Let’s Pretend This Never Happened
By Jenny Lawson (The Bloggess)
My Rating: 4 Stars
Let’s Pretend this Never Happened is the (mostly true) memoir of Jenny Lawson, otherwise known as The Bloggess. Lawson’s popular blog (www.bloggess.com) has brought hours and hours of entertainment and endless tears to it’s readers. If you haven’t read her blog you are completely missing out. I subscribe to it on Facebook and have shared her postings about Beyonce the giant metal chicken with countless friends and family members. You can read it here: http://thebloggess.com/2011/06/and-thats-why-you-should-learn-to-pick-your-battles/. Or go and read this book because luckily she includes this hilarious story that is sure to make you laugh until you have tears running down your face.
I have to say that Jenny Lawson is one of the funniest people I have ever encountered. Her stories are so out there that you can’t help but laugh at her experiences. I’ve read a fair amount of humor in the last year and I have to say that Lawson is one of my favorites. I absolutely ador the ramble on nature of her writing. Perhaps because this is how I often think and tell stories to my family. The great thing about her writing is that even if you grew up in suburbia or in the middle of a big city you’ll still be able to find ways to identify with Lawson’s stories. While completely out there and bizarre, they are endearing and a testament to her family and relationships. I actually listened to the audio book which is thankfully told by Lawson herself. Her voice lends so much more to the narrative since we get her voice inflections and the sarcasm is much more obvious in her retelling of these great adventures.
This book chronicles various parts of her life and the people in it. And it delivers on a grand scale. You are sure to find her stories hysterically funny and tragically embarrassing. You’ll wonder how she survived her awkward childhood and teen years and then connect with her because really, aren’t we all awkward and embarrassed throughout our childhoods. Just because her Dad brought home a plethora of animals which ultimately led to many embarrassing incidents you can’t help but relate. Who hasn’t had a parent embarrass them and they felt like they were going to absolutely die. I know I have. The incident where my Dad arrived at my high school and because I wasn’t at the door he proceeded to wander around the school saying “Ange? Ange??? Has anyone seen Ange? Do you know Ange? I’m her Dad. Can you help me find her?” Yeah…embarrassing. Shrivel up and die in a corner kind of embarrassing. At least it was for 16 year old teenage girl. Now it’s just a funny story. And while my story doesn’t compare to Jenny’s story about turkey’s following her to school I can certainly relate.
But what I love is that all of her experiences as a child has made her into the person she is today. And boy what a person. Her stories of her adoring husband will make you think he’s an absolute saint. Again Beyonce the giant metal chicken comes to mind, but also you will see that he’s truly up to the challenge that is Jenny Lawson because he sure knows how to dish it out as well. It all makes for some of the funniest writing I’ve ever read in my life. If you listen to the audio I’m certain you’ll do what I did and pull out the print book and start reading parts of it to your friends and family. I did that for the chapter which is aptly named “If you need an Arm Condom, It Might be Time to Reevaluate Some of Your Life Choices.” Even without knowing what it’s about you are intrigued aren’t you? Admit it, I know you want to whip out this book and find out what this chapter is all about? Ok then, so go out and pick-up this book or audio and get to reading or listening. You won’t regret it.
aklibgirl 