In this debut collection of essays, lists, musings, and quips, New York-based comedian Zach Zimmerman delicately walks the fine line between tear-jerking and knee-slapping, and does so with aplomb.

In this laugh-and-cry-out-loud, memoir-esque exploration of selfhood, Zimmerman dives into the pros and cons of retiring a Bible-Belt-dwelling, meat-eating, God-fearing identity in exchange for a new, metropolitan lease on life—one of vegetarianism, atheism, queerness, and humor. Whether learning to absolve instilled religious guilt or reminiscing over Tinder dates gone horribly wrong, this book is a candid and hysterical look at one person's journey toward making peace with the past and seeking hope in the future.

HILARIOUS WRITING: The stories featured in this collection are an uproarious read with a strong and established tone of voice. Featuring pieces that were originally published in the New Yorker, Is It Hot in Here (Or Am I Suffering for All Eternity for the Sins I Committed on Earth)? is a literary gem.
 
RELEVANT AND INCLUSIVE: Zimmerman navigates obstacles in the queer community with essays that are not only humorous and heartfelt, but also act as guiding anecdotes for young, queer community members.
 
ESTABLISHED AUTHOR AND COMEDIAN: Zimmerman has written dozens of New Yorker humor pieces and essays, a Billboard Top Ten comedy album that debuted at #1, and has been featured in New York Magazine, The New York Times, TimeOut, Vulture, and more.

Perfect for: Comedy and humor fans Literary enthusiasts and fans of comedy writing like David Sedaris and Gary Janetti Short story and essay collection readers

“Zach Zimmerman has written a warmly engaging memoir in the guise of stand-up comedy: a bittersweet sort of humor, droll and self-aware, painfully yet funnily candid, a voice of disarming frankness and intimacy.”

— Joyce Carol Oates

"A funny and candid look at [Zimmerman's] journey toward making peace with the past and seeking hope in the future."

—PureWow

"Like many others, Zimmerman’s journey of coming out and coming into his own was full of family turmoil and internal conflict. But the comedian — a former conservative and Southern Baptist — infuses hilarity into (nearly) every moment. Whether or not you share a similar background with Zimmerman, the antics and perspectives in this essay collection will leave you laughing."

—Scribd

“A deeply satisfying blend of humor and heart. The pitch-perfect satire pieces are an ideal companion to the essays. This is the type of book you'll want to share with all your friends."

—Ginny Hogan, author of I’m More Dateable than a Plate of Refried Beans

“Zach Zimmerman is one of the funniest, most nimble young comics working today and this book more than delivers on the enormous promise of Zach’s talent. Insightful, wise, and laugh-out-loud hilarious, Is It Hot In Here has no right being as good as it is. I loved this book.”

— R. Eric Thomas, national bestselling author of Here for It, or How to Save Your Soul in America

"New York-based comedian Zach Zimmerman takes a comical route of making peace with his past and seeking hope for the future in this collection of essays, advice, and musings."

—Business Insider

"Guaranteed to highlight their signature hilarious, honest, and endearing voice. Featuring essays on vegetarianism, atheism, and queerness, we can’t wait to get our hands on this first—person account of growing up queer, funny, and (famously) very tall."

—Queerty

“Zimmerman pinpoints the emotion of growing up and away from your family’s ideals while still holding love for its members… refreshingly funny…Fans of stand-up and lighthearted essays will appreciate Zimmerman's sensical absurdity.”

—Kirkus Reviews

One of Barnes Noble's Best Books of 2023 (So Far)

“A charming, funny, resoundingly queer collection of bite-sized stories that go down smooth. It’s a perfect summer read. You will fall in love with Zach.”

— Guy Branum, author of My Life as a Goddess: A Memoir Through (Un)Popular Culture

"Recommended...It's about a whole lot of things, and it's funny, and it's insightful."

—NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour

“Funny, provocative, touching, honest, and original. We're all already in Hell but I'm so glad Zach is here with us. Zach writes as easily about the Olive Garden extended menu as he does about heartbreak and religion. I felt so seen and I laughed so hard.”

—Blythe Roberson, author of How to Date Men When You Hate Men

"Zach's book is just like Zach: sharp, funny, generous, surprisingly insightful (no offense), and I kind of have a crush on it.”

— Karen Chee, writer Late Night with Seth Meyers

"Cheeky...poignant...Zimmerman’s good humor makes this slice of modern life a charmer.”

—Publishers Weekly

“I simply must share that it IS hot in here baby!!! Zach speaks to the soul like a friend’s shaky whisper in the middle of mass— maybe you’re not supposed to laugh, but that just makes it funnier.”

—Cat Cohen

One of The 20 Best LGBTQ Books of 2023 (So Far)

— Esquire