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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
I enjoy Notaro's standup, but hearing her narrative about losing her mother was extremely different than what I was expecting. I guess the second half of the book dropped off a bit (maybe because by the time she got to the IVF stuff I was not really clear why she was continuing to make the decisions she was making, as they seemed reckless and dangerous); but on the whole, a very powerful story.
I think her reaction to her diagnosis was what has been staying with me the most. It was so human, so honest, and so flat-out terrifying that I kind of want to recommend the book to friends who have are going through the same thing.
On the whole, really interesting. I'm grateful when comedians show us their serious sides.
I enjoy Notaro's standup, but hearing her narrative about losing her mother was extremely different than what I was expecting. I guess the second half of the book dropped off a bit (maybe because by the time she got to the IVF stuff I was not really clear why she was continuing to make the decisions she was making, as they seemed reckless and dangerous); but on the whole, a very powerful story.
I think her reaction to her diagnosis was what has been staying with me the most. It was so human, so honest, and so flat-out terrifying that I kind of want to recommend the book to friends who have are going through the same thing.
On the whole, really interesting. I'm grateful when comedians show us their serious sides.
3.5 stars. I’m a fan of Tig Notaro, and I enjoyed this memoir, but it wasn’t super compelling. Part of that may have been because I already knew the rough outlines of her story, but in some parts, I just thought the writing was a little boring. Still a fan, though!
I really enjoyed this book for the author’s perspective when it comes to life, grief, and overcoming obstacles. I didn’t know much about her before reading the book, so I found it be extremely interesting, although, rightly so, depressing. I appreciated her honesty about her experiences, ups, and downs.
This was such a touching account of a rough year Tig experienced that most people would've used as an excuse to crawl up in a ball and just give up. She claims not to be brave, but the fact the she not only persevered - she thrived when life kept dealing her a rough hand - proves otherwise. Tig encountered more things in the span of months than most ever would in their entire lifespans, and somehow she managed to make it all relatable. Humorous at times, but mostly honest and humble. Highly recommend - although if you recently lost a loved one (especially a parent) be prepared for extra heartbreak.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Tig Notaro's story is kind of incredible. She suffered more devastation and loss in one year than most of us could imagine encountering in our entire lives. In a matter of months, she had pneumonia, was diagnosed with C-diff, suffered a breakup, endured the death of her mother, and then was diagnosed with breast cancer. That combination of events is so tragic and painful to even think about, let alone imagine living through. And yet, Notaro made it, and is still here to tell the tale and live her life.
Part of the reason I didn't rate this book higher, though, is the fact that I have heard most of this before. I have listened to the recording of that famous Largo set of hers, Live, which really is incredible. I saw her get interviewed as the closing keynote speaker at a conference I went to a few months back, where she talked about those events and her upcoming book. And I have watched her documentary on Netflix, where she chronicles that tragic time in her life, and coming through it on the other side. I'm Just a Person is, more or less, that documentary in written form.
I think one of the strangest things about the book is the jump from Tig's childhood and early teen years to over 20 years later, when the tragedies of 2012 struck. On one level, I do understand what that was -- she needed to establish herself and, more importantly, her mother's personality, before confronting the events of her mother's death. It just seemed a little jarring, because it completely ignored such a HUGE time period in Tig's own life.
One thing that really struck me throughout the telling of her story was what an incredible support system she seemed to have in her life, with her friends in particular. Her family relationships may have been rocky, but it does seem that she was able to surround herself with others in her life that could really be counted on, and helped her through some of these really serious and difficult times.
All in all, this was an interesting enough read. Again, much of it was familiar to me already, but the spectrum of illness and loss that she suffered in such a short time is still so terrifying and unbelievable that I find myself shocked every time I hear or read about it. She's a really interesting person, and I'm glad she has had the chance to tell her story.
Part of the reason I didn't rate this book higher, though, is the fact that I have heard most of this before. I have listened to the recording of that famous Largo set of hers, Live, which really is incredible. I saw her get interviewed as the closing keynote speaker at a conference I went to a few months back, where she talked about those events and her upcoming book. And I have watched her documentary on Netflix, where she chronicles that tragic time in her life, and coming through it on the other side. I'm Just a Person is, more or less, that documentary in written form.
I think one of the strangest things about the book is the jump from Tig's childhood and early teen years to over 20 years later, when the tragedies of 2012 struck. On one level, I do understand what that was -- she needed to establish herself and, more importantly, her mother's personality, before confronting the events of her mother's death. It just seemed a little jarring, because it completely ignored such a HUGE time period in Tig's own life.
One thing that really struck me throughout the telling of her story was what an incredible support system she seemed to have in her life, with her friends in particular. Her family relationships may have been rocky, but it does seem that she was able to surround herself with others in her life that could really be counted on, and helped her through some of these really serious and difficult times.
All in all, this was an interesting enough read. Again, much of it was familiar to me already, but the spectrum of illness and loss that she suffered in such a short time is still so terrifying and unbelievable that I find myself shocked every time I hear or read about it. She's a really interesting person, and I'm glad she has had the chance to tell her story.
Throughout this book, it's delivered in a way that only Tig Notaro could say it. She is blunt and vulnerable at the same time. In such a short time, a lot happened to Notaro, but she tells it in a way that you can also see how she was actively trying to work against getting completely engulfed by it. Hearing her talk about her family connections and the complexities that happen as you grow older and try to stay connected was especially interesting and made me think. If you can, get the audiobook because Notaro reads it and it just made it for me.
What a year, and what a way to make such a breakthrough.
Also a reminder that seeing someone and do say "you lost weight" remember to finish that with "that must have been hard" that way they can either tell you either that they were deathly ill, or that they have the best nutritionist who has changed their life and thanks for noticing all the hard work.
Also a reminder that seeing someone and do say "you lost weight" remember to finish that with "that must have been hard" that way they can either tell you either that they were deathly ill, or that they have the best nutritionist who has changed their life and thanks for noticing all the hard work.
I value Tig's telling of her story so much. I felt as if she is able to articulate her feelings about loss in ways I have not yet been able to. I found her vulnerability and insight into the loss and challenges she has suffered very comforting.