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Lies My Mother Told Me: Tall Tales from a Short Woman
If you think Joan Rivers said funny, outrageous, and ridiculous things ONSTAGE, wait ’til you read the funny, outrageous, and ridiculous things she said OFFSTAGE…things that will make you laugh out loud…and keep Melissa in therapy for the foreseeable future.
The only thing my mother loved more than making people laugh was lying…or as she’d say, “embellishing.” Her motto was: “Why let the truth ruin a good story?”
This book contains some of those stories.
*****************
“When Joan told a story, the truth disappeared faster than I did.”
— Jimmy Hoffa
“If you thought Dante’s Inferno was hot, read Lies My Mother Told Me; it’s a five-alarmer.”
— Dante’s second wife, Allie
“Twelve of my twenty-six personalities loved this book.”
— Sybil
“The words on the page absolutely crackle and spark; I burned my fingers reading it!”
— Annie Sullivan
“The Bible may be the good book, but Lies My Mother Told Me is way funnier.”
— Matthew 2:14
The Jets. 7
“Lies My Mother Told Me is the feel-good book of 2022.”
— Torquemada
“All’s not well that ends well. I’ve had massages with happier endings.”
— Wm. Shakespeare
“Melissa, I don’t care what your mother said in this book, I LOVE your bangs.”
— Mamie Eisenhower
“Lies My Mother Told Me is so funny even those ‘woke’ m***********s will laugh.”
— Lenny Bruce
The only thing my mother loved more than making people laugh was lying…or as she’d say, “embellishing.” Her motto was: “Why let the truth ruin a good story?”
This book contains some of those stories.
*****************
“When Joan told a story, the truth disappeared faster than I did.”
— Jimmy Hoffa
“If you thought Dante’s Inferno was hot, read Lies My Mother Told Me; it’s a five-alarmer.”
— Dante’s second wife, Allie
“Twelve of my twenty-six personalities loved this book.”
— Sybil
“The words on the page absolutely crackle and spark; I burned my fingers reading it!”
— Annie Sullivan
“The Bible may be the good book, but Lies My Mother Told Me is way funnier.”
— Matthew 2:14
The Jets. 7
“Lies My Mother Told Me is the feel-good book of 2022.”
— Torquemada
“All’s not well that ends well. I’ve had massages with happier endings.”
— Wm. Shakespeare
“Melissa, I don’t care what your mother said in this book, I LOVE your bangs.”
— Mamie Eisenhower
“Lies My Mother Told Me is so funny even those ‘woke’ m***********s will laugh.”
— Lenny Bruce
Audiobook
Published April 12, 2022
132 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Rivers
8 books26 followersMelissa Joan Rivers is an American television co-host and the daughter of Joan Rivers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
April 26, 2022
The truth revealed about "Lies My Mother Never Told Me":
1) I was and always have been a huge Joan Rivers fan. I saw her perform multiple times and I have read all of her books.
Joan Rivers was a gifted comedienne. She was a legend who paved the road to success for female comediennes.
2) Melissa Rivers is not Joan Rivers.
3) This is the fourth book that Melissa has written about her mother.
4) "Lies My Mother Never Told Me" is a feeble attempt to rehash information that appeared in earlier books.
The book is not funny. The book reveals no new information that had not already been presented in Melissa's other books.
And, finally, the book contains waaaay too many swear words.
Yes, Joan Rivers used plenty of expletives in her performances, but she knew how to deliver them. Melissa Rivers does not.
Is it possible for a family member to write a compelling fourth book about a woman (her mother) who was larger than life? If so, you will not find it here.
I listened to the audiobook that was read by the author. Melissa did a fine job with the narration.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
One star, rounded up. We miss you, Joan!
1) I was and always have been a huge Joan Rivers fan. I saw her perform multiple times and I have read all of her books.
Joan Rivers was a gifted comedienne. She was a legend who paved the road to success for female comediennes.
2) Melissa Rivers is not Joan Rivers.
3) This is the fourth book that Melissa has written about her mother.
4) "Lies My Mother Never Told Me" is a feeble attempt to rehash information that appeared in earlier books.
The book is not funny. The book reveals no new information that had not already been presented in Melissa's other books.
And, finally, the book contains waaaay too many swear words.
Yes, Joan Rivers used plenty of expletives in her performances, but she knew how to deliver them. Melissa Rivers does not.
Is it possible for a family member to write a compelling fourth book about a woman (her mother) who was larger than life? If so, you will not find it here.
I listened to the audiobook that was read by the author. Melissa did a fine job with the narration.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
One star, rounded up. We miss you, Joan!
June 9, 2022
I hadn’t heard of Melissa Rivers, but when a friend mentioned that the daughter of the legendary comic, Joan Rivers, had an audio book nearing its publication date, I wanted it. My thanks go to Net Galley and RB Media for the review copy. This book is for sale now.
Joan Rivers was an icon, one of the first fierce women to breach the world of standup, an old boys club if ever there was one. She was scrappy, fearless, and very, very funny. Like all of the early women comics, she incorporated a good deal of self-deprecating humor, a defense against all of the nasty things that reviewers and audience members might throw at her, but she also made fun of the rich, the famous, and the powerful.
Joan died in 2016, and although she was eighty-one years old, news of her passing came as a shock. She hadn’t been ill, and had been admitted to a hospital for surgery of a fairly minor nature; her death was caused by errors made by the doctors and hospital. Her only child, Melissa, had been developing a standup career of her own, and now steps fully into the spotlight left vacant by her mother’s death.
I had never heard of Melissa or her work when I found this audio book, but I expected great things; often a talent is passed down within a family, after all. Sadly, there’s no joy to be had here. Melissa’s tone is grating and abrasive; whereas Joan sometimes veered in that direction, she had the skill and instincts that told her when to pull back or soften things. Joan’s trademark phrase, “Can we talk?” created a sense of intimacy, and drew me in. Melissa’s repels me. Apparently, I am not alone; I was playing this audiobook while preparing dinner, and when other family members came into the kitchen, they either wanted it turned off, or they left immediately. Nothing she said made any of us laugh, or even smile. Nothing. I have never heard a comic so obnoxious.
Wikipedia tells me that Melissa Rivers is known for her work in comedy, and for philanthropy, as heir to her parents’ considerable estate. I haven’t seen or heard any of Melissa’s other work, but if this book is representative, she might do better to focus on her charity work, brightening the world by embracing the causes dearest to her parents’ hearts, and her own.
Not recommended.
Joan Rivers was an icon, one of the first fierce women to breach the world of standup, an old boys club if ever there was one. She was scrappy, fearless, and very, very funny. Like all of the early women comics, she incorporated a good deal of self-deprecating humor, a defense against all of the nasty things that reviewers and audience members might throw at her, but she also made fun of the rich, the famous, and the powerful.
Joan died in 2016, and although she was eighty-one years old, news of her passing came as a shock. She hadn’t been ill, and had been admitted to a hospital for surgery of a fairly minor nature; her death was caused by errors made by the doctors and hospital. Her only child, Melissa, had been developing a standup career of her own, and now steps fully into the spotlight left vacant by her mother’s death.
I had never heard of Melissa or her work when I found this audio book, but I expected great things; often a talent is passed down within a family, after all. Sadly, there’s no joy to be had here. Melissa’s tone is grating and abrasive; whereas Joan sometimes veered in that direction, she had the skill and instincts that told her when to pull back or soften things. Joan’s trademark phrase, “Can we talk?” created a sense of intimacy, and drew me in. Melissa’s repels me. Apparently, I am not alone; I was playing this audiobook while preparing dinner, and when other family members came into the kitchen, they either wanted it turned off, or they left immediately. Nothing she said made any of us laugh, or even smile. Nothing. I have never heard a comic so obnoxious.
Wikipedia tells me that Melissa Rivers is known for her work in comedy, and for philanthropy, as heir to her parents’ considerable estate. I haven’t seen or heard any of Melissa’s other work, but if this book is representative, she might do better to focus on her charity work, brightening the world by embracing the causes dearest to her parents’ hearts, and her own.
Not recommended.
January 17, 2025
This is the first book I've read by Melissa Rivers, the daughter of the comedian Joan Rivers. Joan Rivers was known for her "offensive" "humour" and this book continues in this spirit.
I laughed out loud a few times near the beginning, but after a while became tired of the one-note humour.
Three nostalgic stars, because I remember Joan Rivers, and was always a fan.
I laughed out loud a few times near the beginning, but after a while became tired of the one-note humour.
Three nostalgic stars, because I remember Joan Rivers, and was always a fan.
November 18, 2024
How funny, the reviews here are so mixed and scathing, both Joan and Melissa are scathing in their humour, nobody’s left behind, everyone is fair game. I enjoyed it in the way I know I shouldn’t find things funny but can’t help it!
Currently included in audible🎧 short and funny, like Joan Rivers.
Currently included in audible🎧 short and funny, like Joan Rivers.
