I first discovered Julie Schumacher when I read her absolutely hilarious book Dear Committee Members. In that book (and a few others afterward) she created a pompous college professor adrift and amidst bureaucracy.
Her latest book is a short story collection, and it really demonstrated the depth of her talent. While one story made me laugh out loud and a few others had flashes of sly humor, most of the stories had more of an emotional pull.
In “Passengers,” an overprotective mother worries about her daughter after an incident at school. “Hospital Bridge” is the story of a middle-school student who, after being forced into volunteering at a nursing home, starts gambling on bridge games with the residents. “How My Light is Spent” follows an instructor at a community college and her short story writing class.
Some of my favorite stories in the collection were “Slow Learner,” which told of a woman’s fascination at the connection between her autistic son and her dying mother; “Your Better Self,” about a couple who get gifted a trip to a wellness spa by their late neighbor; “Syllabus,” a hilarious story written as a syllabus; “Spin,” in which four friends play a game with real-life implications; and the title story, in which a professional patient runs into someone she used to know.
As with most collections, not every story is a home run. But Schumacher creates such vivid characters, and I know I’ll have a few of these stories running through my mind for a while.
Showing posts with label humor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humor. Show all posts
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Book Review: "Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It" by Brooke Avelar
I believe the last few years have seen more phenomenal debut novels than ever before. I love reading books from my auto-buy authors, but I get so excited when the book I’m loving is a debut. Add this one to the list—it was great!!
“There were approximately one hundred and fifty boys in my grade at Manhasset Central Middle School. By the time I turned twelve, I had been in love with at least one hundred and twenty-five of them. If I didn’t have a crush, I didn’t see the point of getting out of bed in the morning.”
Phoebe is in love with love. She’s been reading romances since she was young, hiding the smuttier ones under her bed. In seventh grade she was more than ready for her first kiss—but the expectation led to anxiety, which led to, well, a disastrous reaction. Since that moment, getting close to a guy makes her so nervous that she usually cancels dates.
But now, a month from her 30th birthday, Phoebe is still a virgin. She’s determined to change that, so being the overly organized teacher that she is, she puts together a checklist on losing her virginity in 30 days. (And she laminates it.)
As she starts making her plans, she unexpectedly winds up with three potential suitors. There’s Finn, the hot new 4th grade teacher; Matthew, a former high school classmate with whom she competes in Wordle and Words with Friends; and then there’s her roommate, Jonathan, who has been one of her best friends since college. Will one of these men help her achieve her goal?
This was a fun book, with lots of banter between the characters. And while Phoebe’s plight is definitely amusing, I loved the way this book dealt with her anxiety and other mental health issues. As Brooke Averick says in her author’s note, we rarely see this side of a character in a romance, and I’m so glad that we did!
“There were approximately one hundred and fifty boys in my grade at Manhasset Central Middle School. By the time I turned twelve, I had been in love with at least one hundred and twenty-five of them. If I didn’t have a crush, I didn’t see the point of getting out of bed in the morning.”
Phoebe is in love with love. She’s been reading romances since she was young, hiding the smuttier ones under her bed. In seventh grade she was more than ready for her first kiss—but the expectation led to anxiety, which led to, well, a disastrous reaction. Since that moment, getting close to a guy makes her so nervous that she usually cancels dates.
But now, a month from her 30th birthday, Phoebe is still a virgin. She’s determined to change that, so being the overly organized teacher that she is, she puts together a checklist on losing her virginity in 30 days. (And she laminates it.)
As she starts making her plans, she unexpectedly winds up with three potential suitors. There’s Finn, the hot new 4th grade teacher; Matthew, a former high school classmate with whom she competes in Wordle and Words with Friends; and then there’s her roommate, Jonathan, who has been one of her best friends since college. Will one of these men help her achieve her goal?
This was a fun book, with lots of banter between the characters. And while Phoebe’s plight is definitely amusing, I loved the way this book dealt with her anxiety and other mental health issues. As Brooke Averick says in her author’s note, we rarely see this side of a character in a romance, and I’m so glad that we did!
Labels:
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fiction,
friendship,
high school,
humor,
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teachers,
virginity,
words
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Book Review: "Little Miss Petty" by Sally Kilpatrick
“…if there’s one life lesson that has been drilled into me, it’s that you’re never too young—or too old—to be petty.” (Truer words have never been spoken.)
Stella runs a private investigator business with her partner, Ken. One night she’s able to serve a very elusive man with divorce papers, and she’s ready to celebrate. She’s got champagne, lingerie—and there’s a woman in her bed. And on Stella’s side. Apparently Ken has found himself a younger girlfriend.
Breaking up with Ken means losing her home and her job, among other things. She starts to think that being 39 is just the top of a downhill slope, and there’s no hope for romance or happiness. But she’s also angry enough to warn a young woman about her date when she eavesdrops on his phone conversation.
From this encounter, Little Miss Petty is born. Stella will help women achieve karmic revenge on those who did them wrong. It’s fun to make men pay for their stupidity, cruelty, and/or infidelity. With her two new friends, Havisham and Salcedo, Stella sets up her business and immediately gets results.
When she’s hired to get revenge on a woman’s cheating husband, it seems like an easy job. The guy lives in her new apartment building. But when all of her acts of revenge don’t make him angry, she realizes that he’s not only handsome, but funny, smart, and interested in her. He offers pizza with benefits. It would be bad to take him up on this, right?
This was a lot of fun, but the book isn’t just petty revenge plots. There’s some timely social commentary about the double standards that exist between women and men, as well as some discussion about getting older, finding love on your own terms, and keeping your heart safe. I’d love another book with Stella and her crew!
Stella runs a private investigator business with her partner, Ken. One night she’s able to serve a very elusive man with divorce papers, and she’s ready to celebrate. She’s got champagne, lingerie—and there’s a woman in her bed. And on Stella’s side. Apparently Ken has found himself a younger girlfriend.
Breaking up with Ken means losing her home and her job, among other things. She starts to think that being 39 is just the top of a downhill slope, and there’s no hope for romance or happiness. But she’s also angry enough to warn a young woman about her date when she eavesdrops on his phone conversation.
From this encounter, Little Miss Petty is born. Stella will help women achieve karmic revenge on those who did them wrong. It’s fun to make men pay for their stupidity, cruelty, and/or infidelity. With her two new friends, Havisham and Salcedo, Stella sets up her business and immediately gets results.
When she’s hired to get revenge on a woman’s cheating husband, it seems like an easy job. The guy lives in her new apartment building. But when all of her acts of revenge don’t make him angry, she realizes that he’s not only handsome, but funny, smart, and interested in her. He offers pizza with benefits. It would be bad to take him up on this, right?
This was a lot of fun, but the book isn’t just petty revenge plots. There’s some timely social commentary about the double standards that exist between women and men, as well as some discussion about getting older, finding love on your own terms, and keeping your heart safe. I’d love another book with Stella and her crew!
Labels:
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fiction,
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infidelity,
love,
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Monday, April 27, 2026
Book Review: "A Novel Crime" by Deborah Levison
This book was wild! I found myself laughing and rolling my eyes (in a good way) at these characters and the trouble they found themselves in. Be careful what you wish for: you might just get it!
Marcy has dreamed of being a writer for years. She’s been trying for so long to finish her damsel-in-distress historical romance so she can become the bestselling, prize-winning, universally adored author she knows she’s meant to be. And she finally wants her daughter to be proud of her.
She and the other aspiring authors in her writing group lament over their lack of progress or success. Going to a book signing for famed novelist Francesca Barber makes Marcy even hungrier to achieve her dreams and more desperate to get her shot. When she discovers Francesca in a compromising position, Marcy may have just found her opportunity.
Desperate to keep her secret hidden, Francesca lets Marcy (who has adopted a pen name, Summer Branigan) bully her into finishing her novel. But Francesca keeps trying to wiggle out of the deal, no matter how much leverage Marcy may have over her.
It’s at this point that the book goes spectacularly off the rails. But while lies are spun, kidnappings are faked, and you have no idea whom to trust, the book adds a layer of social commentary about just how difficult the publishing world can be, and how nice women get taken advantage of far too often in life. If you don’t fight for yourself, who will?
There’s not a likable character in the book, but that didn’t bother me at all. If you’re in the mood for some laughs along with your twists, give this one a try!
Marcy has dreamed of being a writer for years. She’s been trying for so long to finish her damsel-in-distress historical romance so she can become the bestselling, prize-winning, universally adored author she knows she’s meant to be. And she finally wants her daughter to be proud of her.
She and the other aspiring authors in her writing group lament over their lack of progress or success. Going to a book signing for famed novelist Francesca Barber makes Marcy even hungrier to achieve her dreams and more desperate to get her shot. When she discovers Francesca in a compromising position, Marcy may have just found her opportunity.
Desperate to keep her secret hidden, Francesca lets Marcy (who has adopted a pen name, Summer Branigan) bully her into finishing her novel. But Francesca keeps trying to wiggle out of the deal, no matter how much leverage Marcy may have over her.
It’s at this point that the book goes spectacularly off the rails. But while lies are spun, kidnappings are faked, and you have no idea whom to trust, the book adds a layer of social commentary about just how difficult the publishing world can be, and how nice women get taken advantage of far too often in life. If you don’t fight for yourself, who will?
There’s not a likable character in the book, but that didn’t bother me at all. If you’re in the mood for some laughs along with your twists, give this one a try!
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Book Review: "The Hitch" by Sara Levine
This was one of the wildest, most creative books I’ve read in some time. I'll never look at corgis the same way again!
Rose is an anti-racist, secular Jewish feminist eco-warrior, a believer in eating healthy foods, and the owner of an artisanal yogurt business. She’s unmarried and doesn’t have children of her own, but she dotes on her six-year-old nephew Nathan and her beloved Newfoundland, Walter.
Rose is one of those people who knows everything about everything. She has an article, a study, a program to back up all of her opinions. And one of her opinions is that she should get to spend more time with Nathan, but her brother and sister-in-law don’t necessarily think she’s the best influence on him.
However, when her brother and sister-in-law take a vacation to Mexico, they agree to leave Nathan in Rose’s care. Rose is so excited; she has her spare bedroom redone for him, and has outlined a vegan meal plan for the week. But only one day into her caregiving stint, disaster strikes. When Rose, Nathan, and Walter are in the park, Walter attacks and kills a corgi.
Walter has never acted aggressively before. And when Nathan starts acting strangely, Rose figures it’s his reaction to the incident. But then Nathan tells Rose that the corgi’s soul is living inside him. And this dog is a troublemaker. If Rose can’t fix this, she’ll never be trusted to care for Nathan again.
Although the concept of the book sounds silly, it’s actually quite moving and thought-provoking. Rose is not the most likable character but she does grow a bit by the end, and she really does love Nathan. I’ll be thinking about this for a long while!!
Rose is an anti-racist, secular Jewish feminist eco-warrior, a believer in eating healthy foods, and the owner of an artisanal yogurt business. She’s unmarried and doesn’t have children of her own, but she dotes on her six-year-old nephew Nathan and her beloved Newfoundland, Walter.
Rose is one of those people who knows everything about everything. She has an article, a study, a program to back up all of her opinions. And one of her opinions is that she should get to spend more time with Nathan, but her brother and sister-in-law don’t necessarily think she’s the best influence on him.
However, when her brother and sister-in-law take a vacation to Mexico, they agree to leave Nathan in Rose’s care. Rose is so excited; she has her spare bedroom redone for him, and has outlined a vegan meal plan for the week. But only one day into her caregiving stint, disaster strikes. When Rose, Nathan, and Walter are in the park, Walter attacks and kills a corgi.
