The Art of Being YAY! The OMG NSFW Memoir and Guide to Authentic Joy

Comedian Park debuts with an exuberant mix of self-help and memoir to explain how choosing to be positive can make all the difference in life. In rapid-fire manner, Park rattles off his life story: he was born out of wedlock in South Korea, illegally brought to the United States as a child, and raised by his grandmother in public housing. Park, who had yet to come out as gay, became depressed and overweight during high school—but signing up for a school musical was a watershed moment. Despite discovering that he wanted to be a performer, life continued to throw Park curveballs. Finding himself broke after graduation, Park listed himself on Craig’s List for sexual services and by age 19 was HIV-positive. With his life spiraling out of control, Park decided he needed to choose optimism, and his comedy career began to take off. Throughout, he shares his philosophy of never sacrificing a sunny outlook for the sake of realism, and suggests apps to help readers find their “personal authentic joy.” Park’s boundless optimism makes a moving case for seeing the bright side despite one’s circumstances. (Self-published)