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I Do. I Did. Now What?!: Life After the Wedding Dress
Hello. My Name is Jenny. And I'm a Wife
Her Vera Wang gown still warm, Jenny Lee explores the subject no friend would ever talk what happens after the band stops playing and the guests go home. Covering finances, the freakish occurrences of getting beaten at Scrabble, meeting other couples, and establishing principles ("It's not that I can't cook. I don't cook."), it's the hilarious, all-too-true story of what it means to be a wife—with a real-life husband, one television remote, and the sneaking suspicion that he's using your very, very expensive, very, very hard-to-find shampoo.
Her Vera Wang gown still warm, Jenny Lee explores the subject no friend would ever talk what happens after the band stops playing and the guests go home. Covering finances, the freakish occurrences of getting beaten at Scrabble, meeting other couples, and establishing principles ("It's not that I can't cook. I don't cook."), it's the hilarious, all-too-true story of what it means to be a wife—with a real-life husband, one television remote, and the sneaking suspicion that he's using your very, very expensive, very, very hard-to-find shampoo.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 15, 2002
About the author
Jenny Lee
7 books236 followersJenny Lee's first young adult novel, a modern reinvention of Anna Karenina titled Anna K., will be published by Flatiron Books in March 2020.
Jenny previously served as Co-Executive Producer for the BET television adaptation of Boomerang. She was a writer and producer on the ABC Family sitcom Young & Hungry, as well as the Disney Channel's number-one-rated kids' show Shake It Up.
The author of four humor essay books, Jenny is also the author of Elvis and the Underdogs.
Jenny previously served as Co-Executive Producer for the BET television adaptation of Boomerang. She was a writer and producer on the ABC Family sitcom Young & Hungry, as well as the Disney Channel's number-one-rated kids' show Shake It Up.
The author of four humor essay books, Jenny is also the author of Elvis and the Underdogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 24, 2008
Next release by Jenny Lee: I Do, I Did, I am Divorced, Now what? Life after being shallow
This book was sad. I feel sorry for Jenny Lee and all the people who believed in her, that "for so long have pushed her to write her first book". Even for a non self help book and a book just for fun, it is a sad and shallow book on what it means to be a wife.
This book seemed a way for Jenny Lee to continue try to show how cute and funny she can be. The wedding is over and she is not the center of attention anymore. But, she has found a way for to be again. Her book seemed shallow and offered not real advice for a marriage or being a wife. Just accounts of how cute she can "act" in her marriage.
At the end of the book she thanks all the people who been encouraging her to write all these years her and mentioned her father who has passed. She says that she thinks of him everyday. She didn't mention in once in the book, unless she was writing about her mother relationship to him. I just felt that this book could been good if she been more honest about life and stop trying to be cute.
In her book she says that one of her biggest fears is being not funny( or was it boring?). Anyways, it is like she thinks her life is this friends type t.v. show . And every chapter stars Jenny Lee. She even mention wondering how to act many times.
I picked this book randomly off the shelf when walking though the library. I thought I would read it and it be relevant since I am a a newly wed. It was not, helpful or relevant. I've read only one other book about marriage. It was a few years ago and I recommend Madeline L'engle's book" Two Part Invention, The Story of a Marriage". She also wrote Wrinkle in Time.
This book was sad. I feel sorry for Jenny Lee and all the people who believed in her, that "for so long have pushed her to write her first book". Even for a non self help book and a book just for fun, it is a sad and shallow book on what it means to be a wife.
This book seemed a way for Jenny Lee to continue try to show how cute and funny she can be. The wedding is over and she is not the center of attention anymore. But, she has found a way for to be again. Her book seemed shallow and offered not real advice for a marriage or being a wife. Just accounts of how cute she can "act" in her marriage.
At the end of the book she thanks all the people who been encouraging her to write all these years her and mentioned her father who has passed. She says that she thinks of him everyday. She didn't mention in once in the book, unless she was writing about her mother relationship to him. I just felt that this book could been good if she been more honest about life and stop trying to be cute.