April 13, 2022
Unfunny. I always liked Melissa Rivers but she is no a comedienne and can’t hold a candle to her mother. The prose is contrived with unnecessary foul language dispersed throughout; I’m no prude but this seems like swearing for swearing’s sake and takes away from the narrative.
I adored Joan Rivers and was crushed by her death. I guess I was expecting something in her voice but this is not up to par and I couldn’t get past the first few chapters. I pre-ordered this title and was really looking forward to reading it so I’m sorely disappointed that it’s so bad.
I adored Joan Rivers and was crushed by her death. I guess I was expecting something in her voice but this is not up to par and I couldn’t get past the first few chapters. I pre-ordered this title and was really looking forward to reading it so I’m sorely disappointed that it’s so bad.
February 22, 2023
I can’t believe I even finished this book. I don’t know what I expected but Joan was an awful, rude person. The racial slurs, the fat shaming, ugh!
May 9, 2022
Lies My Mother Told Me: Tall Tales from a Short Woman was a great read by Melissa Rivers. This book contains some stories that Joan told to her daughter Melissa throughout her life. Joan had the motto “Why let the truth ruin a good story?” The one thing she loved more than making people laugh was lying. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
April 25, 2022
Lies My Mother Told Me by Melissa Rivers is a disappointment on several levels but mostly just the lack of real humor and more just a shaking of the head response.
I'm of the age that my stronger opinions will be about Joan and not Melissa, Joan was everywhere on shows when I was growing up. I was never a fan but I usually enjoyed her humor and delivery. I think what I found most engaging was when she would be bantering with someone rather than her monologues, they were more hit or miss for me. This is all to say that I am coming to this without strong feelings either way about either Joan or Melissa.
I think what I found most off-putting was the frame of the "lies" Melissa attributes to Joan, as if Joan thought Melissa was truly stupid enough to believe these things. Yes, I know that is a conceit used for the book but even conceits can be faulty. Melissa even tries to exempt her book from criticism by throwing out partially correct literary definitions at the beginning.
I listened to the audiobook which is read by Melissa. That is both a positive and a negative in this case. While she often got her mother's voice in the writing she missed the mark in her reading. Some other narrator might have been given a little more slack by a listener. That said, this book is written in a personal manner such that it is hard to think about someone other than Melissa saying "me" and "I" so much.
I think I would have preferred this if she had simply said these were some of my mother's favorite "embellishments" and not make the frame imply Joan would actually misinform her daughter about almost everything, large or small. Between Melissa just not being all that funny and her inability to deliver the humor properly in the stories that were really her mother's, in either written or oral form, this just didn't work for me.
Having explained why I found little to personally like here, I should also mention that for many, especially those who might only know Joan's work from the last decades of her life, this may well be a delightful book. Even the stories/lies/jokes that I felt missed the mark have a humorous core, so for those who like Melissa'a delivery, or her imitation of Joan's delivery, this might be a laugh out loud book.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
I'm of the age that my stronger opinions will be about Joan and not Melissa, Joan was everywhere on shows when I was growing up. I was never a fan but I usually enjoyed her humor and delivery. I think what I found most engaging was when she would be bantering with someone rather than her monologues, they were more hit or miss for me. This is all to say that I am coming to this without strong feelings either way about either Joan or Melissa.
I think what I found most off-putting was the frame of the "lies" Melissa attributes to Joan, as if Joan thought Melissa was truly stupid enough to believe these things. Yes, I know that is a conceit used for the book but even conceits can be faulty. Melissa even tries to exempt her book from criticism by throwing out partially correct literary definitions at the beginning.
I listened to the audiobook which is read by Melissa. That is both a positive and a negative in this case. While she often got her mother's voice in the writing she missed the mark in her reading. Some other narrator might have been given a little more slack by a listener. That said, this book is written in a personal manner such that it is hard to think about someone other than Melissa saying "me" and "I" so much.
I think I would have preferred this if she had simply said these were some of my mother's favorite "embellishments" and not make the frame imply Joan would actually misinform her daughter about almost everything, large or small. Between Melissa just not being all that funny and her inability to deliver the humor properly in the stories that were really her mother's, in either written or oral form, this just didn't work for me.
