From Powells.com
Hot new releases and under-the-radar gems for adults and kids.
Staff Pick
Listening to My Favorite Murder is like eavesdropping on the most interesting conversation at a party, so I was delighted to continue the dialogue with the hosts' new book. Karen and Georgia are open and vulnerable to an almost radical degree (thanks, Brené Brown!) when sharing their stories and hard-earned advice — even non-Murderinos will enjoy their candor. For those of us who are already fans, this book is just as smart, funny, and comforting as the podcast. It's a relief and a release to laugh about shared fears, to learn from the pain that forms us, and to examine the crimes that both fascinate and horrify us. Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered isn't just a tote bag-worthy catchphrase, it's a damn good read. Recommended By Lauren P., Powells.com
The origin story of the wildly popular My Favorite Murder podcast is as much about the hosts’ shared fascination with true crime as it is about vulnerability — the two struck up a conversation about Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly at a party, discovered it wasn’t their only common interest, and the rest is podcast history — so it’s fitting that candor and self-reflection would feature prominently in their dual memoir. The stories here range from snort-aloud-while-reading-on-the-bus funny, to blush-and-bury-your-face-in-your-hands embarrassing, to tales of addiction and illness and trauma that will make you wish you could reach through the page and give the kid they’re writing about a hug. Fair warning: true crime is more of an undercurrent than a focus here — readers looking for grisly details will find them in short supply — but the unique blend of heart and humor that Hardstark and Kilgariff have cultivated as co-hosts and friends is as present as ever. Fans of My Favorite Murder have already cleared a spot for this on their nightstands, and for the rest, it’s an open-armed invitation into the fold. A medley of life advice, comedy, true confessions, and true crime — delivered with compassion, humility, and the occasional swear — Stay Sexy is a winning debut. Recommended By Tove H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
The highly anticipated first book by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, the voices behind the #1 hit podcast My Favorite Murder!
Sharing never-before-heard stories ranging from their struggles with depression, eating disorders, and addiction, Karen and Georgia irreverently recount their biggest mistakes and deepest fears, reflecting on the formative life events that shaped them into two of the most followed voices in the nation.
In Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered, Karen and Georgia focus on the importance of self-advocating and valuing personal safety over being ‘nice’ or ‘helpful.’ They delve into their own pasts, true crime stories, and beyond to discuss meaningful cultural and societal issues with fierce empathy and unapologetic frankness.
“My Favorite Murder started as a way for Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark to work through their fears. Now it’s a worldwide community…. Even its darkest moments are lightened by Karen and Georgia's effortlessly funny banter and genuine empathy.” — RollingStone.com
Review
“All the best advice your mother never told you.” Jenny Lawson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Furiously Happy
Review
“Kilgariff and Hardstark bring a much needed dimension to our current, true crime fever dream — an empathetic, slangy dose of acidic humor, weary compassion, and nervous hope. Their podcast is a joy to listen to and this book captures its energy and hilarity perfectly.” Patton Oswalt, New York Times bestselling author of Silver Screen Fiend
Review
“In addition to being laugh-out-loud funny, smart, and incisive, Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered is so interesting and insightful that it made me a) want to be best friends with the authors and b) for real ask them to take me on as a therapy patient. This book is hilarious, honest, insightful, and clever as hell. Do yourself a fun favor by buying it and consuming it. You’ll emerge at the final word as a new-and-improved badass version of your former self.” Megan Mullally, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Greatest Love Story Ever Told
About the Author
Known for her biting wit and musical prowess, Karen Kilgariff has been a staple in the comedy world for decades. As a performer, she has appeared on Mr. Show, The Book Group, and Conan. She was the head writer for the first five years of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, then transitioned to scripted, writing for shows like Other Space, Portlandia, and Baskets. Her musical comedy album Live At The Bootleg was included in Vulture's Top 9 of 2014 and in Stitcher's Top 11 of 2014.
Georgia Hardstark has enjoyed a successful career as a food writer and Cooking Channel on-camera personality, including co-hosting a travel/adventure/party show called Tripping Out, and a regular gig on Cooking Channel’s #1 show, Unique Sweets. She caps that off as a frequent guest narrator on Comedy Central’s hit show Drunk History.