Jen Lancaster: My Hero in Polka Dots

Last night Jamie and I went to Barnes and Nobles for the release of Jen Lancster’s new book, “Such a Pretty Fat.” Jen Lancaster was there for a reading and to sign books. I’ve only been to one reading before and it was a small intimate affair. This. Was nothing like that. There were soooooo many women there. I think even Jen was blown away.
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Wait, before I get to the rest of the story, let me tell you that Lincoln Park has something against me parking there. Why can I never find a spot? I actually had to pay $10 to park by the bookstore. I think that’s ridiculous. Lincoln Park better get with it! Moving on…
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Jen came out followed by her husband, Fletch, who does not look anything like I imagined. She was wearing a very cute black and white polka dot dress. She read a chapter about her experience with yoga and shopping while on Ambien. She speaks just like she writes, or writes just like she speaks. She was very entertaining and engaging. I didn’t mind that I was surrounded by more than 100 women who would gladly smash me just to get her autograph.
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After the reading and Q&A session we all lined up for her autograph. I think we spent at least an hour if not more in line. How did we entertain ourselves you ask? By reading the most random books. Did you know there is a book out there called “Big Black Penis?” I could not make this up. There is also a book with a lime green cover and the word “Slut!” slapped on it. It’s pretty obnoxious. What section were we in? Women’s Studies! Ridiculous.
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Finally it was our turn. I did a little happy dance as I shimmied my way up to her table. “Hi, I’m Jenn, the “Googler.” She laughed and signed my book “The Google Stalker.” Jamie asked if she’d be going to BlogHer this year and sadly she will not be. But! On the bright side, her and one of my other favorite authors, Stephanie Klein, will be at Printer’s Row on June 7th. Who will be there? Me of course! And my trusty sidekick, The Justifier, a.k.a. Jamie.
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I love that Jen is a blogger turned book author. She definitely doesn’t let the success go to her head. When asked what’s changed since her books have come out she responded, “I get more mail now.” She’s also working on two more books. Yay!! If you haven’t read any of her books, I strongly recommend you do. They’re pretty easy reads and a lot of fun.
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When I got home, I noticed I had a package waiting for me. Aw yay I like packages. A very sweet blogger sent me some breakup books and a chocolate frog/prince. It was very sweet and I can’t wait to get started on the books. Thank you muchly Kristen!!
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Pay It Forward winners, don’t worry! I haven’t forgot. I ordered some things online and I’m waiting for them to get here so I can mail out your packages.

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22 Comments so far

I went to her book signing for Bitter is the New Black and when we got up to the table, Lacey and I were so involved in our discussion about how I had never seen the movie Footloose that we didn’t even notice it was our turn. We explained to Jen what we were talking about and so wrote, ” Go rent Footloose. NOW” in my book. I heart her.

I do really need to read this book, I’ve only heard wonderful things about her.
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You should read The Fuck Up. Crazy title, but it’s actually pretty good.

Yay it arrived! I am currently reading bitter is the new black and i love her witt!

I love her blog, but I was a little disappointed with Bitter is the New Black. There were a few laugh out loud moments, but not enough. If you think that this book is funnier, I will check it out!

I’ve had Bright Lights, Big Ass in my wish list on amazon for a long time… should I get Bitter is the New Black first?

We were selling a book for a while called “Fuck this Book.” It was annoying that we couldn’t print the title anywhere in our promotional materials.

Online?! Aw man. You’re gonna really not like my package (which went out today, by the way). I went to Target.

How fun! I’m reading Bright Lights, Big Ass right now actually

Did you get a photo of her and Fletch? If you did, PLEASE SHARE. I don’t know that I’m going to be able to make it to Atlanta on Tuesday to see her.

As a women’s studies major, I can attest that those books are legit. Slut! is actually really engaging. Those crazy feminists like to push the envelope with catchy titles…

I highly recommend reading “Big Black Penis.”
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It is moving.
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Literally!

I’m sorry.

I would love to read her books, they look so good. And that care package is so cute

I haven’t heard of her but I’m kind of out of the loop. Thanks for the tip!

aw, sweet care package \

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i’ve never been to a signing… i’m thinking i should try this some time..

i’m going to stop at borders on the way home and pick up her book! it sounds great! thanks for the tip.
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and btw i love book signings. it’s so fun to meet an author after reading the words they have written and the characters they have thought up!

yay you got the book!! so glad. def read it’s called a breakup before it’s broken first. works wonders!

Awesome night, sorry I couldn’t be there but I can hardly wait for Wednesday!
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Maxie–get them, get one, just read!

Aw, the package is SO sweet! When Colin & I broke up I got…lonely tearful phone calls to my bff. LoL

If you’re talking about the Barnes & Noble in the Webster & Clybourne shopping center, which is the only one I can imagine you’d be talking about, all you have to do to get free parking is walk into the GameStop, browse around for a little while, then ask for one of the employees to validate your parking. You hand them your parking stub and they’ll press it through a little thing and, Voila!, you’ve got free parking.
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Seriously, I used to work there. Unless something’s drastically changed, nobody cares.

I met her last year when she was in NY (I couldnt go this week sadly… would it be weird if I went to see her twice?) and she’s sooo nice!! She also signed Arielle’s book (Good Things Come to Those Who Whine) with something funny, and it made it into her book!! Or she mentioned it at a signing, I dont know, Jaime mentioned it to Arielle. Ha. But yeah she’s awesome.

So I (being completely new to the whole blog-world) had never heard of Jen Lancaster, but was desperately craving a fun summer book, after reading your post i went out and bought Bitter Is The New Black (figured i should start at the beginning..) and i’m so excited to start. Thanks!!

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