Starting from Happy

by Patricia Marx

While waiting in line for apple pie at a party, Imogene Gilfeather, a lingerie designer who does not understand the reason for romance, meets Wally Yez, a scientist whose business card says “An Answer for Everything.” Imogene is told that Wally is the perfect guy. (“Perfect,” she replies, “is not my type.”) He is told that her company, Featherware, manufactures intimates ( that gets his attention). Unfazed by Imogene’s indifference (who needs love when you have a career, friends, and an undemanding affair with a married man?), Wally resolves to win her over. E-mails turn into late-night phone calls; one date turns into two and then into more. Thus begins the most absurd and amusingly unbalanced relationship to grace the pages of a novel. Wally is certain he and Imogene are meant for each other (They both use mechanical pencils! Neither has had mumps! They are so alike!), but convincing his beloved is another matter. (“Do you know why it is I don’t have pierced ears?” she asks. “Because it’s too permanent.”) In defiance of the odds, or the gods, or perhaps just Imogene’s qualms, Wally and Imogene become a pair. They celebrate their anniversaries—the first time they touched each other on purpose, took public transportation together, saw the other with wet hair. But can they possibly end as happily as they’ve begun? (“Does he really have a cowlick? If yes, no bed will ever be big enough.”) Made up of hundreds of chaplettes, clever illustrations, and darkly funny commentary on getting together and staying the course, Starting from Happy is a cunning and sophisticated send-up of coupledom that showcases one of the finest comic writers of our time.

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Humor, Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Unfinished

234 pages, Hardcover

First published August 23, 2011

About the author

Patricia Marx is an American humorist and writer.
Born in Abingdon, Pennsylvania, she earned her B.A. from Harvard University in 1975. Her writing has appeared in the The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vogue, and The Atlantic Monthly. Marx is a former writer for Saturday Night Live and Rugrats, and one of the first two women elected to the Harvard Lampoon.[1][2] She is the author of the 2007 novel, Him Her Him Again The End of Him, as well as several humor books and children's books (Meet My Staff, Now Everybody Really Hates Me, Now I Will Never Leave the Dinner Table).[3]

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick and quirky. And quirky got old quickly.

[Kristen Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Readable, but not worth reading. This book tries to be unique, tries to be funny, tries to be a lot of things, and fails at almost all of them.

Some of the notes I made while reading this book were:
someone should tell the author she is not Steve Martin, Dave Eggars, or Kurt Vonnegut
Pretentious
Trite
Tries too hard
Gimmicky
Too cute

I noticed on the book jacket that the author has also written for SNL,which makes sense given the show's propensity to try things that don't work and then fail to realize it and just keep going.

Please note: I received this book for free as part of the goodreads first reads program.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone saw me reading this and asked, "Oh, what's that about?" I said, "mmm... It's sort of a post-post-modern feminist take on romance." Facepalm. I can't believe that popped out of my mouth unbidden.

But I think that kind of adequately describes this book. I liked the short little chapters and the inclusion of the author's personality, but I think it kind of wore on me after a bit. The thing was, I could have enjoyed the format, but about 2/3 through I realized I didn't care for the characters too much. I wanted them to be happy, for the pure sake that I was reading about them and investing a certain amount of time in them. But beyond that? I was having trouble resolving the two paradigms I had in my head-- the first was saying, "these two romantic heroes belong together and they should make eachother happy together forever!" But I also knew that the writer was leading me to believe that they wouldn't make each other happy forever, and they were better off apart. It was really tough for my Hollywoodized heart/mind to get around this split.

And it didn't really have that happy ending I craved, even though it WAS the Hollywood ending. Sigh.

Anyway, I liked the cutesy insertions from the author and the very short chaplettes. I was turned on to the book by an interview with the author that I heard on the radio. She was very well spoken, funny, and the concept of the book really intrigued me, so I picked it up. I'm glad I did-- it made me question some things, and laugh at others. Really astute observations about today's world.

[Kate]

I'm going to stop reading this, and here's why. The fatal blow occured on page 41.

"Regarding chaplette 62: Patty [that's the author] would like it known that she was highly impressed with herself for spelling the word infinitesimally correctly on the second try."

It's a short book, amusing and insightful in places. But I have other stuff to read. I'm not going to spend another 150 pages pretending to myself that I think her drawings are funny, or that the broken up "chaplette" format is funny, or or or.

[Julie Bestry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky.

There's very little you can say about this fun book without giving it away. Not the plot. The plot is reed-thin, but that's OK. It's ostensibly a romance between two people you'd probably never know, and who would probably never know one another, and all the people they tangentially know, and the little thoughts and conversations they have.

Except it's not. It seems to be about that, but it's really about the author (or the author as the *character* of an author) careening between the idea of being the creator and just being along for the ride.

