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Chelsea Devantez knows how to spin life’s messiest moments into stories brimming with humor and hard truths. In I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: (But I’m Going to Anyway), her sharp and layered collection of essays, Devantez invites readers into the chaotic, often hilarious journey that led her from an unconventional upbringing to the demanding world of comedy writing.
The road wasn’t easy. Starting out in Chicago’s legendary Second City improv scene, Devantez navigated an industry full of contradictions. She was told she was too much—or not enough. Promising opportunities, like developing her own TV show, frequently fizzled out. But she persisted, eventually earning her spot as head writer for The Problem With Jon Stewart. Through it all, Devantez embraced her ability to find humor in the most unlikely places, a skill forged in her tumultuous childhood, shaped by her mother’s turbulent relationships and a family life that was as unpredictable as it was formative.
Devantez’s path, however, was not one she walked alone. Her essays shine brightest when exploring the dynamic, often thorny relationships she’s had with other women. From the captivating comedy partner who left her heartbroken, to a cunning rival nicknamed “Shitbitch,” to her fiercely supportive but struggling mother, each woman in Devantez’s orbit offers a lesson. These relationships—complicated, messy, and profoundly influential—become the backbone of her narrative.
Her stories don’t shy away from the realities of financial instability or systemic inequities in Hollywood. In the standout essay “Roger Roger,” Devantez examines what it means to carve out a career without the safety net of privilege, proudly reclaiming the term “glamorous trash” as she critiques the power of nepotism and the intersection of race, gender, and access in the entertainment industry.
Devantez’s writing sparkles with wit, but it’s her honesty that makes this book unforgettable. She doesn’t just chronicle her journey—she lays bare the frustrations, embarrassments, and triumphs that come with forging a path as an outsider in a space that often feels inaccessible.
At its heart, I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This is about more than success or survival. It’s a testament to the power of connection, to the relationships that help us find our way, and to the strength it takes to rewrite the rules. With humor, heart, and razor-sharp insight, Devantez delivers a deeply personal collection that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite fit—but found a way to thrive anyway.
