Alice's Review: Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut

Summary:  Demonstrating Woody Allen's magical math equation, comedy = tragedy + time, a sensational collection of witty essays about life, love, hate, kids, work, school, and more from the author of The Ex-Mrs. Hedgefund and Arm Candy.  Jill Kargman is a mother, wife, and writer living the life in New York City . . . a life that includes camping out in a one-bedroom apartment with some unfortunate (and furry) roommates, battling the Momzillas of Manhattan, and coming to terms with her desire for gay men. In this entertaining collection of observations, Kargman offers her unique, wickedly funny perspective as she zips around Manhattan with three kids in tow. Kargman tackles issues big and small with sharp wit and laugh-out-loud humor: her love of the smell of gasoline, her new names for nail polishes, her adventures in New York City real estate, and her fear of mimes, clowns, and other haunting things. Whether it's surviving a family road trip or why she can't stand Cirque du So Lame, living with a mommy vagina the size of the Holland Tunnel or surviving the hell that was her first job out of college, Kargman's nutty self triumphs, thanks to a wonderfully wise outlook and sense of fun that makes the best of everything that gets thrown her way. And if that's not enough, Kargman illustrates her reflections with doodles that capture her refreshing voice. - Amazon.com

Review:  I love to laugh.  Really, doesn't everyone?  I looked forward to reading Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut so I could laughing my way through these essays and observations.  I was expecting good writing tinged with humor and wit.  I'm pleased to say I got that.  This is the perfect little book to carry about in your purse or backpack, the kind you take out when you are waiting in line or have a few minutes to yourself or need a good laugh. 

Ms. Kargman covered a variety of topics from her kids to marriage to fears.  I loved her list of the times her kids embarrassed her.  Her adventures in the apartment with the brothel and frat boy neighbors left me in stitches.  I also enjoyed the way she infused pop culture into almost each and every page.  I loved that she's a real New Yorker.

What I didn't expect was how mean Ms. Kargman came across.  Perhaps mean is too harsh, blunt is more like it.  This isn't a PG read.  It's laced with cursing and semi-obscene humorous little drawings.  It might make you blush a little, but it's worth it.  You'll laugh too.

Final Take: 3/5