Walter has never acted aggressively before. And when Nathan starts acting strangely, Rose figures it’s his reaction to the incident. But then Nathan tells Rose that the corgi’s soul is living inside him. And this dog is a troublemaker. If Rose can’t fix this, she’ll never be trusted to care for Nathan again.
Although the concept of the book sounds silly, it’s actually quite moving and thought-provoking. Rose is not the most likable character but she does grow a bit by the end, and she really does love Nathan. I’ll be thinking about this for a long while!!
Labels:
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Monday, April 28, 2025
Book Review: "Spellbound: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith" by Phil Hanley
Thanks so much to Henry Holt for the complimentary advance copy of this book. It’s available now.
“I always prayed I’d wake up smart.”
Growing up, Phil Hanley had a horrible time in school. His teachers thought he was lazy and not trying, and some thought he was stupid. (He thought so, too.) But actually, he was dyslexic, something that wasn’t diagnosed until well into his adolescence.
Although he was able to get help once educators figured out his challenges, he was scarred by the way his teachers treated him. It definitely caused him to have issues with self-esteem and confidence.
Despite knowing that there was justification for his issues with school, Phil took a different path after graduation: he did some modeling before eventually deciding on a comedy career.
This was a moving and humorous memoir. I didn’t know much about Phil but his determination, and the support of his mother, was really impressive. This book would be inspirational for anyone dealing with obstacles.
“I always prayed I’d wake up smart.”
Growing up, Phil Hanley had a horrible time in school. His teachers thought he was lazy and not trying, and some thought he was stupid. (He thought so, too.) But actually, he was dyslexic, something that wasn’t diagnosed until well into his adolescence.
Although he was able to get help once educators figured out his challenges, he was scarred by the way his teachers treated him. It definitely caused him to have issues with self-esteem and confidence.
Despite knowing that there was justification for his issues with school, Phil took a different path after graduation: he did some modeling before eventually deciding on a comedy career.
This was a moving and humorous memoir. I didn’t know much about Phil but his determination, and the support of his mother, was really impressive. This book would be inspirational for anyone dealing with obstacles.
Monday, March 31, 2025
Book Review: "Pomona Afton Can SO Solve a Murder" by Bellamy Rose
Imagine a cozy mystery with Paris Hilton as the main character, and you’ll get this fun, bighearted book.
Pomona Afton is an heiress to the Afton Hotels fortune, currently ruled with an iron claw by her grandmother. As cruel as her grandmother is, the last thing Pomona would’ve expected was to find her murdered body. But there it was.
When her family discovers that her grandmother put a clause in her will that freezes all assets in the event of a mysterious death, Pomona finds herself out on the street. She has no apartment, no money (except for what she makes as an influencer), and everyone else in her family seems to be making do.
She quickly realizes that her friends have abandoned her since she has no money. She moves in with Gabe, the (handsome) son of her former nanny, but it’s not a doorman building—it doesn’t even have an elevator! And even worse than that, she has to get a job at the coffee shop Gabe manages. This is a big shock for her, as she never paid attention to how her coffees were made or who served her.
When Pomona learns that her family’s fortune will never be released unless her grandmother’s murder is resolved, her only choice is to try and solve the crime. With Gabe as her sidekick/partner (because his mother was owed money as well for working for Pomona’s family), she embarks on an unlikely investigation. But if she gets her fortune back, will she lose any chance she might have with Gabe?
This was a quick and fun read. It’s always fascinating when “ordinary” people turn into detectives in books, but there’s nothing ordinary about Pomona. She and Gabe are both such fun, and bring a sweetness to the story.
Pomona Afton is an heiress to the Afton Hotels fortune, currently ruled with an iron claw by her grandmother. As cruel as her grandmother is, the last thing Pomona would’ve expected was to find her murdered body. But there it was.
When her family discovers that her grandmother put a clause in her will that freezes all assets in the event of a mysterious death, Pomona finds herself out on the street. She has no apartment, no money (except for what she makes as an influencer), and everyone else in her family seems to be making do.
She quickly realizes that her friends have abandoned her since she has no money. She moves in with Gabe, the (handsome) son of her former nanny, but it’s not a doorman building—it doesn’t even have an elevator! And even worse than that, she has to get a job at the coffee shop Gabe manages. This is a big shock for her, as she never paid attention to how her coffees were made or who served her.
When Pomona learns that her family’s fortune will never be released unless her grandmother’s murder is resolved, her only choice is to try and solve the crime. With Gabe as her sidekick/partner (because his mother was owed money as well for working for Pomona’s family), she embarks on an unlikely investigation. But if she gets her fortune back, will she lose any chance she might have with Gabe?
This was a quick and fun read. It’s always fascinating when “ordinary” people turn into detectives in books, but there’s nothing ordinary about Pomona. She and Gabe are both such fun, and bring a sweetness to the story.
Labels:
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Monday, November 4, 2024
Book Review: "The Answer is No" by Fredrik Backman
Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors. The Beartown series just blew me away and I’ve loved so many of his books where the curmudgeon just needs to be loved and appreciated.
That being said, I tend to like Backman’s books when they’re more emotional and dramatic. The one book of his I struggled with was Normal People, because it felt very silly to me, almost farcical.
I had the same challenges with The Answer is No, Backman’s upcoming story. I appreciate the message he was trying to convey, but it just got too wacky for me.
Lucas is one of those people who keeps to himself. He would much rather spend time alone than have to deal with others. He doesn’t seek out relationships because they would force him to compromise or not get what he wants.
And then one day, his peace is shattered when three board members come to his door. Apparently someone in his building has left a frying pan next to the recycling room. That’s against the rules. But Lucas innocuously suggests how to solve the problem—and he doesn’t realize the wheels he has set in motion.
The story quickly slides into satire. It’s cute and I’m sure it may be a home run for others, but it wasn’t my thing. It will publish 12/1.
That being said, I tend to like Backman’s books when they’re more emotional and dramatic. The one book of his I struggled with was Normal People, because it felt very silly to me, almost farcical.
