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I Used To Think I Was Normal But Now I Take Pills For That
Humorous stories about everything and anything from attempted murder, competitive football-jerk parents, to what goes on at those personal massage item parties. Sprinkle in a little prison sex envy and some chocolate cream-filled cookies, and it's just another normal day.
156 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2011
1 person is currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Black
5 books17 followersI spent most of my youth in the deserts of the Southwest. Even after all these years away, I still consider myself to be a Texan & with that comes the love of fireworks, firearms, and the Dallas Cowboys... well, the Cowboys and I share a love/hate relationship, depending on the game ;)
I now reside with my husband and teenage son in a cozy, yet Stephen King-like community on the Chesapeake Bay. Although I am terrified of being on top of water, in water, around water, and sharks, I am becoming quite an avid shark tooth hunter! I love to spend my weekends exploring the cliffs in search of teeth and assorted bones. I have a growing collection of jars on my living room mantle proudly displaying the teeth, bones, & miscellaneous body parts I find, which sounds a little creepy as I type this...
I am a reluctant public servant by day and a writer by night/weekends. "I Used To Think I Was Normal, But Now I Take Pills For That" is my first published book of short, humorous stories. Some day I hope to write a great novel with the help/support of my Writers by the Bay group... maybe a novel about a seemingly normal woman who started collecting teeth and bones and before she knew it, became a prolific serial killer.
I now reside with my husband and teenage son in a cozy, yet Stephen King-like community on the Chesapeake Bay. Although I am terrified of being on top of water, in water, around water, and sharks, I am becoming quite an avid shark tooth hunter! I love to spend my weekends exploring the cliffs in search of teeth and assorted bones. I have a growing collection of jars on my living room mantle proudly displaying the teeth, bones, & miscellaneous body parts I find, which sounds a little creepy as I type this...
I am a reluctant public servant by day and a writer by night/weekends. "I Used To Think I Was Normal, But Now I Take Pills For That" is my first published book of short, humorous stories. Some day I hope to write a great novel with the help/support of my Writers by the Bay group... maybe a novel about a seemingly normal woman who started collecting teeth and bones and before she knew it, became a prolific serial killer.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 19, 2012
J. L. Black is Erma Bombeck on coke. She’s a nutty suburban soccer Mom, a bipolar standup comedian, a manic confessional essayist. And I honestly laughed out loud several times while reading this on public transportation.
Be warned: this book is not for those committed to political correctness. I guarantee there is something here to offend everyone, from liberal to conservative from religious to atheist. Yes, even I was offended occasionally. But not terribly offended, more of a shake-my-head-that-is-really-not-a-nice-thing-to … oh, but what the hell, it’s funny. I won’t spoil any punch lines, but my favorite story involved her explaining why she would never be able to eat an Oreo Cookie again (hint: it involves an extremely obese woman). Another favorite was a description of a suburban women’s sex toy party. Beyond the wacky hi-jinks Black describes in these stories (that she claims are true), IUTTIWNBNITPFT was, strangely enough, an eye-opening look at some aspects of an “average” suburban family’s life. And by “average,” I mean “average shitballs crazy.”
Be warned: this book is not for those committed to political correctness. I guarantee there is something here to offend everyone, from liberal to conservative from religious to atheist. Yes, even I was offended occasionally. But not terribly offended, more of a shake-my-head-that-is-really-not-a-nice-thing-to … oh, but what the hell, it’s funny. I won’t spoil any punch lines, but my favorite story involved her explaining why she would never be able to eat an Oreo Cookie again (hint: it involves an extremely obese woman). Another favorite was a description of a suburban women’s sex toy party. Beyond the wacky hi-jinks Black describes in these stories (that she claims are true), IUTTIWNBNITPFT was, strangely enough, an eye-opening look at some aspects of an “average” suburban family’s life. And by “average,” I mean “average shitballs crazy.”
