Helpful Score: 21
Based on other reviews I had read on a bookseller website I thought this was going to be really funny; well it wasn't. The author seemed to be on a 150 page whine about the stupid things happening in her life. I would love to see some humor when faced with actual problems instead of jobs that sucked and volunteer positions gone bad, but it wasn't to be. There are way better narratives out there than this one. Try Chelsea Handler's "Are You There Vodka, its Me Chelsea," even if it seems far fetched at least its funny.
Helpful Score: 17
She was told there'd be cake? Well, I was told this book would be funny. It wasn't. There were a few giggleworthy entries here and there but overall I was not impressed. Quite a disappointing read, actually.
Helpful Score: 11
Comparisons to David Sedaris' work are inevitable, so I won't try to avoid them in this review. Each chapter is a humorous essay drawing from the author's life. Like Sedaris, the author writes in a somewhat sarcastic style, and the humor tends to be dry with some occasional slapstick. Although I did laugh out loud at a few of the pieces, the humor level varied too much for my taste from chapter to chapter. In fairness, Crosley is at a distinct disadvantage versus Sedaris because her family is not nearly as funny (e.g. Amy Sedaris). Given what she has to work with, not a bad effort.
Helpful Score: 7
The book was not as 'funny' or 'witty' as the reviews claimed. The writing style was ok in a few of the essays and left a lot to be desired in others. Glad for the opportunity to read the book but nothing I would consider keeping and re-reading at a later time.
Helpful Score: 4
First of all, I have to admit, I am not a "Seinfeld" fan. I didn't enjoy the "series about nothing." This book, like the television show, was a series of 'essays' about self absorption. She caught me with the very cute title so I bought the book. Then I kept wondering, as I was reading it, "Is this going to get funny? Interesting? Why would she even think anyone would give a rat's behind that she collects ponies and (marginally) worked in publishing?" I feel as if I were robbed of several hours of my life. I am mostly irritated with myself that I actually read the whole dang thing. YAWNNNNNNNNNNN. If you want to read interesting essays, try Sedaris or Rivenbark.
Helpful Score: 3
Well written and funny ... sometimes, as a couple of essays seemed pointless to me, and others were obviously highly exaggerated for effect, if not invented. The quirky-family-upbringing (plus post-nest adult) wave, started years ago by Sedaris, is collapsing from the weight of all the piggybacking; Crosley's work seems like an attempt to cash in before the wave hits the shore. Fun read? yes; must read? Nope!
Helpful Score: 3
I was really disappointed with this book. I thought I would laugh and enjoy it instead I read about 60 pages when I couldn't do anymore.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. A friend read it, and passed it on to me saying, "but you have to give this back to me because after you is Jess, then Whitney, then..." HILARIOUS, but as I said in my title, I think it is for a really small demographic. That is: female, ages 26-33 (approximately, of course.) You really must be a child of the '80's to appreciate it fully, I think. I have lost several copies "lending" them to friends if that convinces you at all about how great this book is. I think the author is going for a young Carrie Bradshaw thing, and it works for her because it isn't all about NYC-- it's really about what happened first. I cannot wait to see what she writes next, because she is only going to get better with age!
Helpful Score: 1
Funny, witty and quick. You do not need to read the chapters in order to have a good laugh or connect with the writter. I'll never look at "My Little Ponies" in the same light again.
Awesome book, and an easy read!
YAWWNNN! Thought this would be marginally as funny as Sedaris, based on writers' reviews on cover. What a whiner. Don't waste your time. Happy to pass this back through pbs system. Wish I'd read pbs readers' reviews before ordering. Oh well, at least I'll get my credit back.
The best description I can think of for Sloane Crosley is that she is the female David Sedarisâand that is meant as a compliment as I'm a huge Sedaris fan. This book is a collection of essays on a variety of topics ranging from the perils of having an unusual name, the pitfalls of volunteering, moving mishaps, having a boss from hell, and the horrors of being a bridesmaid. Although I suspect we have little in commonâbeing at least 20 years apart in age and growing up in wildly different environments (Crosley was raised in Westchester, New York and currently lives in New York City)âI found myself laughing and relating to so much of what she wrote about. (Not the quest to find a one night stand though, thank you very much!) I found her writing assured, and there was enough chuckles per page that I was never bored. Perhaps the best way to give you a feel for her writing is to share some excerpts:
On volunteering: I took my volunteerism as seriously as someone like myself could. I knew my motivation was rooted in boredom; I wouldn't stick with it if it wasn't relatively easy. This narrowed the field considerably. Clearly orcas were out of the question, as were the disabled, women in need of JCPenney suits, the ozone layer, lead-paint prevention, historical landmarks, and anything involving a ladle.