Having explained why I found little to personally like here, I should also mention that for many, especially those who might only know Joan's work from the last decades of her life, this may well be a delightful book. Even the stories/lies/jokes that I felt missed the mark have a humorous core, so for those who like Melissa'a delivery, or her imitation of Joan's delivery, this might be a laugh out loud book.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
May 19, 2022
Four books about famous comedians; four terrific reads. My most recent dive into this most delightful of literary "genres" is a recollection of some of the more bizarre (and hilariously funny) conversations the late, great Joan Rivers had with her daughter Melissa--starting, apparently, when Melissa was very young and lasting right up until Joan's tragic death. (There are even some letters in here, ostensibly left around the house for her daughter to find, that are just as representative of Joan's sense of humor as any of their mother-daughter chats.) Did Joan REALLY say all these outrageous things? Who knows? Who cares? We should just be grateful there's so much here: why women in the late 19th century had so many children...the "true" story behind Adam and Eve (and Eve's "covetous" sister, Debbie)...the scoop on Joan's pals Siegfried and Roy...exactly why she never told Melissa about her (wholly imaginary) brother Melvin...why Disneyland is far from (VERY far from) "the happiest place on earth"...and so much more. All of these tall tales are in "Joan-speak"--that is, they're absolutely never to be taken seriously--and they're all laugh-out-loud, jaw-droppingly funny. Melissa even talks about her loving relationship with her own son Cooper, and the boy's relationship with his grandmother. Melissa's late dad Edgar is prominently featured in a few of Joan's stories, as well. Is "Lies My Mother Told Me" worth reading? You bet--whether you were a fan of Rivers, or you weren't.
April 26, 2022
I was so thrilled to get an advanced copy of the audiobook, since Melissa is telling this from her perspective. I kept listening, and listening and listening...waiting for it to become more entertaining. Sadly, the narration and lackluster comedic timing made these stories fall flat. The short, quick stories felt a bit rushed. I am also not certain that many of these nuggets have already been shared, so it didn't feel as though any never before heard Joan stories were being told. Fans of Joan (and Melissa) will probably still enjoy this book. She was one of a kind.
March 11, 2025
Lies My Mother Told Me by Melissa Rivers
Audio Version Free with Audible
Overall Grade: B
Information: B+
Writing/Organization: B
Narration: B+
Best Aspect: Some very funny stories.
Worst Aspect: Some strange stories and just a little too much to take overall.
Recommend: Yes.
Audio Version Free with Audible
Overall Grade: B
Information: B+
Writing/Organization: B
Narration: B+
Best Aspect: Some very funny stories.
Worst Aspect: Some strange stories and just a little too much to take overall.
Recommend: Yes.
April 13, 2022
Book: 3/5
Audiobook: 5/5
Audiobook: 5/5
April 17, 2024
Ughhhh, I miss Joan Rivers 💜
A wonderful collection of stories from Melissa Rivers that had me laughing so hard and missing Joans quick witted remarks.
A wonderful collection of stories from Melissa Rivers that had me laughing so hard and missing Joans quick witted remarks.
May 9, 2022
I listened to the audiobook on this one, and I highly recommend doing that so you understand the humor of the book.
I have a very dry sarcastic humor so I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. Joan rivers was a little out of my speed because of my generation but I always watched her on E and found her hilarious when most found her annoying. What I did enjoy was the fact that you didn’t have to know these two people at all, but could still come away laughing at this book no matter what.
The concept of this book was great and I enjoyed the laugh it gave me multiple times. I would recommend it to anyone needing a good belly laugh!
Thanks to NetGalley and post hill
Press for the arc
May 2, 2022
I really liked this book, it had some good, laugh out loud moments.
April 25, 2022
Thank you RB Media and Net Galley for a free copy of the audiobook "Lies My Mother Told Me" by Melissa Rivers. I laughed out loud throughout this book! I grew up listening to Joan Rivers and her tales and jokes so I was curious about Melissa Rivers', Joan's daughter, take on her life and her relationship with her mother. I was not disappointed. It was a fun retelling of stories throughout Melissa's life and the ridiculous stories her mother told her. I found this humorous and entertaining, but there is course language throughout for those that don't like that type of story. Having Melissa Rivers as the narrator made the book that much more enjoyable!
April 25, 2022
5 stars!
You don’t even need to know who Joan Rivers is to enjoy this audiobook. The author, Melissa Rivers, who is Joan’s daughter, does an excellent job narrating her book, retelling stories from her life, and lies her mother has told her over the years, all of which are hilarious, outlandish, yet completely believable.
Would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a comedic celeb memoir and would definitely listen to another audiobook read by Melissa River. A++
(ALC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review. Thank you!)
You don’t even need to know who Joan Rivers is to enjoy this audiobook. The author, Melissa Rivers, who is Joan’s daughter, does an excellent job narrating her book, retelling stories from her life, and lies her mother has told her over the years, all of which are hilarious, outlandish, yet completely believable.
