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Editorial Reviews
Jen Lancaster hates to burst your happy little bubble, but life in the big city isn't all it's cracked up to be. Contrary to what you see on TV and in the movies, most urbanites aren't party-hopping in slinky dresses and strappy stilettos. But lucky for us, Lancaster knows how to make the life of the lower crust mercilessly funny and infinitely entertaining.
Whether she's reporting rude neighbors to Homeland Security, harboring a crush on her grocery store clerk, or fighting-and losing-the Battle of the Stairmaster- Lancaster explores how silly, strange, and not-so-fabulous real city living can be. And if anyone doesn't like it, they can kiss her big, fat, pink, puffy down parka.
Whether she's reporting rude neighbors to Homeland Security, harboring a crush on her grocery store clerk, or fighting-and losing-the Battle of the Stairmaster- Lancaster explores how silly, strange, and not-so-fabulous real city living can be. And if anyone doesn't like it, they can kiss her big, fat, pink, puffy down parka.
Related Reviews
So FUNNY it makes being bad look good!
Self Confident Crosses Over into Self Absorbed and Jerky
I really wanted to love this book, for many reasons. First, Jen survived as a female in the high stakes dot com era, which wasn't easy to do. She thrived and took charge - and traits that men would call "courageous" and "ready for action" in other men, they would call "bitchy" and "conceited" in women. It's one of the unfair aspects of men and women, and I am very eager to support women who do the best they can in those situations.
Second, Jen is overweight and is attempting to be comfortable with that in a world of stick-thin models and 24/7 press hammering us to be beautiful. Again, it is very hard in our modern society to even try to accept yourself if you're overweight, and I give great kudos to Jen for giving it her best shot.
Also, it is always REALLY scary to write your life story and put it out there. If someone criticizes Eragon, heck, it's just a fiction story. The writer might be a little upset. But if you criticize a memoir, you are now putting down an author's *way of life*. Since few of us can claim to live a perfect life, how can a reader possibly say someone else's way of life is "awful"? We are all trying to do our best with the world we live in. So I give Jen a lot of credit for having the nerve to lay her life on the table for public perusal.
Now, that all being said, I offer my impressions of the book with those caveats in mind. Jen was perhaps shaped by her dot-com environment to be snappy and judgmental. Maybe it's the only way she could survive. But you can only judge the book presented to you - you can't try to second guess the author's motives or background or reasons. And while I find her *writing style* to be great, full of snappy humor and well chosen words - I find her *willingness to harm others* to be very upsetting. This is the type of character, in a fiction novel, who bothers the heroine until the point that the heroine snaps, punches her in the face, and everyone applauds. To have this person out in real life behaving like this - and to have in essence a self-congratulatory book praising herself for her behavior - bothers me.
I gave a lot of thought to my reaction. After all, I used to watch All in the Family when I was growing up. Archie Bunker was very much like Jen - only cared about himself, actively hurt others as a daily way of life, and didn't care at all. His actions would explicitly cause others either emotional pain and trouble in their jobs. Jen is the exact same way. Why did I enjoy All in the Family, but get bothered by Jen?
After several hours of thought, it came down to the All in the Family atmosphere clearly being a satire. That was a fake situation explicitly made to show why that behavior was harmful, to hopefully help those who were like Archie to take a look at what they were doing and to stop doing it.
In comparison, Jen seems to be wanting to build a club of Jen wanna-bes, people who were just as pleased to make snarky comments to people *right in their face*. Jen went out of her way to hurt people who had physical or ethnic issues that were completely out of their control. It upsets me a lot that a movement of "hurting people" is thought of as fun. With all the conflict we have in the world, we should be trying to understand and help each other - not thinking up better and better zingers to damage each other's self esteem. What kind of a way is that to live?
Just off the top of my head, Jen lies to her employers. She is randomly deceptive for her own amusement. She actively works to harm her husband's chances at work. This isn't just once - but MULTIPLE times. She complains about how tight money is - but rather than help her husband, she BOTHERS HIM while he is working with immature, petulant whining! Her husband must have the patience of a saint, because if my husband started behaving the way Jen does, we would either be talking to some sort of a couples therapist or splitting up. Her behavior goes far beyond "cutely eccentric" and deep into the realm of "daily torture".
As much as she claims she is comfortable with her weight while she gorges on sweets, as soon as it comes to a real test like being in public, she is suddenly signing up with an Exercise Nazi and trying to kill herself so she can be "better looking" in public. I would have given her far more credit if after all her bitchy talk she did actually go out and "be herself" and be proud of it. if you're going to talk the talk (and a super-nasty talk at that) you better be able to walk the walk.
The book is full of many poor messages like this, wrapped in a fine silk of fun writing and comedic timing. I read a lot of books every month - but with the thousands of educational and inspirational new books that are out there, I would much rather read one that had an encouraging message, rather than one as discouraging as this one is.
Second, Jen is overweight and is attempting to be comfortable with that in a world of stick-thin models and 24/7 press hammering us to be beautiful. Again, it is very hard in our modern society to even try to accept yourself if you're overweight, and I give great kudos to Jen for giving it her best shot.
Also, it is always REALLY scary to write your life story and put it out there. If someone criticizes Eragon, heck, it's just a fiction story. The writer might be a little upset. But if you criticize a memoir, you are now putting down an author's *way of life*. Since few of us can claim to live a perfect life, how can a reader possibly say someone else's way of life is "awful"? We are all trying to do our best with the world we live in. So I give Jen a lot of credit for having the nerve to lay her life on the table for public perusal.
