People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Competitive Crafters, Drop-Off Despots, and Other Suburban Scourges by Jen Mann
Review by Lauren
source: library e-copy; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Jen Mann doesn’t have a filter, which sometimes gets her in trouble with her neighbors, her fellow PTA moms, and that one woman who tried to sell her sex toys at a home shopping party. Known for her hilariously acerbic observations on her blog, People I Want to Punch in the Throat, Mann now brings her sharp wit to bear on suburban life, marriage, and motherhood in this laugh-out-loud collection of essays. From the politics of joining a play group, to the thrill of mothers’ night out at the gun range, to the rewards of your most meaningful relationship (the one you have with your cleaning lady), nothing is sacred or off-limits. So the next time you find yourself wearing fuzzy bunny pajamas in the school carpool line or accidentally stuck at a co-worker’s swingers party, just think, What would Jen Mann do? Or better yet, buy her book.
Review: I actually read Mann’s holiday edition of essays and thought they were quite amusing, so when I saw this collection on my library’s e-site, I decided to finally check it out. Since it is a collection of essays, the book is a quick and enjoyable read. While I don’t agree with everything Mann makes fun of, I do appreciate the humor, and really, if you don’t have a good sense of humor, this is not the book for you!
What’s fun about this book is that it’s basically a memoir of sorts, detailing various moments in Mann’s life, but it infuses all the stories with enjoyable and funny moments. I love a writer that can make me laugh, because it’s not easy to do, and Mann does make me laugh!
Mann is enjoyable to read about because she obviously doesn’t have much of a filter in her real life. She’s okay with stating her opinion and speaking up when others won’t. She’s a mom and wife, but she’s not trying to be the #1 mom and wife, and I commend that. There is no such thing as perfect, so embrace the chaos!
Definitely a fun read!
yes it looks fun! it was a new one to me
This one sounds like a lot of fun. I mean, the title alone… LOL While I probably wouldn’t be hanging out with someone so vocal and without a filter IRL, I imagine reading about her escapades is pretty funny. 🙂
I have had this one recommended to me before but my library doesn’t have it so I haven’t picked it up. I think it would work with my sense of humor so maybe one day. Great review!!
This one looks like a fun read! I love the title.
That title definitely sounds fun, glad it turned out to be fun too. 😉
Oh my. That is too funny! lol
I read her Christmas one too and thought it was pretty funny. I should check this out.
Bahahahaha, I didn’t know this was a book. So I was eagerly opening up your blog to hear who you, Lauren, wanted to punch in the throat. (Still curious).
I actually really wanted to read this when it was released but the eBook was super expensive ($15.00 Australian from what I remember) and it’s super short as well. I couldn’t justify it. I might check to see if it’s come down in price, it sounds brilliantly funny. I could probably call my memoir the same thing actually.
I love getting book recommendations because I never know what to read next. This definitely sounds like someone I will like. Looking forward to checking it out.
Haha I need to read this simply because the title makes me laugh out loud!
The title alone makes me want to read this 🙂
As soon as I saw the title, I thought I would want to read it. And your review confirmed it. I will be adding it to my list. I just read a really dark, sad book, so I need something light and funny.
This sounds hilarious, and while the thoughts in my head are completely unfiltered I admire folks who just put it out there.
Gotta admit, I love the title!
OMG, the title itself already makes me laugh. Haha.. I can see why you love it. She must be hilarious. Glad that you enjoy this book so much. Awesome review, 🙂
Sounds like a great read! I love a book with some humour 🙂
Can’t wait to read your book! I think it’s exactly what I need right now! This mama needs to laugh!
Awesome Review! I thought this was a rant post and not a review lol. But this sounds like a great light and entertaining read!!
These sound pretty darn funny! Oh my gosh. I definitely have an inner judgy spirit. hahahha I think this would be an even greater read if I had kiddos. Maybe I’ll put it on my TBR and wait a while! 🙂 XO -Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Great review. This book sounds hilarious. I’ll have to add it to the TBR for sure.
I’ve heard about this book, it sounds funny. I’d give it a read. We could all use a little humor. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
xo
This definitely sounds like it’d be an entertaining read! :] I judge books by titles, and this one would make me want to read it. ;P
This sounds like a really humourous read. Lol, I love the title.
Love the title! And this sounds like a fun memoir to read!
I have read this one! It is a funny read for sure!
Sounds like it would be an interesting read. And I agree that its refreshing to find someone down to earth that you can enjoy.
I love the title of this one, and I imagine it’s hilarious. 🙂
Oh INTERESTING! I saw the title of this post and immediately clicked on it! I’ve not ready many memoirs or memoir-like stories, but I’m sure it’s an intriguing type of book to read. Props to this lady for writing such an honest book. Perfect is overrated!
Great review! Have a fantastic week. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
hahaha, I want this book just because of the title lol!
Britt Mont
http://www.othersideof25.com
I know some people like that. I should read her book!
This is a great title! I knew I’d want to read the book as soon as I saw it. 🙂 Sounds like an interesting read.
I hadn’t heard of this one before but it sounds hilarious!
This collection of essays sounds like the funny, entertaining sort of essay. And even though you weren’t in agreement with everything, the fact that you still enjoyed it means that it was written very well and in a non-offensive manner!
Well, that’s some title. One of those I can see being read whilst placed inside another book.
I’m guessing it is also one of those marmite books that your either going to love or hate. I’m so glad you found it to your taste.
Not gonna lie, the title of the book is what caught my attention. I have a pretty decent sense of humor, okay it’s mostly sarcasm but it still counts! Ha ha. I’m stopping by as part of the Get Social event. Love that you have different types of book reviews here!