Review: You’ll Never Believe Me: A Life of Lies, Second Tries, and Things I Should Only Tell My Therapist – Kari Ferrell

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Before Anna Delvey, before the Tinder Swindler, there was Kari Ferrell. Adopted at a young age by a Mormon family in Utah, Kari struggled with questions of self-worth and identity as one of the few Asian Americans in her insulated community, leading her to run with the “bad crowd” in an effort to fit in. Soon, stealing from superstores turned into picking up men (and picking their pockets), and before she knew it, Kari had graduated from petty theft to Utah’s most wanted list. Though Kari was able to escape the Southwest, she couldn’t outrun her new moniker: the Hipster Grifter.

New York City’s indie sleaze scene had found its newest celebrity―just as Kari found herself in a heap of trouble. Jail time, riots, bad checks, and an explosion of internet infamy and fetishization put her name in the spotlight. Beyond the gossip and Gawker posts, there’s a side to Kari the media never saw―until now.

By turns rollicking and irreverent, warm and compassionate, You’ll Never Believe Me tells Kari’s story for the first time. A heartfelt narrative of redemption and reconciliation as Kari eventually dedicates her life to activism, social justice, and setting the record straight, this memoir introduces a fresh, hilarious new voice to the literary stage and offers readers a nostalgic, uplifting, and at times unbelievable book that grapples with truth, why we lie, and what it means when our pasts don’t paint the whole picture.

Before social media was full of stories about scammers, Kari Ferrell—known as the Hipster Grifter—was already making headlines. In this honest and entertaining memoir, Ferrell shares her real story, going beyond the internet gossip to show who she really is.

Growing up as an Asian American adopted into a Mormon family in Utah, Kari felt out of place. She tried to fit in with the wrong crowd, which eventually led her down a dangerous path of scams, theft, and fame for all the wrong reasons. But there’s more to her story than just bad choices and viral fame.

With a mix of humor and honesty, You’ll Never Believe Me tells how Kari went from a troubled past to a life focused on doing good. She writes about learning from her mistakes and trying to make things right. This memoir is about finding who you are, learning to change, and how your past doesn’t have to define you.

This book is funny, emotional, and full of wild stories, making it a great read for anyone interested in second chances and personal growth. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars for its fresh voice and inspiring message.

Reviewed by: Orsayor

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