In her book she says that one of her biggest fears is being not funny( or was it boring?). Anyways, it is like she thinks her life is this friends type t.v. show . And every chapter stars Jenny Lee. She even mention wondering how to act many times.
I picked this book randomly off the shelf when walking though the library. I thought I would read it and it be relevant since I am a a newly wed. It was not, helpful or relevant. I've read only one other book about marriage. It was a few years ago and I recommend Madeline L'engle's book" Two Part Invention, The Story of a Marriage". She also wrote Wrinkle in Time.
July 23, 2011
Though the stories were entertaining and the writing honest, this author exists at a level of affluence that I simply can not relate to. Ranting to your friends because your husband used your ultra-rare shampoo? Not knowing how to cook anything other than frozen french bread pizza because you've never had to learn? These traits and others like them make Mrs. Lee almost impossible to relate to for readers like me who exist on the lower end of middle class and have never set foot in a boutique with ultra-rare shampoo.
There is hope, however.
Mrs. Lee provides openings for readers outside her tax bracket by turning the personal stories in to lessons on the basics necessary for a good marriage. Have to learn to cook for the first time ever? Make it something you do together so the work isn't as bad and you make a few memories. That rant about ultra-rare shampoo? The author learned to just tell her husband when he was doing something irritating instead of leaving hints. Lesson to take away? Communicate clearly, mind games will ruin a marriage.
All in all an interesting read with an insight in to how the pseudo-wealthy live and some good lessons to take away and use in your own marriage. After all: honesty, communication, and working together are all necessary to a marriage but they are often the last things people actually want to work on.
There is hope, however.
Mrs. Lee provides openings for readers outside her tax bracket by turning the personal stories in to lessons on the basics necessary for a good marriage. Have to learn to cook for the first time ever? Make it something you do together so the work isn't as bad and you make a few memories. That rant about ultra-rare shampoo? The author learned to just tell her husband when he was doing something irritating instead of leaving hints. Lesson to take away? Communicate clearly, mind games will ruin a marriage.
All in all an interesting read with an insight in to how the pseudo-wealthy live and some good lessons to take away and use in your own marriage. After all: honesty, communication, and working together are all necessary to a marriage but they are often the last things people actually want to work on.
April 2, 2014
I read this book the first time back before I got married. It is a funny take on the first year of marriage. It is written in the same vein as "Sex and the City" and many women will relate to it.
December 9, 2011
Light-hearted and personal, Lee's post-marriage chronicle was a fun and breezy read. It didn't teach me anything new; after 7 years together, I've covered lots of these issues with my man already. But it did amuse and comfort me to know that I'm nowhere near the only woman on earth to have slightly different expectations for her mate upon realizing that you will be together FOREVER. Forever is a long time to deal with your husband's aggressive parking habits (luckily I escaped this!), to try to find quality double-date material, and to compromise on issues from finances to entertainment.
And yes, forever is a long time to plan meals together! Lee's section about her attempt to establish a dining dictatorship after cracking under the pressure of feeding herself hit close to home, as did her description of her husband's disinterest in watching love stories. My now-husband once gave me a similar explanation, in a similarly in-eloquent fashion, but with enough underlying sweetness to excuse the fact that our typical movie fare does not run towards Bridget Jones' Diary.
(One note: While Lee had realized the depth of her commitment after getting married, I think it sunk in for me shortly after we got engaged. By putting on that pretty ring, was I agreeing to shackle myself for eternity to a man who wears the same outfit on every vacation, among other eccentricities? I guess for some people "engaged ain't married" but I thought of it that way.)
And yes, forever is a long time to plan meals together! Lee's section about her attempt to establish a dining dictatorship after cracking under the pressure of feeding herself hit close to home, as did her description of her husband's disinterest in watching love stories. My now-husband once gave me a similar explanation, in a similarly in-eloquent fashion, but with enough underlying sweetness to excuse the fact that our typical movie fare does not run towards Bridget Jones' Diary.
