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Broken (in the Best Possible Way)
Broken (in the Best Possible Way) | Jenny Lawson
160 posts | 131 read | 3 reading | 84 to read
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jenny Lawson comes her most personal book yet. As Jenny Lawson's hundreds of thousands of fans know, she suffers from depression. In Broken, she explores her experimental treatment of transcranial magnetic stimulation with brutal honesty. But also with brutal humor. Jenny discusses the frustration of dealing with her insurance company in "An Open Letter to My Insurance Company," which should be an anthem for anyone who has ever had to call their insurance company to try and get a claim covered. She tackles such timelessly debated questions as "How do dogs know they have penises?" We see how her vacuum cleaner almost set her house on fire, how she was attacked by three bears, business ideas she wants to pitch to Shark Tank, and why she can never go back to the post office. Of course, Jenny's long-suffering husband Victor--the Ricky to Jenny's Lucille Ball--is present throughout. A treat for Jenny Lawson's already existing fans, and destined to convert new ones, Broken is a beacon of hope and a wellspring of laughter. Includes Photographs and Illustrations
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britt_brooke
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Pickpick

#reread | My OG review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I laughed. I cried. I laughed till I cried. Phenomenal on audio. And this was recorded during COVID in her freaking closet! That‘s dedication! Her rabbit hole digressions are fucking delightful. Bless her editors‘ patient hearts. As in previous books, Lawson speaks candidly of her mental and physical health; this time highlighting how obtaining treatment is often difficult/impossible. Her strength is palpable.

Bluebird Great review! 3mo
britt_brooke @Bluebird Thank you!! 3mo
60 likes2 comments
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NatalieR
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Pickpick

I‘m so grateful that Jenny Lawson continues to share her gift of humor as she opens-up to readers about coping with depression and anxiety. In Broken, she keeps inquiring minds up to date with stories of hilarious life moments that had me laughing until I cried. She also shares very serious stories that drive home the real struggles of depression. I appreciate her transparency and advocacy for all people.

Full review at https://abookandadog.com

ShananigansReads I absolutely love her books and how honest and open she is. 4mo
NatalieR @ShananigansReads Me too! She‘s so relatable. 💛 4mo
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behudd
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Bailedbailed

Sorry to my book club, but I just couldn‘t do it.
I made it just over 25% of the way through, and while I like her message of everyday weirdo/let your freak flag fly/mental health is important, I found myself wanting to hurry it along more than I was laughing.
These kind of books rarely (if ever?) hit for me, so it‘s not a surprise. But I promise I tried. I also promise I never want to read about dog penises again.

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CaliforniaCay
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Pickpick

This was my first time reading Jenny Lawson and I understand the hype around her! She's hilarious and painfully honest. She talks about her physical and mental illnesses in a way that makes my own issues seems so small and normal. I love the way she switches between funny, weird stories and sad, dark ones. I highly recommend the audio version to hear her narrate her own stream of consciousness with her natural cadence and texas accent 🤪

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MaleficentBookDragon
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This book can make me laugh and sob in the same sentence. I had completely forgot that I won an #ARC from #Goodreads.
I put off reading it for so long because…then I wouldn‘t have it to read anymore. Am I the only one who does that?

Julsmarshall I do that too, especially with authors that I love. Like Jenny! 12mo
gossamerchild I do this with books I get really sucked into right away. I'll then set it down because I don't want it to end 😋 12mo
68 likes2 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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Pickpick

Jenny Lawson is always a pick. Hilarious, heartfelt, thoughtful, and relatable.

Sarahreadstoomuch I love her so much. There was a passage in this book that I deeply resonated with on my own journey understanding my mental health. I sent her a quick DM to express my gratitude for that, and she was super kind in her response. Just love her. 13mo
64 likes1 comment
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TheKidUpstairs
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Note to self: when holding a sleeping child, Jenny Lawson is maybe not the best choice. Trying not to laugh out loud leads to full body shakes.

