Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things? cover art

Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

A Comedian's Guide to Autism

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Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

By: Pierre Novellie
Narrated by: Pierre Novellie
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About this listen

 *Nominated for Best Book at the 2025 Chortle Awards*

'Outstanding, I want to press it into the hands of every newly diagnosed person' Fern Brady

'Like a Martian's guide to living on Earth. Funny, enlightening and gobsmacking' Frank Skinner

'A hilarious, crystal-clear guide to autism' Phil Wang

'An illuminating and joyously entertaining book' Daily Express


Why were the other kids at school obsessed with Britney Spears instead of The Goon Show?
Why don't people ever say what they mean?
And... Why is everyone chewing so loudly?

Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck's back but two things made this heckler different: first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right.

This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unravelled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life.

At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked themselves: why can't I just enjoy things?

The audiobook includes an exclusive Q&A with comedian and BudPod co-host, Phil Wang.©2024 Pierre Novellie (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK Mental Health Performing Arts Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Autism Funny Comedy Witty Thought-Provoking Celebrity Inspiring

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All stars
Most relevant  
I'm on my third listen right now.

On my first listen I could have sworn Pierre had been observing me my entire life taking notes and was now reporting on everything I'd ever done wrong socially and patiently and thoroughly explaining to me how to avoid those issues in the future. Honestly i could have cried with relief, I finally have a manual.

Thanks Pierre.

Everyone should read this book.

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Highly recommend to everyone! A great read/ listen. Enlightening, thought provoking and funny. I had no idea how little I knew! Neuro-typical people like me can learn a lot about all human nature through this open and frank insight into someone’s life experience. I relate with so much- noticing the difference of degree eg getting tired by socialising. Realised things I’ve been doing wrong / missing and how to make good change.
All therapists should read this book. Actually everyone could learn and enjoy so much. Thank you! Great fun learning so much. Xx

Humorous clarity- a fun and meaningful journey of discovery.

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I really enjoyed this books book both in terms of the actual performance and what I took away from it. all in all would (and have) recommend

funny, honest and enlighteninng.

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I rarely leave reviews but this was so funny and spot-on with some of the anecdotes, that I felt compelled to leave a comment! If you’re autistic, get ready for lots of moments of intense validation and that feeling of, yes he gets it!! It all comes across with lots of humour, it was a very enjoyable listen.

Absolutely brilliant

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it was very honest and he opened up to the reader, he helps people to cope with autism

it was a very good, entertaining book and could see some traits

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Great read; intelligent, well rounded depth of knowledge, a pinch of humour with many ‘aha moments’. Definitely going for a second read. Thank you Pierre 🙏

Fantastic book

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As a fan of BudPod, I have always found Pierre’s turn of phrase far funnier out of the two of them. Not sure if it’s the similarity in age, the well-spoken accent or the ironic view of many normal parts of our life that I find most relatable, but this book encapsulates all of that!

Moreover, Pierre actually reads the book like he’s talking us through a story, rather than it sounding like somebody reading a book.

10/10, more books please!

The Most Enjoyable Book I’ve Ever Listened to!

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I am almost certainly autistic but I had no idea just how wide ranging the symptoms and effects could be. Highly recommended for everyone.

I thought I understood autism

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Saw his stand up at an Edinburgh preview and this was mentioned. Stand up was really good and easy and the book follows in this style. Having a child diagnosed with ASD recently it was good to hear the history/experiences told in a lucid way. And maybe brings me closer to what my child may be experiencing.

So I don’t have to do the hard reading

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This book is so funny and informative, not only about Autism but also various aspects of history which I must now go away and research!

Bloody brilliant!

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