Would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a comedic celeb memoir and would definitely listen to another audiobook read by Melissa River. A++
(ALC received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review. Thank you!)
April 25, 2022
I listened to the audiobook.
I really loved this audio book, read and written by Melissa Rivers, daughter of the iconic Joan Rivers. It contains lots of funny stories and jokes from Joan. I appreciated the short chapters, so I could listen to a bite-size story whenever I had a few minutes. The narration was great and Melissa did a great impression of her mom!
Also, thank you to netgalley and Recorded Books for the advanced audio copy!
I really loved this audio book, read and written by Melissa Rivers, daughter of the iconic Joan Rivers. It contains lots of funny stories and jokes from Joan. I appreciated the short chapters, so I could listen to a bite-size story whenever I had a few minutes. The narration was great and Melissa did a great impression of her mom!
Also, thank you to netgalley and Recorded Books for the advanced audio copy!
May 2, 2022
This audiobook was AWFUL! Joan Rivers was an icon, hilarious and a joy to listen to. How can a book full of stories by her not be at least a little funny!? The answer - have Melissa Rivers write and read it.
Aside from the fact that her delivery was poor, the amount of cursing was ridiculous. I’m all for a properly placed swear word. When done right, it can really enhance a punchline. In this, it seemed like Melissa was just trying to prove that she doesn’t give a f@$k and was perhaps drunk and feeling belligerent towards everyone when she wrote the book.
Bottom line, this book stunk! Maybe it would be better if read rather than listened to, but I’ll not be wasting my time to find out.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my #gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Aside from the fact that her delivery was poor, the amount of cursing was ridiculous. I’m all for a properly placed swear word. When done right, it can really enhance a punchline. In this, it seemed like Melissa was just trying to prove that she doesn’t give a f@$k and was perhaps drunk and feeling belligerent towards everyone when she wrote the book.
Bottom line, this book stunk! Maybe it would be better if read rather than listened to, but I’ll not be wasting my time to find out.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my #gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 19, 2022
Lies My Mother Told Me is about the famous and memorialized comedian Joan Rivers. As a child I remember watching her on the red carpets and various other places. I wouldn’t say I was a fan, but also had no dislike for her. So upon starting this audiobook I was completely neutral and ready for a good laugh.
I guess the issue I had the most was that I did not find most of the jokes funny. I don’t think of myself as overly sensitive, but laughing about anything involving the holocaust, slavery, various famous people who have been murdered, and the Jews as a whole is just never something I will find acceptable. Also, I realize the book's title gives away that there would be some exaggerations but I honestly don’t know if anything in the entire book was true or if it was all made up, and my question to the author would be, who wants to listen to 6 hours of nonsense? Maybe I am missing the point and those who are huge fans will have a different opinion than me.
Melissa gives a good narration, and I found her humor to be funny sometimes, but when she would switch over to start telling another story her mother said, it just became ridiculous. It did give me a certain level of nostalgia to hear some of the stories and the way Joan Rivers lived, but that was about the only good I could pull from this one.
I guess the issue I had the most was that I did not find most of the jokes funny. I don’t think of myself as overly sensitive, but laughing about anything involving the holocaust, slavery, various famous people who have been murdered, and the Jews as a whole is just never something I will find acceptable. Also, I realize the book's title gives away that there would be some exaggerations but I honestly don’t know if anything in the entire book was true or if it was all made up, and my question to the author would be, who wants to listen to 6 hours of nonsense? Maybe I am missing the point and those who are huge fans will have a different opinion than me.
Melissa gives a good narration, and I found her humor to be funny sometimes, but when she would switch over to start telling another story her mother said, it just became ridiculous. It did give me a certain level of nostalgia to hear some of the stories and the way Joan Rivers lived, but that was about the only good I could pull from this one.
November 28, 2024
Currently on audiable 🎧
A quick easy listen, done in a style just like her mum Joan Rivers blatant and telling it is type humour saying things others just wouldn't say. I liked the way in which the refrances were made to a younger her in all her memories made into humourous ways of explaining different things such as Jerusalem and how jesus wore sandals but her mum wore Manolo Blahniks accross the desert! Some simple but quirky little themes and humour.
A quick easy listen, done in a style just like her mum Joan Rivers blatant and telling it is type humour saying things others just wouldn't say. I liked the way in which the refrances were made to a younger her in all her memories made into humourous ways of explaining different things such as Jerusalem and how jesus wore sandals but her mum wore Manolo Blahniks accross the desert! Some simple but quirky little themes and humour.