(One note: While Lee had realized the depth of her commitment after getting married, I think it sunk in for me shortly after we got engaged. By putting on that pretty ring, was I agreeing to shackle myself for eternity to a man who wears the same outfit on every vacation, among other eccentricities? I guess for some people "engaged ain't married" but I thought of it that way.)
January 21, 2009
HILARIOUS. I know this book was written for "newlyweds", but I think it should be required reading for any woman who is newly engaged, or even just wanting to get married. Every girl is prepared for their wedding day- as Lee puts it, who doesn't want to wear a gorgeous dress, drown in presents, and be the center of attention for an entire day?? But, I'm not sure every girl is equally as prepared for what happens AFTER the honeymoon's over and it's back to reality.
Lee's insight is spot on and hysterically acurate. Like just about everyone else who's reviewed this book, I felt as though she was actually talking about MY marriage... from the horror of finding out your husband is secretly using your VERY expensive shampoo (and then getting in trouble when you let it slip as to how expensive that shampoo actually is) to being shocked and appalled by the mess that comes hand in hand with living with a man (ahem, dirty kitchen utensils left SITTING ON clean kitchen towels? who does that??).
This book wasn't a work of literary genius, nor was it meant to be, but it was so damn funny that I found myself unable to put it down when it was time for lights out. It get's an A+ recommendation from me!
Lee's insight is spot on and hysterically acurate. Like just about everyone else who's reviewed this book, I felt as though she was actually talking about MY marriage... from the horror of finding out your husband is secretly using your VERY expensive shampoo (and then getting in trouble when you let it slip as to how expensive that shampoo actually is) to being shocked and appalled by the mess that comes hand in hand with living with a man (ahem, dirty kitchen utensils left SITTING ON clean kitchen towels? who does that??).
This book wasn't a work of literary genius, nor was it meant to be, but it was so damn funny that I found myself unable to put it down when it was time for lights out. It get's an A+ recommendation from me!
November 5, 2007
This book is a great read about "life after the wedding dress". The author uses hilarious accounts of her own newlywed experiences to give new wives insight as to what to expect once the cake has been eaten, guests have all gone home, and the dress is hung up in the closet. This book deals with issues such as moving in together, dealing with messy husbands, the newlywed 19, and becoming a domestic goddess- to name a few. I loved this book and found myself saying "Oh my God! I totally think that too!" or "I can't believe someone else feels that way also! I'm not the only crazy person in the world!"
This book is a must read for any newly married woman.
This book is a must read for any newly married woman.
March 6, 2008
I picked this book up shortly before my wedding. I found myself reading it out loud to my new husband during our two day "honeymoon"- or what most people call a u-haul trip across the country.
We mostly laughed, though a few spots hit nerves. But mostly it was nice to know that others had been through those very same moments where newlyweds aren't too sure of themselves- and they still came out ok, too.
We mostly laughed, though a few spots hit nerves. But mostly it was nice to know that others had been through those very same moments where newlyweds aren't too sure of themselves- and they still came out ok, too.
October 12, 2009
A friend gave me this book as an engagement present and I opened one night when it was sitting next to my bed and I had no other book in reach. I didn't think it would be anything worth writing about but it was surprisingly good! Very clever writing, hilarious stories...I feel like Jenny and I could hang out and have a great time. I hope she writes more because she is entertaining and hilarious.
March 27, 2011
This is a funny light-hearted humorous book tackling the subject of life after your wedding. The author has fun talking about her experience and making you laugh at her stories (while probably also related to them with similar versions of your own). My only criticism is the layout of the stories. She groups them by topic instead of chronologically, but given that they all take place over just a few years, it sometimes threw me to have the stories out of order. Also a very quick read.
