Update: Jen Lancaster will be in Chicago promoting her new book on May 6 at the Barnes & Noble on Webster at 7:30. Check the list for the rest of the cities and dates.
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I just finished reading Bitter Is the New Black by Jen Lancaster and I have to say it was fantastic. I haven’t laughed out loud this much while reading a book since I read “A Dirty Job” by Christopher Moore.
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I love her voice. I think she writes very well and like that she doesn’t try to jazz things up or sugar coat anything. She comes up with the best one-liners. She makes no apologies for her self-centeredness, as she dubs America Jensylvania at the end of her book, humbling electing herself as it’s leader. She’s hilarious and sometimes just downright ridiculous. You can’t help but giggle. She’s selfish and unsympathetic in the beginning but it’s pretty cool to watch her grow and change throughout the book.
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She learned a lot of tough lessons that many people are facing right now and she did it was such style and humor. I love that she entertained herself by spying on her neighbors! During everything she never changed who she was inside and I love that about this author.
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The footnotes she supplied were sometimes funnier than what was going on in the story. And I love that it took place in Chicago. It was awesome being able to picture all the places she’s been.
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I’m looking forward to reading her other books Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl’s Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me? and Such a Pretty Fat: One Narcissist’s Quest To Discover If Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big, Or Why Pie is Not The Answer.
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You gotta love the titles she comes up with.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
it was such a great book
really it was, i’m reading bright lights, big ass right now. it’s still pretty great though seems to lack…a goal. Like the first book you know that she got fired. and she can’t find a job then decides to write and it’s all about the journey to get there. This one seems to be less contrived (i think thats the right word) and lacks…an end point. Her voice is still the same and I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with you on the footnotes 
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I have yet to read any of her books. I obviously need to check them out!
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In the midst of Keats, Wordsworth and Mary Shelley, I’m craving a fun book. This one looks fun.
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Man, you’re like my own personal amazon.com book recommendation.
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I LOVE the Jen Lancaster books! I have read both and am anxiously awaiting the third, Such a Pretty Fat. She keeps me laughing out loud, can’t breathe, crying through her books. I read one on a flight and the attendant came over to ask if everything was ok, but really give me the “shut up” look. You’re going to her book signing when the new one comes out, right?
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I. Love. Her.
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I’ve read both her books and met her at a signing in Union Square – she’s awesome!! Her blog is hysterical too, you should check it out if you haven’t already. http://www.jennsylvania.com
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I really need to read this book, I have heard so many good reviews. Glad you liked it!
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i haven’t read any of these, but from the titles alone i think i would enjoy!
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yay! i’m only reading the first line of this post (b/c i just started reading the book yesterday!)
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i inhaled her books. i laughed. i cried. i laughed a lot more. i love jen. and i love her blog.
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go. read it. now.
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You know what’s some good reading? VC Andrews. Yeah, she died years ago but ghost writers keep writing for her. I know, I have EVERY single VC Andrews book EVER. Seriously.
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I was being sarcastic, they aren’t good reads. I wasn’t, however, being sarcastic about having every single VC Andrews book ever. I have them. Oh yes, I do.
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Vanessa -
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I have every intention of going to her book signing. I can’t wait to meet her and tell her that she’s my hero haha!
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Lacey -
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I’ve been to her website and I love it almost as much as her books.
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I just finished, literally, just finished… Such a Pretty Fat, I totally loved it! I laughed my ass off and my co worker and I have used Jen isms all week! Thanks so much for being so snarky, I love the stuff about Princess birthmark! OMG!!! I loved all of it, so thanks again! You rock! P.S. My husband laughs at my music choices also, like he has any taste!! The best decision he ever made was me!
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