Now, that all being said, I offer my impressions of the book with those caveats in mind. Jen was perhaps shaped by her dot-com environment to be snappy and judgmental. Maybe it's the only way she could survive. But you can only judge the book presented to you - you can't try to second guess the author's motives or background or reasons. And while I find her *writing style* to be great, full of snappy humor and well chosen words - I find her *willingness to harm others* to be very upsetting. This is the type of character, in a fiction novel, who bothers the heroine until the point that the heroine snaps, punches her in the face, and everyone applauds. To have this person out in real life behaving like this - and to have in essence a self-congratulatory book praising herself for her behavior - bothers me.
I gave a lot of thought to my reaction. After all, I used to watch All in the Family when I was growing up. Archie Bunker was very much like Jen - only cared about himself, actively hurt others as a daily way of life, and didn't care at all. His actions would explicitly cause others either emotional pain and trouble in their jobs. Jen is the exact same way. Why did I enjoy All in the Family, but get bothered by Jen?
After several hours of thought, it came down to the All in the Family atmosphere clearly being a satire. That was a fake situation explicitly made to show why that behavior was harmful, to hopefully help those who were like Archie to take a look at what they were doing and to stop doing it.
In comparison, Jen seems to be wanting to build a club of Jen wanna-bes, people who were just as pleased to make snarky comments to people *right in their face*. Jen went out of her way to hurt people who had physical or ethnic issues that were completely out of their control. It upsets me a lot that a movement of "hurting people" is thought of as fun. With all the conflict we have in the world, we should be trying to understand and help each other - not thinking up better and better zingers to damage each other's self esteem. What kind of a way is that to live?
Just off the top of my head, Jen lies to her employers. She is randomly deceptive for her own amusement. She actively works to harm her husband's chances at work. This isn't just once - but MULTIPLE times. She complains about how tight money is - but rather than help her husband, she BOTHERS HIM while he is working with immature, petulant whining! Her husband must have the patience of a saint, because if my husband started behaving the way Jen does, we would either be talking to some sort of a couples therapist or splitting up. Her behavior goes far beyond "cutely eccentric" and deep into the realm of "daily torture".
As much as she claims she is comfortable with her weight while she gorges on sweets, as soon as it comes to a real test like being in public, she is suddenly signing up with an Exercise Nazi and trying to kill herself so she can be "better looking" in public. I would have given her far more credit if after all her bitchy talk she did actually go out and "be herself" and be proud of it. if you're going to talk the talk (and a super-nasty talk at that) you better be able to walk the walk.
The book is full of many poor messages like this, wrapped in a fine silk of fun writing and comedic timing. I read a lot of books every month - but with the thousands of educational and inspirational new books that are out there, I would much rather read one that had an encouraging message, rather than one as discouraging as this one is.
Because of some of the reviews here on Amazon I was a little hesitant to read this book especially since I thought Bitter is the New Black was so funny but I'm glad I ignored the reviewers. BLBA is just as funny and well written as Bitter!! Jen once again puts her life out there (good, bad & ugly)for the world to read and she does a great job of capturing the classic moments of her life. I found myself cracking up in some parts and even reading certain parts to my husband where we both chuckled at Jen's life moments. Funny, fun and entertaining is to best describe this book. Way to go Jen I can't wait for the next book!
First of all, those reviewers who call Lancaster "vapid," "shallow," "immature," etc must not have read the book's subtitle. Words like "Self-Indulgent," "Surly," "Ex-Sorority," "Sucks," and "Idiots" are pretty big context clues that the author wasn't winning any Jr. Miss Mother Teresa pageants.
See, Lancaster bought the dream: go to school, work hard, get a good job, and live a wonderfully exciting and glamorous life in the city. Of course things didn't work out that way - just look at her first memoir Bitter is the New Black : Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office (NB: the subtitle of this book also provides some clues as to why she wasn't living in a mud hut immunizing three legged dogs and orphans in some far off war torn country)
So what's a gal to do when she's trying to turn over a new leaf and finds that life is still conspiring against her? Well, she writes this book. And provides a realistic look at big city living (Sex and the City believers - we're giving a disbelieving head shake at you) set against her quest to understand her life, circumstances, and surroundings.
Yes at times the snark is a little much - hence the four stars - but overall this book is a fantastic follow up to her first book "Bitter is the New Black" and provides some much needed laughter amongst all the self examination. Hers. And yours.
See, Lancaster bought the dream: go to school, work hard, get a good job, and live a wonderfully exciting and glamorous life in the city. Of course things didn't work out that way - just look at her first memoir Bitter is the New Black : Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office (NB: the subtitle of this book also provides some clues as to why she wasn't living in a mud hut immunizing three legged dogs and orphans in some far off war torn country)
So what's a gal to do when she's trying to turn over a new leaf and finds that life is still conspiring against her? Well, she writes this book. And provides a realistic look at big city living (Sex and the City believers - we're giving a disbelieving head shake at you) set against her quest to understand her life, circumstances, and surroundings.
Yes at times the snark is a little much - hence the four stars - but overall this book is a fantastic follow up to her first book "Bitter is the New Black" and provides some much needed laughter amongst all the self examination. Hers. And yours.
Yo! Jen, dude? What happened?!?!?
After reading her first book, I was her number one fan. I hooted and hollered the whole way through, and couldn't wait for her sophomore book to be released. (But I did, not that impatient...) It's painful to get through it because I'm one of those people that absolutely MUST finish anything I start, and chapter after chapter I keep saying to myself, it's gonna get better... it doesn't.... I feel like I am reading a reality show! Sorely disappointed!
It started out funny, then it got boring (ex: her train experience and how she needed her husband for EVERYTHING, come on). I thought it was fiction, but it was a memoir. I couldn't even finish the book, stopped half way.
