What do you think?
The Onion Presents A Book of Jean's Own!
A few words from the author and eponymous columnist behind The Onion's column, "A Room of Jean's Own," Jean
Hi Jeanketeers and Jeanketeers-to-be!! As The Onion's very own Humor and Human-Interest columnist, I've been entertaining readers for 15 years with kooky tales of life with my hubby and our two feline children. Now for the first time, li'l ol' me shines front-and-center in a book of my very own! A Book of Jean's Own! features all-original, never-before-published material, and if that wasn't impressive enough, marks the very first Onion book by a solo writer! Historical, huh? My book is sure to find an eager audience among The Onion's ten-million-strong readership. Wait, ten million people? I had no idea! Frankly, that scares me a little. We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto! (Oh shoot, I should have put that hilarious phrase in my book!)
A Book of Jean's Own! also marks a departure from past Onion books in that it isn't crammed with headlines and articles in teeny-weeny print! Instead, I write about the stuff that really shopping, chocolate, part-time jobs, and hot Hollywood hunks! Whether you read my book on the bus, the beach, or the toilet, you're guaranteed to find something to chuckle at and deeply relate to!
Among the many nuggets of
* I tell you the Twenty Things That Are Better Than Sex!
* For the first time ever, you learn my maiden name!
* I spill the secrets of my scrumptious chocolate-loaded desserts, such as Ooey Gooey Choco-Cocoa-Mocha Cupcakes With Raspberry Filling And Coconut-Cream Cheese-Cola Frosting!
* Acquire valuable, real-world tips on coping with a job you dislike, getting through those rough teenage years, and styling a Jean hairdo of your very own!
* Get a giggle out of my doodles and overdose on the words of wisdom that are my Jean Proverbs!
* You've heard of pity parties―get my tips for throwing your very own self -pity party!
* Check out my own cure for the blues, the Plush Jamboree!
* Witness my nervous breakdown while writing this book (well, writing is hard, after all!)
* Also for the first time ever, Hubby Rick speaks! ( It's not entirely in grunts!)
* Lots of exclamation points! (And phrases in parentheses!)
I'm sure every single one of those ten million readers will buy my book! And who knows? They just may find something in it that will help them lead happier and better lives!
Hi Jeanketeers and Jeanketeers-to-be!! As The Onion's very own Humor and Human-Interest columnist, I've been entertaining readers for 15 years with kooky tales of life with my hubby and our two feline children. Now for the first time, li'l ol' me shines front-and-center in a book of my very own! A Book of Jean's Own! features all-original, never-before-published material, and if that wasn't impressive enough, marks the very first Onion book by a solo writer! Historical, huh? My book is sure to find an eager audience among The Onion's ten-million-strong readership. Wait, ten million people? I had no idea! Frankly, that scares me a little. We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto! (Oh shoot, I should have put that hilarious phrase in my book!)
A Book of Jean's Own! also marks a departure from past Onion books in that it isn't crammed with headlines and articles in teeny-weeny print! Instead, I write about the stuff that really shopping, chocolate, part-time jobs, and hot Hollywood hunks! Whether you read my book on the bus, the beach, or the toilet, you're guaranteed to find something to chuckle at and deeply relate to!
Among the many nuggets of
* I tell you the Twenty Things That Are Better Than Sex!
* For the first time ever, you learn my maiden name!
* I spill the secrets of my scrumptious chocolate-loaded desserts, such as Ooey Gooey Choco-Cocoa-Mocha Cupcakes With Raspberry Filling And Coconut-Cream Cheese-Cola Frosting!
* Acquire valuable, real-world tips on coping with a job you dislike, getting through those rough teenage years, and styling a Jean hairdo of your very own!
* Get a giggle out of my doodles and overdose on the words of wisdom that are my Jean Proverbs!
* You've heard of pity parties―get my tips for throwing your very own self -pity party!
* Check out my own cure for the blues, the Plush Jamboree!
* Witness my nervous breakdown while writing this book (well, writing is hard, after all!)
* Also for the first time ever, Hubby Rick speaks! ( It's not entirely in grunts!)
* Lots of exclamation points! (And phrases in parentheses!)
I'm sure every single one of those ten million readers will buy my book! And who knows? They just may find something in it that will help them lead happier and better lives!
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2010
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 26, 2011
I have a deep, complicated relationship with Jean Teasdale.
