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391st out of 1,871 books
—
3,704 voters
The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death: Reflections on Revenge, Germophobia, and Laser Hair Removal
by
Laurie Notaro (Goodreads Author)
Laurie Notaro has an uncanny ability to attract insanity–and leave readers doubled over with laughter. In The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death, she experiences the popular phenomenon of laser hair removal (because at least one of her chins should be stubble-free); bemoans the scourge of the Open Mouth Coughers on America’s airplanes; welcomes the newest ex-con (
...moreHardcover, 218 pages
Published
June 24th 2008
by Villard
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I admit it. I picked this up only and solely because it was available for free on the Kindle from Amazon. And this probably biased me pretty heavily - to say my expectations were lowered (especially after some of the other books I've gotten for free for the Kindle) is really understating things.
And yet. This book had me truly, helplessly laughing out loud on several occasions, and for that, four stars are basically guaranteed.
I'm not saying it's perfect. Notaro's voice has strong echoes of Erm...more
And yet. This book had me truly, helplessly laughing out loud on several occasions, and for that, four stars are basically guaranteed.
I'm not saying it's perfect. Notaro's voice has strong echoes of Erm...more
The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death is a strong anthology of essays, which Laurie Notaro presents with an utterly unique sense of humor and insight. What may initially appear to be a random collection of humorous and unrelated anecdotes soon unfolds to expose a thoughtful and revealing look at the larger emotional and social issues that underpin the lives of people in general, and women in particular. Notaro treats each of these personal narratives with a biting and self-deprecating...more
When I read "I Love Everybody (and Other Atrocious Lies)" I found myself near tears with laughter on more than one occasion. Naturally, I've been waiting to read another book by Notaro, and so I was delighted to find "The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death" at B&N on sale for $5. Unfortunately it seems that I got exactly what I paid for. "Idiot Girl" comes accross as overblown and formulaic--almost unbelievable at times. Most vignettes are centered around what should (rightly) be un...more
more of a 3.5, actually.
i'm glad i gave this book a try. i have read almost all of laurie notaro's books, & i have pretty much hated them across the board. they are like reading a collection of dave barry columns, only not as funny. so i waffled a bit before i checked this one out of the library. finally i justified it because...it's the library. it's not like i was spending any money on it. & it worked out, because it is far & away her best book. she finally addressed her aggravatin...more
i'm glad i gave this book a try. i have read almost all of laurie notaro's books, & i have pretty much hated them across the board. they are like reading a collection of dave barry columns, only not as funny. so i waffled a bit before i checked this one out of the library. finally i justified it because...it's the library. it's not like i was spending any money on it. & it worked out, because it is far & away her best book. she finally addressed her aggravatin...more
I absolutely adore Laurie Notaro, and I would totally be friends with her if I ever met her (and she'd let me, that is). My good friend Wendy sent me a copy of her first book a few years back and I've been hooked every since. This installment finds Notaro doing such fun things as going dealing with naughty neighbors, extended warranties, and other strange oddities in her life - including her relocation from her beloved Phoenix to the much-moister-climbed Oregon. For anyone who has ever moved, es...more
A funny, light collection of new essays from New York Times bestselling author Laura Notaro fills the pages of "The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death". Her reflections on revenge, germophobis, laser hair removal and more, will have you laughing out loud, and curious onlookers asking what you're reading.
I'm fairly certain if I opted for laser hair removal, my experience would match Notaro's, if not be worse--which is probably why I'll never try it. Oh, and by the way, my primary care ph...more
I'm fairly certain if I opted for laser hair removal, my experience would match Notaro's, if not be worse--which is probably why I'll never try it. Oh, and by the way, my primary care ph...more
Laurie is a wonderfully funny lady I have known for some years now. I first began reading her when she wrote for the State Press at ASU, later when she wrote for the Phoenix New Times, and still later for the Gannett Group. Once, when we were guests at a mutual friend's for dinner, she whispered something profane in my ear, and I think I choked on my food. I love her.
I must confess, I never got around to reading her books. I recommended them shamelessly to others when her name came up, but I fe...more
I must confess, I never got around to reading her books. I recommended them shamelessly to others when her name came up, but I fe...more
Jul 18, 2011
Jenn
marked it as to-read
One of the stories almost made me cry, which I did not expect. But it was well-written, so that's allowed. I laughed in a couple of places, was annoyed several editing mistakes. Overall it was good, but not my favorite Notaro (see "Idiot Girls Action-Adventure Club" or "Autobiography of a Fat Bride").
This book is another collection of humorous essays from the gifted bestselling author Laurie Notaro. Its format is identical to those of her previous works - Notaro recounts everything from major, life-changing events (in this case, a cross-country move) to minor, everyday incidents (such as eating lunch next to a peculiar family).