July 27, 2013
Some v amusing anecdotes in this book. Sometimes (even in her own book!) she comes across as demanding and whiny, though. Some of the stories aren't relatable: going to clambakes, lots of fancy parties, being shocked someone hasn't read Catcher in the Rye, having shampoo so expensive your husband can't use it, and going skiing in Vermont as a way to make up after a fight. But overall it's cute and good for a few chirping chuckles.
July 4, 2009
This little book is such a hilarious tale of newly wed life, that I had to buy copies and give them to all my friends.
Mind you - I've never been married, so I have no idea what I'm talking about, but if half of the things the author mentions happened to me I'm wilt!
Fun, easy writing style, well drawn pictures, and good humor.
Definitely a keeper.
Mind you - I've never been married, so I have no idea what I'm talking about, but if half of the things the author mentions happened to me I'm wilt!
Fun, easy writing style, well drawn pictures, and good humor.
Definitely a keeper.
November 9, 2009
I almost didn't read this book at all because the cover looks ridiculous (I know, don't judge a book by its cover...but seriously, it's ridiculous). One of my friends recommended it, though, so I gave it a shot. And it's funny! I actually laughed out loud quite a bit. I hope Lee has written other books because I like her style.
May 10, 2007
This book made me laugh out loud, smile non stop and at the same time did offer me some insight into dealing with marriage as a fun journey with the one you love. I told my fiance to read it, otherwise I would be the resident expert on marriage ;)
October 30, 2007
The jacket copy led me to believe that this would be a more general "surviving the first year of marriage" book, but it's actually a memoir of Lee's first year as a wife. She's obviously watched far too much "Sex & the City," but this was still moderately amusing.
November 5, 2007
I read this on my honeymoon and laughed my arse off. I wish I could write like this. It is definately a must read for any new bride. It started me on my way to domestic diva-hood, to which unfortunately I have severly back tracked.
February 26, 2010
Absolutely HIlarious!! love all of Jenny Lee's books, she is a very relatable girl. This book made me laugh out loud, to the point that people were looking at me like i was crazy; too bad i didn't care.
June 4, 2016
Pretty good "memoir" of the first year or two of marriage. It wasn't that original or really awesome, but it was a fun read overall. I might not have finished it had I not been pushing myself to finish enough books for my reading challenge at the end of the year in 3 days.
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November 6, 2007I love this book and have enjoyed sharing it with new brides. It's a great honeymoon read!
February 23, 2008
fun and easy read... it really echoes those those "little things" that irk the married life of newly weds! I saw my self a few times and my husband several!
June 7, 2008
A hilarious look at life after marriage.
November 16, 2008
I laughed out loud so many times while reading this book! What a fun author. I need to go look and see what else she has written.
March 27, 2009
Funny and true.
June 17, 2009
cute!
June 3, 2010
Funny! a good bridal shower gift.
March 29, 2011
I read this right after I got married and laughed the entire time. A great, laid back read about relationships. A good beach read.
July 24, 2011
Has to be one of the funniest books I have ever read!
June 1, 2013
This book was pretty funny.
March 14, 2017
A book that made me laugh, as simple as that.
October 20, 2015
Fun and relevant!
December 15, 2017
Who is Lee? And why has she written a book on surviving marriage? While she intends to be whimsical and funny–the publisher, in fact, is marketing this to the Bridget Jones demographic–she comes off as snotty, shallow, and cold. She compares housewifery to slavery and insists that her flower- and jewelry-savvy husband is not gay, for example. Beautiful and married to a doctor, Lee dully drones on in a whiny list of likes (shoe shopping) and dislikes (picking up after her husband). Other concerns include expensive French sheets and rare, exorbitantly priced shampoos. Perhaps it’s unnecessary for her to mention that she felt “wholly unprepared for how big an impact marriage would have” on her life. Accordingly, her “advice” is useless (e.g., “honeymoon calories don’t count!”). Not recommended, even as light entertainment; for a more substantial view of matrimony, consider Iris Krasnow’s Surrendering to Marriage or Anne Roiphe’s Married: A Fine Predicament.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews