Because I'm a twelve year old boy (Figuratively not literally), the only thing that really makes me belly laugh is physical humor. Turn on America's Funniest Home Videos, wait 'til someone falls down, and watch me slowly suffocate myself by laughing until I cry.
Generally, I do not read books that could be considered "funny." Dark, yes. Twisty for sure. Confusing, smart, literary, etc. These are adjectives which I love. Funny, though? It's rare. I'm funny enough without help.
Naomi gave me a book called Let's Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) a long time ago. I avoided it. Why, you might ask? Generally I'll read anything anyone hands me, but especially Naomi....but this had a taxidermied (GR, GOOGLE, It's a word...get over it!) mouse on the cover. I suppose I should back up.
The author of Let's Pretend is Jenny Lawson. She is a Texan (LIKE ME), she is socially awkward (LIKE ME) and she is funny as all get out (LIKE ME). Therefore, I am in love with her and want to be her best friend. She doesn't have much of a choice in the matter.
The book is about her life in Texas, and boy oh boy did it resonate. I laughed, readers. I laughed so hard that I couldn't breathe and people were concerned for my health (mental and physical). I laughed so hard that other people laughed with me nervously, just in case I was laughing at them. I cried while attempting to explain and read out loud. This book is responsible for any abdominal muscles I currently have.
My favorite parts included a squirrel puppet, cow artificial insemination, discussion of Hill Country scorpions and other wildlife, random conversations at parties and just other general awesomeness. I have a feeling if I wrote a book (Instead of just reading them), it would sound suspiciously like this and I might get sued.
I don't think this is a book that will only be funny if you're from Texas. My laughter was knowing laughter. [HAHAHAHA, chupacabras...] If you're not from Texas, it will probably be a mixture of nervous laughter (when she discusses taxidermy and gun cabinets) and laughter at us. I'm okay with that.
Honestly, it's just good to know that one misfit is making it in Texas. You go, Jenny. Good for you, girl.
Her blog: http://thebloggess.com/
Awesome, random podcast I found with Jenny, WILL WHEATON, PATRICK ROTHFUSS, and John Scalzi. Geek with me.
This book is NOT just funny if you're from Texas. I (Naomi) am not a Texan, and Jenny Lawson is funny anywhere. I knew this book was good when I laughed out loud (rare for me, in a book) at least 5 times (!!!) in the first chapter. Jenny Lawson is a GENIUS. And if Hermia gets to be her best friend, I am coming along for the ride.
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