July 11, 2013
Toward the end of the book, J.L. told me her first name. Maybe that was a reward for reading her book. You have to earn that reward yourself. I liked the book and enjoyed the read.
J.L. is a dog lover. I used to hate cats too. That changed for me at a party many years ago. There were a lot of us in this living room boozing, drugging and who knows what. I didn't smoke, so I simply passed the joints along...maybe breathing a bit deeper as they passed, but, I had dropped a hit of acid and eaten several delicious but odd tasting brownies, while drinking my share of the beer. In one corner sat a turn-table with a dust cover lowered over the album, which I think was playing the long version of 'Light My Fire.' In my altered state, I watched a cat walk on the back of a couch and jump three feet through the air and land on the dust cover over the record player....the music didn't skip a beat. That is when I stopped hating cats. Let's see your 200 pound Mastiff do that J.L.
My reviews never re-tell the story, so I'll just say there are many laugh-out-loud moments here....like a molded Oreo cookie trapped under this 700 pound woman's tittie...rantings of a pee wee football Mom....dildo parties (think of Tupperware, only different)...road rage...government jobs...and...well, I'm not going into the first half of chapter 6. That hit too close to home J.L.
If you've been reading Atlas Shrugged for three weeks and need a change, read this. You'll like it too....mgc
J.L. is a dog lover. I used to hate cats too. That changed for me at a party many years ago. There were a lot of us in this living room boozing, drugging and who knows what. I didn't smoke, so I simply passed the joints along...maybe breathing a bit deeper as they passed, but, I had dropped a hit of acid and eaten several delicious but odd tasting brownies, while drinking my share of the beer. In one corner sat a turn-table with a dust cover lowered over the album, which I think was playing the long version of 'Light My Fire.' In my altered state, I watched a cat walk on the back of a couch and jump three feet through the air and land on the dust cover over the record player....the music didn't skip a beat. That is when I stopped hating cats. Let's see your 200 pound Mastiff do that J.L.
My reviews never re-tell the story, so I'll just say there are many laugh-out-loud moments here....like a molded Oreo cookie trapped under this 700 pound woman's tittie...rantings of a pee wee football Mom....dildo parties (think of Tupperware, only different)...road rage...government jobs...and...well, I'm not going into the first half of chapter 6. That hit too close to home J.L.
If you've been reading Atlas Shrugged for three weeks and need a change, read this. You'll like it too....mgc
December 3, 2011
The author was awesome enough to let me read a copy of this. I am happy to report I laughed my ass off. It's a quick read, and oh boy, if you have some heavy interstellar shit going on, this is the book to read. J.L. goes through some pretty wild anecdotes, ie- trying to kill her husband's cat(relax, not a bad ending, merely a funny-as-hell story). The stodgy housewives hosting a sex toys party- even down to the description of descriptive Kama-Sutra like poses on CHOCOLATE served at the party, hysterical. You hear about the hellacious road systems in Washington/Virginia, and the CTA never looked so tempting. I have to say, it is hard to pick a favorite from a collection of outright pee-your-pants funny stories, but the story about her son "discovering" Jesus in Chuck E. Cheese-priceless. You have to read it to appreciate it, a review just doesn't do it justice.
June 24, 2012
'nuff said
April 5, 2016
Before you read this review, I have some questions for you:
1. Do you hate cats?
2. Do you like to laugh?
3. Do you consider yourself different than normal people?
4. Do you like to laugh?
If you answered any of those with a yes, stop reading. I'm not even kidding. Stop reading this review and go to your nearest bookstore or library and get this book.
I Used to Think I Was Normal is full of fun, awkward, and hilarious short stories. It opens with, in my opinion, the funniest story of the lot, the attempted murder of a cat. Anyone who has a cat out there I'm sure will appreciate this story. (Even for those of you who like your cats - like me - you know you want to kill them occasionally.)
