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How Do I Un-Remember This?: Unfortunately True Stories
From Danny Pellegrino, creator of the hugely successful podcast Everything Iconic! Stories that will make you laugh, cry, and dig up all your awkward middle-school pictures.
Growing up in small-town Ohio isn't easy, particularly when you're a closeted gay kid surrounded by... no one openly gay. Luckily, Danny Pellegrino grew up in the 90s, coming of age when the internet opened up a whole new world for a curious kid itching for life outside of Midwest suburbia. Danny escaped the pains of growing up by submerging himself in a sea of pop culture—bingeing The Nanny until he had the confidence of Fran Fine, belting out Brandy songs until his heartaches were healed, or watching every semi-clothed Ryan Phillippe scene known to man.
Now, as a successful podcaster interviewing the same iconic personalities that he idolized as a kid, Danny's life has only become more entertaining and delightfully chaotic.
Heartfelt and hilarious, How Do I Un-Remember This? is a collection of real-life stories exploring Danny's journey from feeling like the only gay kid in Ohio to becoming a big-time podcaster in Los Angeles, and all the amusing moments life threw at him in between. With remarkable honesty and his trademark humor, Danny discusses his struggles alongside his love for all things pop culture in a way that is equally emotional and uplifting. And of course, it's all sprinkled with a little 90s nostalgia and a whole lot of comedy.
Growing up in small-town Ohio isn't easy, particularly when you're a closeted gay kid surrounded by... no one openly gay. Luckily, Danny Pellegrino grew up in the 90s, coming of age when the internet opened up a whole new world for a curious kid itching for life outside of Midwest suburbia. Danny escaped the pains of growing up by submerging himself in a sea of pop culture—bingeing The Nanny until he had the confidence of Fran Fine, belting out Brandy songs until his heartaches were healed, or watching every semi-clothed Ryan Phillippe scene known to man.
Now, as a successful podcaster interviewing the same iconic personalities that he idolized as a kid, Danny's life has only become more entertaining and delightfully chaotic.
Heartfelt and hilarious, How Do I Un-Remember This? is a collection of real-life stories exploring Danny's journey from feeling like the only gay kid in Ohio to becoming a big-time podcaster in Los Angeles, and all the amusing moments life threw at him in between. With remarkable honesty and his trademark humor, Danny discusses his struggles alongside his love for all things pop culture in a way that is equally emotional and uplifting. And of course, it's all sprinkled with a little 90s nostalgia and a whole lot of comedy.
280 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2022
About the author
Danny Pellegrino
5 books783 followersDANNY PELLEGRINO is a NYT bestselling author, comedian, and screenwriter from Solon, Ohio. He created and hosts the hit podcast Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. With over 30 million downloads in 2022, his show frequently appears at the top of the podcast charts. Guests include actors and celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Katie Couric, Keke Palmer, Rosie O'Donnell, Elizabeth Olsen, Andy Cohen, Daniel Levy, Cameron Diaz, Miss Piggy, and more! The show has been featured at Vogue, E!, Entertainment Tonight, Deadline, Today, W Magazine, People, Newsweek, Page Six, Entertainment Weekly, US Weekly, etc.
He authored the instant NYT bestseller How Do I Un-Remember This?: Unfortunately True Stories via Sourcebooks.
He also co-authored two books, Fancy AF Cocktails and The Super Carb Diet.
Growing from his sketch comedy performances at The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Groundlings, and The Second City Chicago, Danny took his podcast on the road with live sold-out shows across the country. He's been featured as a host on E!, a guest on WWHL, Good Day LA, The Drew Barrymore Show, and more!
His burgeoning screenwriting career includes optioning his first screenplay, 8-BIT MELODY, to Valparaiso Pictures. He is currently in development with his next script, an ensemble comedy.
Danny can be found on social media via @DannyPellegrino on Instagram and Twitter, or in front of the TV with glass of bed wine.