It's cute and full of whimsy, even when it's trying to project a character's sense of ennui. There are no happy endings. Or happy beginnings. You won't cry, or have fits of anxiety, even when the slightly anxiety-provoking happen. It's a little frothy silliness, perfect for a plane ride or waiting in the ER. Even the end pages and "footnotes" are cute (but not cutesie, which implies it's trying too hard). Not quite smart enough to be clever, and yet not so affected to believe it's clever in the first place.

Pick it up in the book store and read the first three or four pages. You'll know right away whether it's for you or not, which is more than most books offer. :-)

[Ermy Rukmana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Here comes the day when I actually got annoyed at a book. Too gimmicky and pretentious. The supposedly 'cute' drawings and doodlings were totally redundant but then I suppose that would have made the 'chaplettes' even briefer. I have to give it to Marx (the author, not the father of Communism) though, that there were instances of wittiness and at best humour. The only saving grace was that I actually felt for the characters Wally and Imogene and had truly wanted to see their characters developed. Overall, it was readable but definitely not worth a read.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok, I'll admit it; I'm not hip. I do not understand this book, it's purpose or why I had it on my to read list. What a time waste. My sister G suggested it was an inside joke & I must concur. A blurb on the back says the author had wit without preciousness, I emphatically disagree; the outlay of the book & style of language seemed to want the reader to express it adorable & cute. The story (?) stupid & irratic. Again, it could just be me as I'm not hip.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I rarely dislike a book this much. The author was trying really hard to be quirky, which came off as annoying. Half the book is empty - literally, there's a lot of blank space on these pages - and what IS there is organized into "chaplettes" (also annoying). The author often references herself, much to the readers (surprise, surprise) annoyance. The only good thing I can say about the book is...nope, there's nothing.

[Shannon O’Neill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought about writing my review in the same style as the book and letting you know that if you didn't enjoy my review, you'd not enjoy the book. Then I decided I didn't care that much. So, here's my regular old review. This book had a unique format - "chaplets" - short little sections, sometimes containing only a few words. The author also refers to herself (in third person) and to the book several times within the book. And finally, there are lots of little sketches and silly little graphs, which I found ok. I chuckled internally maybe twice during the book and laughed (albeit quietly) out loud exactly once. I found all of the characters far too quirky to find remotely believable, which was a shame since some of their characteristics I very much identified with. I am also not sure about the ending - in the middle of the book it gives one ending and then it goes on in another totally different direction. So, do I recommend? Not really. It is a quick read though so you won't waste too much time if you pick it up. I'm not sure if I'd have finished it, had I not been at the beach with no other reading material at my disposal...

[Beth P · Rating 1 out of 5]

At first I thought this book could be quirky and entertaining...but it became tedious very quickly. I appreciated the author's wit and humor to a certain extent, but quite frankly, it was overused. There was just nothing likeable about the characters (or perhaps they just weren't developed) to make you want to continue reading. I did flip through to the end just to make me feel like I "finished" it, but why???

[Ariel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was terrible. I couldn't finish it. It was trying way, way too hard to be funny, but it just came off as pretentious and uninteresting. Very little real plot or characterization, just gimmicks (the author's hand-drawn pictures and graphs, the entire book written in numbered "chaplettes" of anywhere from one sentence to a few paragraphs, the author writing about herself in the third person, etc.).

[Moni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw one reviewer call this one quirky. And that quirky gets old pretty fast. I agree with that sentiment. I really liked "Him Her Him Again the End of Him", but this one was just too much. I'm not giving up on Marx though. She's still pretty clever.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good lines here and there. The chaplettes make it read fast. But it has a frantically-tap-dancing feel to it. Manic, not all that funny. The devices/gimmicks seemed to get in the way of Marx's talent.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations were pretty cool and the book did have its funny moments but about the midway point, it all went downhill. I have no idea how it even ended up the way it did o-o

[Shannon Ferguson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was quirkily annoying or annoyingly quirky - maybe both. I read the whole thing, but I really didn't want to. The over the top quirk was distracting from what might have been a good tale.

[Squirrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. If found the Who's Who annoying, the name-dropping Prolegomenon obnoxious and pretentious (I could not tell whether the names dropped were correctly portrayed, or whether the comments were factual or intended as humor, and don't care much.) The first two Chaplettes struck me as snooze-worthy. Then I paged into the middle of the book, found no trouble following what was going on, and enjoyed the humor. Despite the author's frequent intrusions into the conceipt of the storytelling with third-person self-referential chaplettes (Patty did this. Patty thinks this. Patty doesn't think this. The author doesn't think this.)

I read from Chaplette 298 on, and from that point was amused and challenged by the bizarre, quirky, extreme behavior of the characters. Going back and skipping through earlier chapters, no, not missing much. As to the graphics and images, they might be cute if they were more legible? Tip to authors and publishers: READERS tend to lose their eyesight over time and need clear type to SEE the content.

