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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Furiously Happy is a great book that perfectly balances humor with the struggles of mental illness. Towards the end it was hard for me to read due to personal history, but I would recommend the book in a heartbeat.
DNF, 0/5. Jenny Lawson’s writing style reminds me of those fake Tumblr stories from 2013. You know the ones…”and then everyone clapped”. Decided enough was enough after reading a footnote with the unfortunate phrase: “bacon is my spirit animal”.
This is the kind of writing I dream of being able to do. That being said, crazy takes on a whole new light when Jenny Lawson explains it. I felt better just knowing there are people like her out there.
In the final pages, she nails what it's like not only to have mental health issues, but to also accept them; so many people can't rid themselves of the "stigma" of this disease, and Lawson helps them come to terms with their diagnosis.
In the final pages, she nails what it's like not only to have mental health issues, but to also accept them; so many people can't rid themselves of the "stigma" of this disease, and Lawson helps them come to terms with their diagnosis.
4+ out of 5 stars
Song associated: mirrorball by Taylor Swift
Early disclaimer: if you’re looking for a clever book about mental illness, this isn’t it. it’s supposed to be a fun light read so if you’re taking it too seriously, then you have the wrong book, Steve.
I considered associating this book with The Archer or this is me trying. But it was the tone of the book that made me think mirrorball was the better song choice. This book was not a wailing cry for help, or how invisible she felt, or the moment you’re in a bar with the bartender, drink in hand and staring blankly at the cup.
This book felt more like acceptance (of diagnoses, treatments, or life in general). The author’s life is peculiar, and this is a memoir i.e. it’s like reading her diary so of course, her stories and way of thinking are peculiar. What really stuck with me was when she asked to her s/o, ‘would your life have been easier if i (the medically-insane, diagnoses-riddled) was not in your life?’ and all the husband said was ‘it could have been easier, but it would not have been better.’ The author noted that her husband’s answer stuck with her till this day, and I think it would forever imprint on me too.
There were a lot of moments where this book made me chuckled. It was a lot like sitting with your best friend laughing at each other’s stories but then you hit a serious topic; after making a dark joke about it, you actually talk about it.
That was how I felt reading Jenny’s book, I was skeptical at first — would she make mental illness purely a laughing stock? I’m glad it wasn’t that. If anything, it was a heartwarming stock of ‘you’re not alone’, ‘i am weird and okay and i never want to change that’. This is one of the books I recommend reading the last few pages first instead of the front, to see if this is more of your jam.
Overall, I regarded 1-2 chapters of this book as a hangout/chat with my best friend. It is no wonder why some view this book as life-changing.
Song associated: mirrorball by Taylor Swift
Early disclaimer: if you’re looking for a clever book about mental illness, this isn’t it. it’s supposed to be a fun light read so if you’re taking it too seriously, then you have the wrong book, Steve.
I considered associating this book with The Archer or this is me trying. But it was the tone of the book that made me think mirrorball was the better song choice. This book was not a wailing cry for help, or how invisible she felt, or the moment you’re in a bar with the bartender, drink in hand and staring blankly at the cup.
This book felt more like acceptance (of diagnoses, treatments, or life in general). The author’s life is peculiar, and this is a memoir i.e. it’s like reading her diary so of course, her stories and way of thinking are peculiar. What really stuck with me was when she asked to her s/o, ‘would your life have been easier if i (the medically-insane, diagnoses-riddled) was not in your life?’ and all the husband said was ‘it could have been easier, but it would not have been better.’ The author noted that her husband’s answer stuck with her till this day, and I think it would forever imprint on me too.
There were a lot of moments where this book made me chuckled. It was a lot like sitting with your best friend laughing at each other’s stories but then you hit a serious topic; after making a dark joke about it, you actually talk about it.
That was how I felt reading Jenny’s book, I was skeptical at first — would she make mental illness purely a laughing stock? I’m glad it wasn’t that. If anything, it was a heartwarming stock of ‘you’re not alone’, ‘i am weird and okay and i never want to change that’. This is one of the books I recommend reading the last few pages first instead of the front, to see if this is more of your jam.
Overall, I regarded 1-2 chapters of this book as a hangout/chat with my best friend. It is no wonder why some view this book as life-changing.
Had a hard time reading so ended up listening to the audiobook. The audiobook was better and was read by the other. Not my type of humor. Read for book club.
Cheers to one of the best books I've ever read, and to the greatest ode to living with mental illness I've ever encountered. Jenny Lawson scripts a collection of adventures, conversations, and taxidermied essays into a brilliantly funny and wildly relatable bestseller.
This is an important book in the mental health discussion... an anecdotal view of real life experiences. I'm humbled by her openness and how to easily allows her reader to relate to her, no matter where they are on their journey.... with Jenny Lawson there is room for everyone. Super silly, funny, and sad without bringing you down, it was a nice read. I felt compelled to keep reading even if I didn't particularly enjoy a short story.
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This was an absolutely hilarious listen…..like tears running down my face hilarious at times. An honest and humourous look at living with mental health issues that was very relatable. The author/narrator shares all her weirdness and quirks with unabashed openness and joy, and has you laughing while she does it.