Read
August 1, 2022Joan Rivers was definitely a comedian who many up and coming comedians said was their inspiration. She was someone who did not care what she said, and often her humor was not for everyone. There were many stories about her including the fact Johnny Carson would not talk to her after she got her own talk show. All that aside, she lived a most interesting life until her death in 2016.
Her only daughter Melissa was often seen with her on fashions red carpets, and while her style of humor was slightly different than that of her mother, she was still a noted author, and producer. In LIES MY MOTHER TOLD ME, Melissa relates stories that were reportedly first uttered by her mother and she repeats them here. And there were times when I wondered who said what, and how much of it was true.
Yes there are some funny parts to the book, but there are also some cringe-worthy moments that would make one wonder if Joan River is spinning in her grave from the intensity and tone of the remarks. Humor is subjective in many ways, and what is funny for one might not work for another. Joan River reminded me in ways of Don Rickles who was the insult master, not caring who he made offhand and rather poor taste comments about, races of people and the like.
In Melissa’s book, everything is fair game. She recounts her mother’s remarks about Anne Frank that well were cringe-worthy as well. Siegfried and Roy are mocked as well and their relationship to Joan. Comments from Eva Braun and other Nazi War criminals as if they were talking on Facebook push the limits of comedy, as well as talking about the Pilgrims, the Pope’s hat, and other people who Joan supposedly had intimate moments with.
One of Joan’s favourite topics in her stage and talk show appearance was about Heidi Abramawitz and the famous “Tramp jokes” about her. About the only one that I can safely insert here in the review is “Fast? Her bedspread is a checkered flag.”
At times it is confusing what Joan said actually and what Melissa in embellishing. I will say the book is not for everyone. If you have a low sense of humor you won’t appreciate parts of it. Would Joan approve of the book? Who knows? But it is to the book buying public to decide the tolerance level for some of the more outrageous comments.
Her only daughter Melissa was often seen with her on fashions red carpets, and while her style of humor was slightly different than that of her mother, she was still a noted author, and producer. In LIES MY MOTHER TOLD ME, Melissa relates stories that were reportedly first uttered by her mother and she repeats them here. And there were times when I wondered who said what, and how much of it was true.
Yes there are some funny parts to the book, but there are also some cringe-worthy moments that would make one wonder if Joan River is spinning in her grave from the intensity and tone of the remarks. Humor is subjective in many ways, and what is funny for one might not work for another. Joan River reminded me in ways of Don Rickles who was the insult master, not caring who he made offhand and rather poor taste comments about, races of people and the like.
In Melissa’s book, everything is fair game. She recounts her mother’s remarks about Anne Frank that well were cringe-worthy as well. Siegfried and Roy are mocked as well and their relationship to Joan. Comments from Eva Braun and other Nazi War criminals as if they were talking on Facebook push the limits of comedy, as well as talking about the Pilgrims, the Pope’s hat, and other people who Joan supposedly had intimate moments with.
One of Joan’s favourite topics in her stage and talk show appearance was about Heidi Abramawitz and the famous “Tramp jokes” about her. About the only one that I can safely insert here in the review is “Fast? Her bedspread is a checkered flag.”
At times it is confusing what Joan said actually and what Melissa in embellishing. I will say the book is not for everyone. If you have a low sense of humor you won’t appreciate parts of it. Would Joan approve of the book? Who knows? But it is to the book buying public to decide the tolerance level for some of the more outrageous comments.
April 3, 2025
Melissa's style is witty and conversational. She has a talent for capturing her mother's unique voice and sense of humor, and her abikty to string these hikarious annecdoyes and jokes togetehr in a cohesive manner is fantastic.
One of the standout features of "Lies My Mother Told Me" is Melissa's ability to inject humor into this collection of memories. Her wit and charm shine through in every chapter, providing readers with a point of view from the other sode of the stage; before we've only jad Joan's side of these stories and this turning of the tables lends a new dynamic to Joan's shows.
In addition to exploring her own comedic style in these satirical and probably revisionistic memories, Melissa delves into broader themes such as family dynamics, self-discovery, and resilience. It cant have been easy growing up being Joan's daughter, especially witjbthe added trauna of her father choosing to end his life. I cant imagune how tough that mist jave been. How can you ever feel like laughing again?
It's also worth mentioning that "Lies My Mother Told Me" not only celebrates the legacy of Joan Rivers but also serves as a tribute to their unbreakable bond despite the ups and downs they faced. As Melissa takes us through some of the funniest bits ifbher life while honoring her mother's memory, readers are reminded of the power of love and resilience in overcoming trauma. This memoir serves as an ode to family ties that transcend time and space.
