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aliceburton's review
4.0
I mean...it's a well-crafted, hilarious memoir of a hilarious person dealing with a serious issue. You can get through it pretty quickly, and feel smart for understanding 'fin de siècle' references. Hurray!
rhalpin's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
I love this memoir so much that I read it twice (and I never read things twice). Laugh out loud funny, while also deeply relatable and emotional. A must read for anyone with anxiety.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content and Medical content
dozwrh's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book - I could not get enough and was sad when it ended. Benincasa's journey is a harrowing and hugely inspiring account of what it's like to be overcome, to confront, and to triumph over the daunting and bewildering colossus that can be mental illness.
I experience Benincasa as a true comedienne and a moving storyteller - she had me laughing out loud many times throughout her book, as well as brought to tears during some of her struggles where her anxiety seemed to get the best of her. Living with anxiety myself, I found Benincasa's depiction of her symptoms and thought patterns accurate and touching. One of my favorite things about her narrative is how she speaks about herself throughout the book. She is very matter-of-fact with just a tinge of self-deprecation, however she never goes overboard with the latter and always speaks from a place of self-love and acceptance; a quality I think is highly important for: 1. really anyone, ever, but really 2. those of us who struggle to accept and live with our various daily battles in the realm of mental illness.
Listening to the audiobook version of "Agorafabulous!" shortly after finishing Jenny Lawson's "Furiously Happy," it is hard not to compare the two, although the two authors have very different struggles with their respective mental illnesses. To be honest, although I was a fast-fan after reading Lawson's first book, "Furiously Happy" left me disappointed and wishing for more. "Agorafabulous!" was everything I was hoping from Lawson's book - and more. Benincasa shared troves of rich anecdotes from her life, pointing out the humor in her adventures, or letting the humor in an experience speak for itself, whichever was appropriate. She colorfully yet succinctly continued to tie each chapter back to her message and showed how her experiences - large or small - contributed to her understanding of herself and her character.
I would recommend this book to anyone, with or without mental illness/anxiety disorders. It is informative, fun, funny, and very inspiring. I found it impossible not to fall in love with and to root for Benincasa on her journey to wellness. She is an enchanting storyteller with a wonderful wit and humor. I will remember her story and draw strength from it for the rest of my life.
I experience Benincasa as a true comedienne and a moving storyteller - she had me laughing out loud many times throughout her book, as well as brought to tears during some of her struggles where her anxiety seemed to get the best of her. Living with anxiety myself, I found Benincasa's depiction of her symptoms and thought patterns accurate and touching. One of my favorite things about her narrative is how she speaks about herself throughout the book. She is very matter-of-fact with just a tinge of self-deprecation, however she never goes overboard with the latter and always speaks from a place of self-love and acceptance; a quality I think is highly important for: 1. really anyone, ever, but really 2. those of us who struggle to accept and live with our various daily battles in the realm of mental illness.
Listening to the audiobook version of "Agorafabulous!" shortly after finishing Jenny Lawson's "Furiously Happy," it is hard not to compare the two, although the two authors have very different struggles with their respective mental illnesses. To be honest, although I was a fast-fan after reading Lawson's first book, "Furiously Happy" left me disappointed and wishing for more. "Agorafabulous!" was everything I was hoping from Lawson's book - and more. Benincasa shared troves of rich anecdotes from her life, pointing out the humor in her adventures, or letting the humor in an experience speak for itself, whichever was appropriate. She colorfully yet succinctly continued to tie each chapter back to her message and showed how her experiences - large or small - contributed to her understanding of herself and her character.
I would recommend this book to anyone, with or without mental illness/anxiety disorders. It is informative, fun, funny, and very inspiring. I found it impossible not to fall in love with and to root for Benincasa on her journey to wellness. She is an enchanting storyteller with a wonderful wit and humor. I will remember her story and draw strength from it for the rest of my life.
alytodd's review
4.0
What a frank look at mental illness. Benincasa does a great job of getting across how difficult things were, while not making this book a pity party. So many great moments - and of course some totally weird mishaps sprinkled in as well. If you like memoirs, this one belongs on your list!
scotchneat's review
3.0
It's like the Spring of professional funny women on meds, what with Bloggess and this one. I hadn't heard of Benincasa before, but she seems fairly well known in New York.
Mostly funny, like who knew locking yourself in your room and peeing in bowls could be funny. There were a few parts where I snorted quite loudly. But judging on story alone, sometimes it went a bit long. Though I did enjoy her experiences as a teacher - I think she made a damn fine teacher.
Mostly funny, like who knew locking yourself in your room and peeing in bowls could be funny. There were a few parts where I snorted quite loudly. But judging on story alone, sometimes it went a bit long. Though I did enjoy her experiences as a teacher - I think she made a damn fine teacher.
caitmonster's review
5.0
This book. It hurt my soul. It made me think. I was happy. I want to be Sara Benincasa's friend but I also want to be a better friend to everyone.
nilchance's review
3.0
My favorite part of this book (yes, like I'm writing a 5th grade book report) was that feeling of connection at the end, with the cab-driver who was just diagnosed with panic disorder. And the story with the kid who'd take Viagra, and how she broke the rules for him. Both are stories where Benincasa isn't trying to be funny, necessarily, and about human connection outside her house. The rewards for going on recovering, I guess.
I could really sympathize with the author. The copy compares her to Tina Fey, and I'd buy that, in that there were some privileged jokes (I'm thinking of the one about foreigners) that threw me out of the book, but I kept reading because I was invested.
I could really sympathize with the author. The copy compares her to Tina Fey, and I'd buy that, in that there were some privileged jokes (I'm thinking of the one about foreigners) that threw me out of the book, but I kept reading because I was invested.
kellyhager's review
4.0
This book is literally laugh out loud funny but as a disclaimer, there are also parts that will make you cringe. (The first example is on the second page, and is the most disturbing depiction of suicide ever. It's not graphic but it's such a horrible way to die that it stuck with me throughout the rest of the book---and will probably stick with me forever.)
Even besides being really funny, it's also thought-provoking. I always say that I'm about two steps away from being agoraphobic because I am such a hermit that it's not even funny. Turns out that if that's true, those are two very important steps.
I admire Sara Benincasa so much for the things that she shares in this book. She's very willing to expose her life---even the parts that make her look...well, weird. SO much respect for that, because I have such a hangup on how people perceive me.
Highly recommended.
Even besides being really funny, it's also thought-provoking. I always say that I'm about two steps away from being agoraphobic because I am such a hermit that it's not even funny. Turns out that if that's true, those are two very important steps.
I admire Sara Benincasa so much for the things that she shares in this book. She's very willing to expose her life---even the parts that make her look...well, weird. SO much respect for that, because I have such a hangup on how people perceive me.
Highly recommended.