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Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things,
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Natalie Perez Portal
I'm sorry to see that some people are being condescending and almost scolding you because you don't like this book. We all have a right to our opinions. I do suffer from anxiety and depression (so from the sound of it, I'm allowed to give an opinion). As much as I rooted for this book, it doesn't get better. Unless you are the author, herself, there is no reason anyone else should be offended by that.
Her over the top randomness and quirkiness just don't seem natural. I'm not saying they're not. But she seems SO proud of it and flaunts it for comedic effect. I feel like its a classic kind of "I'm so weird, right?"
Her over the top randomness and quirkiness just don't seem natural. I'm not saying they're not. But she seems SO proud of it and flaunts it for comedic effect. I feel like its a classic kind of "I'm so weird, right?"
Tracey
I'm guessing you don't suffer from mental illness nor do you have the coping mechanisms required in order to deal with it successfully. It takes a special person to understand what Jenny is talking about in this book. If you don't care for the book, just say that, rather than calling it 75% stupid. It's frustrating to those of us who do "get" Jenny. thanks. :)
Sarah
I read a free ebook sample of this. Just the first few chapters. Needless to say, I'm glad it ended when it did. I really didn't find it funny at all. It's very exaggerated, random, and her "quirky-ness" just plain got on my nerves.
*Dawn
I read the whole book and I think Jenny is brilliant. Her humor is definitely outside the box. That's what impresses me so much. It's like how my 8yo's brain works--the quick wit and childlike imagination of her humor. Most people lose that ability before they become teenagers. It could become wearisome when her humor/behavior seems almost manic, but for those who are experienced with that, you learn to deal with it, just as the person with the condition has to deal with it.
This book is meant to educate those of us who don't have to deal with a mental illness, and it is also reaching those who do...and is saving lives. She mentions in the book 24 people for sure and also speaks of others who whisper in her ear that it also saved their lives. Whether it "entertains" you or not because you do or don't get her humor, it is an important book. I found it very entertaining and burst out laughing all throughout. She's a kick. And I enjoyed her husband, Victor, as the foil.
This book is meant to educate those of us who don't have to deal with a mental illness, and it is also reaching those who do...and is saving lives. She mentions in the book 24 people for sure and also speaks of others who whisper in her ear that it also saved their lives. Whether it "entertains" you or not because you do or don't get her humor, it is an important book. I found it very entertaining and burst out laughing all throughout. She's a kick. And I enjoyed her husband, Victor, as the foil.
Trutze
The first book is really more the funny book for "everyone" while this is more of a "you are not alone, see how i am struggling" sort of book.
For those who know what she is expieriencing the book is priceless. For those who have friends and family with mental issues it might give some insight.
But in the first chapter of each of her books, Jenny says herself, her books are not for everbody.
For those who know what she is expieriencing the book is priceless. For those who have friends and family with mental issues it might give some insight.
But in the first chapter of each of her books, Jenny says herself, her books are not for everbody.
Monika Phelps
As somebody who has suffered deeply from mental illness, I can agree with Dawn above, and I think it's unfair to discredit her opinion based on some judgement that she doesn't understand mental illness. This isn't a book written entirely about mental illness, actually more of the book is about taxidermied animals than her illnesses, so the comment below is just completely ridiculous.
The pieces I like about this book are the way she illustrates the common misunderstandings about mental illness, but her manic'y chatter and exaggerated "look at me, i'm so weird and quirky" attitude feels like unnecessary filler to me. I feel like this book suffered from a big editing fail as (in my opinion) a solid 60 pages could have been cut with better reception. I do very much enjoy her comparisons of mental illness to cancer, which are comparisons i've made numerous times, but there is too much zaney without relief for me to give it a very high review.
The pieces I like about this book are the way she illustrates the common misunderstandings about mental illness, but her manic'y chatter and exaggerated "look at me, i'm so weird and quirky" attitude feels like unnecessary filler to me. I feel like this book suffered from a big editing fail as (in my opinion) a solid 60 pages could have been cut with better reception. I do very much enjoy her comparisons of mental illness to cancer, which are comparisons i've made numerous times, but there is too much zaney without relief for me to give it a very high review.
Danielle
Yup. I'm about 2/3 done with this book, and I'm just trying to finish it for the sake of finishing. I've never rated a book one star before, but I think it's going to happen this time. I haven't been diagnosed with any mental illnesses (because I'm in denial of needing to see a therapist), but it's safe to assume I at least have anxiety. That being said, I appreciated the very brief moments she's talked about mental illness, before they get turned into an all-caps story about getting a microdermabrasion and yelling at the nurse about diamonds and dead face cells. It's great for her that she is able to cope through her comedy, but I don't find it very comedic.
Ella Houweling
Not all books are for everybody. I personally love her sense of humor, but others may not. Maybe it's just time for you to find a new book to read....
Jessica H
Hi Dawn, I do suffer from depression and anxiety and as Jenny states in this book everyone's experience is different. I do not think that it's fair that the other people that have replied to your question suggest that you must not suffer because you do not get the book. Maybe there are a variety of things going on. Perhaps this just isn't the book for you, maybe this isn't a well written book, perhaps you did not feel the sense of belonging that other commenters have experienced.
I can tell you this as a sufferer that is a fan of The Bloggess' blog (so I'm no stranger to her writing and sense of humor) I still found this book to drone on and I'm more than 3/4 completed and I'm still considering abandoning it for something else. I'll most likely stick it out at this point but I do not think that this is a flawless book that speaks to all of us that suffer but the beauty is that Jenny herself says that she doesn't try. It's rude for other people to suggest otherwise.
I can tell you this as a sufferer that is a fan of The Bloggess' blog (so I'm no stranger to her writing and sense of humor) I still found this book to drone on and I'm more than 3/4 completed and I'm still considering abandoning it for something else. I'll most likely stick it out at this point but I do not think that this is a flawless book that speaks to all of us that suffer but the beauty is that Jenny herself says that she doesn't try. It's rude for other people to suggest otherwise.
Trevor Dravenraven
Dawn I seriously hope you never suffer from it. Its a totally aweful illness .
I wouldnt wish it on anyone. One thing I'm certain about is anyone that hasnt or isnt sufering cannot comprehend it. I dont hold it against them , why should they know. I didnt know until It hit me. It's not a logical illness , its a world upside down. Maybe the book is funny and yes stupid but thats our world funny,stupid and terrifying . The book is using those things to make sense of it all . Remember the old saying " if I didnt laugh I would cry" thats it in a nutshell. If we didnt confront and mock this illness we would sink and drown in it . You dont have to get the authour . If all you get is 25% funny thats good. Remember the funny because it will help you to understand the stupid in time. And so you are right really. It is a funny at times but totally totally stupid illness Thats why its hard for non-sufferes to understand it.
I wouldnt wish it on anyone. One thing I'm certain about is anyone that hasnt or isnt sufering cannot comprehend it. I dont hold it against them , why should they know. I didnt know until It hit me. It's not a logical illness , its a world upside down. Maybe the book is funny and yes stupid but thats our world funny,stupid and terrifying . The book is using those things to make sense of it all . Remember the old saying " if I didnt laugh I would cry" thats it in a nutshell. If we didnt confront and mock this illness we would sink and drown in it . You dont have to get the authour . If all you get is 25% funny thats good. Remember the funny because it will help you to understand the stupid in time. And so you are right really. It is a funny at times but totally totally stupid illness Thats why its hard for non-sufferes to understand it.
Pamela Honegger
Jenny has a very unique sense of humor. Not everyone will like it. But as a person who "gets" Jenny, I found the book hilarious and endearing. It is definitely not stupid, but quite the opposite.
Also, if you want to get an idea of what the books are like, read her blog (The Bloggess).
Also, if you want to get an idea of what the books are like, read her blog (The Bloggess).