I think it took me until the second chapter 'Church of the magnificent Mile' to make me realize instead of a witty skewering of Sex in the City this is a lame tragedy of a book.This writer is such a wanna be.. she wants to be thin, wants to have the money again, what she has is the amoral attitudes of "sex" without the writing skills. Not a blog, not a story - I see no evidence of enough imagination for that - so this is a memoir? Doesn't doing something memorable need to be the start of a memoir? Her theme of `poor me I had lots of money but I was such an airhead I spent it all' just confirms how childish and stupid this writer is. I'm glad I borrowed it from the library which, I've managed to use since the age of 12 without forgetting to get the books back in a timely manner, and I kept my well earned money for something better - like paying my bills without whining.
Funny, despite Ann Coulter reference
This book was a series of humorous essays detailing the author's life in Chicago. I thought they were pretty funny until I read the one where she talks about how much she loves Ann Coulter and wants to have a slumber party with her. Eww.
I was eventually able to overlook that unfortunate Republican aspect of her life. As I was reading the rest of the book, I alternated between laughing out loud and thinking, "Jeez, she's a moron" (and not because of the Republican thing). What I think would REALLY be funny is a book written by her husband about how he puts up with her. Some of the best lines in the book are his, usually in response to something stupid she's done.
I was eventually able to overlook that unfortunate Republican aspect of her life. As I was reading the rest of the book, I alternated between laughing out loud and thinking, "Jeez, she's a moron" (and not because of the Republican thing). What I think would REALLY be funny is a book written by her husband about how he puts up with her. Some of the best lines in the book are his, usually in response to something stupid she's done.
Not quite as funny as Bitter - but an evolution of sorts
While Bright Lights wasn't quite as laugh out loud funny as often as "Bitter" (her first book) was, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and Jen's take on life. The fact that Jen notices all the little idiotic quirks and bizarre oddities that happen all around us every single day totally makes me feel better. I am not the only one with lunatics next door hiding a battalion of well armed mice behind 3 foot of un-mown monkey grass, rotten fencing and tacky drapes!
Those who hated this and the other two books or found Jen Lancaster to be shallow, snarky and hateful, well so what? She is a little bit of all three. Aren't we all? The difference is she's also brave enough to be honest about who she is and what her priorities really are or were and where they are heading as she matures. I think Jen represents in many ways, a huge percentage of the women from her (our) generation. We grew up in a material world - Jen's books are an open look at the path through and beyond that world into the bigger picture. If you can carry a Prada bag and be funny while you learn something at the same time, more power to you!
Those who hated this and the other two books or found Jen Lancaster to be shallow, snarky and hateful, well so what? She is a little bit of all three. Aren't we all? The difference is she's also brave enough to be honest about who she is and what her priorities really are or were and where they are heading as she matures. I think Jen represents in many ways, a huge percentage of the women from her (our) generation. We grew up in a material world - Jen's books are an open look at the path through and beyond that world into the bigger picture. If you can carry a Prada bag and be funny while you learn something at the same time, more power to you!
Okay, i know i shouldn't let my political views impede on my book selection. i have close friends who are republicans. i fear my husband is a closeted one. And I enjoyed her last book. But, i felt a frisson of alarm when she mentioned having Fox news on all the time and ripping down an anti-Bush poster. When she wrote about reading an Ann Coulter book, i felt repusled and could not get past it. She would write something funny and i'd think, "but she reads ann coulter!" For whatever reason, that greatly diminished my reading and enjoying the book and will dissuade me from purchasing another.
I bought this book based solely on the description you see above. As a person who is unhappy living in the suburbs and fantasizes about moving back to the city, I thought this book would give me an un-romanticized glimpse into city living. I was definitely not disappointed. Jen Lancaster puts city living into perspective, and does so hilariously. I found myself laughing out loud many times while I was reading, much to the discomfort and confusion of my boyfriend, and I think that anyone who has ever lived in an urban environment will do the same. She deals with noisy neighbors (my particular pet peeve), confusing mass transit systems, the soul-crushing search for that perfect apartment, and city vermin of all types. Even the passages that seem to deal with nothing more than her many irrational fears have the ability to make even the most neurotic person feel normal.
There were a few things about the book that bothered me, however. Lancaster is about as foul-mouthed as the most outrageous guest on Jerry Springer, and the constant swearing can get a bit tiring. She's also a conservative Republican, and her tirades against liberals can be hard for someone as left-winged as I am. But these are really issues of personal taste. Lancaster presents herself undoubtedly as she really is, and to me, that is the most admirable thing about this book. She's unapologetic and a little crazy, but that's why her life is interesting enough to be put in books.
There were a few things about the book that bothered me, however. Lancaster is about as foul-mouthed as the most outrageous guest on Jerry Springer, and the constant swearing can get a bit tiring. She's also a conservative Republican, and her tirades against liberals can be hard for someone as left-winged as I am. But these are really issues of personal taste. Lancaster presents herself undoubtedly as she really is, and to me, that is the most admirable thing about this book. She's unapologetic and a little crazy, but that's why her life is interesting enough to be put in books.
I LOVED Jen Lancaster's first book, and was looking forward to this one. I was a bit disappointed, as this book dragged a bit and I made myself finish it instead of looking forward to each page and being disappointed when I was out of book to read, as I was with her first book.
I think the problem here is that Jen is now happy. She was more interesting when she was bitter and hating everyone. Maybe she has to go back to working full time, and then write another book. Or maybe she needs to get divorced and dive into the miserable world of first dates? I can't imagine what her third book will be about--but I do know that I can't take another chapter about her dogs!
I think the problem here is that Jen is now happy. She was more interesting when she was bitter and hating everyone. Maybe she has to go back to working full time, and then write another book. Or maybe she needs to get divorced and dive into the miserable world of first dates? I can't imagine what her third book will be about--but I do know that I can't take another chapter about her dogs!
It is rare I actually "Laugh Out Loud" when reading, but I couldn't stop myself.
Hilarious. I had tears running down my face during some parts of this book. My husband kept coming into the room to see what was so funny which of course led to me reading whole passages out loud. Even he had to admit it was amusing.
As a side note, I read this (her second book) before reading Bitter (her first book). No need to worry about reading them out of sequence. I thought Bright Lights was funnier.
As a side note, I read this (her second book) before reading Bitter (her first book). No need to worry about reading them out of sequence. I thought Bright Lights was funnier.
She could write about ANYTHING and it would be funny!
I just loved "Bitter Is The New Black" so I was very pleased to find a new book by Jen Lancaster. The woman just cracks me up. My life is nothing like hers, in fact she'd probably call me a Liberal Suburban Soccer Mom-- yet I can relate to so much of what she details in her books. And her writing style? Is fabulous. My ONLY complaint, and it is a tiny one, is that the footnotes are a bit distracting. Most of the info could go in the main body of the book.
I don't want to describe the particularly hilarious bits because it'll spoil it for potential readers, but the bit about Target stores, and the paper gown at the gynecologist's office, and the monkey woman on the train...just priceless.
Another reviewer on this page has called Jen Lancaster's behavior spoiled, mean-spirited, and immature. Yes, she has her moments, but she KNOWS it. She's laughing at herself. You're supposed to laugh too!
Funny, funny book. Buy it. I've already got one for myself and two for Christmas gifts.
I don't want to describe the particularly hilarious bits because it'll spoil it for potential readers, but the bit about Target stores, and the paper gown at the gynecologist's office, and the monkey woman on the train...just priceless.
Another reviewer on this page has called Jen Lancaster's behavior spoiled, mean-spirited, and immature. Yes, she has her moments, but she KNOWS it. She's laughing at herself. You're supposed to laugh too!
Funny, funny book. Buy it. I've already got one for myself and two for Christmas gifts.
Lancaster's first book was all about ironies...the loss of her job, the eventual demise of her bank account...the subsequent near-eviction out of a ghetto apartment, etc. This is what made her so endearing. This second book however, just gets on one's nerves. There are Jen's lists, the emails, the "footnotes" and of course, the chapter to contend with. All the while with sentences. that. end. up. written. like. this. Aaggh!! In Lancaster style, she. is. trying. way. too. hard.
Not at all what the description paints it as
Oh, my poor ten dollar bill, flushed down the toilet! That's the worst use of ten bucks I've done in a long time.
The book's description, as well as the 1st or 2nd chapters (or however much fit into the sample excerpt for Kindle) is misleading. It made me believe that the book would be an anti-fashionista manifesto of sorts, something repudiating upscale labels and praising cute, cheaper stuff from your average department store. And it did exactly that - for a few paragraphs. Then the author decided that it would be just fine to ramble about the most mundane aspects of her boring life, go into detail about several silly arguments she'd had with her husband, babble on and on about the most random, uninteresting subjects under the sky... all the while bitching and whining and dripping sarcasm about everything and everyone, making me VERY thankful I don't have anyone that unpleasant in my life. I tried reading several more chapters hoping to somehow enjoy them - I swear I did! - but man, it was painful.
Jen, honey, you are confusing articulate bitterness with wit, the readiness to make fun of everything and everyone with superiority. That would be pitying if it weren't terribly annoying. No, bitter is NOT the new black - but maybe that thought makes the sad, bitter people out there feel a bit better about themselves. It's a shame, because you do have a way with words; too bad you are using your talent in this manner.
The book's description, as well as the 1st or 2nd chapters (or however much fit into the sample excerpt for Kindle) is misleading. It made me believe that the book would be an anti-fashionista manifesto of sorts, something repudiating upscale labels and praising cute, cheaper stuff from your average department store. And it did exactly that - for a few paragraphs. Then the author decided that it would be just fine to ramble about the most mundane aspects of her boring life, go into detail about several silly arguments she'd had with her husband, babble on and on about the most random, uninteresting subjects under the sky... all the while bitching and whining and dripping sarcasm about everything and everyone, making me VERY thankful I don't have anyone that unpleasant in my life. I tried reading several more chapters hoping to somehow enjoy them - I swear I did! - but man, it was painful.
Jen, honey, you are confusing articulate bitterness with wit, the readiness to make fun of everything and everyone with superiority. That would be pitying if it weren't terribly annoying. No, bitter is NOT the new black - but maybe that thought makes the sad, bitter people out there feel a bit better about themselves. It's a shame, because you do have a way with words; too bad you are using your talent in this manner.
Jen Lancaster, you are my SOUL SISTER!
The biggest complaint I have about this book is that I'm already finished reading it! Boo hoo!
I read a lot of books, and I have to tell you that when I read "Bitter is the New Black" last year, I laughed so hard that my sides felt like they were going to split open...just like Jen's pants split open in "Bright Lights, Big Ass!" I was so worried that this new book couldn't possibly live up to "Bitter," but I was wrong. "Bright Lights, Big Ass" is just as snarky, outlandish and hilarious as it can possibly be!
While "Bitter" detailed Jen's experience of going from a six-figure salary to being unemployed and unable to pay her rent (or support her expensive shopping habit), "Bright Lights, Big Ass" describes what it's like to be a working class citizen living in the city of Chicago. Being a Chicago gal myself, I enjoyed reading a book all about my city and wholeheartedly agree with many of the points Jen makes in her memoir:
+ Target, Trader Joe's, and IKEA are my version of the Holy Trinity.
+ The majority of neighbors are freakish and must be avoided at all costs.
+ Finding a house or an apartment in this city is one of the most difficult tasks imaginable.
+ Mass transportation is never an option because "it transports the masses."
I adored every page of this book. Jen is so unbelievably funny and sarcastic and fabulous! I seriously want to Google-stalk her (just as she admits to Google-stalking former high school classmates) and "arrange" to bump into her on the street somewhere, because I have a feeling we'd become fast friends and would enjoy drinking together and making fun of all the crazy people around us.
If you don't already have copies of "Bitter" and "Bright Lights, Big Ass," shame on you! These are must-have memoirs for every woman, every Chicagoan, and everyone who enjoys good laughs and great books.
I read a lot of books, and I have to tell you that when I read "Bitter is the New Black" last year, I laughed so hard that my sides felt like they were going to split open...just like Jen's pants split open in "Bright Lights, Big Ass!" I was so worried that this new book couldn't possibly live up to "Bitter," but I was wrong. "Bright Lights, Big Ass" is just as snarky, outlandish and hilarious as it can possibly be!
While "Bitter" detailed Jen's experience of going from a six-figure salary to being unemployed and unable to pay her rent (or support her expensive shopping habit), "Bright Lights, Big Ass" describes what it's like to be a working class citizen living in the city of Chicago. Being a Chicago gal myself, I enjoyed reading a book all about my city and wholeheartedly agree with many of the points Jen makes in her memoir:
+ Target, Trader Joe's, and IKEA are my version of the Holy Trinity.
+ The majority of neighbors are freakish and must be avoided at all costs.
+ Finding a house or an apartment in this city is one of the most difficult tasks imaginable.
+ Mass transportation is never an option because "it transports the masses."
I adored every page of this book. Jen is so unbelievably funny and sarcastic and fabulous! I seriously want to Google-stalk her (just as she admits to Google-stalking former high school classmates) and "arrange" to bump into her on the street somewhere, because I have a feeling we'd become fast friends and would enjoy drinking together and making fun of all the crazy people around us.
If you don't already have copies of "Bitter" and "Bright Lights, Big Ass," shame on you! These are must-have memoirs for every woman, every Chicagoan, and everyone who enjoys good laughs and great books.
I simply loved Jen Lancaster 4uch a Pretty Fat memoir and this is the second memoir I read. In all honesty Such a Pretty Fat is much more refreshing, hysterical and brightly crafted but Bright Lights, Big Ass is also wickedly funny, unapologetic and brutally honest. Jen writes her story as her own sitcom; she's wry, smart and never afraid to point out and flaunt her flaws and shortcomings while letting us into her irreverent and funny world. If you have ever lived in a big city, this book will make your day with its charm, hilarity and unglamorous escapades. Go for it!
Truly disappointing and annoying...
I discovered Jen's books quite by accident at the library. I borrowed Bitter is the New Black and although I started out hating the book (because the author is so immature, self absorbed, and grating in the first part of the book), I stuck with it due to my long road trip, and came out pleasantly surprised in the end.
I liked the story and the lessons that she learned, and it was laugh out loud funny, and witty. I walked away loving BITNB, and have re-read it several times since.
I then went on to My Fair Lazy, and having read the reviews I knew that I might not like the book. Many said that Jen was back to her old self (prior to her redemption in BITNB), and they were right. I didn't even finish the book. It was like she converted to that unpleasant person that she once was now that she has money again.
Well, I didn't want to give up on the author, so I decided to buy this book (Bright Lights, Big Ass) hoping that it would recapture some of the greatness which was her first book.
This book was unfortunately disappointing, annoying, irritating, painful to listen to, without any focus or real storyline, full of pointless rambling that wouldn't stop, full of words but saying nothing, immature, dragging, trying to hard to be funny, and again just plain awful and painful.
I am so upset. I just want my money and my time back. I haven't been so disappointed in a book in a long time.
I have no interest in reading Pretty in Plaid, and while I was absolutely going to buy Such a Pretty Fat, I think I will skip it, or get it from the library.
Bottom line...skip this book, but if you must read it, borrow it from the library. I wish I had.
I liked the story and the lessons that she learned, and it was laugh out loud funny, and witty. I walked away loving BITNB, and have re-read it several times since.
I then went on to My Fair Lazy, and having read the reviews I knew that I might not like the book. Many said that Jen was back to her old self (prior to her redemption in BITNB), and they were right. I didn't even finish the book. It was like she converted to that unpleasant person that she once was now that she has money again.
Well, I didn't want to give up on the author, so I decided to buy this book (Bright Lights, Big Ass) hoping that it would recapture some of the greatness which was her first book.
This book was unfortunately disappointing, annoying, irritating, painful to listen to, without any focus or real storyline, full of pointless rambling that wouldn't stop, full of words but saying nothing, immature, dragging, trying to hard to be funny, and again just plain awful and painful.
I am so upset. I just want my money and my time back. I haven't been so disappointed in a book in a long time.
I have no interest in reading Pretty in Plaid, and while I was absolutely going to buy Such a Pretty Fat, I think I will skip it, or get it from the library.
Bottom line...skip this book, but if you must read it, borrow it from the library. I wish I had.
I love Jen Lancasters books. I own most of them, including this one. It's not my fav, it's a little scattered and there's no point to the story, no conclusion or lesson learned it's just blah(at least to me everyone's different)
I'll keep this short and to the point. I love Jen Lancaster's style. I think she's hilarious. Part of the fun is in her amusing footnotes. On a Kindle, however, the footnotes do not automatically appear at the bottom. There is a number, which the reader then moves the cursor to and clicks on, which then goes to a separate page on which the footnote is located, and then the reader has to click back to the text. It is a little distracting and slows down the reading more than just flicking the eyes down to the bottom of the page, reading the note, and flicking the eyes back up. For this and any other Jen Lancaster book, I'm going to say shell out the extra bucks and get an actual book and skip the Kindle version.
