It was a very Jenny Lawson book. It made you laugh and cry all at the same time. The way she tells a story is like no other.

An Anxious Depressed Texan Does Not Walk Into a Bar Because She Can Barely Leave the House: The Latest by Jenny Lawson

Book #4 of personal essays by the Bloggess and Nowhere Bookshop owner Jenny Lawson, Broken (in the best way possible) drops drink bombs three times in the first page but mostly discusses the prescribed drugs and procedures that keep her all the things she needs to be in this life (sister, wife, mom, writer, friend, pet owner, house owner, bookshop owner) while dealing with debilitating anxiety and depression. She is funny, brash, honest to the point of possibly annoying when she goes on and on and on and on and on, and skilled in illustrating her demons. She cray--in the best possible way.

Wendy Ward
http://wendyrward.tumblr.com

Now I have to go out and read everything by Jenny Lawson! She is absolutely hilarious in this memoir dealing with her perspective on her mental health issues. She writes at a frenetic pace, which takes some getting used to, but that pace also pulls you along and, as you hang on to the tide, you can't wait to see what's next.

Lawson is wry and sardonic in her humor and is compelling in each of her chapters, but also touching. Her stories create an understanding with the reader, reaching out to say "I see you" to those struggling with their own issues.

I was new to Lawson's work, but I am now a fan.

Thank you to NetGalley for the electronic advanced copy of the book.

Rating: 4 stars

Another very candid book from Lawson - this one feels more somber perhaps because of the tight focus on her mental illness. The chapters specifically on her illness are standouts, and there are some very funny bits in the rest of it, but there's a problem where some chapters don't land a laugh at all but keep going - a little tightening would have really served this book well.

So incredibly comfortable and accepting. As someone who struggles with anxiety it was great to read a book that talks honestly about one's own mental health.

Also incredibly charming and funny!

Doing figure-eights on my pogo stick!

Oh brother, this is one funny and creative woman! My god! If I could shove this book in your face right now, I would. A review can’t do it justice. I took forever to start this review because I kept rereading chapters—and let me tell you, I seldom do that. Too much new stuff in my queue. Time is precious—so who wants to do re-reads? But I could not resist.

Lawson is a blogger with a wicked sense of humor. She is self-deprecating, and stories of her life are bizarre and hilarious. She has such a good sense of the absurd, and she never misses an opportunity to take you with her on a ride through her wonderfully skewed reality. Mix that with her huge curiosity, and you have some damn funny stories. She’ll take a little thing (like her shoe falling off in an elevator) and blow it up into a story that will crack you up. I’d describe her as a comic genius. What’s fun is I still think of her stories—her trip to the dentist and to the post office are priceless, and remembering them always makes me light up. But really, it kills me to just mention just a few. There are gems all over the place.

But half the book is about Lawson’s battles with depression and anxiety, and those are obviously serious in tone. She’s one wise cookie. If you have either or both afflictions, her words will make you feel like you’re not alone. She doesn’t hold back—she chronicles her own harrowing experiences in detail; she’s very articulate and infuses her thoughts with a lot of emotion. There’s a chapter called “Introverts Unite.” The last couple of lines actually made me cry; it reminded me of the power of books.

It’s impossible not to feel sorry for her, but that’s not what’s she after. She just wants to help others, and she succeeds. Her chapter on anxiety is really good (says this person with a lot of anxiety); loved her reminder that “all small terrors pass.” Also stellar is her chapter about a bizarre but legit treatment for depression (which involved doctors applying magnets to her head—I kid you not). Oh, and besides her head stuff, she has big physical ailments, too, like rheumatoid arthritis. She goes through a lot.

But what I’ll remember the most is the funny. Even her chapter titles are a hoot. Some favorites: And Then I Bought Condoms for My Dog; So I’m Paying to Beat the Shit Out of Myself?; How DO Dogs Know They Have Penises?; and Up Divorce Creek Without a Paddle (Because the Guide Didn’t Trust Me Not to Push Victor Overboard with It). Remember, these are all true stories!
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Some of my favorite quotes:

“My choices seem to be to either shank the person who is making me scared or get rid of all my fluids so I can run faster. I choose peeing over stabbing.”

“My friend Karen refers to me as ‘Britney Spears in Mensa” in that I seem like a ditzy weirdo but most of the time I not only am in on the joke but am smart enough to recognize that I AM the joke.”

“Basically the secret to a long-lasting marriage is memory loss and well-meaning lies and beach margaritas.”

“Human foibles are what make us us, and the art of mortification is what brings us all together.”

While awaiting her endoscopy and colonoscopy:
“I also want to ask if they do the scopes at the same time, because if so I would literally be a shish kebab for a few seconds.”

“Most children go through stages of refusing to eat lima beans or brussels sprouts, but we drew the line at eating anything we’d watched get a booze enema.”

