Ten Steps to Nanette: A Memoir Situation

This memoir weaves the threads that join to create Nanette, Gadsby’s breakthrough stand-up comedy performance that won lots of awards in 2017–18. Included is a history lesson of LGBTQ+ rights in Australia, personal info about Gadsby and her family, and the trauma she endured as a queer person undiagnosed on the autism spectrum and with ADHD as well. Nanette was reviewed as transformational comedy, impactful, brilliant, and occasionally accused of being not funny at all. Gadsby is a consummate performer. Her narration puts an indelible mark on the stories she tells. Listening to her voice and to this perfectly produced audio feels like a privilege. The best way to understand her story is to hear her tell it. This darkly funny and disarmingly frank memoir gives listeners insight into Gadsby, who is unapologetically doing her thing and not caring what anyone else thinks, which in itself is a thrilling stance.