Helpful Score: 10
Made me laugh out loud and tear up, sometimes even in the same story. I love that she has a huge fear of moths, because I do also, and it makes me feel a bit vindicated.
The book is an easy read, but not all of it is light matter. There's some heavy stuff that makes you want to go hug your grandmother while she's still around and in her right mind. But the end story about truffle sniffing pigs is a bit off with the rest of the book. Oh well, nothings perfect, but this book is pretty close for me.
The book is an easy read, but not all of it is light matter. There's some heavy stuff that makes you want to go hug your grandmother while she's still around and in her right mind. But the end story about truffle sniffing pigs is a bit off with the rest of the book. Oh well, nothings perfect, but this book is pretty close for me.
Helpful Score: 2
From her opener--"There was always one girl at camp whom everyone hated"--to her conclusion about the inner lives of truffle pigs, actress-monologist Kaplan consistently amuses while cutting surprisingly deep. Never content to be merely clever, she probes, in these professed "true stories," the reasons why we manage to attach so much importance to self-justification without ever questioning it. Each story presents another element that in one way or another has shifted or reinforced Kaplan's view of people and their relationships. Whether observing the suffering of Alzheimer's, waiting tables, or trying a new therapist, Kaplan usually finds herself in the same place, wondering whether contentment with what one has or the aspiration for something more is the nobler state of mind. In the end, it seems, we are all truffle pigs, lauded for our keen senses of smell but never allowed to keep the ultimate prize for ourselves. Whether that is good or bad remains to be seen.
Helpful Score: 2
Introspective and wickedly funny essays on the author's life.
Helpful Score: 2
Quick read with some very funny moments. Can kind of jump around a little bit to various moments in her life, but her sense of humor and honesty are great. Not quite as good as David Sedaris, but along the same lines.
Helpful Score: 2
Funny, a nice easy read that is well written enough to make you feel like you're reading something smart.
Helpful Score: 2
Kaplan's book of essays are funny and sometimes heartbreaking. Though they are self-revealing, they also offer us a reflection into our own heads and hearts.
Helpful Score: 1
Frankly, my favorite part of this book was the nostalgic cover photo. Certainly not as funny as it was hailed to be; although the issues discussed are universal. It seemed to me that this was an attempt at biting humor from a not-so-funny gal.
Helpful Score: 1
Cute short memoir by Cynthia Kaplan, a 30-something Jewish wife and mother. She relates stories from her childhood all the way to the present. Though not as funny or charming as "A Girl Named Zippy" by Haven Kimmel or as side-splittingly hilarious as anything by Laurie Notaro, this book is a nice read in itself.
Helpful Score: 1
The book was mildly entertaining and brought out a few chuckles. I'd recommend for a humorous escape.
Along the Laurie Notaro vein, but less cynical and snitty. It is easy reading, and in some parts very touching.
My life story will be entitled, "Why I'm Like this". I liked these autobiographical essays. "Accounts of the ups and downs of daily life." Jewish stories, but funny even if you aren't.
I originally ordered this book because several reviews stated that the reader had laughed out loud due to its hilarity. Unfortunately, I read about half of it and decided that I didn't find it to be half as amusing as stated.
Though the book did have some positive aspects, I found most of the content to be only somewhat decent.
Though the book did have some positive aspects, I found most of the content to be only somewhat decent.
Great read with a humourous take on her life. Guranteed to make you laugh out loud.
A great book of essays that Cynthia Kaplan has written about her life.
Funny essays about trying to become an adult.
Great read - at times funny and heartbreaking. I love hearing what goes on inside other people's heads, especially when you realize you're not the only crazy one out there. This is a well written glance at Kaplan's life, with quick snapshots from when she's a little girl all the way until she becomes a mom herself. I really enjoyed it.
Kaplan is an excellent storyteller and her story is one you should read.
Loved it!
easy light reading, entertaining
An enjoyable collection of essays.
not as funny as i had hoped it would be
Enjoyable quick read.
From her opener--"There was always one girl at camp whom everyone hated"--to her conclusion about the inner lives of truffle pigs, actress-monologist Kaplan consistently amuses while cutting surprisingly deep. Never content to be merely clever, she probes, in these professed "true stories," the reasons why we manage to attach so much importance to self-justification without ever questioning it. Each story presents another element that in one way or another has shifted or reinforced Kaplan's view of people and their relationships. Whether observing the suffering of Alzheimer's, waiting tables, or trying a new therapist, Kaplan usually finds herself in the same place, wondering whether contentment with what one has or the aspiration for something more is the nobler state of mind. In the end, it seems, we are all truffle pigs, lauded for our keen senses of smell but never allowed to keep the ultimate prize for ourselves. Whether that is good or bad remains to be seen. --Will Hickman