[The above quote refers to beer can chicken, where you stick a whole can of beer—CAN(!) and all—into the hole of a chicken you’re about to roast. Seriously, this is a true thing. I would not have thought so had my brother not told me he was preparing it, a couple of weeks before I read about it in this book. I was horrified, flabbergasted, and fascinated. And I thought he was putting me on, of course.]

The last chapter, one long metaphor, is probably the one Lawson feels is the most important. Said simply, it relates shattered glass to the feeling of being broken. There’s a definite upbeat tone—hence her book title: Broken (in the Best Possible Way). Although brilliant, it went on a little too long. It’s hard to keep using a metaphor forever, I think.

Anything that didn’t thrill me? She likes vampires and that is a concept I can’t get with. Also, there’s a chapter where she talks bearcats and pee with her sister, Lisa. It seems contrived and a little self-conscious; it’s just her imagining things. I like it better when she’s telling stories of weird things that happened to her (like when the squirrel fell on her head, I kid you not.) Also, I didn’t like it that the voice of her sister sounded just like herself—maybe she should have called the other person her alter ego or something, not her sister.

And one other tiny thing: she says “totally” a lot, which totally reminds me of a valley girl, which most certainly she is not. And damn if I don’t find myself saying “totally” more often after reading her books, and for that she is in big trouble! I’m WAY too old for “totally!” But I must admit it’s fun to say; I feel like I’m channeling a coed from California.

But what do I have to say about these complaints? I don’t care, I don’t care, I don’t care!! Lawson is a comic genius, like I said, and I absolutely loved getting to be inside her weird head. So there are a few stories I didn’t love? That’s just the way the cookie crumbles. This book still goes on my absolute favorites shelf.

This is the third book of hers I’ve read. The other two are Let’s Pretend That Never Happened and Furiously Happy. With this one, she has just earned a spot on my Favorite Authors shelf. Any book that makes me laugh this hard, makes me want to pass it out to all friends, and makes me want to pick it up and reread it—is pure gold!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

Just the type of book I needed to read, a funny, yet poignant look at the trials and struggles of someone dealing with both physical and mental health issues. Made me laugh out loud on a number of occasions. Favorite chapter was the one dealing with being an introvert.....so true1

I absolutely adore Jenny Lawson and all of her previous books. This title is no exception. I quickly found that I was going to laugh far too often to be able to read this during lunch breaks and still manage to get any eating done :)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Henry Holt & Company for providing me with a copy of Jenny Lawson’s essay collection, Broken ( in the best possible way), in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a huge fan of Jenny Lawson. She's hilarious. I often find myself in the awkward position of “snorting with laughter” while reading Lawson’s writing, which usually happens in public, but not this year, Thank you, pandemic! Broken ( in the best possible way) was no exception, however, many essays in this collection took a serious look at mental and physical health issues.

Lawson is candid about her health struggles, including a look at a relatively new therapy option to combat severe depression, which involved Lawson wearing a special head device that doled out repeated mini-punches to areas of her brain in efforts to stimulate them. The results of the therapy were not perfect, but they did pull Lawson out of a long-lasting depression, and gave her the ability to enjoy aspects of her life again, including a family vacation to Europe.

I’ve never struggled with depression, but I know many people who have, including both of my parents (my father died from suicide and my mom struggled in the aftermath.) After reading Broken ( in the best possible way) I finally have a small idea of how depression impacted their lives. It not only gave me a better sense of understanding, but also more compassion. Lawson’s revelations have allowed me the opportunity to rethink and reframe certain aspects of my childhood. I did not pick up Broken ( in the best possible away) expecting such an impactful reading experience, but I appreciate it.

I’m also happy to report that Lawson’s unique outlook and brand of humor is still present throughout this collection. I got the biggest kick out of all of the animal names.

The next time I cook chicken, I will surely be reminded of Lawson’s rural Texas high school making the kids process chickens if they want to attend prom. As a city kid, I found this horrifying. I stopped reading to share this tidbit with my step kids who are visiting us from Sweden. They were equally shocked. I also have realized that I am the type of functioning introvert that Lawson finds the most troubling! Make sure to check out Lawson’s social media at “thebloggess” for more of her quirkiness and humor.

Listening to this book is like being inside Jenny Lawson’s head with her runaway thoughts. So funny, honest, painful, and hopeful. Her insight into her mental and physical health provide a glimpse into what life is like for her, and those who live and endure with these disorders. With all things Jenny Lawson I strongly recommend the audio book - hearing Jenny in your head takes this memoir to the next level. My apologies to the guy at The grocery store who stared at me laughing my ass off in the frozen food aisle.

Loved! I could read anything by this author, and I have. I feel like she is just talking to me and we are friends sharing stories. I really enjoy how she is so open and it feels good to know there are others like myself. I strongly urge you to read her books, can’t wait until the next!

This is a super fun read. I really enjoyed this one!

