Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: (A Mostly True Memoir): A Book Review

I was recommended this book a while ago, from Goodreads, because I love Tina Fey’s Bossypants.  I was a little skeptical because I had never heard of Jenny Lawson or The Bloggess previously.  Then, I saw that this novel was voted “Goodreads Choice 2012 Winner” for the humor category, and I thought I better finally check it out.  And I’m so glad I did! :)

Title: Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: (A Mostly True Memoir)

Author: Jenny Lawson

Genre: Non Fiction, Humor, Autobiography

Publisher: Putnam Adult

Publication Date: April 17, 2012

Pages: 330

Out in Paperback?: Yes; March 5, 2013

Goodreads

Amazon

My Rating: 5/5

Review:

Goodreads Summary:

For fans of Tina Fey and David Sedaris—Internet star Jenny Lawson, aka The Bloggess, makes her literary debut.

Jenny Lawson realized that the most mortifying moments of our lives—the ones we’d like to pretend never happened—are in fact the ones that define us. In the #1 New York Times bestseller, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, Lawson takes readers on a hilarious journey recalling her bizarre upbringing in rural Texas, her devastatingly awkward high school years, and her relationship with her long-suffering husband, Victor. Chapters include: “Stanley the Magical, Talking Squirrel”; “A Series of Angry Post-It Notes to My Husband”; “My Vagina Is Fine. Thanks for Asking”; “And Then I Snuck a Dead Cuban Alligator on an Airplane.” Pictures with captions (no one would believe these things without proof) accompany the text.

Characters:

I thoroughly enjoyed Jenny’s humor throughout the entire book!  It definitely is similar to Tina Fey’s humor and her novel, Bossypants, which I loved!  Jenny really seemed to be a down-to-Earth kind of person, especially because she jokes about her childhood and background described in the novel.  I also found it very admirable that she was open with some of her social anxiety issues, showing readers (in a comical way) how it affects her.  She was very open and hilarious, however, I will say (and she does mention in the beginning of the book) that the topics and language may not be for everyone.

Plot:

Obviously, as an autobiography, this book describes Jenny’s childhood, her experiences growing up, meeting her husband, and the birth of her daughter.  However, in the background, behind the comedy, is a really cool message that I really enjoyed:  the things that we are embarrassed about and want to forget the most are the things that really make us who we are.  I just love that message because it is so true (and Jenny does an awesome job of illustrating it)!

Writing Style:

The writing style was amazing!  It was kinda of a mixture of her writing new chapters and taking previously things from her blog, as well as layouts that included letters to her husband and post-it notes.  It was a great combination of unique layouts and formats, which I did enjoy.  With her writing style, the humor throughout this book really comes across to readers in a great way!  Some of my favorite chapters (which I loved the titles to as well) include, “A Series of Helpful Post-it Notes (p. 118),” “I Am the Wizard of Oz of Housewives (p. 213),” and “An Open Letter to My Husband (p. 233).”

Have you read this book?  What did you think?  Have you checked out her blog?

FTC Disclaimer:

All items mentioned were purchased by me.  This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.  No affiliate links were used.