An NPR Best Book of 2020 • An O, The Oprah Magazine Best LGBTQ Book of 2020 • An Electric Literature Favorite Nonfiction Book of 2020 • A Largehearted Boy Favorite Nonfiction Book of 2020 • A 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Humor • One of Lambda Literary's "Most Anticipated LGBTQ Books of August 2020" • One of BuzzFeed's "15 Books From Smaller Presses You Won't Be Able to Put Down" • A Shondaland 15 Hot Books for Summer

In this unique and hilarious debut memoir, writer and comedian Greg Mania chronicles life as a "pariah prodigy." From inadvertently coming out to his Polish immigrant parents, to immersing himself in the world of New York City nightlife, and finding himself and his voice in comedy. Born to Be Public is a vulnerable and poignant exploration of identity (and the rediscovery of it), mental health, sex and relationships, all while pursuing a passion with victories and tragicomic blunders. At once raw and relatable, Mania's one-of-a-kind voice will make you shed tears from laughter and find its way into your heart.

PRAISE FOR BORN TO BE PUBLIC

“Comedic gold.”

- O, The Oprah Magazine

“An impressive humorist with a voice all his own.”

                        - Kirkus Reviews

“Greg Mania is the Cheesecake Factory of writers, and I say that with the utmost reverence: extravagant, unapologetic, hilarious, and fucking good.”

                        - Lindy West, author of Shrill and The Witches Are Coming

“This book is a hilarious wonder. Not only does it prove that Greg Mania was, indeed, born to be a public (and beloved) icon, but also that he was born to be a celebrated writer. It’s sheer delight.”

                        - Alissa Nutting, author of Tampa and Made for Love

“Greg Mania’s Born to Be Public is a delightful coming-of-age memoir filled with poignance and deep self-reflection, plus “advice” no one should take but everyone can relate to. I felt charmed and beguiled by this fizzy triple-threat: a book that is smart, insightful, and so funny that I got annoyed with myself for laughing so much.”

                        - Lindsay Hunter, author of Eat Only When You’re Hungry

ISBN: 9781944866693