In all about 3 stars for me, fun, witty in places, but made fun (probably missed the tedium others described) by skipping the first half and ignoring lots of 'look at me' intrusions by the author isn't my definition of 'tops'. I do like the use of the Chaplettes here, blurbs that tell much of the story by key points and inferences. I doubt another author could carry it off so very well, it worked for me here.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique and funny book written in "chaplettes" (very short chapters of a few lines each) about a couple named Wally and Imogene. Also, great and funny sketches. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

p. 78
"There is no comfort in the truth. Here is what you get with the truth: the remarks they made about you after you left the room, a rundown of the bacteria on your hotel pillow, the identity of your real father, the hard facts about that shadow missed by the doctor reading the MRI, what you look like from behind."

p. 108
"Wally did most of the talking, a fair share of the eating ... and all of the legerdemain."

p. 207
"Relating to grown-up children can be awkward and make you feel old. The parent must disguise her feelings of disappointment, resist the urge to carp, and figure out what words to say to this person who went away as flesh and blood, full of promise, and came back a disgusting stranger, more or less your age."

[Laney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pros: quick read and somewhat funny
Cons: no real plot line or character development at all. It basically feels like you’re reading someone’s junior year AP English assignment where they didn’t fully understand the writing prompt and they’re still adjusting to their adderall prescription
Would I read it again? No. Would I recommend someone read it even one time? Also no. There’s many other books that are a better use of your time. More entertaining, more thoughtful, more enjoyable

[Kat Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up for the quirky cover, trudged through the quirky writing style, maybe huffed some air out my nose at select quirky points in the book. Felt pretty disjointed but bonus points for being the first intentionally comedic book for adults I've tried reading. Maybe her other book will be better.
2.5/5

[leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

what are my thoughts on this book. hmmm
picture a word comic book, pictures (high end doodles is a better word to describe them) every 2-38 pages-ish, an entire characters life presented as a fever dream puzzle missing a few pieces. there is a silly little love story, with a bit of silly little betrayal and a few silly little deaths too. defs an interesting pick for my first read of 2026

[Maye · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. However, I found I had to be in a certain post-modern state of mind while reading. Overall, the book was okay. I only finished half the book, and perhaps I'll re-read it at a later time.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author is trying way too hard to be funny. I literally rolled my eyes several times while reading! And what was up with the two endings???? It was a quick read, with an occasional chuckle, I'll give it that- and one star.

[Sharon Falduto]

Weird structure to this one, where instead of chapters it had "chaplettes" there were rarely more than a paragraph or two long, and then the author kept inserting herself in--I mean, I think it was supposed to be funny, but I thought it was trying to hard.

[Lisa Diane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do I count this one?? I DNF. It was PAINFUL. Disjointed, confusing. :(

[Julia Shumway · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant. Amusing. I didn't laugh out loud, but I enjoyed it. More the jokiness than the story.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bored me to tears

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars: Uniqueness, creativity and effort.
Funniest parts: "Prolegomenon' (prologue), and "Special Bonus Edition For Readers Who Have Had Lasik Surgery".

Ms. Marx chose to write this book in a different format, using what she calls "chaplettes'; very short chapter-like divisions.
At first, I liked the idea of the shorter chaplettes, but then after a few pages they drove me nuts. It gave me a feeling very similar to intensely craving the last rich, warm, gooey chocolate brownie in the pan, only to find the pan's been raided and you've been left with crumbs. So attempting to stave off the hunger, you start picking at the crumbs, but they're so tiny; no real substance, only cruel little teasers of madness. So you become more annoyed than anything, and wonder why you wasted time trying to enjoy them anyhow. Plus, you're still starving.

This book is like that.

Disjointed, quirky, weird. A few tidbits worth a chuckle, but to me, too few and far between. I laughed harder at the "prolegomenon", (prologue), than I did anything else. I forced myself to keep reading to see if the parts would fit, or if anything would make sense and come full circle to a complete story.

One of the reviews on the back cover described this book as "sarcastic"... I love sarcasm, however I honestly did not find it. Maybe there was a mistake with the edition I got; the letter that accompanied the book went with another book "The Explorer's Code". Maybe I have to da vinci this book to get it.

Nice attempt Ms. Marx. I do believe you are a funny lady, however this book just doesn't do it for me. With all due respect, with your writing style and experiences you may be better off sticking with the newspaper article format or writing for "Rugrats" as you are accustomed to.


*Happily won this book through the GoodReads First Reads Program. Thank you Kara Watson for making it possible for me to read and review this book.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unique bordering on bizarre. The story of two people that may or may not care about each other, or one may care more than the other, but it's not clear, told in very very short, sometimes only one word, chapters. So it reads fast. But you are certainly going to be confused. Twice I thought there was something worthy of remembering. But I forget now what those things were.

[Rikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an unusual novel. I liked the general concept of short chapters, something I imagined to be similar to the vignettes of “The Time Traveller’s Wife”. The numbered “chaplettes”, however, turned out to be much, much shorter, so short in fact that they sometimes only consisted of two words (the longest was a bit less than a page if I remember correctly). This might make for a quick read, but they never kept my attention for very long. When you read a book with proper chapters, you might say to yourself “I finish this chapter before I turn the light off”. Here, finishing the “chapter” takes you a few seconds to a minute. Somehow I could never get into a reading flow. I read a few chaplettes and my interest would fade, I never got into the story.

The story itself was a good idea, but I never saw either the attraction between Wally and Imogene or how their relationship developed. Somehow, even though Imogene was not in the least interested in either Wally or a relationship in general, it went from meeting at a party to going out to having hour-long phone calls, and I have no idea how. Also it was absolutely inconceivable what Wally actually saw in Imogene, why he thought that she was the perfect woman for him, that she was *his* woman. She seemed indifferent to him at best. Where was the romance?

Then there was the humour. It was supposed to be amusing, unfortunately it wasn’t, it was forcedly funny. To the point that I thought that it is just too much and, on top of it, getting old. The sort of humour that might be funny in an episode of Saturday Night Live, but not in a 250+ pages novel, at least not to me.

Another thing that I didn’t particularly care for was the fact that Patricia Marx continuously points out to the reader that she is just another bystander and has not much more clue as to what is going on than the reader himself. There are so many references to “Patty” that you get to think she must be a character in the book! I didn’t like that. I like my writers omniscient and preferably invisible.

Interspersed across the book are a number of illustrations by the author. Unfortunately my e-reader (Sony PRS-505) didn’t show them, so I could look at them only on my PC which somehow spoilt the experience. I am sure that looking at them while reading the according chaplette would have been much more fun.

If you are looking for romance, keep away from this. If you want a funny, comedy-like, casual read with over the top humour that doesn’t hold your attention for hours on end, then go for it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Zurück auf Glück" von Patricia Marx ist ein liebenswert illustrierter Roman, der mit viel Humor eine skurrile Liebesgeschichte erzählt. Der unkonventionelle Stil der Autorin wird sicher nicht jedem Leser zusagen, aber ich fand es herrlich komisch.

Inhalt: Als Imogene und Wally sich in New York kennenlernen, haben sie völlig verschiedene Ansichten vom Leben. Sie designt Dessous und ist eine unabhängige Karrierefrau, die sich nur schwer auf eine feste Bindung einlassen kann. Er, ein intelligenter Wissenschaftler, ist nach seiner ersten gescheiterten Ehe bereit für eine neue und vor allem Kinder stehen ganz oben auf seiner Wunschliste. Trotz ihrer Gegensätze finden die beiden in einer ungleichen Beziehung zueinander...

Auf den ersten Blick liest sich "Zurück auf Glück" vielleicht nach einer Liebesgeschichte, aber wer mit dieser Erwartung an das Buch herangeht, wird wahrscheinlich sehr bald irritiert sein. Zwar steht die Beziehung und damit auch zwangsläufig die Liebe zwischen Imogene und Wally im Mittelpunkt der Geschichte, sie wird aber eher humorvoll und stark überspitzt, aber mit einem sehr flüssigen Schreibstil auch unterhaltsam und locker erzählt. Die Charaktere sind natürlich ebenfalls recht überspitzt, aber jeder einzelne ist mit seinen speziellen Eigenarten liebenswert und konnte mich überzeugen.

Genau genommen sollte man "Zurück auf Glück" vielleicht nicht einmal als Roman bezeichnen, denn eigentlich ist es eine Ansammlung hunderter Kapitelchen, die nicht selten nur aus einem Satz bestehen und auch nur teilweise die Geschichte einer skurrilen Beziehung zweier New Yorker erzählen, die unterschiedlicher kaum sein könnten. In den Kapitelchen dazwischen unterbricht sich die Autorin gerne mal selbst und bringt sich als Patty in einer wundervoll selbstironischen Weise in das Buch ein. Sie kommentiert nicht nur, sondern illustriert auch mit diversen Zeichnungen (oft von der Qualität kindlicher Kritzeleien) das Geschriebene. Gerade diese Zeichnungen haben mich richtig zum Lachen gebracht.

Fazit: Ein humorvolle Beziehungsgeschichte, die auf rund 200 Seiten zum Lachen einlädt. Um nicht mit falschen Erwartungen an das Buch heranzugehen, empfehle ich allerdings dringend einen Blick in die Leseprobe, denn "Zurück auf Glück" ist einfach sehr speziell und wird nicht jeden Geschmack treffen. Meinen hat es getroffen, dafür 5 Sterne.