The Recommended Reading and Viewing Path
For readers looking to dive into the world of Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, the absolute best starting point is her 2022 memoir, Who Do I Think I Am?: Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams. Because she has published one primary book, the ideal reading path is to pair her memoir with her stand-up comedy specials and musical releases in order of release. Reading the memoir while watching her live specials allows you to connect the real-life struggles, faith, and cultural background discussed in the book with the jokes and characters she performs on stage.
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
- Who Do I Think I Am?: Stories of Chola Wishes and Caviar Dreams (2022) - Worthy Books / Hachette Book Group. A collection of personal essays exploring her childhood in San Jose, California, her multi-ethnic Mexican and Native American heritage, her time as an NFL cheerleader, her journey into comedy, and the role of faith in her life.
Chronological Career and Companion Media Guide
To fully appreciate the stories behind her memoir, it is highly recommended to follow her career milestones, stand-up specials, and musical releases in chronological order. Here is how they align with her life story:
1. The MADtv Breakout (2007)
Before publishing or launching major stand-up specials, Johnson-Reyes joined the cast of the sketch comedy show MADtv. Here, she debuted two viral characters that are central to the stories in her memoir: Mỹ Linh/Tammy (the nail salon worker) and Bon Qui Qui (the fast-food employee). The "Nail Salon" routine generated over 100 million views on YouTube, laying the groundwork for her career.
2. That's How We Do It (2009)
Her first one-hour stand-up special, released through Comedy Central. It establishes her clean, relatable comedy style and focuses heavily on family anecdotes, growing up in a tight-knit Christian family, and navigating early adulthood.
3. Gold Plated Dreams & Not Fancy (2015)
This was a major year for her creative output. She released her studio album, Gold Plated Dreams, under her character persona Bon Qui Qui, featuring parody hip-hop tracks like "I'm a Cut You" and "No Boyfren." Later that year, she released her second stand-up special, Not Fancy, on Netflix, which expanded on her marriage to musician Manwell Reyes and her experience traveling the world.
4. Mahalo & Goodnight (2017)
Filmed in Honolulu, Hawaii, this stand-up special aired on Epix (later streaming on Hulu). It details her domestic life, married life, and the unique challenges of cultural expectations.
5. Who Do I Think I Am? Memoir (2022)
The release of her book brings all these milestones together, offering the definitive behind-the-scenes narrative of her rise to fame, her faith, and her personal growth.
6. Say I Won't (2023)
Her most recent self-released stand-up special on YouTube, capturing her mature comedy style, motherhood reflections, and self-acceptance as she continues her comedy career.
What to Know Before You Start
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes's writing is highly conversational, making the audiobook version of Who Do I Think I Am? a fan favorite because she narrates it herself. Listeners get to hear her deliver her famous accents, impressions, and comedic timing directly. Her memoir is not just for fans of her comedy; it offers practical inspiration for anyone navigating identity, changing career paths (such as transitioning from an Oakland Raiders cheerleader to a Los Angeles comedian), and maintaining personal values and faith in a demanding industry.