Nat’s What I Reckon book review

Nat’s What I Reckon: Un-Cook Yourself

Penguin Random House

This book is the culmination of a big year for its author ant the main protagonist Nat. Known and loved for his immensely popular YouTube channel Nat’s What I Reckon, stand-up shenanigans and related often satirical public appearances, the first literary emission focusses on the journey to become a more authentic self, which is informed by nine milestones.

With his approach equally informed by piss taking, a persiflage of self-help books and his idiosyncratic wit and charm, there is a genuine message at the core of each of his tongue-in-cheek elaborations of his “rules”, which thematically are often centred around mental health and other social commentary. One could claim that Un-Cook Yourself is the smart, ratbag and more relevant equivalent to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

If you are an aficionado and love his previous output, you will be enthused by this extension of his offerings, which is framed by his beloved trademark recipes and set in scene via cartoon illustrations.

For the uninitiated, especially those far away from terra australis, the book will offer an additional layer of enjoyment as Australiana, swearing and local vernacular are an integral part of the delivery. The fact that it is always delivered deadpan and in an effortless authentic manner, make his musings on the need to be relatable, genuine and thereby more enjoyable to than those of his contemporaries.