Mary
I think it's safe to say that you just don't "get" the author. I love her writing, both books and blog. But, you have to like that type of humor (I do), otherwise you're not going to "get" her. I laughed out loud more than I have with any book. I listened to the audio book because I like it when authors read their own books. I thought Jenny did a brilliant job. I only hope that she is starting work on book 3 now!
Fraze
It doesn't get better. On a similar theme there's The Pleasure of My Company or Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
Go read some Wodehouse and forget Furiously Happy ever happened.
Go read some Wodehouse and forget Furiously Happy ever happened.
Jane Trucksis
I don't get it, either. I read her first book, Let's Pretend This Never Happened, and recorded it for airing on the radio-for-the-blind station for which I'm a volunteer reader. The staff LOVED my reading of it, so now I'm recording this one, too. I'm glad my listeners think it's funny; I sure don't.
Julie
I would say things change after the first 50 pages, but for me it didn't get funnier. If anything, dramatically less so. My advice would be to skip ahead to a later "chapter" (it's not like they're terribly sequential) and see if you like that bit.
Christine Antosca
I think that if you are one who suffers from these mental illnesses then you'll get this book and why Jenny is the way that she is. I know I understood her moments of panic and thoughts in her mind. It's something that if you have anxiety and depression, you'll understand. More people need to be made aware of what happens to those who suffer. While reading this book, I felt alright knowing I have bad anxiety and depression and that there's nothing to be ashamed about.
David Kessler
I've "read" this book twice on audiobook while commuting - I mean, back-to-back - and for me it was like "I know, right!?" the whole way through both times. For any book, if it doesn't grab you after a few chapters, there's no need to feel bad about not finishing it. Find something you really dig!
Brittney Carlson
Maybe you have to be in the right frame of mind? I laughed out loud so many times and oh how I wish I had her ability to find the funny in nearly every situation. I don't struggle with mental illness, or know anyone who does, so I don't think you have to check that box to enjoy this book. I have found that certain books come into my life at the right time, and others I have to grow into to fully appreciate and understand (The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry talks about this phenomenon beautifully). So maybe give it another try in a year or two, or ten? Also, I did listen to the audio book so that probably makes a HUGE difference. I don't know that I would have understood the humor otherwise.
Dominique
I'm listening to the book, and although I don't have any mental illness issues, I find her very funny, witty, and entertaining.
But, if I were reading the book, I might find it awfully boring...it's like reading jokes or a script, you need to infuse character (I'm not saying her life is a joke, but I'm saying she makes lots of jokes and it's funny and interesting at the same time).
But, if I were reading the book, I might find it awfully boring...it's like reading jokes or a script, you need to infuse character (I'm not saying her life is a joke, but I'm saying she makes lots of jokes and it's funny and interesting at the same time).
bladenomics
No. It won't get better.
Kelly
I felt the exact same way at page 25. I think the author would crack me up in person as a friend, but it doesn't ring funny to me in written form.
Kim Ess
I got a little further but her writing style is not for me either. I did laugh at some stuff but it just got to be too much for me. I think I would love to hang out with her though. She seems like she'd be a blast.
Tdrum
I've been considering this book and love the variety of comments, likes and dislikes. Thanks for sharing, everyone!
Laureen Peltier
I hope this will get funny, as well. I find her writing very readable, but her stories are obviously exaggerated. While it's wonderful to see humor in the face of something like anxiety, I think this author goes over board to find the humor. But then, I'm not a strong humor fan. I have experience serious mental illness as well, but I worked on it in therapy and got better. I wonder if this author is really working at it, or using it as a vehicle to blog.
Lisa
This question doesn't need anymore answers, but here's one anyway:
My advice is to skip to the chapter called "Nice Bass". If you don't find that one funny then put it down. If you do, then keep reading, but feel free to skip chapters.
I also recommend the audio version. It's way better in her voice than the one in my head.