#TBRTarot #YellowCover @CBee

CBee Nice!! Love Jenny ♥️ 13mo
56 likes1 comment
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DMC_run8
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Pickpick

I don't normally read memoirs but I had this as an audio book and it was read by the author and I found it to be relatable and enjoyable. 4⭐️

GondorGirl Her previous memoirs were also fantastic. The way I view life with my anxiety and health problems was completely changed after reading 1y
8 likes1 comment
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mandarchy
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There are 3 people in my family and I'm the only one with a car and a sense of responsibility based in reality. Basically, I'm a failed Victor. I could really use a drug butler. Today I drove to the middle school 2X. Once to drop the kid. Twice to medicate the kid after repeating, "take your needs." 8 times before leaving the the house the first time.

Tamra I have a friend who can totally relate. You aren‘t alone! I could use an admin secretary in my life. 😏 1y
mandarchy @Tamra I would love an admin secretary! 1y
42 likes2 comments
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mandarchy
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School just started and it's making me take forever to read this book. But I'm laughing so hard that it's hard to keep to myself. Meanwhile, I just got diagnosed with diabetes. Jenny Lawson and I may be white bread sisters. I could never give up gluten: I mean, GRAVY.

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mandarchy
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I'm a teacher first, librarian second. Today was my first day back at work, 8 hours of pro-devo (whip-it). Last week I had minor surgery after a summer of physical therapy and they give me this chair. 😅 I could feel my butt bones for the first time in years! Meanwhile, I needed a new read. The last couple of books dragged on. It made sense to get Broken because I need that kind of humor to face this chair again tomorrow. Here's to a good year!

mandarchy Thought I'd read a chapter in bed. I laughed so hard, I was snorting: Thelma & Louise! 👠 🤣 👡 2y
mandarchy Once I was walking around a box store and my hip started to hurt. I hadn't realized that I put on 2 different shoes. 😳 no one said anything to me. 2y
45 likes2 comments
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Robotswithpersonality
This post contains spoilers
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Pickpick

Confirmed. Having read all three of Jenny Lawson's memoirs, I can say with confidence I will pick up anything she writes. A now familiar blend of provoking hysterical giggles and 'WTF?!s' and gut punches. 'An open letter to my health insurance company' and passages recounting experiences with family members with dimensia are particularly heart-wrenching. Awkwarding and Editing chapters are GOLD.

Chelsea.Poole Same here. LOVE her! 2y
4 likes1 comment
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Robotswithpersonality
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Solid plan! 😂

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Robotswithpersonality
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I can always depend on Jenny for the most original chapter titles.

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Robotswithpersonality
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So relatable it hurts. 🤦🏼‍♂️

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Robotswithpersonality
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..."strange that it's a struggle to treat ourselves as kindly as we treat the dog." ??

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Robotswithpersonality
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Strange feeling to be comforted by words from a stranger about relatives with dementia who have since passed away.

"And if one day I look at you and don't remember who you are or how much you mean to me, know that your importance is still as real then as it is now."

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monalyisha
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Pickpick

Short review: This book convinced me that I probably have buttworms and I still didn‘t hate it. That sounds like a ringing endorsement to my ears!

Long review: I vow to only read Jenny Lawson in audiobook format from now on. Her writing style is so conversational that it works much better for me than it does in print. I loved most of her essays: especially those about watches, buttons, fountains, & memory fog. 👇🏻

monalyisha 1/2: I disliked a few of the crassest: about Shark Tank inventions & the art of the sensual massage. I‘m not being a prude, I swear! I liked the one about the cockchafer! 🙈 But I think when she‘s being crass, she gets a bit overcome with the delicious impropriety of it all and tends to lean on the crassness AS humor. And it‘s not…not by itself, anyway. I prefer when she uses more nuance and layered language to create her punchline. 2y
monalyisha 2/2: Lawson is capable of great writing: circular, in a totally satisfying way; vulnerable; laugh-out-loud funny; and FULL of constructed meaning and even lyrical wisdom. The crassness sometimes gets in the way of her better qualities (and *sometimes*, though less often, enhances them). (edited) 2y
Amiable Buttworms. 😄 Have you read her other books? I thought “Let‘s Pretend This Never Happened” was her best. 2y
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SleepyDragon
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Been working on some stuff that boiled over since the pandemic. Personal issues I avoided dealing with. Became obsessed with tracking my reading and doing my stats as an effective avoidance. I couldn't sustain it and just stopped mid 2020, which meant I had a lot less to post here. #TherapyPost

Tagged book is one on my #TBR that I've also been avoiding.

