Stop Me If You've Heard This One 🤡

By Kristen Arnett.

If you're looking for a book that combines bold humour, heartfelt moments, and a dash of absurdity, then this is an absolute must-read.

This brilliantly witty book follows Cherry Hendricks, a professional clown whose life is as wildly unpredictable as the performances she delivers. From entertaining crowds in Orlando to balancing a demanding side job at an aquarium store, Cherry’s hustle is endless—but it’s not just about the gigs.

She’s also managing a judgmental mother, a tangled love life, and a colourful community of fellow performers who each bring their chaos to her world.

Enter Margot the Magnificent, a much older lesbian magician whose sleek, successful career is everything Cherry aspires to. When Margot steps into Cherry’s life, offering mentorship and industry connections, the possibility of taking her act to the next level seems within reach.

But as their professional relationship deepens, Cherry is forced to confront not just her dreams, but her growing attraction to the captivating Margot. The question becomes: How much is Cherry willing to risk for both her art and her desires?

Arnett’s razor-sharp wit and ability to inject emotional depth into even the most outrageous scenarios make this book truly stand out. Equal parts uproarious and tender, Stop Me If You've Heard This One is a celebration of the unexpected, filled with a cast of unforgettable characters, from magicians to mimes to musicians.

Through Cherry’s journey, Arnett explores important themes such as the meaning of timing—both in comedy and life itself—and the courage it takes to commit fully to one’s art, no matter how unconventional it might seem.

This is a book that doesn’t just deliver laughs; it encourages you to embrace the absurd and find meaning in the chaos. With an opening scene so delightfully outrageous, you won’t be able to put it down.

Arnett has crafted a comedic masterpiece that is as emotionally resonant as it is hilarious, and Stop Me If You've Heard This One is sure to leave you both laughing and reflecting long after you’ve turned the last page.

If you love books that mix laughter with heart, art with absurdity, and characters who feel both larger-than-life and deeply relatable, this book will speak to you. Don’t miss out on this rollercoaster of a read—it’s a dazzling ride you won’t forget.

Thank you to Lucy and the team at Little, Brown Book for sending me a finished copy of the book. The book is out now and available to purchase.

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