Chelsea Handler Reflects on Love in New Essay Collection

NEW YORK CITY, NY — Comedian and author Chelsea Handler discussed her new essay collection, ‘I’ll Have What She’s Having,’ during a Q&A at the Publicis Health Media Healthfront on May 1, 2025. The book, released earlier this year, explores themes of love and personal growth.

Handler, 50, shared that the idea for the book originated during her public relationship with comedian Jo Koy. ‘I got this book deal when I was dating Jo Koy, and it was a very public relationship. My editor said, ‘Oh my god, Chelsea Handler’s in love; you have to write a book about falling in love,’’ Handler recalled.

The couple, introduced by mutual friend Jon Lovitz in the early 2000s, dated for nearly a year before breaking up in July 2022. Following their split, Handler’s writing direction shifted. ‘My editor asked if I would consider writing a book about breaking up, but I wasn’t sure, since my vibe is happy and optimistic,’ she explained.

Ultimately, Handler opted to reflect on her life and experiences instead. ‘I thought, okay, I’m not just going to do a book just because I have a book deal. I can give that book deal back,’ she said. She focused on her journey to becoming the woman she has always wanted to be.

‘I think the book is a lot about reflection,’ Handler stated. ‘We go so fast through life that you kind of forget where you’ve come from and what you’ve accomplished.’

‘I’ll Have What She’s Having’ blends Handler’s signature humor with a candid look at self-discovery. The author, who has six other books to her name, emphasized that writing serves as a therapeutic outlet for her. ‘I think I’ll always write,’ she said. ‘Writing is almost therapeutic because I’m able to regurgitate all the things that I read.’

The collection is now available for readers ready to dive into Handler’s humorous and insightful perspectives on love and life.