I have to thank the author herself, J.L. Black, for giving me this wonderful book. We had quite a hard time getting it to my house, but it was very worth it! I now have a free copy of this amazing book, so thank you!
Now that all my gushing is out of the way, let me move on to a more serious tone, since I believe critique is more helpful than pure praise. The biggest problem with I Used to Think I Was Normal is the editing. There were a lot of times that I wanted to rearrange the wording of a sentence or fix some errors in the punctuation or grammar. This is a wonderful book, but I feel like it could be even better with a good editor.
Even so, I love this book because it made me laugh, entertained me, and forced me to keep reading even when it was 3:00am and I should be asleep. It you're looking for something to read in a plain, something you calm your nerves, or just want a good laugh, I suggest picking this book up!
P.S. After reading this book, you will never look at Oreos the same way again.
1. Do you hate cats?
2. Do you like to laugh?
3. Do you consider yourself different than normal people?
4. Do you like to laugh?
If you answered any of those with a yes, stop reading. I'm not even kidding. Stop reading this review and go to your nearest bookstore or library and get this book.
I Used to Think I Was Normal is full of fun, awkward, and hilarious short stories. It opens with, in my opinion, the funniest story of the lot, the attempted murder of a cat. Anyone who has a cat out there I'm sure will appreciate this story. (Even for those of you who like your cats - like me - you know you want to kill them occasionally.)
I have to thank the author herself, J.L. Black, for giving me this wonderful book. We had quite a hard time getting it to my house, but it was very worth it! I now have a free copy of this amazing book, so thank you!
Now that all my gushing is out of the way, let me move on to a more serious tone, since I believe critique is more helpful than pure praise. The biggest problem with I Used to Think I Was Normal is the editing. There were a lot of times that I wanted to rearrange the wording of a sentence or fix some errors in the punctuation or grammar. This is a wonderful book, but I feel like it could be even better with a good editor.
Even so, I love this book because it made me laugh, entertained me, and forced me to keep reading even when it was 3:00am and I should be asleep. It you're looking for something to read in a plain, something you calm your nerves, or just want a good laugh, I suggest picking this book up!
P.S. After reading this book, you will never look at Oreos the same way again.
February 1, 2012
I have to admit the first couple of stories in this book had me a little nervous. First off I am a cat person and it's made very clear by the author she is NOT. But soon realized that if I just substituted the word "cat" with "dog" I enjoyed the story better.
While not all of the stories spoke to me, some really did.
I have to say that there were a couple stories in there that had me laughing harder than I have ever laughed before. I loved the sense of humor behind the stories and how true they are. Most people cannot find the humor in these situations but when you have that ability to take one of the worst days of your life and make it a funny story to tell your friends, then your doing something right.
Stories range from cats vs dogs, job hunting, soccer mom, traffic jams, "adult" parties and my favorite story, the last straw that got her to quit her job in the ER. I don't know when the next time I will be able to eat an Oreo again.
I'm really glad this book was put to my attention, it was a great read and I really needed the laughs.
While not all of the stories spoke to me, some really did.
I have to say that there were a couple stories in there that had me laughing harder than I have ever laughed before. I loved the sense of humor behind the stories and how true they are. Most people cannot find the humor in these situations but when you have that ability to take one of the worst days of your life and make it a funny story to tell your friends, then your doing something right.
Stories range from cats vs dogs, job hunting, soccer mom, traffic jams, "adult" parties and my favorite story, the last straw that got her to quit her job in the ER. I don't know when the next time I will be able to eat an Oreo again.
I'm really glad this book was put to my attention, it was a great read and I really needed the laughs.
January 16, 2012
A thoroughly entertaining volume, J.L. Black offers the reader an anecdotal trek through the choppy crests and troughs of her life. From her personal struggles with Catholicism (Roman) to her experiences with 'cat-ricide' (attempted), you'll find yourself laughing out loud at her no-nonsense style and frank discourse. A humorous and unapologetic treatment, I recommend taking this worthwhile commute into the realm of the normally abnormal.
