres but every now and again, a memoir. I was very interested to read about her life. Like Suzi, I am also a fan of Doc Martens, those very comfortable, hard wearing, sensible shoes.

However, I found Am I having fun now? To be an OKAY 3 star read. I was disappointed by the format of her memoir which was padded out by interviews with a total of 10 contributors - Dr Kirren Schnack, Natasha Devon, Owen O’Kane, Elizabeth Day, Dolly Alderton, Charlene Douglas, Laura Bates, Ellen Jones, Dr Martha Deiros Collado and Sara Pascoe - who added their opinions on the topics Suzi was exploring. I believe that readers want to know just what Suzi thinks about issues affecting her life, rather than content from these contributors which you could get from their chosen media platforms.

Suzi does however explain in her own words issues that affect her life. There is not an awful lot about her day job of being a stand-up comedian but tonnes about her lifestyle. The best bit about stand-up comedy was when she was heckled…

About three minutes in, a man shouted: ‘What you need is a big cock,’ I responded: ‘Then I doubt you can help.’

…I enjoyed reading about her coping with anxiety and her coming out as a lesbian…

Nan called me straight after and said: ‘I know now and I love you just as much as yesterday.’ It was one of the great phone calls of my life.

…Suzi explained the lesbian lifestyle and why Pride events are so important. I enjoyed learning about how Suzi and her wife Alice became a family by adopting a baby girl they have nicknamed Peach and was touched when Suzi wrote…

The week we moved into our Brighton house the other double-mum family on our street left home-made cupcakes on the doorstep, with a card to welcome us.

…this wonderfully illustrates the inclusion Suzi and Alice were seeking in London but because of homophobia, was unable to find.

Am I having fun now? Is not a hilarious, funny and entertaining read. It is a pleasant read though and written in a humorous style. Here are two snippets that nicely illustrate Suzi’s stand-up personality…

The time on the bus when I kindly offered to move so that the two older East Asian ladies could sit together, only to be told they didn’t know each other.

More than a year after our cancelled wedding, we popped to the multistorey Sainsbury’s one afternoon, because we know how to have a good time. It was still deep enough into the pandemic that a wander around the homeware section felt like a European city break.

I was excited to get an early copy of this because I really like Suzi Ruffell's comedy. it's sort of a memoir but more of an advice book/something to relate to if you're a bit of a worrier! It's a quick read and it feels like chatting to a pal. Very relatable and a nice read.

Firstly, thank you so much for the opportunity to read this review copy!

Unfortunately, I really struggled to connect with this book and Ruffell’s style of writing. I’m not quite sure why, and found it disappointing as I was very much looking forward to reading this book! The book is not badly written and covers some serious topics fantastically, in a lighthearted and relatable way, however I just didn’t connect personally.

This is a really joyous read, although it deals with some difficult topics like anxiety. It's not an autobiography but there is a chronological approach to the life experience shared in each chapter so I enjoyed that aspect of it.
I appreciated the way Ruffell spoke about anxiety in her comedy and was expecting something similar but this was more intended to be useful, as well as funny.
The dialogue with an expert at the end of each chapter led to some really insightful content. I will be seeking out the podcast to see if it's equally interesting.

Suzi Ruffell's autobiography relates how she deals with anxiety and her sexuality through relationships, motherhood and the world of stand-up comedy.

It is humorous as you would expect and she comes across as honest and relatable. Anxiety often leads to over-thinking problems and situations but hard work and resilience eventually brings her a successful career and happy family life.

Less interesting are the transcribed interviews with several authors of self-help books (and one other comedian) to illustrate and expand on her ideas. These sections take away from her own voice rather than adding any value. References to the books for further reading would be more useful.

However, the book is peppered with references to contemporaneous pop music which help add atmosphere and place the story in time. I have added the playlist to Spotify.

Well worth the read.

A self-help book / memoir, Suzi Ruffell's first book is just as funny and delightful as she is. Detailing her life from growing up closeted in Portsmouth to her time at drama school to parts of her career as a comedian, every chapter is bookended by a conversation she has with an expert in the area of the chapter. I enjoyed reading this - Suzi's natural voice comes through in every sentence and the conversations particularly about coming out, relationships, and parenthood are a particular highlight. I'd also love to see her in more acting roles (I sort of feel like she'd be perfect for the 4th season of Ted Lasso with the women's team angle, casting directors get on it) considering all the love with which she speaks about her time studying acting. I can imagine the audiobook, which she will narrate, will be an even better way to experience this book.