Book Review – Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come by Jessica Pan
Since it’s summer, I’m taking a vacation from the professional development books I usually review and instead sharing thoughts about my most recent book club read: Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come by Jessica Pan.
Most people assume I am an extrovert but in truth I’m an extroverted introvert – so this book spoke to me in so many ways. Subtitled “An Introvert’s Year of Living Dangerously,” this book is part hilarious confessional, part accidental self-help manual, and—surprisingly—a brilliant lesson in goal setting and personal achievement wrapped in awkward moments, which makes even more relatable.
Now, she doesn’t call them goals, but make no mistake—Jessica Pan created a roadmap for transformation. She made a list (a terrifying one). She made a plan (however loose). She took action, repeatedly. And she tracked her progress—through tears, laughter, and some cringe-inducing moments that are oddly inspiring. Sound familiar, goal-getters?
Pan, a self-described “shintrovert” (shy + introvert), sets out on a year-long experiment to say “yes” to everything that would normally make her hide under the duvet. Stand-up comedy? Check. Improv class? Check. Talking to strangers on the Tube? Yep, even that. What starts as an attempt to shake off the cobwebs of loneliness morphs into a deeply intentional year of discomfort, bravery, and unexpected triumphs.
What’s delightful is how casual it all seems—until you realize the serious payoff. Pan doesn’t just become “better at parties.” She becomes more confident, more connected, more alive. And isn’t that what most goals are about? Not six-pack abs or 7-figure bank accounts, but the deep-down desire to live a fuller, braver life.
From a coaching perspective, Pan’s journey is a fabulous case study in goal setting, with a twist: Instead of starting with a rigid outcome, she begins with a feeling she wants to change—loneliness—and creates experiences that challenge her identity and comfort zone. It’s a brilliant reminder that sometimes the best goals aren’t the ones with spreadsheets and bullet journals, but the ones that ask, How do I want to feel and who do I want to be?
Bonus: her writing is sharp, self-deprecating, and witty. You’ll find yourself rooting for her through every anxiety-ridden adventure. You may even start drafting your own “Year of Yes” plan before you reach the final page.
Bottom Line:
Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come is a heartfelt and surprisingly motivational read for introverts, extroverts, and anyone in between. It’s proof that goal setting doesn’t have to be rigid, boring, or bathed in productivity hacks—it can be messy, funny, and deeply human. If your goals for the year include showing up more, saying yes more, or simply living a little louder, check out this book for some inspiration!
Get your copy here!