I loved Joan Rivers. Her comedy got me through a lot growing up and then more through early adulthood. I don't laugh out loud at many things, but I knew if I watched a Joan Rivers stand up show or read one of her books I certainly would. She's still a huge miss ten years later.
One of the standout features of "Lies My Mother Told Me" is Melissa's ability to inject humor into this collection of memories. Her wit and charm shine through in every chapter, providing readers with a point of view from the other sode of the stage; before we've only jad Joan's side of these stories and this turning of the tables lends a new dynamic to Joan's shows.
In addition to exploring her own comedic style in these satirical and probably revisionistic memories, Melissa delves into broader themes such as family dynamics, self-discovery, and resilience. It cant have been easy growing up being Joan's daughter, especially witjbthe added trauna of her father choosing to end his life. I cant imagune how tough that mist jave been. How can you ever feel like laughing again?
It's also worth mentioning that "Lies My Mother Told Me" not only celebrates the legacy of Joan Rivers but also serves as a tribute to their unbreakable bond despite the ups and downs they faced. As Melissa takes us through some of the funniest bits ifbher life while honoring her mother's memory, readers are reminded of the power of love and resilience in overcoming trauma. This memoir serves as an ode to family ties that transcend time and space.
I loved Joan Rivers. Her comedy got me through a lot growing up and then more through early adulthood. I don't laugh out loud at many things, but I knew if I watched a Joan Rivers stand up show or read one of her books I certainly would. She's still a huge miss ten years later.
June 17, 2025
Well, maybe 3 stars is a bit generous, but after all, this is JOAN RIVER'S DAUGHTER, and in the acknowledgements, she thanked her "co-author" ala "ghost writer." SO, It's not her fault the jokes fell flat. I give HER an A for effort!
I think I was expecting something else. Humor, of course, as this is a comedian talking about her comedian mother. I just hoped there would be some insights into REAL conversations between mother and daughter, but if there were some, it was minimal.
Here's an example of one of the "funny" times the family "experienced." I paraphrase: Joan and Edgar took their child Melissa to tour Egypt. Suddenly, Joan disappeared when they were standing in front of the Great Sphinx. Soon, Edgar found her on the phone, trying to get through to MGM Vegas. WHY?? She said she HAD to warn MGM that they had better sue Egypt because Egypt has COPIED the MGM Sphinx..."EXACTLY!!" That was supposed to be funny.
I listened on audio, and I do not recommend it. I would be willing to give Melissa another chance (she has previous books out, though this one was my first). I just need to make sure if she uses the same ghost writer every time.
I think I was expecting something else. Humor, of course, as this is a comedian talking about her comedian mother. I just hoped there would be some insights into REAL conversations between mother and daughter, but if there were some, it was minimal.
Here's an example of one of the "funny" times the family "experienced." I paraphrase: Joan and Edgar took their child Melissa to tour Egypt. Suddenly, Joan disappeared when they were standing in front of the Great Sphinx. Soon, Edgar found her on the phone, trying to get through to MGM Vegas. WHY?? She said she HAD to warn MGM that they had better sue Egypt because Egypt has COPIED the MGM Sphinx..."EXACTLY!!" That was supposed to be funny.
I listened on audio, and I do not recommend it. I would be willing to give Melissa another chance (she has previous books out, though this one was my first). I just need to make sure if she uses the same ghost writer every time.
July 30, 2022
*Free EdelWeiss review copy* Love Joan & offensive comedy in general. As an author, also impressed by the catchy prologue prose. My fav alliteration and modern slang and new slogananeering. Perhaps money was just well-spent on a ghost writer, but someone deserves to get sucked off. Ebook presale formatting is off and text randomly changes colors as headers cut through the middle of pages. Of course dialogue is rather reality TV ish to fill us in on context and be OTT, very much like the Joan & Mellissa show. Gossipy, so I mostly recommend to girls and gays. Didn’t expect other family accounts. A bit too much in Jewish culture and history, though it’s broken up by silly mother/daughter fights to retain interest. Recounts of Joan riffing on how things really came to be, like Lou Gerig dying, or the Mona Lisa, and god’s gay, green earth. Reccomend audiobook more if it’s out because reading setups and punchlines just doesn’t have the same jolt on the page.
May 16, 2022
🌟🌟💫
Well this was disappointing. JOAN RIVERS has such biting wit, it is sharper than a drag queen's tongue and that is why so many adore her.
Melissa feels like she is trying too hard. HONEY stop! Find your own path and get out of hiding like your dead mother's shadow.