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/dannypellegrino
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/dannypellegrino
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pellegrinodanny
PODCAST: www.EverythingIconic.com
He authored the instant NYT bestseller How Do I Un-Remember This?: Unfortunately True Stories via Sourcebooks.
He also co-authored two books, Fancy AF Cocktails and The Super Carb Diet.
Growing from his sketch comedy performances at The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Groundlings, and The Second City Chicago, Danny took his podcast on the road with live sold-out shows across the country. He's been featured as a host on E!, a guest on WWHL, Good Day LA, The Drew Barrymore Show, and more!
His burgeoning screenwriting career includes optioning his first screenplay, 8-BIT MELODY, to Valparaiso Pictures. He is currently in development with his next script, an ensemble comedy.
Danny can be found on social media via @DannyPellegrino on Instagram and Twitter, or in front of the TV with glass of bed wine.
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/dannypellegrino
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/dannypellegrino
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pellegrinodanny
PODCAST: www.EverythingIconic.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 581 reviews
March 11, 2022
“How Do I Un-Remember This?: Unfortunately True Stories” (2022) is a zany entertaining mix of memoir and pop culture by author/comedian Danny Pellegrino, the podcast host of “Everything Iconic With Danny Pellegrino”—who has interviewed numerous celebrities from Katie Couric, Andy Cohen, Daniel Levy, to Cameron Diaz, Rosie O’Donnell and the spectacular Miss Piggy! Danny is from Salon Ohio, and is a graduate from Kent State University. This is his third book.
When the family vacation and quest for excitement extended beyond small town Ohio to Florida, the Pellegrino’s took full advantage of an Orlando area Time Share presentation offered from an assisted living facility. The comp tickets given funded the family trip to Disney World. Danny always related to music, movies, and magazines to help him find acceptance, meaning, and understanding as a gay teen. The first time he was outed was in the bedroom of one of his childhood friends. When her father expressed disapproval of her having a boy in her room, she told him that it was totally ok—because, well, “Danny was gay!” Danny immediately fled the scene in tears on his bicycle, and went home.
As huge fan of Reality TV, Danny loved the Newlyweds Nick and Jessica (2003-05) and the couple seemed “like a match made in heaven”. Despite evidence to the contrary, Danny was convinced that the man he saw breaking into his car from the passenger side was trying to steal his yellow “Jessica Simpson shawl” even his boyfriend could not dissuade him from his line of reasoning. Danny loved 1990’s-2000’s pop culture, the music of Boyz II Men, the Back Street Boys, the Pussycat Dolls, to the fun and glamour of the girl group type music of “Queen” Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, Kelly Clarkson etc. A special chapter was included on Martin Short “Franck Eggelhoffer” and his love for Fran Drescher’s “The Nanny” and so much more.
This is really a fun read, as readers see Danny evolve into his celebrity. Danny also admitted he found both romance and sexuality (somewhat) “loathsome” though with the legality of gay marriage on June 25, 2015, he and his boyfriend remain in a committed relationship and have exchanged rings. Danny also writes candidly about how much easier it is today for LGBTQ people to come out of the closet than it was when he was younger, and the challenges he faced with anxiety, panic attacks, and depressive symptoms; though it is clear for him at least, that comedy and laughter might be the best medicine.
**With thanks to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.
When the family vacation and quest for excitement extended beyond small town Ohio to Florida, the Pellegrino’s took full advantage of an Orlando area Time Share presentation offered from an assisted living facility. The comp tickets given funded the family trip to Disney World. Danny always related to music, movies, and magazines to help him find acceptance, meaning, and understanding as a gay teen. The first time he was outed was in the bedroom of one of his childhood friends. When her father expressed disapproval of her having a boy in her room, she told him that it was totally ok—because, well, “Danny was gay!” Danny immediately fled the scene in tears on his bicycle, and went home.