Bookwomble I hope things are getting easier for you now, Beth ❤️ 2y
LiteraryinLawrence This resonates with me. When is reading self care and when is it avoidance? Sending you hugs. 2y
24 likes2 comments
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CoffeeNBooks
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#BookMoods #LaughOutLoud I especially loved the chapter about awkward things people accidentally say- I couldn't stop laughing!
@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Soubhiville That chapter had me laughing so hard I teared up! She‘s got such a great way of looking at the world. 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💛💛💛 2y
Eggs Perfect 🤩 2y
Suzze Jenny is my idol. ❤️❤️ 2y
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SonyaBeatty
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Finally getting around to this...

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CoffeeNBooks
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Pickpick

Jenny Lawson does it again, writing about some pretty tough stuff with humor, but without making it seem insignificant. And with taxidermy. 😂

CaroPi I laughed and cry with this book 2y
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JenReadsAlot
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Omg I laughed so hard tonight! Great zoom event with Jenny and her amazing husband Victor ❤️

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JenReadsAlot
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I'm so excited for this event!

EJG31 It should be a great event! 2y
KLyn1 I just signed up for this - thanks for sharing!! I ❤️ her!! 2y
JenReadsAlot @KLyn1 Should be fun! 2y
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CoffeeNBooks
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Friday morning #coffeeandabook and a donut! 🍩
Happy Friday everyone! 🎉

AmyG Happy Friday! What is this flavor coffee? Cake flavoredd? Is it good? 2y
CoffeeNBooks @AmyG Yes, it's Birthday Cake flavor, so it tastes like vanilla cake, but not heavy on the vanilla. I think it's great! 2y
AmyG Thanks! I need to place an order soon. I am going to try that one. 2y
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Bklover I like that flavor too! 2y
CoffeeNBooks @AmyG @Bklover It's one that I like black, or with just milk, or with milk & sugar. It would probably be really good with flavored creamer as well. I just got an email this morning about their newest flavor, cotton candy- I might have to try that one, lol! I just can't resist trying the new flavors. 😁 2y
Bklover Did you try the carrot cake flavor? I really like the chocolate mint! 2y
CoffeeNBooks @Bklover Yes! I love carrot cake, and really liked the carrot cake coffee! 2y
75 likes7 comments
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Bookwormjillk
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Pickpick

This book made me laugh and cry and gave me a lot to think about.

This was the #LitsyAwards winner for Best Biography/Memoir in 2021

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CoffeeNBooks
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One of my dear friends sent me a surprise package today- I love Jenny Lawson, I can't wait to read this book, and it's a signed copy!

nichollinlove What a great gift to get! Jenny Lawson is a favorite for me too! 2y
Julsmarshall Love her so! 2y
EJG31 The audiobook had me laughing out loud when I was waking my dog. She's delivered another great book. 2y
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mommyincolortv I haven't read this one yet but I'm a huge Lawson fan! Do you read her blog? 2y
Kappadeemom I read this one and enjoyed it 😘 2y
CoffeeNBooks @mommyincolor I haven't read her blog, but I should! 2y
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booklover3258
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Pickpick

My review for this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/zHpo0ZowvPM

Enjoy!