September 22, 2011
A laugh out loud book! JL Black is a modern version of Erma Bombeck, spinning tales of everyday life in short chapters. You can relate to stories about cat and dog people, Catholic guilt, suburban soccer moms, the joys of commuting and Tupperware parties (sort of:). Don't miss this quick read, it will put a smile on your face and make your day!
June 13, 2014
I was surprised at how much I truly enjoyed I Used to Think I Was Normal, Now I Take Pills for That. The book has been sitting on my bookshelves, collecting dust for several years now (J.L. Black, I sincerely apologize for that). Now, I want to kick myself for not reading it sooner.
The book is full of short stories, which usually isn't my thing. I think that's one of the reasons why it sat on my shelf for so long. Even smaller books with tiny short stories don't usually hold my attention. That wasn't the case with this book. It had me laughing like crazy the whole way through. The author has a great sense of humor.
In J.L. Black's first story, she talks about poisoning her husband's cat. As one of the cat lovers she mentions in the story, I thought I would be deeply offended, but I wasn't. Due to the way it was written, she had me chuckling throughout the story. I could even identify with some of her grievances with cats, such as the hairballs everywhere. Some of the stories I couldn't identify with, such as being Roman Catholic. However, I still found myself laughing at the situations she got herself into.
I loved I Used to Think I was Normal But Now I Take Pills for That. I can't recommend it enough. Anyone who needs a good laugh (and let's face it, don't we all?) will love this book. If J.L. Black releases any more books, you can bet that I will be purchasing them.
The book is full of short stories, which usually isn't my thing. I think that's one of the reasons why it sat on my shelf for so long. Even smaller books with tiny short stories don't usually hold my attention. That wasn't the case with this book. It had me laughing like crazy the whole way through. The author has a great sense of humor.
In J.L. Black's first story, she talks about poisoning her husband's cat. As one of the cat lovers she mentions in the story, I thought I would be deeply offended, but I wasn't. Due to the way it was written, she had me chuckling throughout the story. I could even identify with some of her grievances with cats, such as the hairballs everywhere. Some of the stories I couldn't identify with, such as being Roman Catholic. However, I still found myself laughing at the situations she got herself into.
I loved I Used to Think I was Normal But Now I Take Pills for That. I can't recommend it enough. Anyone who needs a good laugh (and let's face it, don't we all?) will love this book. If J.L. Black releases any more books, you can bet that I will be purchasing them.
February 27, 2012
The title I Used to Think I Was Normal But Now I Take Pills for That had me laughing but I had no idea the amount of laughs that were tucked into the pages of this book. If we are honest I think we can all relate to the chapters in J.L. Black's book. We either know someone or have experienced first hand the topics that she brings to light using humor. Laughter is the best medicine. I can tell you I laughed out loud several times throughout this book. This is a quick read for those who are on the go and may not have a lot of time for reading.
I will warn that I typically review Children's and Christian books and this is neither. This book does include foul language and adult subject matter.
Support a self published author and pick up this book for some laughs.
Available in Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1463...
Available for Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005...
I will warn that I typically review Children's and Christian books and this is neither. This book does include foul language and adult subject matter.
Support a self published author and pick up this book for some laughs.
Available in Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1463...
Available for Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005...
