Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?: A Comedian's Guide to Autism (Paperback) - Pierre Novellie

A memoir by comedian Pierre Novellie exploring his late diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, providing a light-hearted and accessible examination of neurodiversity through the lens of observational comedy.

'Outstanding, I want to press it into the hands of every newly diagnosed person' Fern Brady

'Like a Martian's guide to living on Earth. Funny, enlightening and gobsmacking' Frank Skinner

'A hilarious, crystal-clear guide to autism' Phil Wang

'An illuminating and joyously entertaining book' Daily Express


Why were the other kids at school obsessed with Britney Spears instead of The Goon Show?
Why don't people ever say what they mean?
And... Why is everyone chewing so loudly?

Comedian Pierre Novellie was on stage when a heckler suggested he was autistic. Usually, this disruption would be water off a duck's back but two things made this heckler different: first, he was himself autistic. Second, he turned out to be absolutely right.

This random encounter led to a diagnosis of autism at the age of 31 that unravelled his world, explained his struggles and answered questions that had bothered him for his entire life.

At once a hilarious and insightful journey through autism and neurodivergence, an entertaining explainer for the uninitiated and observational comedy for the neurodiverse, this is the perfect read for anyone who has ever asked themselves: why can't I just enjoy things?

About the Author

Pierre Novellie is a stand-up comedian, writer, radio host and podcaster. He is co-host of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, and the co-host of the hit Budpod podcast alongside Phil Wang. His TV appearances include World's Most Dangerous Roads (Dave), The Mash Report (BBC2), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central).

On the radio, Pierre has performed on The Now Show (Radio 4) and hosted the BBC Sounds podcast series Obsessed With... SAS: Rogue Heroes. As a writer, Pierre was one of the regular writers on the rebooted Spitting Image (ITV/Britbox) and has also written on shows including Mock the Week (BBC2), The News Quiz (Radio 4) and The Mash Report (BBC2).

Pierre has performed stand-up around the world, including sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, residencies in Soho and nationwide tours.