Jenny Lawson (1) (1973–)

Broken (In the Best Possible Way) is a mixed collection of chapters: some are laugh-so-hard-you-cry funny, others are brutally honest depictions of mental illness and the treatments needed to be okay, and then there are chapters which I can only describe as quiet reflections on life. Jenny Lawson is known for balancing the outrageously funny with the darker chapters. Even in chapters that are not funny at all she usually has a turn of phase that will make you laugh for a second. In her latest book Jenny moves away from that need to always interject humor. It’s still there in the funny chapters (my favorites were the one where she kept losing her shoe and the tweets from people who experienced hilariously awkward situations), but the reflective chapters are more quiet, whimsical, and artsy. She doesn’t try to move into the humor, but lets the chapters stand as they are. Having read her previous books multiple times, it’s interesting to see her style change a little in this book. Kind of like listening to a beloved artist’s new album: there’s a lot familiar, but some new styles as well. If you’re already a fan of Jenny’s work then you’re going to enjoy this new book as well.

*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review… (altro)

I've been reading Jenny Lawson's on and off for years. She's always had a mix of hilarity and deeply thoughtful things to say about navigating life with multiple chronic health conditions as well as severe depression and anxiety.

Her books have that same mix and this is no exception. The audio editions read by her are wonderful because you truly get her stories in her voice.

There were chapters that made me aware of the invisible mental and physical health issues that people may be struggling through without me being aware. Some of it was heartbreaking (such as her open letter to her medical insurance company) and other parts were incredibly insightful and lovely.

Then there are the chapters that made me laugh out loud while driving around in my car totally alone. The one about why she can never go to the post office again is the best. Another favorite is the one where her social media followers shared their most embarrassing moments. I need to play those two chapters for my husband.

As always, time with Jenny made me laugh, made me cry, and made me appreciate all the little things in life.… (altro)