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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
She warned us in the beginning of the book that some of the topics may not be relevant at the time of reading. That was the case for me. However, there were many little gems of wisdom and even more funny remarks I hope I'll remember. We also have the same opinion on keeping pets!
On the whole, Lebowitz's genius is without question. She is insight, whimsical, and candid in ways that strong, resonate first-person essayists typically are. However, I have several caveats.
The essays in this collection are far too short. That is to say, I am left wanting more. This is Lebowitz's style, sure, and when it works it certainly works, but I want to see more development of her central ideas and themes. As I worked through this collection I felt rather confused regarding her purpose. Is she just trying to be funny? Is she also trying to make a point? Are both of these questions irrelevant?
The essays, however, that work, works in ways that defy the misgivings I express in the previous paragraph. "The Fran Lebowitz High Stress Diet and Exercise Program" is a coherent and persuasive example of the rhetorical power of repetition. In "Why I Love Sleep" a line like, "Sleep is death without the responsibility" illustrates why she is so frequently compared to Dorthy Parker (97).
I do not necessarily recommend reading this entire book, but I unequivocally recommend reading Fran Lebowitz. Start with "The Last Laugh" and if it hooks you, continue on, but don't hesitate to stop reading The Fran Lebowitz Reader before you finish. Lebowitz would probably appreciate your lack of conviction.
The essays in this collection are far too short. That is to say, I am left wanting more. This is Lebowitz's style, sure, and when it works it certainly works, but I want to see more development of her central ideas and themes. As I worked through this collection I felt rather confused regarding her purpose. Is she just trying to be funny? Is she also trying to make a point? Are both of these questions irrelevant?
The essays, however, that work, works in ways that defy the misgivings I express in the previous paragraph. "The Fran Lebowitz High Stress Diet and Exercise Program" is a coherent and persuasive example of the rhetorical power of repetition. In "Why I Love Sleep" a line like, "Sleep is death without the responsibility" illustrates why she is so frequently compared to Dorthy Parker (97).
I do not necessarily recommend reading this entire book, but I unequivocally recommend reading Fran Lebowitz. Start with "The Last Laugh" and if it hooks you, continue on, but don't hesitate to stop reading The Fran Lebowitz Reader before you finish. Lebowitz would probably appreciate your lack of conviction.
ok I LOVE Fran Lebowitz and so my expectations for this book might have been way too high. While I did very much enjoy her witty remarks in written form, it did not live up to the wittiness of hearing her talk. Fran Lebowitz is brilliant, no question, this just wasn't all I wished for it to be after obsessively listening to her talks. Some topics might have been very relevant and funny when this was released, but today a lot of this just read as out-dated and difficult to relate to. I wish she would write another book similar to this, on her observations on current life but I'm pretty sure most of us have given up on that. So I will just stick to endlessly rewatching Scorsese's documentaries.
dark
funny
medium-paced
This audio book entertained me, the German narration was good and the translation was creative and well exectuted. It was striking how acutely accurate and contemporary certain aspects of the book were. The description of technology was interesting to listen to.
Overall, I could not enjoy everything of this book, parts of it were rather boring and couldn't keep my attention.
Furthermore, I understand that Fran Lebowitz tends to exaggerate, I was opposed to quite a few stand-points. After all, it is a Zeitgeist-document and fascinating, but over all, I would not necessarily recommend the book.
Mostly I didn't like the level of unreflected privilege.
Overall, I could not enjoy everything of this book, parts of it were rather boring and couldn't keep my attention.
Furthermore, I understand that Fran Lebowitz tends to exaggerate, I was opposed to quite a few stand-points. After all, it is a Zeitgeist-document and fascinating, but over all, I would not necessarily recommend the book.
Mostly I didn't like the level of unreflected privilege.
funny
reflective
medium-paced
funny
medium-paced
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
This book made me feel so pretentious and wise. Would highly recommend to people that think they’re better than everyone!
The Hits: Better Read Than Dead: A Revised Opinion, The Sound of Music: Enough Already, Letters, The Word Lady: Most Often Used to Describe Someone You Wouldn’t Want to Talk to for Even Five Minutes, Tips for Teens, When Smoke Gets in Your Eyes...Shut Them, The Fran Lebowitz High Stress Diet and Exercise Program
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced