Why Can't Everything Just Stay the Same?: And Other Things I Shout When I Can't Cope

by Stefanie Preissner

'Honest, witty and poignant observations on life that are both heart breaking and heartwarming' Amy HubermanAs a child, being in new places made Stefanie Preissner ill, which is why her family holidayed in the same apartment on the same island off the Spanish coast for nine years in a row. And why, at Christmas, she wrote lengthy letters to Santa ( letters, plural) begging him not to bring any surprises. Change was the enemy. But, as it turns out, one Stefanie hasn't been able to avoid. And, in spite of herself, one she has sometimes invited into her life.Here, in her first book, Stefanie looks at the ways in which her life has changed. From birthdays, friendships and how she celebrates the festive season, to social media (no FOMO here), the importance of asking WWNSD? (What Would Nicole Scherzinger Do?) when faced with big decisions, and her career as a writer, Why Can't Everything Just Stay the Same? is the hilarious and honest account of one woman's journey to and through adulthood, coping (sort of) with the terror, inevitability and beauty of change.'It's Stefanie's life, but her struggles are universal. Insecurity? Check. Anger? Check. Weight issues? Big fat check. Stefanie shines a light on human frailty and human strength, proving they are not opposites, but often walk hand-in-hand ... an inspiring, thoroughly enjoyable book.' Nell Scovell, creator of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and author of Just the Funny Parts

Genres: Memoir, Biography

304 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2018

Reviews

[Sinead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little laggy in some places, but overall, a really fun, quirky, relatable read!

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining at first, but was going to put aside more than once. A self indulgent look at her life to date...but she recognises the self indulgence.
Author is likeable character but expect this book is most appreciated by readers of her age.
Love her mother & nan !.
Nice writing style. One to watch.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was kind of disappointed with this book. I'm a fan of Preissner's TV show and love her on TV shows like Cutting Edge etc. Parts of this book were interesting and enjoyable.
I thought she played it safe with this book and never revelled herself like a good autobiography ought to do.
The Sabrina chapter was the best.

[Sharon Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

This wouldn’t be my normal read but I liked her on insta and it was good value. I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. She’s a very particular person but the best bit is she’s really honest and upfront about it. She makes no apologies but equally she doesn’t ask for any which is fair dues. I like the stories and was just a nice read

[Scot Haynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stefanie has made some really funny life observations in this book. Especially like the part about people mispronouncing things. Now, where can I buy some a romantic duck for the next night out with the missus?

[Chloe]

I thought this was a very enjoyable, easy to read book.
Preissner is very relatable, and truly hilarious. I find myself always smiling/ laughing or relating to something. A lot of the time, all three!

[Christophe · Rating 4 out of 5]

honest and funny

[Claire Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often felt like I was reading my own memoirs!A great read.

[Martha · Rating 1 out of 5]

i didn't finish it. not my "cup of tea"

[Anthony Mc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny and witty take on the many changes we go through growing up.

[Róisin (somethingarosie) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a highly relatable read for me as the author comes from the same town that I live in. I found myself laughing at and relating to Preissner’s stories from Secondary School as Preissner went to the same school that I did.

The book lagged at points, not because there is anything wrong with the book. I just wasn’t particularly interested in what was being said and therefore found it difficult to engage with the book at times. I feel bad saying this because I really admire Stefanie and wanted to love this book.

I enjoyed the poetry aspect of the book. I also loved Chapter 17: genderealisations, which discusses gender inequality in Ireland, in an accessible manner.

Although it lagged at points, overall it’s a fun, relatable and often hilarious read.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this much more than I expected to, seeing as I don't normally read memoirs. It was funny, but sad at times. Preissner really put herself out there and allowed herself to be vulnerable.