My advice is to skip to the chapter called "Nice Bass". If you don't find that one funny then put it down. If you do, then keep reading, but feel free to skip chapters.
I also recommend the audio version. It's way better in her voice than the one in my head.
Bradley Farless
It stays about 75% stupid. You don't have to have a mental illness to recognize that.
Indre Pliuskyte-Zalieckiene
I am through 60 percent of this book and I had never ever read a book and laughed and giggled so many times. I did not feel the same during the first 15% and have even stopped reading for about a half a year. But now that I resumed, I can’t be more entertained. More than this - laughter is quickly replaced by sadness, then by laughter again and it goes on and on. And even more than this - this book is making me to dare talk about things I had no guts to talk about previously. I mean, the author exposes herself to that degree that you think a person should die out of shame. But she stays alive. And that unexpectedly gives me guts to talk about uncomfortable things of many kinds.
Melissa
To answer the OP, yes, it gets better the more you read. By page 27, this would have been a 2 star book. By the end, it was a 4 star for me.
H Lee
Will not get any better. There is nothing to "get Jenny". It is just a bad, bad writing about nothing.
Sandra
I didn't read all the answers, but I didn't see my perspective; I found it crude and silly and "oh, I'm SO crazy" obsessed at first. And then I completely changed my opinion. Once I got accustomed to more cursing and crudeness than I'm accustomed to, I totally loved it. I would say, however, that her humor always appealed to me; it's very much word-play oriented (such as when she mentions anti-psychotic drugs, asking if "they would keep psychotic people away," and that sort of thing). I have had similar experiences, and have relatives with even more intractable mental health struggles, so I could relate. I would argue that, if you can get accustomed to her style and even enjoy it, it could be helpful in dealing with other people in your life; virtually every single person in our country is touched by mental illness, if not themselves than in someone close to them. P.S. - I agree that the condescension is completely unnecessary. Jenny Lawson can get defensive for her very own self; I don't think her readers need to do it for her.
Jacqui
I'm with you Dawn. I do suffer from mental illness and had to stop reading after 15 pages. I didn't like her writing style is all
Sandy Batesel
I would say keep reading. So many of the scenarios she talks about, although definitely harder for Jenny to deal with because of her mental illness, are just day to day LIFE. And, I always enjoy hearing how others deal with situations like that. Helps me to laugh at myself a little bit!
Gordon
I was attempting to listen to the audiobook and had to bail, which made me sad because so many friends have really enjoyed the book. In my case, I am hoping that Jenny Lawson's delivery of her own material just proves to be too manic, thus offputting. I have to set it all aside for a bit, but later I'll attempt to read this one to see if I find it more enjoyable that way.
Valerie Sherman
I had to stop after one disc. I don't get it either.
Gordon Durich
You do not get it. You are the stupid one
Mallory Clemmons
I just started this book and I suffer from a list of mental illnesses like the author but I came to this page to find out...will it get better? So far I am confused a bit. Some pages are funny and I have laughed but I don't think I get it either.
Jeane Mills
Audio Book!!!!!!!
Emil Jose
I think this book good for people who knows what is depression and what is anxiety and I know it.. Really good book.
Lisa
I didn't get into this book either. At about page 25 i quit and moved onto something else.
Alyssa Potasznik
This book is awful, in my opinion. So no, you're not missing anything.
Sid
Be patient. It gets funnier by the page.
Bxrlover
Humour is very subjective. There are tons of comedians that are super popular that I don't "get" either.
I cut my losses after disc one of the audiobook because I couldn't get past the upspeak.
I cut my losses after disc one of the audiobook because I couldn't get past the upspeak.
Jeanie Uhl
I have not read this book and have been discouraged by all the comments, even the "positive" ones. While mental illness is probably present in everyones everyday life, as a participant or as a voyeur, it is hardly where most people want to spend their every waking moment. I can see how making fun of oneself in this suffering has its place in feeling as if there is some worth and validity.
Radclyffe U-Haul
Sounds like you don't "get" this author.
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