KristiAhlers I love her books! 2y
37 likes1 comment
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Amiable
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Pickpick

Jenny Lawson has made a career out of writing about her struggles with mental health issues. She‘s a self-described basket case. To me, she is honest, self-effacing, real, raw —and very, VERY funny. I adore her. And Owlexander Hamilton. 😀

#Nonfiction2022
Prompt: I‘m a Basket Case

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I really get a lot out of her books too! Both funny and serious….love them 2y
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Patchshank
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Pickpick

I finished this today. As always, Lawson is fantastic. Reading her books always helps me with my own issues. They always help me to remember it's not just me. That reminder really helps sometimes.

Bookzombie 💗 2y
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BookDragonNotWorm
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Pickpick

Jenny Lawson is a blogger who speaks candidly about her struggles with depression.

I can't possibly express how much I loved this book! This was the first I've read by Lawson, and was pleasantly surprised to find myself with an amazing collection of autobiographical essays - some hilarious, some depressing, but all wonderful and ultimately uplifting in their own right. Lawson is endearing and delightful and honest.

GondorGirl Her book about depression completely changed my life. Not because it offered any new treatments or coping mechanism, but because it made me look at the good days in a different light. I've probably given out a dozen copies as gifts. 2y
BookDragonNotWorm @GondorGirl I feel the same way - a change in perspective is a real game changer! I've been trying to get my mom (who has dealt with severe depression, anxiety, and eating disorders since her teens) to read her books, but no luck so far. 2y
GondorGirl @BookDragonNotWorm the audio books are phenomenal if she likes to listen to things. 2y
BookDragonNotWorm @GondorGirl She tends to have a hard time focusing, but I'll suggest it to her. Thank you! 😁 2y
54 likes4 comments
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TracyReadsBooks
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Pickpick

I‘ve had this Litsy Award winner in my TBR pile seemingly forever. I decided it‘s recent win for Best Memoir (I‘m pretty sure that was the category) was reason enough to read it. Funny, raw, honest, heartbreaking and heartwarming, this one had me laughing out loud, nodding in agreement, and appreciative of Lawson‘s humor & generosity in sharing her life with readers. Easy to see why it‘s a favorite on Litsy.

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DimeryRene
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Jenny Lawson, full grown mammal. 😘 *writes like a kitten on cocaine.

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LibrarianRyan
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This lady's covers are just SOOOOO GOOO!. Best Biography/Memoire #LitsyAwards2021

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MallenNC
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Pickpick

Listening to Jenny Lawson narrate is what I imagine talking to her at a party would be like (but of course, having read the chapter about introverts, I know would never happen in a million years). She can make the wildest stuff funny, and then hit you with a sincere, more serious thought. I really enjoyed this! I‘ve read her before but never listened to the audiobook, which is definitely the way to go. ⬇️

MallenNC I loved how openly she talks about her challenges and also loved the more lighthearted chapters. I write in my job so I laughed so much during her chapter on copy editing notes. Thanks to @cinfhen for nudging me to read this for #NYWD @monalyisha 2y
monalyisha I‘m gonna add the audio of this to my TBR, too. It‘s decided! I‘ve tried her Furiously Happy in print & couldn‘t get into it…but I know people love it/her! It may just be a formatting quibble. 2y
MallenNC @monalyisha Definitely try on audio! 2y
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Cinfhen I bailed on Furiously Happy in print @monalyisha but the wonderful @britt_brooke convinced me to try again on audio and I was hooked!!! I binged all three memoirs in one week. I couldn‘t get enough!!! So glad you enjoyed it, Melyssa 2y
monalyisha That bodes well, @Cinfhen! 2y
britt_brooke @Cinfhen 🤗💚 Definitly try the audio @monalyisha ! Totally different experience. I was so-so on her first book in print, but loved the audio, so now that‘s the only way I read her. 2y
MallenNC I forgot to include that this was my #BookSpin for January. @TheAromaofBooks 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
MallenNC @TheAromaofBooks Thanks! Last year I was so bad at reading my actual BookSpin. I‘m trying to do better this year. I‘ll put it on your form soon. 2y
TheAromaofBooks I was also bad at reading my actual BookSpin, so you are not alone 😂 I won't look at the forms until the end of the year when I am figuring out the giveaway entries, so no rush to update!! 2y
27 likes10 comments
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MallenNC
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My current listen (recommended by @Cinfhen for #NYWD). I‘ve read Jenny Lawson but this is my first time listening to her. She can make the wildest things funny!

Cinfhen I listened to 3 of her books last year and totally agree, her narration is the extra cherry 🍒 btw: I‘m obsessed with her husband- he‘s a saint!!! 2y
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abookishbutterfly
Pickpick

Why are Jenny Lawson‘s stories so mesmerizing? They're horrific car wrecks I can‘t seem to peel my eyes away from, followed by the recollection of all the moments when I have been involved in similar car wrecks. Yes, I think that is it. I‘m compelled by the realization that there are more out there like me. It is comforting. And it‘s terrifying!

Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3602657907

39 likes1 stack add
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EchoLogical
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“…face or their hands or the love they gave you.”

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EchoLogical
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“The world feels safer somehow if we share our pain. It becomes more manageable. And by sharing our pain, we inspire others to share theirs. We are so much less alone if we learn to wear our imperfections proudly…”

kspenmoll 💕💕 2y
33 likes1 comment
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CBee
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Just leaving this here for anyone who needs it (including me). ♥️

TrishB Thank you 😘 2y
slategreyskies Hugs! ❤️ 2y
Sleepswithbooks Yesssss!!! 2y
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CBee @TrishB ♥️ 2y
CBee @slategreyskies I‘ll take em ♥️ 2y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Same. 💔❤️💚 2y
CBee @StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego I know how you‘re feeling 💔 I‘m here if you need someone to listen. 2y
Palimpsest ❤️ 2y
tracey38 2y
Chelsea.Poole ♥️🤍 2y
Crazeedi The holidays aren't always happy, especially when we dont have loved ones . I know the feeling and just want you to feel my hug and care for you . So glad for this space to share💚❤💚❤ 2y
CBee @Crazeedi thank you, Di. It‘s definitely been hard and I feel like it will always be a bit melancholy for me. I just need to figure out how to embrace that I think? Love to you ♥️ 2y
Crazeedi @CBee all our emotions are valid, and I think its important to understand it's all part of the human condition. We cry, we laugh ,we hold on to the memories good and bad and realize it's what life is all about. Big hug being sent across the miles❤ 2y
CBee @Crazeedi thank you - that helps so much ♥️ 2y
Jee_HookedOnBookz Thank you for this!! This feels like a warm hug I needed! Sending it all back to you 🤗💕 2y
CBee @Jee_HookedOnBookz thank you ♥️♥️ 2y
65 likes17 comments
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Suet624
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Pickpick

While it is true this book is more serious than her previous books I appreciated all that she had to say. Lawson‘s humor and honesty make her an author I will always search for. One section had me laughing so hard that I couldn‘t catch my breath. I hadn‘t laughed with such gusto and for so long in years.

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Suet624
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Makes me laugh every time I read that line.

AmyG Ha! 2y
Reggie Lolol 2y
EvieBee Lol Liberty Hardy is so funny! 2y
49 likes4 comments
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Suet624
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This section in Lawson‘s book is a somber chapter about health insurance and how they fail anyone who is suffering from (fill in the blank). In her case in particular it‘s about her mental health. I‘ve worked in HR and spent hours tussling with insurance companies on behalf of our employees. Every word she says is true. “Sometimes I think you want me dead.”

kyraleseberg Incredibly relatable, my family just experienced the same after my husband had a sudden bizarre ICU stay (non-Covid thankfully) and now dealing with a mountain of medical bills because insurance is a really expensive scam. 2y
Suet624 @kyraleseberg I‘m so sorry. It is particularly tough when you‘re also dealing with recovery. Who has the time? (edited) 2y
Jas16 This section absolutely gutted me. 2y
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Megabooks So true. I‘ve fought that battle an unfortunate number of times. 2y
kspenmoll I spent hours on the phone since July 1 at the beginning of each month just because they keep dropping my son from my plan. Finally it‘s December & I called & he is finally covered without the monthly fight. 😱😱😱 2y
Suet624 @Jas16 I agree. Just gut wrenching. 2y
Suet624 @Megabooks I‘m so sorry. 2y
Suet624 @kspenmoll Yay! Finally! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💕 2y
BarbaraBB I don‘t think I can stand a whole book about US horrible health care system 🤦🏻‍♀️ 2y
Suet624 @BarbaraBB oh, it‘s just a short but very moving chapter in the book. 2y
51 likes10 comments
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jenniferw88
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@Suet624 @wanderinglynn

Just searched for the book with the subtitle, and this happened!

It's the second result if you try broken jenny.

Suet624 Haha. But…but…but what if you don‘t know the subtitle? 😳🥴😃 2y
jenniferw88 @Suet624 then you type "broken jenny" - it will be the second result. ? 2y
wanderinglynn Yes but that doesn‘t explain why Deerhunter is the first result when you just type in Broken. 2y
35 likes3 comments
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Suet624
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I‘m not really sure why Litsy‘s search function is often so completely off base. Are there really so many people reading these titles that they would pop up before Jenny Lawson‘s? Deerhunter? Really? 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ it‘s been like this for a while - that one needs to be super cunning to find the book one is searching for - but this morning just seemed like the time to say something.

wanderinglynn I have had similar problems. And Broken was one of those. Why Deerhunter? How is that anywhere close to Broken? 🤷🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ 2y
jenniferw88 If you look at the author, 'broken' is in the name! 2y
Suet624 @jenniferw88 I understand that broken is the name of the author. But I scrolled for quite some time and never found Jenny Lawson‘s book under the title broken. I had to look under her name. I‘m not quite sure why litsy can‘t clean that up a bit 2y
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jenniferw88 @Suet624 does the lawson book have a subtitle? Sometimes I have to add the subtitle or author to my searches e.g. broken jenny and 🤞 it would turn up. 2y
Suet624 @jenniferw88 @wanderinglynn also, I just looked up Deerhunter. It has two posts whereas Lawson‘s book has a large number. That alone should be enough to make it show up first. 2y
Suet624 @jenniferw88 it does have a subtitle. 2y
Laughterhp I‘ve noticed that a lot too! I forget what book I was trying to put in, but I also had to add the author‘s name to find it. 2y
sarahbarnes I‘ve had this happen to me, too. And your comment about Deerhunter made me laugh. 😂 2y
35 likes8 comments
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vlwelser
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Scared someone away from our book club Whatsapp group chat yesterday. In my defense, I was making a joke about our December pick. It wasn't totally random.

RaeLovesToRead Hahaha! 🤣 A good Murakami to start with is Norwegian Wood. It's not as weird as his other stuff and it's not overly long! I've heard the windup bird chronicle is his best, but I've not read it yet. 2y
vlwelser @RaeLovesToRead Thank you! I'm not sure that person I asked has ever read one. 2y
RaeLovesToRead No problem. Steer clear of 1Q84 - parts one and two are OK, but by the end of part three you'll lose the will to ever read a Murakami book again! 2y
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vlwelser
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Pickpick

This isn't nearly as funny as her other books. But one part had me laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. This is much more serious and I think she's actually growing as an author. It is mostly about mental health and chronic illness.

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wanderinglynn
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Pickpick

I hate to write this but I just didn't find this book quite as funny or engaging as her previous books. I applaud her for being open & honest about her struggles with mental illness & other health issues. But these essays didn't seem to flow as well & felt almost disjointed at times, which made me think that this book was more of a lift for her to finish.

But I still gave it a pick because she gives a voice to all of us who feel broken at times.

wanderinglynn This was my November #bookspin which I finished *before* the end of the month! 🎉😆 @TheAromaofBooks 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
107 likes2 stack adds2 comments