As huge fan of Reality TV, Danny loved the Newlyweds Nick and Jessica (2003-05) and the couple seemed “like a match made in heaven”. Despite evidence to the contrary, Danny was convinced that the man he saw breaking into his car from the passenger side was trying to steal his yellow “Jessica Simpson shawl” even his boyfriend could not dissuade him from his line of reasoning. Danny loved 1990’s-2000’s pop culture, the music of Boyz II Men, the Back Street Boys, the Pussycat Dolls, to the fun and glamour of the girl group type music of “Queen” Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, Kelly Clarkson etc. A special chapter was included on Martin Short “Franck Eggelhoffer” and his love for Fran Drescher’s “The Nanny” and so much more.
This is really a fun read, as readers see Danny evolve into his celebrity. Danny also admitted he found both romance and sexuality (somewhat) “loathsome” though with the legality of gay marriage on June 25, 2015, he and his boyfriend remain in a committed relationship and have exchanged rings. Danny also writes candidly about how much easier it is today for LGBTQ people to come out of the closet than it was when he was younger, and the challenges he faced with anxiety, panic attacks, and depressive symptoms; though it is clear for him at least, that comedy and laughter might be the best medicine.
**With thanks to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.
June 4, 2022
3-1/2*
1. I had no idea who this guy was before picking up this book.
2. I do NOT watch reality TV shows – I think they’re mindless, making unremarkable people famous for no good reason. I especially do NOT watch the Housewives of anywhere.
3. I have never watched a podcast.
4. I know little or nothing about most of the people he talks about.
5. BUT with very few TV channels and zero social media I was as obsessed with the pop culture of my day (Elizabeth Taylor / Richard Burton / the Frank Sinatra Rat Pack / Bobby Darin & Sandra Dee / Rock Hudson / Doris Day) as he is with pop culture of today.
6. I found his writing honest and authentic.
7. He writes openly about his struggle with anxiety and depression.
8. After all of that I enjoyed his book which was sometimes funny and sometimes insightful with lines such as: “Depression is like a tiny dark cell in your body that multiplies faster than you can catch it.” (Pg.130)
Well done Danny!
1. I had no idea who this guy was before picking up this book.
2. I do NOT watch reality TV shows – I think they’re mindless, making unremarkable people famous for no good reason. I especially do NOT watch the Housewives of anywhere.
3. I have never watched a podcast.
4. I know little or nothing about most of the people he talks about.
5. BUT with very few TV channels and zero social media I was as obsessed with the pop culture of my day (Elizabeth Taylor / Richard Burton / the Frank Sinatra Rat Pack / Bobby Darin & Sandra Dee / Rock Hudson / Doris Day) as he is with pop culture of today.
6. I found his writing honest and authentic.
7. He writes openly about his struggle with anxiety and depression.
8. After all of that I enjoyed his book which was sometimes funny and sometimes insightful with lines such as: “Depression is like a tiny dark cell in your body that multiplies faster than you can catch it.” (Pg.130)
Well done Danny!
November 6, 2021
Everyone has a story, and WOW did I enjoy reading Danny’s. This book felt like a long, heartwarming chat with a friend. I’ve been a fan of Danny for a while. I was originally drawn to his podcast because of our similar interests (bravo bravo and more bravo) but stayed because of his hilarious sense of humor and the realistic perspective he offers, both of which were so present in this book.
How Do I Un-Remember this was funny, thought provoking, nostalgic and RELATABLE. I laughed as Danny recounted childhood family vacations, and his love for all things pop culture (Jessica Simpson, JC Chasez, and talk shows, to name a few) . I cried reading his chapter about processing grief in a Kohls. My heart ached for young Danny trying to feel comfortable in his own skin at a sleepover gone wrong. I felt nostalgic as he recounted fun and tough times spent with his friends. I related to his struggles with mental health, particularly anxiety. Reading about the experiences Danny wanted to “un-remember” had me remembering moments in my own life, and allowed me to gain new perspective for them while feeling less alone in my feelings.
I feel SO lucky to have received an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to Sourcebooks! I cannot recommend it enough, and cannot wait to purchase a copy when it hits shelves in March 2022 (fingers crossed for an audiobook?) I’d recommend this to any millennial who enjoys a funny, heartwarming memoir!
