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A review by samalbert
The Fran Lebowitz Reader by Fran Lebowitz
5.0
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