A Review of Let's Pretend This Never Happened

On a day like today--Monday, and tax day to boot--we all need a laugh. Without further ado, I present my review of  Let's Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) by Jenny Lawson. Neil Gaiman endorsed it. So did Wil Wheaton. And so am I. I give it 4&1/2 out of 5 stars.The book is filled with expletives and some rather blunt observations, as well as humor that probably has rankled quite a few people. If you're easily offended, it's not the book for you. The reason it got 4&1/2 stars rather than 5 is because sometimes the humor felt forced. Most of the time, however, it flows naturally, and I often found myself snickering uncontrollably.

This is the story of someone who grew up in a tiny town in West Texas with a taxidermist for a father. She had a... unique... childhood. There was, for instance, the time she ran into--as in, stepped inside--the deer carcass her father was working on and ended up puking, because really, in that situation, who wouldn't? She talks about her childhood with humor, as she does her anxiety disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, miscarriages, marriage, and loss. The book is chock-full of fantastic quotes, such as this beauty: "Considering that we spent a majority of our workday in pajamas while porn played in the background, there was a surprising amount of stress in that workplace."

Beyond the humor, you get a sense that this is someone you can relate to. She's flawed, she has mental health issues and physical health issues, and yet you get the sense that she's pulled through it and come out all right. With a sense of humor about it all, even. So if you need a laugh (and who doesn't?), run out and get this book, or follow Jenny on her blog.  You won't regret it, y'all.