Jean is cheerful, a lover of cats, stuffed animals, fake flowers, babies, romance and jokes. She writes about these things. The space between her lines are screaming. Because dear dear Jean is also morbidly obese, barren, perpetually unemployed, married to a subliterate sloth, and friendless except for one flaming gay Fugencio, who employs her to sell back issues of Good Housekeeping at the flea market. Also, her cats hate her.
I frickin' love Jean. Like, I...love her. Want to hug her. Want to support her decision to wear Deely Boppers and rainbow suspenders. You know why? Because I'M Jean. You, American Woman, you're Jean too.
You can't just make fun of Jean, and feel superior to her. That's not fair, and who do you think you are, anyway? Half the women I know write Facebook status updates that could have come directly from A Room of Jean's Own. "If procrastination is such a negative trait, then why does the word begin with 'pro'?"
You must, if you read her, find the place in your heart to love her, like Hubby Rick does, shockingly, in the book's final chapters. Because she needs someone on her side, and she'd do it for you.
Jean is cheerful, a lover of cats, stuffed animals, fake flowers, babies, romance and jokes. She writes about these things. The space between her lines are screaming. Because dear dear Jean is also morbidly obese, barren, perpetually unemployed, married to a subliterate sloth, and friendless except for one flaming gay Fugencio, who employs her to sell back issues of Good Housekeeping at the flea market. Also, her cats hate her.
I frickin' love Jean. Like, I...love her. Want to hug her. Want to support her decision to wear Deely Boppers and rainbow suspenders. You know why? Because I'M Jean. You, American Woman, you're Jean too.
You can't just make fun of Jean, and feel superior to her. That's not fair, and who do you think you are, anyway? Half the women I know write Facebook status updates that could have come directly from A Room of Jean's Own. "If procrastination is such a negative trait, then why does the word begin with 'pro'?"
You must, if you read her, find the place in your heart to love her, like Hubby Rick does, shockingly, in the book's final chapters. Because she needs someone on her side, and she'd do it for you.
December 23, 2010
Sometimes I feel Jean Teasdale is an offensive, broad-stroke portrayal of middle-aged middle America by some younger New Yorkers. Then sometimes I think about how Sarah Palin might be the next president because of people just like Jean, and I'm ok with the jokes.
May 4, 2011
This book is not for everyone. At first glance, it is a book that looks as though it is for the people who are stuck in a airport with nothing to read. But as soon as you open the cover, you are transported into jean Teasdale's world. A world filled with stuffed animals, cats and tons of chocolate. Jean is not your average column writer. She is actually a pen name that is used in the onion. She is a over weight, sweet, cat loving, non-worker and over all kind person. You could say that I missed the point of this book, you are probably correct. It was meant as a humor book for those who look down on and laugh at others. I saw it as a educational awakening at the (probably not true) world of those who were never popular, rich or never grew up. All in all, I loved this, I loved Jean. I wanted to give her a hug and talk about her life. My 12 year old (I am really 12) heart was heavy at many points during reading this. I would definitely recommend this to YOU! Please read and review this.
December 15, 2010
What can I say except that I love Jean. Hubby Rick really shines, especially with his very own final chapter. My favorite line in the book is: "It's annoying, but at the same time I totes relate." Have fun trying to find it! Jean, I'm the one who can "totes relate"! This Jeankateer is satisfied! Five fuzzy stars!
October 31, 2010
I've been a Jean Teasdale fan for over a decade!
May 29, 2011
Picked it up on impulse at the library. The satire wears thin over the course of the book, just sad in the end.
October 1, 2019
A difficult endeavour to undertake: extending a short column/newsletter style format to a full book, but if anyone could do, it would have to be Jean. Some wonderful comedic shifts in tone and fun little touches (the index at the back is a thing to behold for its own reasons). This book won't convert Jean haters but for those who like her thing, it's a great journey (with perhaps a stumble here and there).
October 27, 2010
I always look forward to the Jean Teasdale articles in The Onion - as they are ridiculous.
The book is like one long article, though it becomes quickly apparent that "Jean" is best in smaller doses.
I understand that she is a fictional character, but it is still difficult to handle that much kitsch.
Additionally, I can't help but notice the similarities between the fictional character of Jean Teasdale and the "Frumpy Middle-Aged Mom" blog online.
The book is like one long article, though it becomes quickly apparent that "Jean" is best in smaller doses.
I understand that she is a fictional character, but it is still difficult to handle that much kitsch.
Additionally, I can't help but notice the similarities between the fictional character of Jean Teasdale and the "Frumpy Middle-Aged Mom" blog online.
April 4, 2011
turns out, a little of jean goes a long way.
February 2, 2020
Enjoyable read and a good conceit for the overall plot, but not quite tight enough for a truly successful comedy book. Having said that I would recommend it, especially to fans of The Onion, and anybody who is from or who lived in the Midwest will recognise poor Jean immediately.
(and nb. Maria Schneider, the writer, gave me so much joy over years of reading through The Onion online, that I will happily say that any limitations this book has are purely down to the nature of the character portrayed and the format, not to the talent of the author, which is huge)
(and nb. Maria Schneider, the writer, gave me so much joy over years of reading through The Onion online, that I will happily say that any limitations this book has are purely down to the nature of the character portrayed and the format, not to the talent of the author, which is huge)
January 4, 2019
Hilarious.
December 1, 2019
Jean at her Jeannest. Needed more Fulgencio, though.
March 18, 2022
Since this book is ridiculous but not funny, this book is pointless. It contains some politically incorrect content, too. It has a very upbeat, cheery tone though.
August 28, 2012
Oh, Jeanketeers! If you've been waiting for a book about your favorite columnist for The Onion, your wait is over. Our beloved underachiever has now written a book of her very own!
More in the style of Erma Bombeck than an actual biography, "A Book of Jean's Own!" is set up in various sections that include such things as musings on the people in her life, plans for her ideal wedding, a diary written from her cat's perspective, and recipes. What I love about this book is that the author(s) really breathe(s) life into the character. Everything that happens to Jean seems to be a story taken from the life of someone I know--and sometimes makes me think of my own experiences!
Particularly hilarious are the caveman-like thoughts and scrawls from Hubby Rick. For one delightful chapter, he actually takes up writing duties while Jean suffers a breakdown of sorts. I also enjoyed the hilarious recipes sprinkled throughout the book, all of them based on chocolate, and apparently capable of being created in the kitchen. I plan to whip up a batch of those ooey-gooey mocha brownies with coconut cola cream cheese frosting at my earliest convenience.
While the book does seem to stay on the one note of Jean being the ultimate loser, there are some rather touching moments here and there. Jean, of course, always means well even though nearly everything she attempts does not turn out in the way she had planned. Hubby Rick, whom we only ever read about in the columns, shows a softer side of himself but stays firmly ensconced in his caveman-like persona.
If you're a fan of The Onion, and Jean Teasdale in particular, do check out "A Book of Jean's Own!" If not, and you find yourself in need of some good, light, comedic reading, then definitely pick it up. In fact, whip up one of Jean's crazy recipes and enjoy while reading!
More in the style of Erma Bombeck than an actual biography, "A Book of Jean's Own!" is set up in various sections that include such things as musings on the people in her life, plans for her ideal wedding, a diary written from her cat's perspective, and recipes. What I love about this book is that the author(s) really breathe(s) life into the character. Everything that happens to Jean seems to be a story taken from the life of someone I know--and sometimes makes me think of my own experiences!
Particularly hilarious are the caveman-like thoughts and scrawls from Hubby Rick. For one delightful chapter, he actually takes up writing duties while Jean suffers a breakdown of sorts. I also enjoyed the hilarious recipes sprinkled throughout the book, all of them based on chocolate, and apparently capable of being created in the kitchen. I plan to whip up a batch of those ooey-gooey mocha brownies with coconut cola cream cheese frosting at my earliest convenience.
While the book does seem to stay on the one note of Jean being the ultimate loser, there are some rather touching moments here and there. Jean, of course, always means well even though nearly everything she attempts does not turn out in the way she had planned. Hubby Rick, whom we only ever read about in the columns, shows a softer side of himself but stays firmly ensconced in his caveman-like persona.
If you're a fan of The Onion, and Jean Teasdale in particular, do check out "A Book of Jean's Own!" If not, and you find yourself in need of some good, light, comedic reading, then definitely pick it up. In fact, whip up one of Jean's crazy recipes and enjoy while reading!
March 14, 2011
As a humour book this doesn't really work. For those not aware of Jean Teasdale, she is a fictional 'columnist' on the Onion whose gag is that she is an overweight loser who takes cutesy-poo to new heights and doesn't realise just how repulsive she is. Which is fine for 1,000 words, but spread out over a whole book the joke wears pretty thin.
