Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, ...

Wanted to like this...:
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.

Torn. . .:
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.

I read it in one sitting, now my butt hurts and I can't see to drive!:
There are too few people who can laugh at themselves, and make us laugh when they do. I want to be Jen's new best friend! My only disappointment is that I didn't find this book sooner. My great pleasure is that I got to read it yesterday! I checked it out from the library but as soon as I find out how to order a signed copy directly from her, I am going to order all 3 of her books. Having lived in several neighborhoods that had homeowner's associations, I can truly appreciate Jen Cognito. Only now I wonder, is my garbage can really an "unsightly item" that needs to be removed from in front of my garage or have I been "warned" by someone just like Jen?!

Entertaining anecdotes!:
Enjoyed this book very much because I could relate to many incidents, such as the joys of being a temp, bad neighbours, looking for a new home, husband issues etc. The book is a collection of anecdotes of the author's life in Chicago, and I found it to be an easy read with some really entertaining stories. The chapters are little individual stories, mostly independent of each other as opposed to Bitter is the New Black, which was more of a memoir. Worth reading!!

Awful:
I thought this was going to be a very funny book, but I struggled to get through it. Lancaster is incredibly self-absorbed and annoying. Who calls their husband to ask if it's okay to eat Lucky Charms for three meals? She does. And it's not funny, it's annoying and irritating. A serious waste of money.