I liked this book. It was a funny and enjoyable read. It wasn't Notaro's best book - some of her previous work has had me in stitches, and this book only had maybe on...more
I liked this book. It was a funny and enjoyable read. It wasn't Notaro's best book - some of her previous work has had me in stitches, and this book only had maybe on...more
I had been waiting for this book for so long. I'm a HUGE fan of this author, and have loved all her previous essay books. In fact, they are some of the few books that have earned "keeper" status - I don't swap them. This book did NOT disappoint.[return[returnHILARIOUS!! I was laughing out loud throughout, and I think I actually snort-laughed at one point even. The essay on "It's all good" was so so funny - I'm laughing again just thinking about it. The story of her adventures on a cruise ship -...more
I feel like this is the 50th version of the "funny girl who can write pretty good but isn't memorable"'s book that I've read in the last year or so. In fact, I already have a book from the library that I can only assume will be the same thing. So we'll up it to 51 on the next post I'm sure. Like all the other ones, you'll laugh to yourself on a few of the stories and relate to a bunch of them, but basically as soon as you put the book down, you'll forget what you read and while you were reading,...more
Maybe I'm just easily amused, but I thought this collection was hilarious. I found myself laughing so hard at some points, I had to put the book down. "The Lodgers," "Love Thy Neighbor," "The Uhhhhhmazing Dr. Wells," "The Extended Warranty, the Extended Waistband, and the Repairman Who Almost Became a Hostage," and "Come Sail Away" were my favorite essays.
I was laughing aloud by page nine, when Notaro describes her passion for dessert in "The Lodgers." While reading "The Uhhhhhmazing Dr. Wells,"...more
I was laughing aloud by page nine, when Notaro describes her passion for dessert in "The Lodgers." While reading "The Uhhhhhmazing Dr. Wells,"...more
Since I got my Kindle, I have kept my eye out looking for free e-books. Mostly I have been reading free classics from Feedbooks. Recently, here on Goodreads, I read a notice that Laurie Notaro had a book available free for the Kindle. I actually could find favorable reviews of this book, so I thought I would try it. It was an acceptable choice.
There is no doubt in my mind that many people would find Notaro funny. Her thoughts about her life should make lots of people laugh - especially women. Ho...more
There is no doubt in my mind that many people would find Notaro funny. Her thoughts about her life should make lots of people laugh - especially women. Ho...more
Meh. I've enjoyed Notaro's earlier books (though I wasn't crazy about her novel), but this book probably suffers from Augusten Burroughs/David Sedaris syndrome---the more books of essays one writes, the more desperate one becomes for material, and the strain of forced hilarity shows.
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Oh wow, I haven't "seen" anyone whine so much since my kids where toddlers. Yikes this woman whines like a 2 year old needing a nap but who can't find her blankie. I disapointingly didn't see the humor in any of this book. Where is the humor in unfortunate family also wanting to have a meal, oh well Ms. Notaro was there to laugh at their disabilities and malformities. what is wrong with the world when that's exceptable? Taking her dog to a dog birthday party? funny? Not sure how. It's not that I...more
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You might think that I, having given this book a rating of 4 stars, think that is is great literature. It is not. However, if I limited myself to only great literature rather than including the fun and bizarre, my reading life would not be as enjoyable as it is. I admit that I chose this book, which is a collection of “Reflections on Revenge, Germophobia, and Laser Hair Removal,” because I loved the title, and I was not disappointed. I read this book during the same time period that I was readin...more
This was a free kindle book so I downloaded it to switch to when I've had enough of the Brothers Karamazov. Of course, I've finished this after only a few days. Other reviewers compare her to Sedaris and Rakoff but her stories remind me more of the best kind of personal blog.
I've heard this isn't her best book so I can't wait to download her others. I didn't care for the first stories (in fact, I'm glad I got past the first story b/c I found it kind of offensive) but I was hooked after the dog t...more
I've heard this isn't her best book so I can't wait to download her others. I didn't care for the first stories (in fact, I'm glad I got past the first story b/c I found it kind of offensive) but I was hooked after the dog t...more
Next time I pick up a book by Laurie Notaro, please remind me that I don't like her. If I try to convince you that's it's really Jen Lancaster I don't like, you can reassure me that I don't like her either, but really, I don't like Laurie Notaro.
Also, this is not a good choice if you have severe anxiety about your pet's health, because the chapter where her dog dies (or almost dies, or whatever, I stopped reading because I couldn't handle it), isn't funny. There's nothing funny about dying pets....more
Also, this is not a good choice if you have severe anxiety about your pet's health, because the chapter where her dog dies (or almost dies, or whatever, I stopped reading because I couldn't handle it), isn't funny. There's nothing funny about dying pets....more
I have been wanting to read Nataro for a while and was very pleased with this book. It is exactly what I expected, cynical and funny short stories from the life of this women. Nataro shares stories of her life experiences with you as well as different ideas and observations she has made throughout the process of writing the book. Her writing style is very humorous and she shares an entertaining perspective with the reader. I would definitely recommend her to someone looking for an funny beach re...more
Another free download from Stanza. I keep hoping to like Laurie Notaro more than I do. I know that will put me in a lot of people's bad graces, but it's true. As the champion of plus-size chick lit, I'm supposed to fawn over it, but... I dunno. The stories are funny, but I feel like they're not as well-written as they could be. Like maybe a second or third draft could have been better. Or some assistance from a comedy coach? The material is certainly solid and I found myself telling other people...more
I got this book for free on my Amazon Kindle. I just started reading it...it is pretty funny.
