San Diego-born and raised comedic writer Joy Alicia’s collection of essays hits bookshelves on June 10. For those who will want to have this upcoming humorous take on modern dating, societal expectations, and navigating life’s chaos on the go, the e-edition of “So Drunk a Tooth’s Gotta Go” is also available.
The podcast host and sometime stand-up comedian, whose essays have been published in outlets like Newsweek and The Daily Mail, acknowledged that, despite extensive writing experience, putting together a book is extremely difficult. But she felt compelled to share her stories.
“Some important topics go unmentioned and useful advice isn’t always disseminated in an entertaining way, so I merged my love of comedy with my love for writing to cover topics that are light-hearted or heavy, writing essays that will spark interest and hold people’s attention,” said Alicia. “So Drunk a Tooth’s Gotta Go” is not boring. The title kind of suggests that it shouldn’t be. It’s laugh-out-loud funny.”
The 19 essays cover everything from binge drinking to weight loss, being single to breakups, international travel, racism, the gig economy, toxic friends, heartbreak, confidence, and more. She feels her essays are relatable, confessional, and important. It’s a raw, real, and kind of irreverent self-help guide.
“I want to be a voice for the people who currently work in the gig economy or have worked in the gig economy and haven’t spoken out about how the system is rigged,” Alicia said. “People who work in the gig economy are overworked and underpaid. It’s a vicious, never-ending cycle that robs workers of a healthy work-life balance.”
“Humor writing is incredibly difficult because you can’t gauge the audience,” Alicia said. There isn’t the gratification of audience feedback that a standup comic would get, but on the upside, there’s no heckling … at least no live heckling. Social media is another story.
She is also passionate about women remaining safe while dating online, and using dating apps more efficiently so they can have fun first dates. Talking about bad dates felt obligatory, but she also makes it clear that those happened prior to her figuring out how to optimize her time and only have good first dates.
“I had bad dates whenever I didn’t follow my own advice,” Alicia said. “Bad first dates can and will happen when people don’t implement the strategies in my dating hacks chapter.”
In general, she noted, people match on dating apps based on physical attraction, which is why so many first dates are awkward and unpleasant.
“Every time I hear someone say they had a bad first date, I cringe,” she said. “One of the best ways for both women and men to remain safe while online dating, and stop wasting time meeting people they’re incompatible with, is to vet their matches first. Speaking to matches on the phone before meeting and asking the right important questions that help you determine whether someone’s worth a first date is outlined in my dating hacks chapter.”
She covers pretty much everything in the dating hacks chapter, including how to avoid getting ghosted. As for losing the tooth? You have to read the book.
Alicia described the book as escapist art and self-care, noting we can choose laughter instead of tears when facing life’s challenges.
“Summer reads are supposed to be fun,” said Alicia. “‘So Drunk a Tooth’s Gotta Go’ is a fun book filled with punchlines and jokes. … You don’t want to get on a plane, go to the beach, or lay out by the pool without a book that will help you enjoy your time.”