Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

Cover via Goodreads.

Rating: 3/5 stars.

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened acts as the autobiography of Jenny Lawson, better known as The Bloggess. She writes about various anecdotes, ranging from her experience with a talking squirrel to her social anxiety issues at parties. Written in a stream-of-consciousness style, it will most likely please fans of her blog, as well as others who want a funny book to read.

While I liked Jenny Lawson’s voice and her crazy life, I myself did not find Let’s Pretend This Never Happened funny, which was the foundation of the book. It seemed like she was trying too hard, though I doubt this was the case; the humor felt forced and couldn’t compare to Tina Fey’s in Bossypants. Certain sections contained too much inanity that could have been edited down or removed entirely.

Overall, through her humor (that I’m sure some will adore) Lawson incorporates a few great themes in her autobiography. Here are a few words of wisdom I liked, and while I wouldn’t recommend the book to everyone, it’s worth checking out if you’re intrigued by its synopsis.

“You are not defined by life’s imperfect moment but by your reaction to them… There is joy in embracing – rather than running away screaming from – the utter absurdity of life.”