I had the same challenges with The Answer is No, Backman’s upcoming story. I appreciate the message he was trying to convey, but it just got too wacky for me.
Lucas is one of those people who keeps to himself. He would much rather spend time alone than have to deal with others. He doesn’t seek out relationships because they would force him to compromise or not get what he wants.
And then one day, his peace is shattered when three board members come to his door. Apparently someone in his building has left a frying pan next to the recycling room. That’s against the rules. But Lucas innocuously suggests how to solve the problem—and he doesn’t realize the wheels he has set in motion.
The story quickly slides into satire. It’s cute and I’m sure it may be a home run for others, but it wasn’t my thing. It will publish 12/1.
Sunday, August 4, 2024
Book Review: "We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay" by Gary Janetti
Do you enjoy traveling? Not just being in new places, but do you like the actual process of travel? Gary Janetti’s new book is a funny and thought-provoking look at some of the high and low points of travel, and it seriously made me laugh out loud more than a few times.
“To me, a vacation is doing exactly what I would do at home, only with better weather and room service. I don’t want a list of activities designed to push me beyond any mental or physical limits I may have. I like my mental and physical limits where they are.”
Gary Janetti is a television writer and producer, and seriously, one of the funniest people I’ve ever read. His first collection of essays, Do You Mind If I Cancel? (Things That Still Annoy Me), had me laughing so hard I cried. He’s a bit crankier and more particular than I am, but we’re definitely on similar wavelengths!
In this book, he shares his philosophies on packing (don’t check a bag), eating alone in a restaurant if you’re traveling by yourself, and staying in a hotel rather than with family or friends. He also shares some hysterically funny anecdotes of cruises he has taken with family; trips to Mykonos, where he met his husband; an experience with a pop-up version of Noma, once the highest-rated restaurant ever, and other travel highlights.
What made this book work for me was that it never felt too outrageous to be true, and some of his thoughts definitely mirrored my own. It's a bit less zany than David Sedaris, but I laughed like I usually do when I read his books. This was a tremendously enjoyable read, with moments of poignancy which balanced the humor.
“To me, a vacation is doing exactly what I would do at home, only with better weather and room service. I don’t want a list of activities designed to push me beyond any mental or physical limits I may have. I like my mental and physical limits where they are.”
Gary Janetti is a television writer and producer, and seriously, one of the funniest people I’ve ever read. His first collection of essays, Do You Mind If I Cancel? (Things That Still Annoy Me), had me laughing so hard I cried. He’s a bit crankier and more particular than I am, but we’re definitely on similar wavelengths!
In this book, he shares his philosophies on packing (don’t check a bag), eating alone in a restaurant if you’re traveling by yourself, and staying in a hotel rather than with family or friends. He also shares some hysterically funny anecdotes of cruises he has taken with family; trips to Mykonos, where he met his husband; an experience with a pop-up version of Noma, once the highest-rated restaurant ever, and other travel highlights.
What made this book work for me was that it never felt too outrageous to be true, and some of his thoughts definitely mirrored my own. It's a bit less zany than David Sedaris, but I laughed like I usually do when I read his books. This was a tremendously enjoyable read, with moments of poignancy which balanced the humor.
Labels:
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flight,
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growing old,
hotels,
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husbands,
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nonfiction,
nostalgia,
restaurants,
trains,
travel
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Book Review: "I Finally Bought Some Jordans" by Michael Arceneaux
“No matter how bad things get, if I feel my hair is together, I believe more firmly that I can deal with what is thrown at me.”
Can I get an amen? I believe I’ve actually spoken these words (albeit less articulately) before, because I do feel better when my hair doesn’t look like an overgrown shrub.
As it was with his first essay collection, I Can’t Date Jesus, Michael Arceneaux imbues his writing with sly humor, wry observations, rich emotions, and thought-provoking ideas. There were definitely instances throughout this book when I felt truly seen, and identified with the feelings he was expressing.
Whether he’s talking about the realization that trolling celebrities on the internet sometimes comes back to bite him, his fear that no one would show up to his book signings, his working on his relationship with his parents during the pandemic, or finally feeling secure enough financially that he can splurge every now and again, Arceneaux is thought-provoking and at times either side-splittingly funny or poignant.
Sometimes an essay collection is a great change of pace for me, and I’ve found some great writers over the last few years. If you give this a chance, you may find yourself wiping away a tear one second, and laughing out loud the next. I don’t know about you, but that’s what makes reading fun.
Can I get an amen? I believe I’ve actually spoken these words (albeit less articulately) before, because I do feel better when my hair doesn’t look like an overgrown shrub.
As it was with his first essay collection, I Can’t Date Jesus, Michael Arceneaux imbues his writing with sly humor, wry observations, rich emotions, and thought-provoking ideas. There were definitely instances throughout this book when I felt truly seen, and identified with the feelings he was expressing.
Whether he’s talking about the realization that trolling celebrities on the internet sometimes comes back to bite him, his fear that no one would show up to his book signings, his working on his relationship with his parents during the pandemic, or finally feeling secure enough financially that he can splurge every now and again, Arceneaux is thought-provoking and at times either side-splittingly funny or poignant.
Sometimes an essay collection is a great change of pace for me, and I’ve found some great writers over the last few years. If you give this a chance, you may find yourself wiping away a tear one second, and laughing out loud the next. I don’t know about you, but that’s what makes reading fun.
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Sunday, October 22, 2023
Book Review: "Dragged to the Wedding" by Andrew Grey
What a fun book this was! I truly loved every minute of it.
James is a gay police officer in the Chicago suburbs. He's happy with his job and with his life. But with his sister getting married in his hometown of Missoula, Montana, his mother keeps pressuring him to bring a date. The thing is, living 2,000 miles away from his family has enabled him to keep his sexuality a secret, so he's freaking out. Sure, he should level with his family, but he doesn't want to deal with his demanding, conservative mother, nor does he want to steal his sister's thunder.
Where is he going to find a date? When one of his friends has to back out of going to the wedding with him, James is at his wit's end. But salvation is found when a friend introduces him to Daniel, aka Lala Traviata, famed Chicago drag queen. When James first meets Lala, he can't believe that he's intrigued by a woman, but then he understands just how good she is at what she does. After a brief discussion, they agree that Lala will accompany James home to Montana and pretend to be his girlfriend.
It's not long before Lala has completely won over James' family, helping solve crises from altering his sister's wedding gown to helping his soon-to-be brother-in-law with dance lessons. As the wedding draws closer, James is anxious that the truth will be revealed, but at the same time, the chemistry between him and Daniel intensifies. And while Daniel feels the same way about James, what will happen when they return to Chicago? Would James want a relationship with someone who spends a significant amount of time in drag? And is Daniel willing to risk his heart on someone who is afraid of being truthful with his family?
Sure, the story advances much as you'd expect it to. But James and Daniel (and Lala, for that matter) are so engaging and entertaining that I was rooting for them from start to finish. The book is funny, sweet, a little steamy, and really heartwarming.
James is a gay police officer in the Chicago suburbs. He's happy with his job and with his life. But with his sister getting married in his hometown of Missoula, Montana, his mother keeps pressuring him to bring a date. The thing is, living 2,000 miles away from his family has enabled him to keep his sexuality a secret, so he's freaking out. Sure, he should level with his family, but he doesn't want to deal with his demanding, conservative mother, nor does he want to steal his sister's thunder.
Where is he going to find a date? When one of his friends has to back out of going to the wedding with him, James is at his wit's end. But salvation is found when a friend introduces him to Daniel, aka Lala Traviata, famed Chicago drag queen. When James first meets Lala, he can't believe that he's intrigued by a woman, but then he understands just how good she is at what she does. After a brief discussion, they agree that Lala will accompany James home to Montana and pretend to be his girlfriend.
It's not long before Lala has completely won over James' family, helping solve crises from altering his sister's wedding gown to helping his soon-to-be brother-in-law with dance lessons. As the wedding draws closer, James is anxious that the truth will be revealed, but at the same time, the chemistry between him and Daniel intensifies. And while Daniel feels the same way about James, what will happen when they return to Chicago? Would James want a relationship with someone who spends a significant amount of time in drag? And is Daniel willing to risk his heart on someone who is afraid of being truthful with his family?
Sure, the story advances much as you'd expect it to. But James and Daniel (and Lala, for that matter) are so engaging and entertaining that I was rooting for them from start to finish. The book is funny, sweet, a little steamy, and really heartwarming.
Labels:
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scandal,
secrets,
siblings
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Book Review: "Is It Hot in Here? Or Am I Suffering for All Eternity for the Sins I Committed on Earth?" by Zach Zimmerman
How can you resist a book with a title like this? Comedian and writer Zach Zimmerman provides fodder for laughs, tears, and even some a-ha moments in this memoir-esque collection of essays and anecdotes about making peace with yourself.
Zimmerman chronicles growing up in a religious home (and his need to escape), coming to terms with his sexuality, trying to find love amidst online dating disasters, and other situations, including his family’s reactions to the COVID pandemic.
Interspersed between these essays are lists with titles like “Seven New Sins–and Tortures Too.” (Among those sins are “suggesting a book club book you’ve already read” and included among the tortures is “You are given six delicious Cadbury Creme Eggs and told one is filled with mayonnaise. (They are all filled with mayonnaise.)”
Some of these essays made me laugh out loud, some made me roll my eyes at the absurdity of the events Zimmerman described, and some actually made me think.
But after a while, everything started to have the same sarcastic tone, and some of the content was a little too precious for me. Yet this surely was an enjoyable break from heavy fiction!
Zimmerman chronicles growing up in a religious home (and his need to escape), coming to terms with his sexuality, trying to find love amidst online dating disasters, and other situations, including his family’s reactions to the COVID pandemic.
Interspersed between these essays are lists with titles like “Seven New Sins–and Tortures Too.” (Among those sins are “suggesting a book club book you’ve already read” and included among the tortures is “You are given six delicious Cadbury Creme Eggs and told one is filled with mayonnaise. (They are all filled with mayonnaise.)”
Some of these essays made me laugh out loud, some made me roll my eyes at the absurdity of the events Zimmerman described, and some actually made me think.
But after a while, everything started to have the same sarcastic tone, and some of the content was a little too precious for me. Yet this surely was an enjoyable break from heavy fiction!
Labels:
book reviews,
comedy,
dating,
essays,
family,
friendship,
gay,
humor,
LGBTQ,
love,
nonfiction,
pandemic,
relationships,
religion,
sexuality
Friday, February 10, 2023
Book Review: "None of This Would Have Happened If Prince Were Alive" by Carolyn Prusa
Boy, was this a funny, moving book about finding strength to overcome disasters—both atmospheric and emotional!
Is this not such an amazing title? Prince was such a huge part of my musical life. I actually remember I was out having lunch with friends when I saw the news he had died, and couldn’t believe it.
When a Category 4 hurricane bearing down on your city isn’t your biggest problem, you’re a warrior. Ramona is constantly juggling the demands of her career—and a boss who says “kewl”—and raising two children, the younger of whom is failing at toilet training. It’s not that her husband Desmond doesn’t help, it’s just he always seems to mess things up or not listen to her.
But when she picks up her daughter early from daycare, she arrives home to find that he’s been cheating on her. She’s barely holding it all together, and having to evacuate with her kids, worry about her stubborn mother who lives on the water, and consider infidelity and ending her marriage is almost too much to bear.
The book alternates between the present and various points in Ramona’s relationship with Desmond. It’s at turns sarcastic, emotional, thought-provoking, and funny as hell. I love the voice that Carolyn Prusa gave to her characters, especially Ramona and her mother.
Is this not such an amazing title? Prince was such a huge part of my musical life. I actually remember I was out having lunch with friends when I saw the news he had died, and couldn’t believe it.
When a Category 4 hurricane bearing down on your city isn’t your biggest problem, you’re a warrior. Ramona is constantly juggling the demands of her career—and a boss who says “kewl”—and raising two children, the younger of whom is failing at toilet training. It’s not that her husband Desmond doesn’t help, it’s just he always seems to mess things up or not listen to her.
But when she picks up her daughter early from daycare, she arrives home to find that he’s been cheating on her. She’s barely holding it all together, and having to evacuate with her kids, worry about her stubborn mother who lives on the water, and consider infidelity and ending her marriage is almost too much to bear.
The book alternates between the present and various points in Ramona’s relationship with Desmond. It’s at turns sarcastic, emotional, thought-provoking, and funny as hell. I love the voice that Carolyn Prusa gave to her characters, especially Ramona and her mother.
Labels:
book reviews,
children,
dating,
fiction,
friendship,
humor,
hurricanes,
infidelity,
marriage,
motherhood,
parents,
pressure,
Prince,
relationships,
work
Saturday, August 20, 2022
Book Review: "The Trees" by Percival Everett
Wow. This one really blew me away.
So far this year I’ve read some truly fantastic books, and then there have been books so unlike anything I’ve read before, or at least in a long while. The Trees definitely falls into the second category.
“If you want to know a place, you talk to its history.”
The small town of Money, Mississippi isn’t well-known. For now. Because two white men were brutally murdered, and no one can figure out how anyone could’ve gotten into to kill them. But even more perplexing is the fact that next to the body is another body, of a man who resembles Emmett Till. And that body keeps disappearing and appearing again.
Three Black investigators come to Money to try and determine what is happening. These murders seem to be revenge killings, but then this same thing keeps happening across the country. To understand the genesis of the murders requires an understanding of the history of lynching in America.
As serious as this subject is—and Percival Everett has given it and racism the attention it deserved—I never would’ve imagined a book like this would’ve been so funny at the same time. It truly kept me hooked on every word. This is the second of his books I’ve read—I loved So Much Blue a few years ago.
Absolutely genius.
So far this year I’ve read some truly fantastic books, and then there have been books so unlike anything I’ve read before, or at least in a long while. The Trees definitely falls into the second category.
“If you want to know a place, you talk to its history.”
The small town of Money, Mississippi isn’t well-known. For now. Because two white men were brutally murdered, and no one can figure out how anyone could’ve gotten into to kill them. But even more perplexing is the fact that next to the body is another body, of a man who resembles Emmett Till. And that body keeps disappearing and appearing again.
Three Black investigators come to Money to try and determine what is happening. These murders seem to be revenge killings, but then this same thing keeps happening across the country. To understand the genesis of the murders requires an understanding of the history of lynching in America.
As serious as this subject is—and Percival Everett has given it and racism the attention it deserved—I never would’ve imagined a book like this would’ve been so funny at the same time. It truly kept me hooked on every word. This is the second of his books I’ve read—I loved So Much Blue a few years ago.
Absolutely genius.
Labels:
book reviews,
crime,
fiction,
humor,
investigation,
loss,
murder,
mystery,
police,
racism,
satire,
Southern
Book Review: "Smells Like Tween Spirit" by Laurie Gelman
Smells Like Tween Spirit heralds the return of one of my favorite fictional mothers/grandmothers!
I’ve really enjoyed Laurie Gelman’s series of books featuring smart-ass mom Jen Dixon (Class Mom, You’ve Been Volunteered, and Yoga Pant Nation) and I’m so glad that her fourth book helped wake me from my reading slump.
Now that her son is in 7th grade, Jen’s days as class mom are over, but much to her surprise she’s now a “mat mom,” as Max has decided to take up wrestling. (She does hate the name “mat mom,” but no one jumps at her suggested name changes.)
While she’s amazed at what being the mom of an athlete entails—including having to wash the gym clothes of a bunch of middle schoolers on occasion—she’s more amazed at the competitiveness of other mothers and the extents to which they’ll go to motivate and cheer for their kids.
But that’s not all Jen has to deal with. Her daughters decide to go into business together and start feuding, her aging parents are becoming more difficult to deal with, and her decision to get to know the students in her spin classes comes with some hilarious results.
What I really enjoy about these books is Jen, and how she’s matured (sort of) through the series. While she still has her smart-ass tendencies, as her son has grown up, she has, too, and as she juggles marriage, motherhood, grandmotherhood, and the realities of aging, her character has become even more well-rounded.
If you enjoy humorous books, dive into this series!
I’ve really enjoyed Laurie Gelman’s series of books featuring smart-ass mom Jen Dixon (Class Mom, You’ve Been Volunteered, and Yoga Pant Nation) and I’m so glad that her fourth book helped wake me from my reading slump.
Now that her son is in 7th grade, Jen’s days as class mom are over, but much to her surprise she’s now a “mat mom,” as Max has decided to take up wrestling. (She does hate the name “mat mom,” but no one jumps at her suggested name changes.)
While she’s amazed at what being the mom of an athlete entails—including having to wash the gym clothes of a bunch of middle schoolers on occasion—she’s more amazed at the competitiveness of other mothers and the extents to which they’ll go to motivate and cheer for their kids.
But that’s not all Jen has to deal with. Her daughters decide to go into business together and start feuding, her aging parents are becoming more difficult to deal with, and her decision to get to know the students in her spin classes comes with some hilarious results.
What I really enjoy about these books is Jen, and how she’s matured (sort of) through the series. While she still has her smart-ass tendencies, as her son has grown up, she has, too, and as she juggles marriage, motherhood, grandmotherhood, and the realities of aging, her character has become even more well-rounded.
If you enjoy humorous books, dive into this series!
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Book Review: "Yoga Pant Nation" by Laurie Gelman
If you want a humorous look at how one woman balances it all when everything happens at once, check out Laurie Gelman's newest novel, Yoga Pant Nation.
Jen Dixon from Gelman's Class Mom and You’ve Been Volunteered is back for another year as class mom. It’s the last year for her to do this, since her son is in 5th grade and heads to middle school next year.
As she tackles her responsibilities with her usual sarcastic flair, she also finds herself getting roped into heading up a major fundraising effort for the school, leading a task force she’s named WeFUCKT—We Fundraise Until Kingdom Come Team.
Beyond that, though, life is getting out of control. She’s trying to gain traction as a spin instructor, her adult daughter is in the midst of a custody battle, her own parents are suddenly acting strangely and having delusions, and she and her husband are trying to figure out whether their son is being bullied or is actually being the bully.
It’s a lot to handle, even for someone who tends to let everything bounce off of her. But when everything comes to a head at once, what’s a multitasking mom to do?
I’ve definitely enjoyed this series of books and Jen is a great character. I felt like in Yoga Pant Nation she was a little less flippant and sarcastic, and it was a great balance between snark and seriousness. There were times in the other books I wondered whether someone would actually send emails like the ones Jen did, but this seemed a bit more realistic.
While this is a series, you could read any of the books as a standalone. It was great to see Jen grow alongside her son!
Jen Dixon from Gelman's Class Mom and You’ve Been Volunteered is back for another year as class mom. It’s the last year for her to do this, since her son is in 5th grade and heads to middle school next year.
As she tackles her responsibilities with her usual sarcastic flair, she also finds herself getting roped into heading up a major fundraising effort for the school, leading a task force she’s named WeFUCKT—We Fundraise Until Kingdom Come Team.
Beyond that, though, life is getting out of control. She’s trying to gain traction as a spin instructor, her adult daughter is in the midst of a custody battle, her own parents are suddenly acting strangely and having delusions, and she and her husband are trying to figure out whether their son is being bullied or is actually being the bully.
It’s a lot to handle, even for someone who tends to let everything bounce off of her. But when everything comes to a head at once, what’s a multitasking mom to do?
I’ve definitely enjoyed this series of books and Jen is a great character. I felt like in Yoga Pant Nation she was a little less flippant and sarcastic, and it was a great balance between snark and seriousness. There were times in the other books I wondered whether someone would actually send emails like the ones Jen did, but this seemed a bit more realistic.
While this is a series, you could read any of the books as a standalone. It was great to see Jen grow alongside her son!
Labels:
book reviews,
children,
exercise,
family,
fiction,
friendship,
growing old,
humor,
love,
marriage,
motherhood,
parents
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Book Review: "The Witch Demands a Retraction: Fairy Tale Reboots for Adults" by Melissa Balmain
Melissa Balmain's The Witch Demands a Retraction features funny reboots of fairy tales from an adult perspective.
Do you enjoy fairy tales? Ever thought about what happens after they lived happily ever after, after the foes have been vanquished? Or what the “real story” behind the fairy tales was?
Balmain has given this some thought. This fun book, accompanied by great illustrations from Ron Barrett, looks at some of our favorite fairy tales and provides short, less-starry-eyed updates.
From “Sleeping Beauty Talks to Her Therapist a Few Months after the Wedding” to “Mama Bear Sets the Record Straight,” these are no more than one page and they’re definitely good for a laugh! This was a quick read but one I definitely will share with others.
This was a fun tour to participate in. Suzy Approved Book Tours, Melissa Balmain, and Humorist Books provided a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!
Do you enjoy fairy tales? Ever thought about what happens after they lived happily ever after, after the foes have been vanquished? Or what the “real story” behind the fairy tales was?
Balmain has given this some thought. This fun book, accompanied by great illustrations from Ron Barrett, looks at some of our favorite fairy tales and provides short, less-starry-eyed updates.
From “Sleeping Beauty Talks to Her Therapist a Few Months after the Wedding” to “Mama Bear Sets the Record Straight,” these are no more than one page and they’re definitely good for a laugh! This was a quick read but one I definitely will share with others.
This was a fun tour to participate in. Suzy Approved Book Tours, Melissa Balmain, and Humorist Books provided a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!
Book Review: "How Y'All Doing? Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived" by Leslie Jordan
Comic actor Leslie Howard shares fun recollections and reflections in How Y'All Doing? Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived.
Do you read books written by celebrities? I read a few memoirs here and there, but that’s about it. However, when I saw Leslie Jordan’s smiling face on the cover of this book, I couldn’t resist. It's not really a memoir, but more a collection of memories and anecdotes.
Jordan is best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Beverley Leslie on Will & Grace as well as for roles on multiple seasons of American Horror Story. He’s also an outspoken activist for equal rights.
In How Y'All Doing?, Jordan shares humorous stories from different times in his life and career, from the time Debbie Reynolds called his mother after he appeared in the National Enquirer while wearing drag, to his fascination with dolls, or his run-in with a group of homophobic thugs. The stories feel like Jordan is there talking to you, saying, “Did I ever tell you about the time Lady Gaga and I…”
This was a quick, fun, sometimes poignant read, and I’d imagine that the audio would be hysterically funny since he narrates it. At times I wondered whether one person could have that many wacky adventures, but I realized that if anyone could, it’s Leslie Jordan!
Do you read books written by celebrities? I read a few memoirs here and there, but that’s about it. However, when I saw Leslie Jordan’s smiling face on the cover of this book, I couldn’t resist. It's not really a memoir, but more a collection of memories and anecdotes.
Jordan is best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Beverley Leslie on Will & Grace as well as for roles on multiple seasons of American Horror Story. He’s also an outspoken activist for equal rights.
In How Y'All Doing?, Jordan shares humorous stories from different times in his life and career, from the time Debbie Reynolds called his mother after he appeared in the National Enquirer while wearing drag, to his fascination with dolls, or his run-in with a group of homophobic thugs. The stories feel like Jordan is there talking to you, saying, “Did I ever tell you about the time Lady Gaga and I…”
This was a quick, fun, sometimes poignant read, and I’d imagine that the audio would be hysterically funny since he narrates it. At times I wondered whether one person could have that many wacky adventures, but I realized that if anyone could, it’s Leslie Jordan!
Labels:
actors,
book reviews,
celebrities,
friendship,
gay,
humor,
LGBTQ,
memoirs,
memories,
nonfiction,
nostalgia
Friday, May 28, 2021
Book Review: "Yearbook" by Seth Rogen
Yearbook, the new book from Seth Rogen, is a funny collection of vignettes/recollections from the comic actor.
What’s your feeling on Seth Rogen? Do you think he’s funny? Are you a fan of him and his movies? I think he’s talented and I’ve enjoyed some of his stuff, but my general feelings toward him definitely depend on my mood. (Then again, I feel that way about everyone, lol.)
Sometimes the wildly or mildly outrageous stoner comedy appeals to my juvenile sense of humor and sometimes I simply chuckle. I do love how self-deprecating and awkward he can be. (Plus he gives hope to chubby Jews everywhere, so thank you very much!)
That’s kind of how I felt about Yearbook, Rogen’s collection of reflections, memories, rants, etc. Some of the chapters made me laugh out loud (luckily it was in the privacy of my own home), some made me chuckle, and some I thought, “Ok...” But overall, I really enjoyed myself.
Rogen tackles everything from the joy he’s found in stand-up comedy since he was 12 (and his grandparents were his first subjects), taking karate, having a Bar Mitzvah, and going to summer camp, to his experience making
The Green Hornet, and ranting a bit about Twitter and Donald Trump. (It’s not a political book by any means but he makes his feelings known, which could be a trigger for some.)
Funny books, particularly those written by comedians, are often hit-or-miss for me, so I’m glad to say this was mostly a hit. It’s silly but fun, and I certainly can use more of that in my life lately. And I'd bet this would be a fun one to listen to!
What’s your feeling on Seth Rogen? Do you think he’s funny? Are you a fan of him and his movies? I think he’s talented and I’ve enjoyed some of his stuff, but my general feelings toward him definitely depend on my mood. (Then again, I feel that way about everyone, lol.)
Sometimes the wildly or mildly outrageous stoner comedy appeals to my juvenile sense of humor and sometimes I simply chuckle. I do love how self-deprecating and awkward he can be. (Plus he gives hope to chubby Jews everywhere, so thank you very much!)
That’s kind of how I felt about Yearbook, Rogen’s collection of reflections, memories, rants, etc. Some of the chapters made me laugh out loud (luckily it was in the privacy of my own home), some made me chuckle, and some I thought, “Ok...” But overall, I really enjoyed myself.
Rogen tackles everything from the joy he’s found in stand-up comedy since he was 12 (and his grandparents were his first subjects), taking karate, having a Bar Mitzvah, and going to summer camp, to his experience making
The Green Hornet, and ranting a bit about Twitter and Donald Trump. (It’s not a political book by any means but he makes his feelings known, which could be a trigger for some.)
Funny books, particularly those written by comedians, are often hit-or-miss for me, so I’m glad to say this was mostly a hit. It’s silly but fun, and I certainly can use more of that in my life lately. And I'd bet this would be a fun one to listen to!
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Book Review: "Cheat Day" by Liv Stratman
Liv Stratman's upcoming debut novel, Cheat Day, is a thought-provoking, humorous look at the search for satisfaction.
Kit always feels as if her life is in flux. Her marriage to David, her college boyfriend, is stable, but she never feels like she has much control beyond that. She works at her sister’s bakery but as good as she is at her job, she keeps quitting and coming back.
The one way she attempts to take control of her life is through the temporary embrace of different diets. The latest one she has chosen is the 75-day Radiant Regimen, an intense cleanse that Kit is determined to follow to the letter, as she hopes that clean eating will bring clarity to the rest of her life. David participates as well in an effort to support her.
But the hunger she feels translates to more than her eating habits. She finds herself attracted to Matt, a carpenter doing renovations for the bakery. They quickly fall into a passionate affair even though Kit knows it won’t last. To cover her guilt over the affair, she becomes more and more obsessed with the Radiant Regimen, to the detriment of everyone.
What does Kit really want? What will satisfy her in the end, food-wise, relationship-wise, job-wise, and life-wise? Is having a “typical” life settling or is it worth throwing everything away to find better?
Cheat Day is at times humorous and at times serious, but it’s an interesting look at a woman unsure of what she wants. I don’t know that I particularly loved the characters or the way they behaved, but this was definitely entertaining and thought-provoking.
Scribner provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
Cheat Day publishes 5/25.
Kit always feels as if her life is in flux. Her marriage to David, her college boyfriend, is stable, but she never feels like she has much control beyond that. She works at her sister’s bakery but as good as she is at her job, she keeps quitting and coming back.
The one way she attempts to take control of her life is through the temporary embrace of different diets. The latest one she has chosen is the 75-day Radiant Regimen, an intense cleanse that Kit is determined to follow to the letter, as she hopes that clean eating will bring clarity to the rest of her life. David participates as well in an effort to support her.
But the hunger she feels translates to more than her eating habits. She finds herself attracted to Matt, a carpenter doing renovations for the bakery. They quickly fall into a passionate affair even though Kit knows it won’t last. To cover her guilt over the affair, she becomes more and more obsessed with the Radiant Regimen, to the detriment of everyone.
What does Kit really want? What will satisfy her in the end, food-wise, relationship-wise, job-wise, and life-wise? Is having a “typical” life settling or is it worth throwing everything away to find better?
Cheat Day is at times humorous and at times serious, but it’s an interesting look at a woman unsure of what she wants. I don’t know that I particularly loved the characters or the way they behaved, but this was definitely entertaining and thought-provoking.
Scribner provided me with a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
Cheat Day publishes 5/25.
Labels:
book reviews,
dieting,
eating,
family,
fiction,
food,
friendship,
humor,
infidelity,
love,
marriage,
relationships,
satisfaction,
work
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