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Jenny Lawson had a way of making her readers feel comforted in the fact that they are not alone in their weirdness. She does so in the most hilarious, loving way possible. Everyone should read her work.

I am a long-time fan of Jenny Lawson. I love her off-the-wall humor and her poignant descriptions of her struggles with physical and mental health, both in her books and on her IG page.

Broken followed the same formula as her previous works, chapters that consist of various short stories/musings that make up the book. However, this one seemed more focused on the health aspect, which made sense, since she has been dealing for a long time with some major issues. A lot of times, these detailed descriptions just made me want to give her a hug!

But not one to dwell, she tends to put things in perspective, usually pointing to a lesson to learn, or a profound thought to hold on to. Love her!

I am only 3/4 the way through this book, but I must say it is what is precisely needed after the situations we have all been through over the part Jenny Lawson provides a roller coaster of emotions from anecdotes of her own life that are indisputably relatable. As someone who suffers from clinical depression and anxiety, I found Jenny’s voice to be a breath of fresh air that I could relate to and see pieces of myself in.

I love Jenny Lawson. This book is another great collection from her, full of humor (of course), but also vulnerability and moments of incredible poignancy. As often happens with me with anything from Jenny Lawson, there were times when I laughed so hard I almost cried. Sometimes, the humor felt a little forced, but after the year we have all had, I think we are all familiar with forced humor at times. Most importantly, there were several times reading this book that I really through of writing her an email to give her some support, a vote of confidence, or something like that. A virtual hug. I am so glad to have read her books, not just for the humor, but because of the insight her writing offers me into the struggles of people dealing with mental illnesses like depression.

I love Jenny Lawson! I found her many many many years ago in the blogging world. I knew we would be best friends if we ever met, after I read just how much she loves Wil Wheaton ( me too) and after I read about Beyonce. If you haven't read about Beyonce, please go look up this viral gem. I reread that story anytime I feel bad about life & need a good life.
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I have read all her books & I rave about them. So when asked if I want to read Broken, I said YES. This book does not at all disappoint. Jenny brings such a truth & realness to mental health. She makes how you feel seem ok. She uses humor and her own stories to humanize mental health in a way that no one else can, with laughter & complete honesty. Her books will always be 5 star reads for me. She is my hero. I know we would be best friends.
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So fun. So charming. So clever and well done. Laughed, smiled, thought - what a lovely writer who can make a point by making you laugh. Recommend 1000%. I’m going to bring it on our family vacation and read it aloud- with drinks.

Heartfelt thanks to Henry Holt for the copy. I’m grateful.

I feel like I need to be gentle here, since I dig Jenny and know she has oodles of fans out there. But I didn't entirely love this book. Mostly because it felt, tonally, all over the place. But maybe that's OK, because she seems to have been, emotionally, all over the place when she wrote it.

While Lawson's previous works have touched upon mental illness, this one seems to dive deeper, and give a more vulnerable portrait of her experiences. I'm not implying she was avoiding the truth in the past, but I think she was very aware that she has this brand of being a "funny writer," so she kept those accounts lighter, quippier. That's not the case with many of the chapters in this new book.

In this book, you can feel her exhaustion, the toil of carrying the weight of complex physical and mental illness. Personally, I thought these chapters made the book soar. Lawson is clearly a gifted writer and is doing outstanding work of bringing serious attention and empathy to people who live in this situation (I include myself in this category.)

I'd love to see Lawson do something totally different in her career and write a whole book in this more serious-y tone. Having read a lot of books about both pain and mental illness, I know firsthand that the marketplace could use her trademark candor and humor. The businesses who serve these communities could use her insights.

However, in comparison, I didn't love the funny chapters of this book quite as much. Since Lawson has mined a lot of her life already for her stories the ones in this book felt like she was trying very hard to keep her readers happy and just give them what they want. (Some of these stories aren't even about real things that happened, just funny things she imagines happening.)

I guess for me, knowing she struggles (particularly on this book) and has a lot heavier things to say, seeing her seeming to bend over backward to entertain us and make us laugh had the opposite affect and actually made me deeply sad. I wanted to reach out and hug and her and tell her that I see her and she'd doesn't need to work so hard to be loved.

That's not to say that I didn't laugh during this book, though. Of course, she's still funny. (The chapter, "Awkwarding Brings Us Together" made me laugh so hard, I cried.) I think I just enjoyed the parts of the book where I DIDN'T laugh even more...like there's a new, different kind of author being born there.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I've long been a huge fan of Jenny Lawson, and this book didn't disappoint. Alternately a serious look at anxiety and mental health, and laugh-out-loud stories that are uniquely Jenny, I loved it.

Admittedly - i suffer from anxiety myself, and I read the book in smaller chunks and not in one sitting, because some of the stories made ME anxious and I needed a break - which surprised me. Thankfully, this is a book that is easily digested in bits.

I feel so terrible for the issues that she is dealing with in day-to-day life, but I'm so glad (for us) that she is coping with it through humor.