Had read other books by her and loved them. But with this one, got to the part where she compared tanning beds to abortions and could not finish it. Too bad.
I loved her first book, but this one just doesn't do it for me. It's just alot of talk about nothing. Just because it worked for Seinfield, doesn't mean it will work for everyone.
Like others I really wanted to like this book. Some of it is hilarious and witty/intelligent. Some of the more boring rants last for 5 pages, like the coyote in the street story. I thought it would be a guilty pleasure at night, and every time I attempt, it is instead an irritating disaster. I also agree with others re how on earth could her husband TOLERATE her???? whining & wasting his time while he's trying to work. Her emails to her friends are embarrassing. Smug, cloying, trying too hard. i will look at the first book jacket to see if it might be any better. Maybe she got too full of herself ?
this was my first experience with jen lancaster and eh, not so much. there were a few entertaining parts, but to me, she's trying to be funny and over-the-top. it was just ok. i might give her another chance, but i don't think she's my cup o' tea.
Jen Lancaster is a fantastically funny author. She is sarcastic, and quick witted. She is able to laugh at herself (and practically eveyone she meets) - I throughly enjoy her writting, it's complete entertainment. So far, none of her books have disappointed me.
This is another hilarious novel by Lancaster! I loved her first one and this one did not disappoint as well! I laughed out loud so many times, even when I brought the book to Jury Duty! Jennifer Lancaster sure knows how to bring a smile to your face. I most definitely recommend this one and I can't wait to get started on her third, Such a Pretty Fat. She is witty, straight-forward, and tells it like it is, but you love her anyway!
Fun Read, but Not Her Best Work
I absolutely loved Bitter is the New Black. It was Laugh Out Loud good. I was anxiouly anticipating the release of this second book only to come away a bit disappointed. The book is still funny and a great poolside read, but it does not pack the punch of Bitter. This book was a bit on the whiney side. I smiled, but did not laugh out loud. I did not find myself wanting to read excerpts to everyone around me as I had with Bitter.
I did love the Target, IKEA, and Trader Joe's stories. The paper gown incident is also a big favorite. Overall there just are not the stories as in Bitter. This second book is mostly just a collection of incidences which do not seemed to be as well connected as the previous.
I am still a huge Jen fan and will certainly read the next book due out soon.
I did love the Target, IKEA, and Trader Joe's stories. The paper gown incident is also a big favorite. Overall there just are not the stories as in Bitter. This second book is mostly just a collection of incidences which do not seemed to be as well connected as the previous.
I am still a huge Jen fan and will certainly read the next book due out soon.
I couldn't read Bitter is the new black quick enough, it was a great book. When I saw that Jen Lancaster put out another book, I was thrilled! This book was just as great as Bitter.
I have already pre-ordered her next book! Way to go Jen, you are an amazing writer!
I have already pre-ordered her next book! Way to go Jen, you are an amazing writer!
This is one of the funniest books I have ever read, and I read a lot! It made me laugh out loud. Everyone should read Bright Lights. I have bought this book for my friends because I don't want to lose my copy of it. I look forward to Jen 's next book.
Bitter is the New Black, Jen's first book, was wonderful. This second book is great, but I feel it falls a little short of the fullness of BINB. Not as much of an actual story line, just tons of funny scenarios and banter - which are all great, but I'm not as anxious to find out what happens next (when does Jen find a job, how will they survive the next month, etc). It definitely still keeps me chuckling page after page though. Since there is not much drama in this book, I am enjoying getting to know Fletch a little more.
This is the best book ever. When I stopped reading it, I felt as though my best friend moved away. We had some good times together :) Jen Lancaster has a very witty, sarcastic, and always hilarious way of explaining her world. She tackles various subjects such as annoying neighbors, her crazy dogs (I can totally relate) and her constant procrastination against working out. I guess it sounds like every other chicklit book, but I must say I think it stands out among all others in terms of laugh-outloud-ability (and yes I made that a word). LOVED IT! Will be putting her other book on my bookswim list immediately!
You'd love this book if you love cats
I usually like Jen Lancaster's books, "Bitter is the New Black" and "Pretty in Plaid" were both creative and funny, but with "Bright Lights, Big Ass" I wish I could get my time and money back. In this book, Jen writes a lot about how she has nothing to write about, and folks, she's not lying. If you're writing a "memoir" perhaps you should get out of the house and do something, so you have something to write about. She includes a lot of e-mails addressed to her best girlfriends who are never identified in the book, and I deduce that she copied and pasted her real messages because she was to lazy to do any real writing. I don't want to her about her dogs pooping on the rug every chapter, or about their "corn chip-scented" paws, I have heard people say that in real life and didn't find it amusing, let along a topic to write about. I could give a crap about her stupid cats (I don't want to hear about my real friends' pets either, BORING), poor eating habits, or reality TV watching. You can put that crap on your blog, where people can read it for free if they want. This book masquerades as a satire to "Bright Lights, Big City" and Jen lives in the thriving metropolis of Chicago, but she doesn't actually get out in the city and do anything interesting. She takes several jabs at Candace Bushnell, but at least her characters get dressed and leave the house. Honestly, if you are interested in this book, check out the author's other works instead, they are worth reading, but this one is a miss.
While I think Jen Lancaster is very funny, I have a few problems with her. First, she's clearly an intelligent woman, but he writing style is simply sophmoric. All those foot notes? And the incomplete sentences? Got to go.