Finished this book on a lazy sat. afternoon while my children were doing end of the quarter homework/projects.
This book is a collection of essays from Laurie Notaro who used to be a columnist for the newspaper in Phoenix, AZ. She does have a unique way of writing about everyday things in a very humorous style. I don't think the jokes about the heat in Phoenix are relatable to someone that hasn't lived t...more
Finished this book on a lazy sat. afternoon while my children were doing end of the quarter homework/projects.
This book is a collection of essays from Laurie Notaro who used to be a columnist for the newspaper in Phoenix, AZ. She does have a unique way of writing about everyday things in a very humorous style. I don't think the jokes about the heat in Phoenix are relatable to someone that hasn't lived t...more
This was a Kindle freebie, so it was my first book download to my new "toy". It was a funny book, told in different essay-type chapters (think David Sedaris- type books). I found myself laughing at loud at times, due to my childish sense of humor that can't help a giggle when reading about farting or some other thing that kindergartners and I find hilarious. I can't say it would have been worth paying the typical $9.99 for, but it was entertaining. However, I hated that there was one chapter tha...more
It was free on the Kindle so...
A few of the essays were laugh out loud funny. A few of the essays were...well it made me sorry for her husband.Overall I did enjoy the book. I enjoyed her wit and sarcasm, but I think that maybe she has a tendency to exaggerate and maybe if you heard her speak in person you would get that from her voice but reading it at times I wasn't sure, I'm hoping that she was exaggerating trying to make her stories funnier. Unfortunately at times where I hope she was exagger...more
A few of the essays were laugh out loud funny. A few of the essays were...well it made me sorry for her husband.Overall I did enjoy the book. I enjoyed her wit and sarcasm, but I think that maybe she has a tendency to exaggerate and maybe if you heard her speak in person you would get that from her voice but reading it at times I wasn't sure, I'm hoping that she was exaggerating trying to make her stories funnier. Unfortunately at times where I hope she was exagger...more
While I did fully delight in Laurie's quick quips and razor sharp humor this book is not for everyone. She is far far from politically correct and those more sensitive readers will be easily offended. I myself am not easily offended and had some guilty laughs (a lot of laughs actually) over these short stories. Remember, the title of the book is "The Idiot Girl" and you may come away agreeing, I simply came away snickering. :-)
Just a couple of personal note:
In the chapter titled "Ready or Not"...more
Just a couple of personal note:
In the chapter titled "Ready or Not"...more
Feb 17, 2008
Alyssa McNichols
marked it as to-read
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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In her latest collection of essays, Notaro turns out a double-handful of chuckle-worthy vignettes, looking at episodes of panic on an airplane, spying on guests at a mountain resort, learning to live with the ex-con down the street and, of course, handling the numerous disappointments and betrayals of the human body. Notaro blends sardonic, often self-deprecating comedy with disarming sincerity, delving into weight gain and body hair issues without hesitation, but staying closer to house, hearth...more
Having read a few of Notaro‘s earlier books, I figured this would be a good mental pallet cleanser of a segue back into actual books. Not as crazy-out-of-this-world as Bon Temps, but also not as serious as reading some Salman Rushdie. I expected to laugh and giggle along with the idiocy that runs through her writing. And as is fitting of a fellow idiot girl, it took me until the 2nd entry to realize I was not reading a novel but a collection of personal essays. Duh me.
Once I wrapped my head aro...more
Once I wrapped my head aro...more
After finishing The Distant Hours, I was in the mood for something completely different. I was feeling like no fiction could ever compare to the beauty of what I had just read, so I picked up another volume of humorous essays by Laurie Notaro. Notaro is one of my favorite humor writers (comparable to Jen Lancaster if you are familiar with her writing) and this book completely lived up to my expectations. Notaro is a writer who can take a story about ridiculous life experience that all of us go t...more
This book is SO hilarious. I discovered it from a blog I frequent. I found myself laughing outloud several times (ask Mike). I enjoy her honest writing style, attitude,and humor. On more than one occassion in the book - I've totally identified with her germophob antics and her embarassing moments. If you want a entertaining book after reading a heavy one (like Thousand Splendid Suns) I HIGHLY reccommend it.
ps. if you have an iphone - this is one of the free random house books on Stanza. enjoy!
ps. if you have an iphone - this is one of the free random house books on Stanza. enjoy!
It's been at least a couple of years since I've read Laurie Notaro, and I was delighted when she came out with another memoir. As I started reading the book, I had to flip back to the front cover to check that it was indeed Laurie Notaro and not . . . Jen Lancaster (who I found and thoroughly enjoyed in Laurie's absence). I am seriously wondering if they are related, maybe cousins on their moms' side of the family? Self-proclaimed fat chicks, married to great guys, but childless by choice becaus...more
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Dec 30, 2009 04:10pm