Am I Having Fun Now?: Anxiety, Applause and Life’s Big Questions, Answered by Suzi Ruffell
🌟 Review Note:
Thank you to Suzi Ruffell, Bluebird, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this brilliant and heartfelt book. I’ve long admired Suzi’s comedy, and it was a real joy to explore her story in this honest, funny, and deeply relatable memoir.
As always, this review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
About The Book:
Does peaking in high school ruin you for life?
Was Miley Cyrus right, is it all about the climb (when it comes to building a career?)
And what – scientifically – is the best way to mend a broken heart?
Comedian Suzi Ruffell is considering life’s big questions.
In this brutally honest, funny, and often moving memoir, Suzi winningly tells her life story, and asks a host of experts to answer the tricky questions it prompts along the way. Diamond life advice comes from the likes of Elizabeth Day, Dolly Alderton, Charlene Douglas, Laura Bates, Dr Kirren Schnack, and more.
From masking anxiety with musical theatre and struggling to find her groove at school, on stage, and in her love life, to (eventually) coming out, falling in love, and becoming a parent, Suzi lays her life bare with trademark wit, verve and style.
Am I Having Fun Now? is riveting, relatable and revealing. Studded with brilliant, cutting observations on feminism, being working class in the world of arts and comedy, LGBTQ+ equality and the up- and downsides of ambition, it’s perfect listening for fans of books by Fern Brady, Elizabeth Day, Romesh Ranganathan, Sarah Pascoe and Tom Allen.
About The Author:
Suzi Ruffell is an award-winning stand-up comedian, writer, actor, and podcast host. Known for her quick wit, sharp observations, and warm, inclusive humour, Suzi has become one of the UK’s most beloved comedy voices. She has appeared on numerous television programmes, including Live at the Apollo, The Last Leg, and Mock the Week during its run. Suzi has performed multiple critically acclaimed solo tours and continues to captivate audiences with her relatable storytelling.
In 2025, Suzi is set to embark on her brand-new stand-up tour, The Juggle, which explores the complexities of balancing various roles in life. The tour kicks off in June and runs through November, with performances across the UK .
Suzi also co-hosts three hit podcasts: Like Minded Friends (with Tom Allen), Out with Suzi Ruffell, and Big Kick Energy (with Maisie Adam). You can explore her podcast work here: suziruffell.com/podcasts
Off stage, she’s a passionate advocate for mental health, LGBTQ+ equality, and working-class representation in the arts.
My Review:
I adore Suzi Ruffell and all that she stands for—and this book only deepened that admiration. If you enjoy her stand-up or podcasts, you’ll absolutely connect with this memoir. It’s personal, sharp, funny, and at times deeply moving.
Although I read a digital ARC (thank you, NetGalley!), I’ve already pre-ordered the audiobook—because honestly, hearing Suzi tell her own story in her own voice is the way I believe this kind of book should be experienced. Her delivery, tone, and natural rhythm will make it even more special.
Suzi’s comedy has always resonated with me—witty, observational, often rooted in her real life—and that’s exactly what this book captures. While technically a memoir, it feels just as much like an advice book or a supportive chat with a mate over a cuppa. It’s the kind of book that feels like it’s been written just for you—especially if you’re a bit of a worrier or navigating life’s uncertainties.
Each chapter takes a theme from Suzi’s life—whether it’s anxiety, sexuality, relationships, motherhood, ambition—and unpacks it with humour, insight, and warmth. She blends personal stories with second-hand experiences and ends each chapter with a conversation featuring a professional or fellow public figure, including Dr Kirren Schnack, Elizabeth Day, Dolly Alderton, Laura Bates, Charlene Douglas, and more. It gives the book a real sense of structure and flow while also offering readers practical takeaways and reassurance.
Suzi’s honesty about dealing with anxiety, coming out, and learning to thrive in the world of stand-up comedy is both refreshing and brave. As someone who tends to overthink things myself, I really appreciated how she portrayed anxiety—not just as a challenge but as something that, with hard work and self-awareness, doesn’t have to define your path. Her resilience shines through as she reflects on growing up closeted in Portsmouth, her time at drama school, and eventually finding joy in both her career and family life.
I especially appreciated how pop music is threaded throughout the book—each reference anchoring a memory or moment in time. It adds so much texture and atmosphere (and makes a brilliant playlist, too!).
Another standout is how effortlessly Suzi’s voice comes through on the page. The conversations about coming out, navigating relationships, and stepping into parenthood are written with such authenticity and heart, I often felt like I was listening to her speak rather than reading. She’s just so genuine, and it’s impossible not to root for her.
Honestly, I’d be thrilled to see her in more acting roles—she speaks so fondly of her drama school days that I found myself hoping someone casts her in Call the Midwife immediately. She’d be perfect. BBC are you listening?
This book isn’t just for comedy fans—though if you already adore Suzi Ruffell, you’ll be delighted. It’s for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves, worried too much, chased a dream, or simply wanted to feel understood. A fast but fulfilling read, filled with warmth, wit, and genuine heart. I want everyone to read it.
This review may also appear on my social media and selected book platforms. All links are correct at the time of posting.
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