How Do I Un-Remember this was funny, thought provoking, nostalgic and RELATABLE. I laughed as Danny recounted childhood family vacations, and his love for all things pop culture (Jessica Simpson, JC Chasez, and talk shows, to name a few) . I cried reading his chapter about processing grief in a Kohls. My heart ached for young Danny trying to feel comfortable in his own skin at a sleepover gone wrong. I felt nostalgic as he recounted fun and tough times spent with his friends. I related to his struggles with mental health, particularly anxiety. Reading about the experiences Danny wanted to “un-remember” had me remembering moments in my own life, and allowed me to gain new perspective for them while feeling less alone in my feelings.
I feel SO lucky to have received an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to Sourcebooks! I cannot recommend it enough, and cannot wait to purchase a copy when it hits shelves in March 2022 (fingers crossed for an audiobook?) I’d recommend this to any millennial who enjoys a funny, heartwarming memoir!
March 24, 2022
Cute book. Liked his ability to whip out pop culture references. I wasn’t a fan before so a lot went over my head. Not sure this book is for folks unfamiliar with the author.
March 18, 2022
The Michael Bolton ASL story will never get old for me.
June 19, 2022
Yessss! Libras Unite!!
I LOVED the chapters about Danny's family vacation. So hilarious! When I was a teenager we had some pretty epic family vacations. Always shenanigans involved and stories you probably wouldn't believe, LOL! For instance, my family was once chased by a man playing a caveman in an outdoor play.
You know it's a good read when you share complete paragraphs with your fam while laughing your ass off! The Detour about Home Alone 2 - DEAD!!!
98 Degrees!? Ahhhh!!! They were one of my very first boy band loves! At one point I looked at my husband and said "Omg! Is Danny Pellegrino my new best friend!? I loved Jeff too!!"
High five for talking about mental health! I'm such an open book when it comes to my anxiety. The medication, seeing an amazing therapist. We need more of this! Fight the stigma!!!!
Okay you guys, this book was FANTASTIC! I loved it so damn much! I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. And the nostalgia! Oh my gosh, mind blowing! Soooo many memories from my teenage years came flooding back. I needed this beauty in my life. Seriously, just amazing! Highly recommend.
Huge thank you to Sourcebooks for my gifted copy!
I LOVED the chapters about Danny's family vacation. So hilarious! When I was a teenager we had some pretty epic family vacations. Always shenanigans involved and stories you probably wouldn't believe, LOL! For instance, my family was once chased by a man playing a caveman in an outdoor play.
You know it's a good read when you share complete paragraphs with your fam while laughing your ass off! The Detour about Home Alone 2 - DEAD!!!
98 Degrees!? Ahhhh!!! They were one of my very first boy band loves! At one point I looked at my husband and said "Omg! Is Danny Pellegrino my new best friend!? I loved Jeff too!!"
High five for talking about mental health! I'm such an open book when it comes to my anxiety. The medication, seeing an amazing therapist. We need more of this! Fight the stigma!!!!
Okay you guys, this book was FANTASTIC! I loved it so damn much! I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. And the nostalgia! Oh my gosh, mind blowing! Soooo many memories from my teenage years came flooding back. I needed this beauty in my life. Seriously, just amazing! Highly recommend.
Huge thank you to Sourcebooks for my gifted copy!
January 4, 2022
I'll begin with the fact that I had no idea who Danny Pellegrino was before reading his book. Someone who is already familiar and a fan will surely have a much different take away from this book. Pellegrino makes constant reference to various reality tv shows (most I don't watch) and daytime tv talk shows (that I also rarely watch). This got tedious for me since they aren't references I identify with. I did grow up in the midwest so definitely could identify with some of his childhood stories, though most of his stories are colored by his sexuality so are very different from my experiences. I do enjoy reading books by those with very different lives to mine, but I found Pellegrino's storytelling style to be long and drawn out, making this feel like a slow read and I found myself really looking forward to finishing the book and moving on. There are moments I enjoyed, but overall, I found this book just wasn't a good fit for me. If you aren't familiar with this author, maybe check out his podcast first to see if his humor and storytelling style suits you before grabbing the book.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 22, 2023
Danny is great fun - a really funny writer who pokes fun at himself & works in loads of pop culture references that are nostalgic and hilarious! He also gets really vulnerable in places talking about his mental health struggles. A humorist writer for a new generation!
July 2, 2023
Very funny 🤣
February 7, 2023
I just love Danny Pellegrino. I needed a light read after my last book and this was exactly what I needed.
If you’re already a fan, you will laugh your head off at some of these stories. I particularly related to the chapter about Judy Garland/the Judy movie and his inability to talk about anything else. I also died over the ASL story.
Some of these stories will also make you cry. Danny isn’t just funny, he’s also very sensitive, and his stories of coming to understand his sexuality will break your heart at times. He also reflects on the inauthenticity of social media quite a bit, which was a pleasant surprise given the fact that so many of us know him from Instagram. He has this beautiful ability to steadily come from a place of love even when he’s making fun of someone or telling an unflattering story about someone.
This reads like a book of essays, so there’s not much structure here. But if you’re looking for a light read, a beach read, or just want to get to know Danny better, this is a fantastic read.
If you’re already a fan, you will laugh your head off at some of these stories. I particularly related to the chapter about Judy Garland/the Judy movie and his inability to talk about anything else. I also died over the ASL story.
Some of these stories will also make you cry. Danny isn’t just funny, he’s also very sensitive, and his stories of coming to understand his sexuality will break your heart at times. He also reflects on the inauthenticity of social media quite a bit, which was a pleasant surprise given the fact that so many of us know him from Instagram. He has this beautiful ability to steadily come from a place of love even when he’s making fun of someone or telling an unflattering story about someone.
This reads like a book of essays, so there’s not much structure here. But if you’re looking for a light read, a beach read, or just want to get to know Danny better, this is a fantastic read.
February 16, 2023
I decided to try the audiobook for this one because a friend in my book club said listening to it is like a warm hug and she was not wrong! The 90s midwestern kid in me was feeling all the feels listening to Danny’s memories of fortune teller games, budget friendly family roadtrips, sleepovers and more. This one was an absolute delight and I could live forever in the chapter with his mom’s phone call talking about the bold ass woodpecker!
October 15, 2021
As a fan of Danny Pellegrino's podcast "Everything Iconic," I was anxiously awaiting his debut collection of essays. During his Bravo re-caps, Danny displays his sense of humor, while maintaining a refreshing level of vulnerability with his audience. I was excited to see that version of Danny in his essays - I was not disappointed.
How Do I Un-Remember This? is many things - hilarious, nostalgic, and brimming with pop culture, to list a few. Certain essays will cause you to audibly laugh while reading - the story of Danny's college ASL class did it for me (no spoilers, I promise). I really enjoyed reading and revealing the layers of Danny's family relationships, his life, and his love of pop culture through his writing.
Another theme that I enjoyed within this collection was Danny's experience as a gay man - mainly his pre "coming out" experiences. As a gay man myself, his experiences of a young boy resonated with me and reinforced to me how many gay men have similar experiences. While I have been out for many years, I think some queer youth will see themselves in these sorties and perhaps for a moment feel less alone.
Overall, I recommend this essay collection to any fan of Danny's, to any fans of pop culture, or to any reader who is looking for a laugh. How Do I Un-Remember This? does not disappoint!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
How Do I Un-Remember This? is many things - hilarious, nostalgic, and brimming with pop culture, to list a few. Certain essays will cause you to audibly laugh while reading - the story of Danny's college ASL class did it for me (no spoilers, I promise). I really enjoyed reading and revealing the layers of Danny's family relationships, his life, and his love of pop culture through his writing.
Another theme that I enjoyed within this collection was Danny's experience as a gay man - mainly his pre "coming out" experiences. As a gay man myself, his experiences of a young boy resonated with me and reinforced to me how many gay men have similar experiences. While I have been out for many years, I think some queer youth will see themselves in these sorties and perhaps for a moment feel less alone.
Overall, I recommend this essay collection to any fan of Danny's, to any fans of pop culture, or to any reader who is looking for a laugh. How Do I Un-Remember This? does not disappoint!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2022
How Do I Un-Remember This?
is a book of reminiscences, stories, and reflections, both funny and poignant.
True confession: when I received this book as part of a group of books that my friend Carrie sent me, I had no idea who Danny Pellegrino was. Then I saw another friend talk about how excited he was to read this, so I needed to do some research. It turns out he’s the host of a pop culture podcast called Everything Iconic—and it has become my new guilty pleasure.
This book contains numerous reminiscences of Pellegrino’s through his life, from childhood to adulthood. It touches on funny family stories, dealing with his sexuality, conquering grief and guilt related to his grandmother’s passing, his relationship with his boyfriend/fiancé, mental health, and his favorite subject, pop culture, be it the movies, music, or celebrities.
Some of the stories are laugh-out-loud funny, particularly those recounting a vacation his family took when he was young. Some of the stories definitely hit close to home as well, and some were very emotional.
You wouldn’t think that a memoir-of-sorts written by someone I wasn’t familiar with would be interesting, but Pellegrino is a tremendously engaging writer, full of personality—and pop culture references. How Do I Un-Remember This? was right up my alley!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
True confession: when I received this book as part of a group of books that my friend Carrie sent me, I had no idea who Danny Pellegrino was. Then I saw another friend talk about how excited he was to read this, so I needed to do some research. It turns out he’s the host of a pop culture podcast called Everything Iconic—and it has become my new guilty pleasure.
This book contains numerous reminiscences of Pellegrino’s through his life, from childhood to adulthood. It touches on funny family stories, dealing with his sexuality, conquering grief and guilt related to his grandmother’s passing, his relationship with his boyfriend/fiancé, mental health, and his favorite subject, pop culture, be it the movies, music, or celebrities.
Some of the stories are laugh-out-loud funny, particularly those recounting a vacation his family took when he was young. Some of the stories definitely hit close to home as well, and some were very emotional.
You wouldn’t think that a memoir-of-sorts written by someone I wasn’t familiar with would be interesting, but Pellegrino is a tremendously engaging writer, full of personality—and pop culture references. How Do I Un-Remember This? was right up my alley!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
July 8, 2023
I wasn’t previously familiar with Danny Pellegrino, but he is freaking delightful! I loved this personal essay collection, largely about growing up closeted in small-town Ohio, and how the internet and pop culture helped him through adolescence. We’re of the same generation, so the pop culture references hit. I mean, The Nanny was iconic! His audio narration was perfection!
December 9, 2022
Four stars for my fellow JC Chasez fan (Timberlake is trash, I said what I said).
This book is hilarious. His pop culture references are *chef’s kiss*. My favorite stories were “The Journey” about a family vacation to Florida and “How Can We Be Lovers” about…well, I don’t want to spoil anything.
This book is hilarious. His pop culture references are *chef’s kiss*. My favorite stories were “The Journey” about a family vacation to Florida and “How Can We Be Lovers” about…well, I don’t want to spoil anything.
November 4, 2022
Me. This book is by me. I wrote this book and therefore I have to like it, which I do, because it is by me.
July 6, 2023
Easy breezy summer read that made me lol.
March 16, 2022
I’ve been listening to Danny’s podcast, Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino, for about four years. It started with a love of Real Housewives and Bravo as Danny recapped our beloved programs and I laughed along for an hour each week.
Over the years I have fallen in love with Danny’s storytelling as he “detours” to hilarious anecdotes about his mom, boyfriend, friends, or an unfortunate experience from earlier in the week. My listening eventually developed into wanting to hear Danny talk more about these detours than the show recaps I initially tuned in for. (I specifically love the detour about his impression of Frank Eggelhoffer (of Father of the Bride fame) for a policeman to try and get out of a ticket after getting pulled over on his way to an Equinox class…but that’s neither here nor there.)