I kept waiting and waiting for something. Rarely found it. Thank god that I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#liesmymothertoldme #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram
#reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2022 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerd #booknerds
Well this was disappointing. JOAN RIVERS has such biting wit, it is sharper than a drag queen's tongue and that is why so many adore her.
Melissa feels like she is trying too hard. HONEY stop! Find your own path and get out of hiding like your dead mother's shadow.
I kept waiting and waiting for something. Rarely found it. Thank god that I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#liesmymothertoldme #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram
#reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2022 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerd #booknerds
November 2, 2022
This outstanding book was great & unforgettable. Melissa Rivers pays homage to her late mother/comedic legend Joan Rivers. Lies My Mother Told Me: Tall Tales from a Short Woman was funny, clever and heart touching. This book really reminded me of lies my Mother used to tell me, and I can definitely see Joan coming up with these silly lies. Also, the beautiful, dynamic Mother/Daughter relationship Melissa & Joan had.
The book was beautifully written by Melissa River's heart. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. The book was a real page turner and I listened to the audio version too. I swear Melissa RIvers narrates it as if she's talking to the reader and old friends. I really enjoyed both book & audiobook. I would recommend anyone to read it. Especially if you are a fan of Joan Rivers. I still miss her dearly. My ratings of this book is top ten stars & 2 thumbs up.
The book was beautifully written by Melissa River's heart. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. The book was a real page turner and I listened to the audio version too. I swear Melissa RIvers narrates it as if she's talking to the reader and old friends. I really enjoyed both book & audiobook. I would recommend anyone to read it. Especially if you are a fan of Joan Rivers. I still miss her dearly. My ratings of this book is top ten stars & 2 thumbs up.
June 3, 2025
This book is exactly what it claims to be: ridiculous, over-the-top, and totally not serious. Lies My Mother Told Me is a series of fake stories Melissa Rivers made up about Joan Rivers, and some of them are so absurd you can’t help but laugh. It’s not deep or emotional — it’s just silly, playful humor.
You can feel the love behind the jokes, though. It’s like Melissa is keeping Joan’s outrageous energy alive in the most Joan Rivers way possible: by being totally inappropriate, dramatic, and fabulous. Some parts drag or feel a little forced, but if you’re a Joan fan or just want something light and fun, it’s a cute read. Just don’t go in expecting a real memoir. It’s satire — with a whole lot of sequins. 3 stars bc it didn’t give enough real life details. I didn’t take the title seriously and was expecting a memoir.
You can feel the love behind the jokes, though. It’s like Melissa is keeping Joan’s outrageous energy alive in the most Joan Rivers way possible: by being totally inappropriate, dramatic, and fabulous. Some parts drag or feel a little forced, but if you’re a Joan fan or just want something light and fun, it’s a cute read. Just don’t go in expecting a real memoir. It’s satire — with a whole lot of sequins. 3 stars bc it didn’t give enough real life details. I didn’t take the title seriously and was expecting a memoir.
May 3, 2022
I was a fan of Joan Rivers, although I admit I liked her in small doses. I respected that she was a comedienne in a time when it was hard for women to succeed in that industry and I admired that she could/did reinvent her career over the years.
I was disappointed in this book.
First, this is not a book I could listen to for long stretches...Melissa's narration would not allow for that. To me, she sounded absolutely bored reading this.
Second, I came away feeling as though this was Melissa grasping at straws trying to make a whole book.
I was tired of the stories at about 50% in and stopped at that time and have no desire to pick it back up.
I bet you if Joan had written this book, I would have enjoyed it more as it would be her material and delivery.
I was disappointed in this book.
First, this is not a book I could listen to for long stretches...Melissa's narration would not allow for that. To me, she sounded absolutely bored reading this.
Second, I came away feeling as though this was Melissa grasping at straws trying to make a whole book.
I was tired of the stories at about 50% in and stopped at that time and have no desire to pick it back up.
I bet you if Joan had written this book, I would have enjoyed it more as it would be her material and delivery.
November 11, 2022
I really loved this book. Although I certainly had seen Joan Rivers on TV over the years and knew about her red carpet show with her daughter, Melissa, I didn’t know much about their lives. Melissa’s book is hilarious and brings back her mom’s voice so brilliantly. There’s also a layer of deep sadness that is sometimes difficult to pinpoint because Melissa doesn’t write about her father’s death much, but the heartbreak around that is so palpable with Melissa and especially with Joan. I also really love how proud the family was of their Judaism. It hasn’t always been cool to admit that—maybe never?—but it’s there and it’s what makes this book really special to me.
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