Second, she seems whiny, lazy, and annoying. I don't know how Fletch puts up with her. Instead of making changes in her life, she carries on about them. Want to lose weight? How about put the fork down and get moving, lady. She seems smart enought to know better, but is constantly making the same impulsive mistakes (overeating, opening her big mouth, spending too much). While she recognizes this, she fails to do anything about it. And that is sad.
Besides that, she is funny, and she does have a way of sharing things that makes you feel like you're talking to a friend.
Second, she seems whiny, lazy, and annoying. I don't know how Fletch puts up with her. Instead of making changes in her life, she carries on about them. Want to lose weight? How about put the fork down and get moving, lady. She seems smart enought to know better, but is constantly making the same impulsive mistakes (overeating, opening her big mouth, spending too much). While she recognizes this, she fails to do anything about it. And that is sad.
Besides that, she is funny, and she does have a way of sharing things that makes you feel like you're talking to a friend.
I wanted to like this book so much. I had heard such good things about it. Specifically, I'd read that Jen L was like David Sedaris with pearls and a super cute handbag and I had to get this book, because David Sedaris is god. I have to say that Jen L is definitely no David Sedaris, with or without handbag or pearls. The first chapter was fine, a few giggles, then the next chapter had less, by the third, I was struggling to keep my eyes open. Maybe it was the footnotes or the typesetting, which made you think you were reading e-mails, or maybe it was the unrelenting whining that got to me. I couldn't finish it. I thought I got the wrong book, but no, the David quote was right there in the front. What a disappointment.
Definitely not as good as the first
Jens first book had me laughing all the way through, and I was super excited to finally get my hands on number 2. Unfortunately, as other revierws have mentioned, in the first book she had a story to tell but this one was more just random whining.
If I had to describe it in one word, that word would be 'forgettable.'
If I had to describe it in one word, that word would be 'forgettable.'
A Disappointing Collection of Fluff
I was really excited about this book. I enjoyed Jen Lancaster's first book so much that I thought her second would just as amusing...WRONG.
This is not really a book, it's more of a collection of rantings, e-mails and daily logs mortared together with some amusing stories.
I will admit that I got a chuckle here and there but I can get that from Reader's Digest.
When I read a book I like there to be a story, some sort of conflict and a resolution of some sort. This had none of that and the events weren't even arranged in chronological order.
I think some editing here would have been helpful, the quest for a new apartment was entertaining as were Jen's struggles at the gym. But there was no focus in this memoir, it was silly, sarcastic ramblings. Almost like a stand up routine, which in my opinion doesn't work well as a book.
Really needed editing and a focus.
Devour her books : you'll feel like you've found a new best friend!
I've read both of Jen's books recently and LOVE them. Not only are they insanely funny and easy to read in a single sitting, but I feel like she and I have so much in common: everything from our pageant & sorority days, our poli sci degrees, and our love of the Four Seasons, to our near-collisions with reality TV... the list goes on and on. It's almost like the two of us were twins separated at birth or something. But the crazy part is that Jen seems to have evoked that deep connection not just with me - but with thousands of women across the country! So go on: buy and devour her books - you'll feel like you've found a new best friend.
This is so far my favorite book of Jen Lancaster. If you don't laugh out loud at this book you might want to get your funny bone checked! Her trip to the Dr. and the spa had me doubled over! Great book, Jen! Keep 'em coming!
I'm not sure I like Jen Lancaster.
She has railed against those who compare Bush to Hitler, yet makes it clear that she would like to "pee" on the campaign signs for a certain "socialist" candidate displayed on her neighbor's lawn. She thinks it was funny that she and her husband (both admittedly overweight) knocked small children over while hurtling downhill on a sled.
YET ... when I'm shopping in Trader Joe's, I can hear her voice in my head. Her self awareness about how her own marriage echoes her parents' is spot on. And I love those little asides she inserts into essays. And when the big-assed, big-mouthed memoirist reveals her sensitive side (like when she goes to the bookstore and sees her first book on display for the first time), you actually want to hug her. I guess if she wasn't so tough and difficult (though always admittedly funny), these unguarded moments wouldn't be so touching.
I enjoyed her first two so much that I'll probably read her other books. But even though I live in Chicagoland, I hope I never meet her. She makes me laugh, but again, I'm not sure I like her.
She has railed against those who compare Bush to Hitler, yet makes it clear that she would like to "pee" on the campaign signs for a certain "socialist" candidate displayed on her neighbor's lawn. She thinks it was funny that she and her husband (both admittedly overweight) knocked small children over while hurtling downhill on a sled.
YET ... when I'm shopping in Trader Joe's, I can hear her voice in my head. Her self awareness about how her own marriage echoes her parents' is spot on. And I love those little asides she inserts into essays. And when the big-assed, big-mouthed memoirist reveals her sensitive side (like when she goes to the bookstore and sees her first book on display for the first time), you actually want to hug her. I guess if she wasn't so tough and difficult (though always admittedly funny), these unguarded moments wouldn't be so touching.
I enjoyed her first two so much that I'll probably read her other books. But even though I live in Chicagoland, I hope I never meet her. She makes me laugh, but again, I'm not sure I like her.
How could you not LOVE this woman!!!!
If you've read one Jen Lancaster book, you've not read them all!!
I'm not a "memoirs" book type person, which is the category I'd put Jen's early books into, but I am a "laugh out loud and wet yourself" type of person and this is exactly what you get when you pick up one of Jen Lancaster's books!
Be sure you have a LOAD of time and double up on the Depends b/c you wont want to put the book down and you will find yourself laughing uncontrollably!!!!
I'm not a "memoirs" book type person, which is the category I'd put Jen's early books into, but I am a "laugh out loud and wet yourself" type of person and this is exactly what you get when you pick up one of Jen Lancaster's books!
Be sure you have a LOAD of time and double up on the Depends b/c you wont want to put the book down and you will find yourself laughing uncontrollably!!!!
Jen Lancaster never fails to cause me to double over with laughter. I find her unique ability to describe both the simple aspects and the complexities of life in the light of comedy refreshing. This is definitely a girls book (men just can't appreciate the horror of the annual pap as we do!) I don't recommend it for anyone concerned with the politically correct, but for those who are looking for a light, entertaining read (and who don't mind laughing uncontrollably in public!)
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
I really enjoyed Bitter is the new Black, but I didn't even finish this book. There's no story other than Jen's boring day-to-day life. My real life is much more fun that this book and I consider myself very average. It was such a disappointment after being to engrossed in the first Jen Lancaster book. I can only hope something new happens to her to inspire another funny STORY!
I read "Such a Pretty Fat" and thought it was a good light read. This book, however, was a chore to go through. Certainly there were some funny parts, but after page 50, I got real tired of the petty arguments with Fletch and her day to day routines. I felt like the book was essentially essays put together in a book without a common theme. I kept thinking it would get better, since "Such a Pretty Fat" also took a while to pick up. She finally reconnected with what was supposed to be her theme on the LAST page. So for the rest of the 380 pages, the book was her day-to-day journal of her musings, which is unnecessarily long since Jen Lancaster does not achieve anything nor come to any great revelations. I am surprised this book could even get published since I felt any average Joe with a sense of humor could have written this.
Another Memior... Still Funny Though!
Jen Lancaster's memoir, Bright Lights, Big Ass, was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed it as I do all her other books.
This one, however, is a little different from her previous books. Instead of being a continuous story, this one contains several mini stories that do not particularly conjoin together. Sure, there are a few bits and pieces that overlap.
The sub title to this book is: A self-indulgent, surly ex-sorority girl's guide to why it often sucks in the city, or who are these idiots and why do they all live next door to me?
This book actually does not contain many stories about her neighbors. Or why the city sucks. It's mostly about her time tempting between money from her book publishings, or about taking the bus because of her lack of car or money for a cab. Or better yet, her first visit in something like four years to the `woman doctor.'
This was a hilarious read- just like anything else Ms. Lancaster has written- but unfortunately my least favorite of the ones I have read so far.
This one, however, is a little different from her previous books. Instead of being a continuous story, this one contains several mini stories that do not particularly conjoin together. Sure, there are a few bits and pieces that overlap.
The sub title to this book is: A self-indulgent, surly ex-sorority girl's guide to why it often sucks in the city, or who are these idiots and why do they all live next door to me?
This book actually does not contain many stories about her neighbors. Or why the city sucks. It's mostly about her time tempting between money from her book publishings, or about taking the bus because of her lack of car or money for a cab. Or better yet, her first visit in something like four years to the `woman doctor.'
This was a hilarious read- just like anything else Ms. Lancaster has written- but unfortunately my least favorite of the ones I have read so far.
This was my first foray into Jen Lancaster's writing - and I fell in love. This was a hilarious, laugh out loud so hard you snort milk through your nose kind of funny. I read this some time ago, and I only just now realized that I love her for the same reason I love Sue Sylvester on Glee: there is no filter. These women say every snarky thing the rest of us think but won't say - only they have no filter so it slips out.
I think this is true for pretty much every one - those who find her writing distasteful still have that same thought for the briefest millisecond - they just don't want to admit it. Those of us who do admit it can realize the absurdity of it all. In that, we find some relief (after all, someone else thought the same thing) and a way to laugh at our own absurdity. It is sarcastic wit - the highest form of humor and the most intelligent. Thank you Jen for mastering sarcasm and taking it to all new heights.
I think this is true for pretty much every one - those who find her writing distasteful still have that same thought for the briefest millisecond - they just don't want to admit it. Those of us who do admit it can realize the absurdity of it all. In that, we find some relief (after all, someone else thought the same thing) and a way to laugh at our own absurdity. It is sarcastic wit - the highest form of humor and the most intelligent. Thank you Jen for mastering sarcasm and taking it to all new heights.
I enjoy her humor very much and the first book I read was Bitter. Loved it. Ever since then I have been after getting the same laughs. I have read all of her books and I had missed this one. It's ok. Not out loud funny. And I noticed in some chapters I skipped some pages. There were instances that the rambling kept going on and on to the point(when Fletch saw a coyote) that I had a hard time reading the whole thing. I will still buy her next book because I am still searching for that first high! :)
I've read all of Jen's books and let me tell you- this one tops the charts. I could NOT stop laughing. Maybe it helps that I live in a city myself, but seriously, hysterical. If you want to laugh your "big ass" off, you've gotta read it! :)
So funny I was crying 10 pages in
This is one of the funniest books I have ever read...I was laughing so hard I was crying 10 pages in.
I enjoyed the first twenty to thirty pages of this book, but soon thereafter it began to lose its charm. To the author's credit, she did give us fair warning in the book's subtitle. I would add "profoundly annoying" to "self-indulgent" and "surly."
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I've never had a book make me laugh out loud (even in public) like this one did! This girl has lightning quick wit and humor. Actually, reading this made me feel a little more sane. (Thanks Jen:) I thought I had an overactive mind, she's definately got me beat, and her thoughts are way funnier than mine could ever be! Her behavior and mouth are so excusable because she's just hilarious. She really does make being bad look good.
This is a keeper. When I'm feeling low and needing a good laugh, I'll be reaching for this. Reading this will make passing the time (in line or Dr's office or anywhere) much more pleasant. Just know that it is very likely to make you bust out laughing in front of everyone!