Don’t get me wrong…I could listen to this man talk for the rest of time breaking down the larger scale events on Bravo such as Jen Shah getting arrested by the FBI for allegedly defrauding the elderly or Lisa Barlow referring to her best friend of 15 years as a garbage shit whore on network television, to the minutia of Kathy Hilton revealing she is unsure which channel the show she stars on airs, on an Instagram live *after the show had already been airing for several weeks*. But even if you aren’t a Bravo or Real Housewives superfan, you will love Everything Iconic and this book. Danny’s wide array of obsessions including Nancy Meyers movies, the Simpson sisters, The View, and all things Christmas season make every episode unique and hilarious. He is truly talented and I cannot wait to see what is next for him!
Danny’s ability to talk about heavy events and media stories in such a genuine and informed way, while also being able to introduce humor is one of the things that is going to make him into a talk show star! The likes of which Kathie Lee Gifford herself would surely tune in to watch.
*note: there are many instances in this book where Danny wants you to go listen to a song or look up a performance or clip on YouTube. I stayed up far too late last night watching and listening to all of these and it was a pop culture immersion experience. I was particularly shook by the 2007 clip of The View “split screen” where Rosie O’Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck went head to head discussing the war in Iraq.
Over the years I have fallen in love with Danny’s storytelling as he “detours” to hilarious anecdotes about his mom, boyfriend, friends, or an unfortunate experience from earlier in the week. My listening eventually developed into wanting to hear Danny talk more about these detours than the show recaps I initially tuned in for. (I specifically love the detour about his impression of Frank Eggelhoffer (of Father of the Bride fame) for a policeman to try and get out of a ticket after getting pulled over on his way to an Equinox class…but that’s neither here nor there.)
Don’t get me wrong…I could listen to this man talk for the rest of time breaking down the larger scale events on Bravo such as Jen Shah getting arrested by the FBI for allegedly defrauding the elderly or Lisa Barlow referring to her best friend of 15 years as a garbage shit whore on network television, to the minutia of Kathy Hilton revealing she is unsure which channel the show she stars on airs, on an Instagram live *after the show had already been airing for several weeks*. But even if you aren’t a Bravo or Real Housewives superfan, you will love Everything Iconic and this book. Danny’s wide array of obsessions including Nancy Meyers movies, the Simpson sisters, The View, and all things Christmas season make every episode unique and hilarious. He is truly talented and I cannot wait to see what is next for him!
Danny’s ability to talk about heavy events and media stories in such a genuine and informed way, while also being able to introduce humor is one of the things that is going to make him into a talk show star! The likes of which Kathie Lee Gifford herself would surely tune in to watch.
*note: there are many instances in this book where Danny wants you to go listen to a song or look up a performance or clip on YouTube. I stayed up far too late last night watching and listening to all of these and it was a pop culture immersion experience. I was particularly shook by the 2007 clip of The View “split screen” where Rosie O’Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck went head to head discussing the war in Iraq.
January 9, 2022
As a fan of Danny Pellegrino's podcast, 'Everything Iconic!', I was eagerly anticipating reading this book and it did not disappoint.
While I had heard some of the stories before on the podcast, I was more than happy to read them again, especially that bold-ass woodpecker and the couch cushions.
I also enjoyed all the detours and reading the stories that I hand't heard before - both the highs and the lows. This book was captivating, honest, and hilarious.
Danny's writing captures his familiar voice perfectly and I felt like I was catching up with an old friend.
While I had heard some of the stories before on the podcast, I was more than happy to read them again, especially that bold-ass woodpecker and the couch cushions.
I also enjoyed all the detours and reading the stories that I hand't heard before - both the highs and the lows. This book was captivating, honest, and hilarious.
Danny's writing captures his familiar voice perfectly and I felt like I was catching up with an old friend.
March 13, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4/5, Memoir)
Let me keep this review simple for you: If you are a fan of Danny Pellegrino you will love this book and find yourself laughing out loud.
If you aren’t familiar with him, he is the host of the Everything Iconic Podcast which is focused on all things Real Housewives and Bravo. I love his humor, his midwestern background, and his crazy tangents. He makes my roadtrips FLY by and i have introduced so many friends to the wonderful world of Danny P (and am forever indebted to my very sweet friend who introduced me to him).
I think this is a book that is fabulous if you are in the Danny Pellegrino bubble, if you aren’t but are a Bravo lover- maybe test out his podcast, see if you like his sense of humor, and then dive right into his funny and heartfelt book.
Best paired with The Iconic Pellegrino from Tom and Ariana’s (of Vanderpump Rules) Cocktail Book that Danny wrote the foreword for!
Let me keep this review simple for you: If you are a fan of Danny Pellegrino you will love this book and find yourself laughing out loud.
If you aren’t familiar with him, he is the host of the Everything Iconic Podcast which is focused on all things Real Housewives and Bravo. I love his humor, his midwestern background, and his crazy tangents. He makes my roadtrips FLY by and i have introduced so many friends to the wonderful world of Danny P (and am forever indebted to my very sweet friend who introduced me to him).
I think this is a book that is fabulous if you are in the Danny Pellegrino bubble, if you aren’t but are a Bravo lover- maybe test out his podcast, see if you like his sense of humor, and then dive right into his funny and heartfelt book.
Best paired with The Iconic Pellegrino from Tom and Ariana’s (of Vanderpump Rules) Cocktail Book that Danny wrote the foreword for!
July 23, 2022
There are some really funny stories but the liberal talking points sprinkled throughout were mildly annoying. I don’t even know who this guy is I just saw the description said he had a lot of 90s pop culture knowledge and I was interested in that. Not really worth the read (or listen in my case) in my opinion.
May 24, 2022
Five stars to Danny Pellegrino on his memoir!! It was poignant, funny, and nostalgic with just the right mix of pop culture references. Danny hosts my favorite podcast, Everything Iconic, so I’m not surprised I loved his book. 10/10 recommend.
December 13, 2023
This book sparked SO MUCH JOY. Obsessed is an understatement and can’t wait to read his new book! His love for 90s nostalgia and pop culture made me feel seen. Loved all the Bravo tv references. I feel like we are besties (And he’s from Solon, OH and we follow some mutual friends on IG and I’m basically famous now by association). Danny if you’re reading this, come to my annual 90s party next summer if you’re visiting fam and friends in Northeast Ohio 😂.
This book was funny af and I loled a LOT and it takes a lot for a book to make me laugh. Never wanted it to end!
This book was funny af and I loled a LOT and it takes a lot for a book to make me laugh. Never wanted it to end!
February 4, 2024
3.5
So this book was good! I always appreciate hearing people’s perspectives especially when they’re funny and light-hearted. I definitely don’t think this book struck me to my core the way others have. But like… it was cute and entertaining.
So this book was good! I always appreciate hearing people’s perspectives especially when they’re funny and light-hearted. I definitely don’t think this book struck me to my core the way others have. But like… it was cute and entertaining.
July 29, 2022
Cute stories about his life. I have no idea who he is but I enjoyed the book.
March 15, 2024
3.5 , his Christmas one was better :)
April 24, 2022
I listened to this on audiobook and it felt like I was listening to a 6 hour long podcast - I loved every minute of it! Danny’s voice was so soothing and his stories were funny, heartwarming and real.
February 22, 2023
We clearly have very different definitions of funny and embarrassing. I can name things that happened to me in the last month that are more embarrassing than this man’s life
August 28, 2022
Danny!!! I recommend this book to anyone who wants to laugh uncontrollably. It was suuuuch a fun read.
Read
September 14, 2022Good easy read as a pop culture lover, has me genuinely laugh out loud
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