On agreeing to be a bridesmaid: The subplot of modern marriage assumes that a wedding is the crown jewel of any best friendship, a time when otherwise rational women are legally permitted to misplace their minds and treat their friends like heel-skin-shaving employees. This is something we tolerate in our closest pals, but I had barely spoken to this woman in a decade....I had no choice but to respond not only with a "yes," but with a "yes, I'd be honored." On one tacit condition. There was an unspoken understanding that I would be standing up there with her as a one-time favor. In an effort to mask her apparent lack of sociability as an adult, that evening the role of "old friend" would be played by yours truly. Like the best man's polyester-blend tux, I was a rental.
On making tarts: First you have to understand how to bake a successful dessert tart. Most baking, even complicated baking that results in caramelized pine nuts or perfect chocolate and vanilla swirls, consists of adding dry ingredients to wet. Any cookbook worth its weight in sugar will encourage you to experiment. Add craisins! Dally in dates! Go nuts! Perfection is to be found in the imperfect! Except with tarts. Unless you are professional, you will find the tart to be a high-maintenance, unforgiving whistle-blower of a pastry. If they could sprout sexual organs and mate, they'd go extinct on the jungle floor. Chocolate chip cookies, impossible to f**k up, would breed like deer.
If you are a fan of autobiographical essays with a humorous slant, this collection is a must. Of course I'm filled with seething resentment that someone this young could be so funny and write so well. But I am a bit biased as my dream is to be a writer of humorous essays just like Sloane. So I consider her my competition. Game on, Sloane! Game on!
On volunteering: I took my volunteerism as seriously as someone like myself could. I knew my motivation was rooted in boredom; I wouldn't stick with it if it wasn't relatively easy. This narrowed the field considerably. Clearly orcas were out of the question, as were the disabled, women in need of JCPenney suits, the ozone layer, lead-paint prevention, historical landmarks, and anything involving a ladle.
On agreeing to be a bridesmaid: The subplot of modern marriage assumes that a wedding is the crown jewel of any best friendship, a time when otherwise rational women are legally permitted to misplace their minds and treat their friends like heel-skin-shaving employees. This is something we tolerate in our closest pals, but I had barely spoken to this woman in a decade....I had no choice but to respond not only with a "yes," but with a "yes, I'd be honored." On one tacit condition. There was an unspoken understanding that I would be standing up there with her as a one-time favor. In an effort to mask her apparent lack of sociability as an adult, that evening the role of "old friend" would be played by yours truly. Like the best man's polyester-blend tux, I was a rental.
On making tarts: First you have to understand how to bake a successful dessert tart. Most baking, even complicated baking that results in caramelized pine nuts or perfect chocolate and vanilla swirls, consists of adding dry ingredients to wet. Any cookbook worth its weight in sugar will encourage you to experiment. Add craisins! Dally in dates! Go nuts! Perfection is to be found in the imperfect! Except with tarts. Unless you are professional, you will find the tart to be a high-maintenance, unforgiving whistle-blower of a pastry. If they could sprout sexual organs and mate, they'd go extinct on the jungle floor. Chocolate chip cookies, impossible to f**k up, would breed like deer.
If you are a fan of autobiographical essays with a humorous slant, this collection is a must. Of course I'm filled with seething resentment that someone this young could be so funny and write so well. But I am a bit biased as my dream is to be a writer of humorous essays just like Sloane. So I consider her my competition. Game on, Sloane! Game on!
I thought I loved memoirs, but apparently I only love memoirs about people who grew up when I did! Sloane Crosley's book was interesting, written in a quirky style that I usually like, but somehow I just could not connect with her. Perhaps it would resonate with a child of the 80s.
Loved this book! Crosley had a very real, down-to-earth writing style that women in there 20's and early 30's can relate to.
I enjoyed this book of essays - funny, witty and well-written and seemingly non-fiction, they were quite enjoyable. Perhaps not as funny as Sedaris, it was certainly still laugh-out-loud funny. I'd recommend and it really made me excited for the new Sedaris!
This book is hysterical! I was constantly laughing out loud! Great read!
I find myself recommending this book to everyone! I can easily put it on my top ten list. It's extremely entertaining. Just like with cake, when it was done, I wanted more.
I really enjoyed it, for what it was - a humorous read that draws a degree of sympathy. I've bought several copies to give to girlfriends for birthdays and Christmas.
an okay book
It does have moments but Crosley is no Sedaris. Still, someone please can take it off my bookshelf. It can be rather diverting..