The problem is that the ostensible author 'Jean' is not herself funny, and the humour is entirely of the point-and-snigger variety. There is no satire at all. And this falls flat. And one particular reason for this is that the book is not organised. Now, obviously it shouldn't be overtly organised (as the authoress isn't) but one would expect to see some underlying flow or thrust, with the purpose of making some comic point. But there isn't. And it could do with one. And in some cases, it almost seems the real authors think there is one. For example, 'Jean' suffers a breakdown near the end, and the book is finished off by her husband. Now, one would expect to see the evidence of the breakdown creeping into the text, but no. Basically, she announces that she's having a breakdown and then does. And then, when the husband appears, he turns out to be just as she described him (i.e. a surly, drunken redneck lout). But as the point is meant to be that she's delusional, wouldn't it be far more funny to learn that he's not like that at all?
Anyway, the humour is spread thin and leaves a bad taste in the mouth. And, as a capsule summary: this isn't one I'll be reading again. And I'll think twice before investing in future spin-off books from The Onion.
The problem is that the ostensible author 'Jean' is not herself funny, and the humour is entirely of the point-and-snigger variety. There is no satire at all. And this falls flat. And one particular reason for this is that the book is not organised. Now, obviously it shouldn't be overtly organised (as the authoress isn't) but one would expect to see some underlying flow or thrust, with the purpose of making some comic point. But there isn't. And it could do with one. And in some cases, it almost seems the real authors think there is one. For example, 'Jean' suffers a breakdown near the end, and the book is finished off by her husband. Now, one would expect to see the evidence of the breakdown creeping into the text, but no. Basically, she announces that she's having a breakdown and then does. And then, when the husband appears, he turns out to be just as she described him (i.e. a surly, drunken redneck lout). But as the point is meant to be that she's delusional, wouldn't it be far more funny to learn that he's not like that at all?
Anyway, the humour is spread thin and leaves a bad taste in the mouth. And, as a capsule summary: this isn't one I'll be reading again. And I'll think twice before investing in future spin-off books from The Onion.
October 14, 2010
It's here! It's here! It's finally here! Hooray!
This book is pure, unadulterated Jean Teasdale, in all her oblivious glory. If you like to read her column in the Onion and laugh at how pathetic she is, you will love this book. Let’s face it everyone knows someone just like her so everyone can relate. Although, I have to say if you aren’t a fan of Jean Teasdale you aren’t going to get this book, you won’t recognize it for what it is and appreciate the humor.
Also we finally hear from her husband Rick Teasdale. It’s about time too, after reading his entries, there is more depth to her story. I hope she comes out with another book, I laughed so hard reading this one my cheeks hurt.
This book is pure, unadulterated Jean Teasdale, in all her oblivious glory. If you like to read her column in the Onion and laugh at how pathetic she is, you will love this book. Let’s face it everyone knows someone just like her so everyone can relate. Although, I have to say if you aren’t a fan of Jean Teasdale you aren’t going to get this book, you won’t recognize it for what it is and appreciate the humor.
Also we finally hear from her husband Rick Teasdale. It’s about time too, after reading his entries, there is more depth to her story. I hope she comes out with another book, I laughed so hard reading this one my cheeks hurt.
September 21, 2010
Maybe they did too good a job at capturing the voice of an ignorant white trash yokel, because I found this book to be more annoying an exasperating than funny. The only bit I really liked was when Hubby Rick stepped in to explain why he stays with a person as irritating and awful as Jean. That was actually kind of sweet. Otherwise this one is a bit of a waste of time.
September 23, 2014
I liked this well enough to polish it off in one sitting. I would suggest flipping past the recipes (the joke appears to be the insane amount of butter that goes in), and don't listen to Jean's advice that you can skip around the book; there is a narrative thread running through the fake cat journals and long-suffering hubby Rick's lists that does come to a head at the end.
November 28, 2010
Meh. I think Jean Teasdale is best appreciated in smaller doses. The book struck me as sad, not funny. My favorite part was actually when Hubby Rick talked to the tape recorder at the end. Nice to hear his side of the story.
August 16, 2012
This book did make me laugh out loud a few times and I did enjoy it, but it's more of a bathroom book than a book for "reading". Jean is funny but her Hubby Rick is funnier. This books is best in small doses.
February 5, 2011
This is so clever and funny. I did not follow "jean" before on the onion so this is a new character. Guaranteed to make you laugh. Love her husband
February 23, 2011
I love these "columns" on the Onion website but reading them at once in a book becomes very samey and kind of depressing. Maybe if I read one a week it wouldn't be so bad.
January 2, 2012
Jean is happened to be unlucky from every aspect of life, but she's working hard on making fun out of it. It's not the kind of humor I can relate or enjoy.
October 12, 2010
But very sad if read all at once. Can a fake person bum you out? Yes.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews