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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
funny
medium-paced
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
I bought this book at a secondhand shop so I would have something to occupy myself while dining alone in Ann Arbor. Definitely served its purpose, but also made me a bit of a spectacle as I laughed out loud. I don't LIKE this book, but I do find it funny, if that makes any sense, and the snark and evil-ness will make it an oft-loaned title- there are so many people who will love this book.
I saw Fran on Netflix; so I decided to buy this new imprint of her 1994 release. I picked it up in hardback for myself and also a hardback copy for a friend as I knew it would be amusing.
And it's funny in the sense of it being a skillfully disguised nod to those few of us in possession of common sense. Which, as she will tell you, isn't common.
It's a bit repetitive. It's a bit smug. A touch flippant. But this book positions itself as a conduit. It allows us access to a mind that would otherwise solely be a blessing to a few select friends.
It's elitist, but it's always very clear that Lebowitz speaks from a position of passionate defence, rather than snide offence.
I think it is a damn shame that those who most need to read this book are exactly the people who won't ever read these essays (or anything else besides a bestseller once or twice a year, if that). In that sense, it suffers from being a book that preaches to the well and truly converted.
Which is something that I've been thinking about recently. Because for the longest time the intellectual left seemed incapable of speaking to anyone outside the intellectual left. And now it seems to be finally shouting loudly. Which works and doesn't. But it's something. Maybe in time it will prove fruitful. One can hope.
And it's funny in the sense of it being a skillfully disguised nod to those few of us in possession of common sense. Which, as she will tell you, isn't common.
It's a bit repetitive. It's a bit smug. A touch flippant. But this book positions itself as a conduit. It allows us access to a mind that would otherwise solely be a blessing to a few select friends.
It's elitist, but it's always very clear that Lebowitz speaks from a position of passionate defence, rather than snide offence.
I think it is a damn shame that those who most need to read this book are exactly the people who won't ever read these essays (or anything else besides a bestseller once or twice a year, if that). In that sense, it suffers from being a book that preaches to the well and truly converted.
Which is something that I've been thinking about recently. Because for the longest time the intellectual left seemed incapable of speaking to anyone outside the intellectual left. And now it seems to be finally shouting loudly. Which works and doesn't. But it's something. Maybe in time it will prove fruitful. One can hope.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
I had the pleasure of purchasing my copy of this book at the same time as I met Fran and got her to sign my edition. While I had always loved her public image, interviews, and tv specials, even so much as declaring to my parents (and maintaining to this day) at 17 that I would like to be the next Fran Lebowitz, I must admit this is the first time I have read her written work cohesively.
I absolutely loved every minute of this book. Lebowitz does something in her writing so rare in today's public discourse - she writes sarcastically and comedically without demanding attention. Her writing is imbued with her hot takes, whether you like them or not, and she is unapologetic in how she frames and weaves the personal with the dramatic and fictitious. This book was a joy to read and has inspired me in many ways to develop my own writing in greater detail and to pursue publishing this year. I think the world needs more writers committed to the lifestyle and romanticization of writing itself, something Lebowitz highlights in a sincere comedic fashion. You don't have to take yourself too seriously to still say something of value.
My personal favourites from the collection in no particular order:
Notes on "Trick"
The Last Laugh
When Smoke Gets in Your Eyes... Shut Them
Fran Lebowitz's Travel Hints
Lesson One
Opening of "Things" from Social Studies
The Modern-Day Lives of the Saints
Tips for Teens
People
How Not to Marry a Millionaire: A Guide for the Misfortune Hunter
Writers on Strike: A Chilling Prophecy
Letters
The Sound of Music: Enough Already
Soho: Or Not at Home with Mr. Art
Food for Thought and Vice Versa
The Primary Cause of Heterosexuality Among Males in Urban Areas: Yet Another Crackpot Theory
Why I Love Sleep
Digital Clocks and Pocket Calculators: Spoilers of Youth
A World View
The Right of Eminent Domain Versus the Rightful Domain of the Eminent
Disco Hints: The New Etiquette
Manners
My Day: An Introduction of Sorts
I absolutely loved every minute of this book. Lebowitz does something in her writing so rare in today's public discourse - she writes sarcastically and comedically without demanding attention. Her writing is imbued with her hot takes, whether you like them or not, and she is unapologetic in how she frames and weaves the personal with the dramatic and fictitious. This book was a joy to read and has inspired me in many ways to develop my own writing in greater detail and to pursue publishing this year. I think the world needs more writers committed to the lifestyle and romanticization of writing itself, something Lebowitz highlights in a sincere comedic fashion. You don't have to take yourself too seriously to still say something of value.
My personal favourites from the collection in no particular order:
Notes on "Trick"
The Last Laugh
When Smoke Gets in Your Eyes... Shut Them
Fran Lebowitz's Travel Hints
Lesson One
Opening of "Things" from Social Studies
The Modern-Day Lives of the Saints
Tips for Teens
People
How Not to Marry a Millionaire: A Guide for the Misfortune Hunter
Writers on Strike: A Chilling Prophecy
Letters
The Sound of Music: Enough Already
Soho: Or Not at Home with Mr. Art
Food for Thought and Vice Versa
The Primary Cause of Heterosexuality Among Males in Urban Areas: Yet Another Crackpot Theory
Why I Love Sleep
Digital Clocks and Pocket Calculators: Spoilers of Youth
A World View
The Right of Eminent Domain Versus the Rightful Domain of the Eminent
Disco Hints: The New Etiquette
Manners
My Day: An Introduction of Sorts
challenging
dark
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced