What’s it all about?:
In LET’S PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED, Jenny Lawson baffled readers with stories about growing up the daughter of a taxidermist. In her new book, FURIOUSLY HAPPY, Jenny explores her lifelong battle with mental illness. A hysterical, ridiculous book about crippling depression and anxiety? That sounds like a terrible idea. And terrible ideas are what Jenny does best.
According to Jenny: “Some people might think that being ‘furiously happy’ is just an excuse to be stupid and irresponsible and invite a herd of kangaroos over to your house without telling your husband first because you suspect he would say no since he’s never particularly liked kangaroos. And that would be ridiculous because no one would invite a herd of kangaroos into their house. Two is the limit. I speak from personal experience. My husband says that none is the new limit. I say he should have been clearer about that before I rented all those kangaroos.”
“Most of my favorite people are dangerously fucked-up but you’d never guess because we’ve learned to bare it so honestly that it becomes the new normal. Like John Hughes wrote in The Breakfast Club, ‘We’re all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it.’ Except go back and cross out the word ‘hiding.'”
Jenny’s first book, LET’S PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED, was ostensibly about family, but deep down it was about celebrating your own weirdness. FURIOUSLY HAPPY is a book about mental illness, but under the surface it’s about embracing joy in fantastic and outrageous ways-and who doesn’t need a bit more of that?
What did I think?:
I’ve been sitting on this review for a long time now, purely because I don’t know if I can put into words how much I needed this book when I read it recently. This wonderful work of non-fiction is the author’s experience with mental illness, namely anxiety and depression and it is raw, brutally honest and full of the most amazing humour, heart and soul. Jenny Lawson gives us a no holds barred account into her daily struggles keeping her mental health on an even keel but what struck me most about this book was how fantastically upbeat and hopeful it was. Jenny is determined to be “furiously happy,” despite her internal monologues attempting to make her feel otherwise and I had nothing but deep respect and admiration for the way she consistently made the best of a bad situation.
Jenny Lawson, blogger at The Bloggess and author of Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things.
I’m sure we all know how important it is to talk about mental health and not to suffer in silence but it’s strange, I feel like in recent years it’s become even more crucial to let people know they’re not alone. I hope everyone knows my DM box is always open and I’d hate to think of anyone out there staying quiet, hurting inside and acting in ways they might regret, purely because they didn’t feel like they had anyone to talk to. I’ve had my own struggles with mental health which began when I was a teenager and was bullied, carried on right through my adolescence with social anxiety, depression, dodgy friendships and even dodgier relationships and at the moment, even though I’ve gone through a personal year of hell, I’m feeling probably the strongest I ever have been in my life. This however doesn’t mean I don’t have bad days where I question everything including my place on the planet.
This is why Furiously Happy is so important. Personally, I respond best to humour and I often use it as a defence mechanism in my own life. I have a small but very appreciated group of close friends both online and in “real life,” and they’re well aware of using humour to bring me out of a funk or make me realise how lucky I really am in the grand scheme of things. You know who you are guys. So when I read this book I was utterly delighted to be pulled into a world that I could sympathise, understand and most importantly, see myself in the author’s writing. It’s like being taken on a roller-coaster ride of emotions, from sadness to incredulity then compassion to joy. The greatest thing is, I didn’t find it in the slightest “triggering,” as I was never too upset for long before the humour kicks in and we start hearing about voodoo vaginas or dead raccoon rodeos! Yes, seriously.
This book is my kind of humour. Dark, a bit close to the bone, occasionally quite sinister but it tickled my strange little funny bone so much that I found myself desperate to get back to it as soon as I put it down. We need people like Jenny Lawson with her self-deprecating and candid thoughts and feelings. Admittedly, it IS a bit odd in points and reads almost like a stream of consciousness but for me, this was also the beauty of the narrative. You never know exactly what’s coming next and the thrill of that for me as a reader is second to none. I understand some reviewers have commented on her overuse of capitals and that occasionally a joke will feel a bit forced, like she is trying too hard to be funny. For me, that didn’t come across. I just appreciated a brilliantly funny woman being open and honest about her own internal struggles and if it opens up the conversation and gets other people talking and receiving help, that can only be a good thing.
Would I recommend it?:
But of course!
Star rating (out of 5):
I loved this one, too, Beth! I find her honest and funny, too. Terrific review! 💗
Thank you so much 😊 hilarious wasn’t it? Have you read her first book? I’m very tempted by it! 🤔
You’re welcome! I have not, but in my true style, I bought it, and have it here waiting! I also read her blog from time to time! Oh, Beth! I also bought her coloring book!!!
Coloring book? *goes to check Amazon* 😆
Fantastic review sounds like it’s an important book.
Thank you so much 😊 it really is!
I definitely want to read this now!
It’s BRILLIANT! 😁
Lovely review! I adore this cover! I’ve read parts of this book, but not all the way through yet. Enjoyed what I read though!
It’s so funny isn’t it? Makes you smile just looking at it! Even though it’s a dead taxidermy raccoon! 🤔😂
I’ve started reading some more non-fiction so this could be one to consider. Thanks for your review Beth.
My pleasure I definitely recommend it! 😊
🙂
Reblogged this on M J Mallon Author and commented:
A review from Beth at Bibliobeth. Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson – non fiction account – a funny book about horrible things – authors anxiety/depression.
I thought this book was brilliant. Loved it. Haven’t got her first one, though. Maybe I should.
Really glad to hear that Mary! I haven’t got the first one either but definitely want to now. 😁
Brilliant review. I am totally taken by Jenny Lawson’s book and the title Furiously Happy did
it. I had to read it all. I do believe in wacky humour when the going gets tough although to
my knowledge, I haven’t suffered proper depression as such.
I have a close friend who does and at times struggle to help but I think love, humour and really just seeing each other can help.
I will read this book and if suitable for this younger person it will be gifted to him.
Thank you
Thank you so much 😊 I totally agree. Love and humour is the best medicine when you’re going through a tough time. Your friend is lucky to have your support and friendship for sure!
💕😊
It’s funny, I found this book in July 2016 when I needed it and it helped saving me. Now I am rereading it as I find myself in a dark place again. I love going back to it to remind myself to be furiously happy and that I am not alone in this. Such a powerful, hilarious, and fantastic book.
So sorry you’re in a bad place Meggy but really glad this book is working for you. It’s certainly helped me through some rough times. Humour and someone understanding what you’re going through can be so helpful! You’re definitely not alone. Hugs 😘
This book resonated in many ways with me. I now follow her blog and it is heartbreaking and heartening to read it. Everyone has problems and no one is perfect. I loved reading yer review. Stay strong and awesome. Arrr!
x The Captain
Thank you so much Captain! 😊 I’ve just started following her blog so really looking forward to seeing what she puts out there!
One thing it certain. Ye never do know what she will come up with. Her recent encounter with a skunk was particularly lovelly recently. Well for me. Hardy har har!
x The Captain
😂 sounds brilliant!!
This is a book I have been thinking about reading for quite a while, and your review has convinced me to grab a copy and dive in this summer. Being unafraid to discuss our struggles with stuff like this while still handling things with humour and grace is such an incredible skill. Thanks for sharing this at a time when I needed to be reminded of it! 💕
My pleasure I really hope you get so many positive things from it like I did! 😊😘
When it comes to this kind of memoir, and this type of subject matter, I feel like all of the best books/authors have an incredible balance of vulnerability and humour. That combination is crucial, and makes their stories infinitely relatable, even if your personal struggles don’t resemble the author’s in any direct way. It sounds like Jenny Lawson has absolutely nailed it! And well done, you’ve nailed this review, such a delicate subject that you’ve discussed with grace ❤️
You’re absolutely right Sheree and I adore that balance myself, especially with this particular subject matter. That’s such a lovely thing to say, thank you so much 😊 I’m not often confident about my reviews so it’s so wonderful to hear when my feelings come across properly!
Awww, my absolute pleasure ❤️ keep up the great work!!
I love the weird angle. Her writing sounds great,I’ll go look for the book!
Fantastic! I hope you enjoy it, its ever so funny! 😆
I discovered the audiobook “Furiously Happy” by accident from the library and I have recommended it to anyone who will listen. I’m now listening to “Pretend this Never Happened” and loving it as well. Her sense of humor and delivery (she’s the reader) are delightful!
Great review of this amazing talent.
Thank you so much, that means so much! 🙂 I really want to read her first book, I adore a sense of humour with a non fiction book and think sometimes it makes those difficult topics so much easier to read/listen to. I’ve just started getting into audiobooks myself and really recommend I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell, it’s amazing!
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll look for it. I love audiobooks because I live in the mountains and radio is challenging. It’s the perfect driving companion.