caseymalsam's review against another edition
1.0
I really wanted to like this book. I, however, found it lacking. If you are interested in reading about Lena Dunham's awkward sexual experiences and her illegal drug experimentation, then will will probably enjoy this. I how ever did not. I gave up on page 166.
whitmc's review against another edition
DNF. Too much Lena Dunham. Some chapters were great in their insightful hilarity, others were just blech. Like the chapter where she listed her entire food diary. Listening to that on audio was painful. After 10 minutes, I skipped to the end hoping for a funny wrap up or realization. Nothing. I ended up dreading listening to it in the car, which was a sign to just stop altogether.
This book didn't change my opinion that Dunham is kicking ass in the world, but I do wish the publisher would have exercised its redline a bit more.
This book didn't change my opinion that Dunham is kicking ass in the world, but I do wish the publisher would have exercised its redline a bit more.
cheyenneisreading's review against another edition
5.0
This book spoke to me. I was drawn to this book and couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end. It was so incredibly easy to read and I enjoy the way that Dunham recounted events from her life. The essay form flowed naturally and I was captivated. I could have easily finished 'Not That Kind Of Girl' in one quick day but, like I said, I didn't want to hurry and finish it. I know that a lot of people don't like Lena Dunham but I think that she is outspoken, cool and this collection of essays were incredible.
chloenm3's review against another edition
4.0
Hilarious and insightful. Such a fun and quick read - really light hearted. Definitely needed to read this at this point in time.
jamelba81's review against another edition
3.0
Read after listening to Celebrity Memoir Book Club podcast.
whimsydances's review against another edition
2.0
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I addictively enjoyed the first couple of seasons of Girls, before I got behind in watching, and I also really enjoyed her promotional videos for the book. As someone who promotes the deconstruction of rape culture, I had heard about her description, and her own confusion and ambiguity surrounding her described rape. That was probably one of the only poignant moments in the book. It is surrounded by disjointed, repetitive (copy and pasted, even), and lackluster vingettes by a self-centered individual who is just dysfunctional enough to not have her shit together, and not dysfunctional enough to have her life fall apart. So instead, she drags her entire family out into the limelight, brags about everything she's afraid of, or messed up about, or has screwed up in her life, and tries to pretend that she has grown past all of it and learned so much. She really lost me when she decided to write letters to the people who had wronged her, and I had to struggle to make myself finish the book after that. She was right, we have all wanted to write those letters, and some of us actually have. But what sets us apart from her is that most of us, when we do, actually never send them, or if we do, they are written for closure. Her letters betray just how little personal growth or wisdom she possesses, amounting to name calling and angst. I lost a lot of respect for her maturity at that point, particularly when she wrote a letter to a person who said they forgave her for her movie, apparently because her movie had said something offensive about LGBT people. She said she forgave her friend for saying that, but then said she couldn't forgive her for her outfit... Really? Just how petty and childish can you possibly get? Grow up, Lena. When you do, maybe I'll consider reading another one of your books.
ally1135's review against another edition
2.0
This reminded me why I don't read memoirs. I don't even know what to say about this. It was cringe-worthy, and explicit, and honest and raw. I wanted to like it far more than I did. I thought it was mildly entertaining at times, and other times it was painfully dry. I really wouldn't recommend it if you call yourself prudish in any way. Congrats Lena, I'm sure it felt great to publish this.. I still think you're brave for doing it, I just didn't enjoy it. Sorry.