February 2, 2012
I was originally attracted to this title, by well the title, and I found it to be a very refreshing read. I picked up this book when in a stressed mood; however, by the time I finished I felt remarkably better. Reading this book is like listening to a group of interesting stories told over dinner when a group of friends get together. One can easily relate to (or knows someone who can) many of the stories in this book. Her commentary on such things as work, the morning commute, being strong armed into attending parties (pure romance, candle buying, Tupperware, etc.), and kids sports provide a good laugh, and also make you realize you're not the only one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! I've already passed the book on; my only regret, not reading it sooner. ** In compliance with FTC guidelines I am required to tell you that I did not pay for this book (although I would have); However, it was sent to me by the author after I was unable to find it in the SCLENDS system (South Carolina Library Consortium) IN other words, it pretty much wasn't available in my state **
January 11, 2012
This collection of stories from the suburbs will have you laughing out loud in no time. It's short and sweet and the author has a quick wit and the gift of storytelling. A dog-lover, she contemplates murder when her husband brings home a cat one day. Not the husband, the cat. But the cat outsmarts her and survives. Or there's the one about the spitting nun who taught school, showering all the students in the first and second rows. One thing leads to another back in the fifth row of this class, and she writes, "I've never read the Bible, so I could be completely wrong. Those could absolutely be the rules and I'm screwed. Satan may already have the best seat in the house reserved for me , front and center with a great view of the fireplace." But my favorite story involves the author's transformation from a well-mannered soccer mom to a split-personality football-mom who "could feel the football demon in me growing." A great, fresh voice, and lots of funny situations made this a wonderful read.
December 16, 2015
After every ten or tweleve books I try to read a light and fluffy book that is generally written by a woman that trys an attempt at everyday humor that has a few good moments and then lapses into boredom. This book forgot to lapse. It is the funniest book that I have read in years and if not one other reader believes this statement I will die knowing that I have found a soul sister in J. L. Black. If you have an undying interest in hairballs, in finding the reverence and spiritual sanctity of a CheckECheese restaurant, or the calm of a soccer mom, or strange places on the femine body to store your oreos, or the similarities of working for the government and being in prison, or why when being given a mammogram you would worry about whether President Clinton or President Obama would step into the room, or why someone would spend 1,000 hours a year commuting to work, or lastly what Coochie Cream is and it's best use, then this is your book, If you don't, read it anyway.
January 4, 2012
This book is really, really funny (but I almost feel guilty saying that). I devoured this book in one night and giggled and laughed (read: snorted) through this whole book. J.L. Black's book is a really humorous take on everyday life and situations. I have to admit I felt guilty laughing in some parts because she's not P.C. and makes no qualms about it. I didn't want the book to be over and hope she writes another book soon.
December 24, 2011
The title says it all, really. A roller-coaster ride of outrageous prose and hilarious anecdotes. This is not the kind of book you need to pore over, trying to work out the subtleties and hidden meanings intended by the author. J.L. Black takes a life well lived and, in short chapters, tells us about her experiences as a soccer-mom, a woman, a consumer and a Catholic, amongst other things. Guaranteed to make you laugh out loud somewhere on the (brief) journey from cover to cover.
January 17, 2012
I am so glad that J.L. Black isn’t normal, because if she were she wouldn’t be so darn hilarious. I carried my eReader around with me over the past few days just so that I could read her stories. I’m afraid that the customers and staff at Discount Tire may have thought I was a bit abnormal myself, since I was sitting there waiting for my tires to be installed while spontaneously laughing out loud.
January 8, 2012
This book was absolutely hilarious! I think I was annoying all of my family members reading pieces of it to them in the middle of whatever it was they were trying to say to me. Lol. This was a quick read and very enjoyable. I am one that usually only likes to read romance or suspense but this was just too funny to pass up. :o)
May 11, 2013
It was a quick and easy read. I did enjoy it and laughed at parts but it wasn't as funny as I thought it would be. There were definitely funny parts. I did enjoy the chapter on the sex toy party. I also enjoyed her time working in in the medical field. That was pretty funny. I guess from the title I expected to read about mental illness. It was good but I didn't think it was great.
December 30, 2011
Considering I was also the editor and was required to read and read and read and read and read this book, I still enjoyed it! Very funny, offbeat stories that still make me laugh when I think about some of the craziness going on in the author's world.
November 19, 2011
This book should come with a warning label "Do NOT drink fluids while reading this book". Laugh out loud funny. Each story was better than the last. It's definitely a book I have told friends about.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews