Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing is a collection of funny, often acidic, sneakily (or not so sneakily) intimate essays by Lauren Hough. Reading a Hough essay feels like catching up with an old friend in a dive bar; the drinks are cheap but strong, and you’re hearing some eye-popping yarns. Maybe there’s a flickering TV showing some disturbing national news in the background as well, and there’s an uncanny parallel to all the yarns you’re hearing. They’re good. ★★★★.