In 'Something That May Shock and Discredit You', Daniel Mallory Ortberg delves into the complexities of faith, identity, and the human experience with humor and insight. Through a series of essays that intertwine personal anecdotes and cultural commentary, he navigates the challenging terrain of self-acceptance and spirituality. Ortberg's candid reflections are both poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, inviting readers to reconsider their own beliefs and biases. This book promises to astonish, amuse, and provoke thought, pushing the boundaries of conventional narratives on belief. Prepare to be both entertained and enlightened as Ortberg reveals the unexpected truths that lie within us all.
By Daniel Mallory Ortberg
Published: 2020
"We all walk around with fragments of ourselves, pieces lost and found in the chaos of life, searching for the narrative that ties us together."
Named one of the most anticipated books of the year by Entertainment Weekly, O, The Oprah Magazine, BuzzFeed, Electric Literature, Yahoo Lifestyle, and Bitch Media “A delightful hybrid of a book… You’ll laugh, you'll cry, often both at once. Everyone should read this extraordinary book.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) From the New York Times bestselling author of Texts From Jane Eyre and Merry Spinster, writer of Slate’s “Dear Prudence” column, and cofounder of The Toast comes a hilarious and stirring collection of essays and cultural observations spanning pop culture—from the endearingly popular to the staggeringly obscure. Daniel Mallory Ortberg is known for blending genres, forms, and sources to develop fascinating new hybrids—from lyric rants to horror recipes to pornographic scripture. In his most personal work to date, he turns his attention to the essay, offering vigorous and laugh-out-loud funny accounts of both popular and highbrow culture while mixing in meditations on gender transition, family dynamics, and the many meanings of faith. From a thoughtful analysis of the beauty of William Shatner to a sinister reimagining of HGTV’s House Hunters, and featuring figures as varied as Anne of Green Gables, Columbo, Nora Ephron, Apollo, and the cast of Mean Girls, Something That May Shock and Discredit You is a hilarious and emotionally exhilarating compendium that combines personal history with cultural history to make you see yourself and those around you entirely anew. It further establishes Ortberg as one of the most innovative and engaging voices of his generation—and it may just change the way you think about Lord Byron forever.
Adam Robinson is a distinguished author, financial advisor, and co-founder of the Princeton Review, which revolutionized the test preparation industry. He is renowned for his best-selling book "Cracking the SAT," which has guided countless students to achieve higher scores. Robinson's expertise extends beyond education into financial markets, where he is a respected global macro advisor. His contributions to literature and finance have earned him a reputation as a thought leader and innovator. Continually sought after for his insights, Robinson remains a pivotal figure in both the educational and financial sectors.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC, is a U.S. Congresswoman representing New York's 14th district. She gained national attention after winning her seat in 2018 at the age of 29, making her one of the youngest women ever elected to Congress. Ocasio-Cortez is known for her progressive policies, advocating for issues such as Medicare for All, climate change action, and economic justice. She has become a prominent figure within the Democratic Party and uses social media to engage with constituents and the public. Her rise from grassroots activism to Congress has inspired many young people to get involved in politics.
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
Aaron Rodgers is a renowned American football quarterback, widely recognized for his exceptional career with the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. Although his primary acclaim comes from sports, Rodgers has contributed to literature through insightful writings and interviews that offer a deep dive into the mindset of a professional athlete. His thoughtful perspectives on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth have resonated with readers beyond the sports community. Rodgers’ contributions have been featured in various sports and lifestyle publications, adding a unique voice to the literary world. His ability to articulate the nuances of his experiences has made him a respected figure in both athletic and literary circles.
Alfred Lin is a venture capitalist and partner at Sequoia Capital, where he focuses on investments in consumer internet, enterprise, and mobile companies. Lin is known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, helping them grow into major global brands. Before joining Sequoia, Lin was an executive at Zappos, where he worked closely with CEO Tony Hsieh to develop the company’s innovative culture and customer service model. Lin’s expertise in scaling businesses and his strategic vision have made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.
Emily Ratajkowski is a renowned model, actress, and author, who gained prominence in the entertainment industry through her work in fashion and film. She made a significant literary contribution with her debut book, "My Body," published in 2021, which explores themes of feminism, sexuality, and empowerment. The book received critical acclaim for its insightful and candid examination of her experiences in the public eye. Ratajkowski's writing has been praised for its depth and honesty, shedding light on the complexities of body politics and personal agency. Beyond her literary endeavors, she continues to use her platform to advocate for women's rights and social justice.
Susan Cain is a celebrated author and speaker best known for her groundbreaking work on the power of introversion. Her debut book, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking," became a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into over 40 languages, significantly influencing how society views introversion and extroversion. Cain's impactful TED Talk on the same subject has garnered millions of views, further cementing her influence. She co-founded the Quiet Revolution, an initiative aimed at empowering introverts in various aspects of life. Cain's insightful contributions have sparked a global conversation about the strengths and needs of introverts, reshaping workplace dynamics and educational practices.
Ali Abdaal is a renowned productivity expert, author, and YouTuber known for his engaging content on personal development and effective study techniques. A former doctor, Abdaal transitioned from his medical career to focus on sharing insights through his popular YouTube channel, which has amassed millions of subscribers. He is the author of "YouTube for Doctors," where he explores the intersection of medicine and digital content creation. Abdaal's work is celebrated for its practical advice, blending scientific research with personal anecdotes to help individuals optimize their lives. His contributions have significantly influenced the productivity and self-improvement community, making him a respected voice in the field.
Showing 8 of 13 related collections
“We all walk around with fragments of ourselves, pieces lost and found in the chaos of life, searching for the narrative that ties us together.”
Something That May Shock and Discredit You
By Daniel Mallory Ortberg
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Daniel Mallory Ortberg is a widely acclaimed author and essayist known for his sharp wit and keen observations on modern life and culture. He is the author of the bestselling book 'Something That May Shock and Discredit You,' which showcases his signature blend of humor and heartfelt exploration of personal identity and social issues. Additionally, he has written 'The Topeka School,' a novel that delves into the complexities of language and politics in contemporary America. Ortberg is recognized for his distinctive writing style, characterized by its engaging narrative voice and thoughtful reflection, often drawing on his own experiences as a queer writer in today's society. His work has been featured in various prominent publications and he is celebrated for his contributions to discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ themes in literature.
Key information about the book.
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
