segza's review
2.0
I definitely recommend this as an audiobook rather than reading the hard copy or ebook. There is so much slang and strange turns of phrases that would be endlessly distracting if I had read this but listening to it read by the author put just the right inflections on every sentence so it felt like a conversation and I could let some of the ridiculous language choices go. This was a sometimes funny, sometimes honest, sometimes over-the-top collection of stories from the author's life. It was entertaining and short enough to keep me interested. There was a certain amount of taken-for-granted privilege that came through that put me off but that's more my own shit rather than a fair critique of the book (though I mention it here since I don't think I'm the only one with this particular set of baggage). Anyway, if you like this author or are looking for a quick memoir about an upper class Jewess from NYC with 3 children and a Yale education, then by all means, pick this up.
p.s. there is also a fair amount of unexplained Canada-bashing in this so my fellow proud Canadians may wish to steer clear.
p.s. there is also a fair amount of unexplained Canada-bashing in this so my fellow proud Canadians may wish to steer clear.
gcullman's review
4.0
witty and laugh-out-loud funny. Filled with some great soulful moments and wisdom. And my brother has a couple of cameos! I love Jill and this really captures her awesomeness.
reasek's review
3.0
While I found this book funny at times, I also felt like it was trying way too hard. There were so many unnecessary words like "natch" or the obsession use of "avec" instead of just saying with. It was kind of like the movie Juno but it was an adult and more annoying. I bought this book hoping for a funny, light read to break up all the serious stuff I read. I wouldn't say it quite did that. I do enjoy the blunt humor though, you can tell the author is a rough around the edges type.
crackercrumblife's review
4.0
This book comes with a disclaimer- if you are uncomfortable reading books with strong sometimes crude language and humor, this book is not for you. And I realize that is more of a warning than a disclaimer. Kargman is hysterically funny to me, but I know that not everyone enjoys reading certain words or about certain situations. So I want to put that out there.
Kargman's book made me laugh out loud - I had to put this book down until my husband got home, just so I could share the funny parts with him. I am sure he thought I was a nut, amid my giggles, trying to read the sentence. But he is used to it. Her hatred of Nellie Oleson almost had me hyperventilating. I was a huge Little House fan, and I really disliked Nellie too. And her descriptions of momzillas, I feel I have met those women, and yes, they are frightening.
There are a few parts that are not meant to be funny, but reflective, such as the chapter where Kargman writes a letter to her apartment, which was sort of like her cocoon for a bit, and gave her the space to grow and change; but the chapter where she talks about how vanity saves her life is my favorite. Her never give up, I am going to get what I want attitude regarding botox led her to a startling discovery, that really did save her life.
I loved this book, although I do not recommend it for everyone.
Kargman's book made me laugh out loud - I had to put this book down until my husband got home, just so I could share the funny parts with him. I am sure he thought I was a nut, amid my giggles, trying to read the sentence. But he is used to it. Her hatred of Nellie Oleson almost had me hyperventilating. I was a huge Little House fan, and I really disliked Nellie too. And her descriptions of momzillas, I feel I have met those women, and yes, they are frightening.
There are a few parts that are not meant to be funny, but reflective, such as the chapter where Kargman writes a letter to her apartment, which was sort of like her cocoon for a bit, and gave her the space to grow and change; but the chapter where she talks about how vanity saves her life is my favorite. Her never give up, I am going to get what I want attitude regarding botox led her to a startling discovery, that really did save her life.
I loved this book, although I do not recommend it for everyone.
ibeforem's review
3.0
I didn’t particularly care for this, but it was short so it wasn’t too painful. It’s more a collection of essays than a memoir, but that’s not really its problem either. I think the tone was just a little too rough for me. Crudeness and profanity really don’t bother me, but this just felt like she was looking for attention. I wasn’t familiar with Kargman before this, so perhaps it’s not the best introduction to her voice. The book definitely had its funny moments, but the other stuff just overshadows it.
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