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Don't Get Too Excited
Jen Epstein was born a worrier. As a child she worried her uvula would break off and she would swallow it and choke to death. Then she worried high voltage wires would get her. Eventually she was diagnosed with learning disabilities and later, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Smart but challenged, Jen navigates two years in Israel as a high school student and squabbling with technical support for her TV. She survives a two-night stay in the hospital, with all its dangers of contamination, and the nursing staff traipsing into her room at all hours of the night wanting her bodily fluids.
Whether pondering motherhood or refusing to drink ice water in Costa Rica, Jen, with her self-deprecating humor, exposes her inner demons with stories that are sometimes heartbreaking and always deeply personal, tapping into the minutiae of her life with distinctive style and themes of universal appeal.
Whether pondering motherhood or refusing to drink ice water in Costa Rica, Jen, with her self-deprecating humor, exposes her inner demons with stories that are sometimes heartbreaking and always deeply personal, tapping into the minutiae of her life with distinctive style and themes of universal appeal.
180 pages, Paperback
Published November 27, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 18, 2019
Full disclosure: Jen Epstein is a friend of mine and I have been awaiting the release of the book for a while. I consulted with her on marketing, etc.during a contest in which she had entered the book and I am mentioned in the acknowledgement section.
Book blurbs that overreach can set the reader, and in effect the author, up for disappointment. Having had this book described to me by others and in a blurb as "the female David Sedaris" I carefully approached "Don't get too excited". Ms. Epstein has tied together a collection of personal essays about her struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). At times, the essays are funny, not the overgrand, self-deprecation of Sedaris, but every day, look at my neuroses funny. A few chapters, like the one where she is dealing with tech support, reach a pretty laugh out loud level of funny. Some are even chuckle worthy. Mostly, Epstein's book is noteworthy for the honesty about the painfulness of her symptoms. Her struggles to do laundry in a public laundromat captures the torture her life can become if she doesn't try to find some humor. Her rumination on whether to become a parent capture her pain and confusion. Her closing essay was brilliant (I will say no more to avoid spoilers) As a psychologist I worked hard not to wear my clinical hat as I read about my friend's life, the choices she makes trying to find relief, and her determination to live a well as she can. I think I pretty much succeeded. I know I found a new level of respect and compassion for her and her fellow sufferers.
Laugh or cry you will respect her honesty in reporting. Hopefully, you will find your own compassion when you see someone struggling with a ritual they can not control, even when it is slowing down your day. This is Jen's first foray into publishing. I hope we see more.
Book blurbs that overreach can set the reader, and in effect the author, up for disappointment. Having had this book described to me by others and in a blurb as "the female David Sedaris" I carefully approached "Don't get too excited". Ms. Epstein has tied together a collection of personal essays about her struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). At times, the essays are funny, not the overgrand, self-deprecation of Sedaris, but every day, look at my neuroses funny. A few chapters, like the one where she is dealing with tech support, reach a pretty laugh out loud level of funny. Some are even chuckle worthy. Mostly, Epstein's book is noteworthy for the honesty about the painfulness of her symptoms. Her struggles to do laundry in a public laundromat captures the torture her life can become if she doesn't try to find some humor. Her rumination on whether to become a parent capture her pain and confusion. Her closing essay was brilliant (I will say no more to avoid spoilers) As a psychologist I worked hard not to wear my clinical hat as I read about my friend's life, the choices she makes trying to find relief, and her determination to live a well as she can. I think I pretty much succeeded. I know I found a new level of respect and compassion for her and her fellow sufferers.
Laugh or cry you will respect her honesty in reporting. Hopefully, you will find your own compassion when you see someone struggling with a ritual they can not control, even when it is slowing down your day. This is Jen's first foray into publishing. I hope we see more.
July 19, 2019
As author Jen Epstein recounts her struggles with OCD in a personal essay/confessional mode, you'll find yourself irresistibly drawn into each chapter. Epstein writes with great heart and generosity about the camera obscura that is her brain. Each chapter follows a different story but Epstein adeptly manages to squeeze universal themes from her rather idiosyncratic lists of details and fears. These themes include the odiousness of paperwork, moving to a new apartment in the swelter that is New York in August, motherhood - yes or no?, and (my personal favorite) the choice of whether or not to partake of ice on a Costa Rican trip. Throughout these skillfully written essays, Epstein shares with the reader her keen stamp of originality and great sense of humor. I look forward to hearing more from this wonderful author - an astounding debut!
February 25, 2019
Don't Get Too Excited is a fantastic set of essays and short stories navigating the experience of OCD in a world that barely understands it, often can't empathize with the people that are diagnosed, an even more rarely with those that express symptoms and behaviors but are un-diagnosed. This is great read in general, but an essential read if you think you might be on the OCD or Autism Spectrum, or know someone who might be. This collection is well-written and incredibly funny. The author's voice is blunt and self-effacing. I can't recommend this enough!
November 22, 2019
I found the book both incredibly entertaining and very insightful. I don’t know how it happens in Jen Epstein’s essays, but I find myself completely sucked into each story like it’s a suspense-thriller. I think maybe it’s because the writing is so clear and clean that I can identify with the narrator every step of the way. I think this book is must-reading for people with OCD, and especially for those who are friends and family of those with OCD...
February 25, 2019
Very funny book and very touching. Jen describes the struggles of OCD and goes into the formative years of her life with great courage and insight. We all have anxiety of one level or another so this book is highly relatable. The author has written a book that takes pain and turns it into humorous and inspiring narrative. A great read.
February 25, 2019
A look inside the life of someone with OCD, and how she manages day to day. Just getting out the door can be a struggle for Jen, as you will read, but she manages to mix her disorder with snarky humor to keep the pages turning. You will laugh and cry.
October 20, 2019
Funny, heartwarming, touching, sincere - Jen's book has it all. Her writing is extremely honest and witty. Both self-deprecating and candid, her stories detail her experiences and struggles with OCD that will leave you laughing, as well as feeling completely moved. A must-read!
February 18, 2019
A story of living in Brooklyn with a sense of humor and a little OCD. A sweet page turner with stories we can all relate to. Just don't get too excited ....
February 27, 2019
Hi Jen,
I really enjoyed your book!
I can't wait to hear what all the other Berners have to say!!
Leslie
I really enjoyed your book!
I can't wait to hear what all the other Berners have to say!!
Leslie
June 21, 2019
Don't Get Too Excited proves once again that laughter is the best medicine.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews