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A review by trike
Cool, Calm & Contentious by Merrill Markoe
2.0
This feels like a collection of essays rather than a straight-forward, purpose-built memoir, as there's no real throughline between the stories. Each chapter is a different episode in Markoe's life and thee are a few imagined conversations with her dogs. I remember enjoying her earlier book [b:What the Dogs Have Taught Me |11822731|What the Dogs Have Taught Me 6-copy|Merrill Markoe|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-673c574e721a5d4c3fd6e25b74d42bf2.png|16777178], but that was more than 20 years ago and memories fade. Except Merrill's, apparently. She's still kind of pissed at her mom. But then, who isn't, really? Well, according to Merrill, every single comedian ever.
Which actually results in some very funny exchanges about moms and disappointments. As the joke goes, "If it's not one thing, it's your mother."
Unfortunately, it doesn't maintain this level of interest throughout. I found myself skimming certain chapters, despite the occasional clever quip or humorous observation. Ultimately there was less I liked than was disinterested in. The good bits weren't quite enough to carry it.
Which actually results in some very funny exchanges about moms and disappointments. As the joke goes, "If it's not one thing, it's your mother."
Unfortunately, it doesn't maintain this level of interest throughout. I found myself skimming certain chapters, despite the occasional clever quip or humorous observation. Ultimately there was less I liked than was disinterested in. The good bits weren't quite enough to carry it.