I though this was a great second book for Jen - it was hilarious. I just want to be her friend...she writes just like I believe she would talk. A great read, hard to put down! Just what I needed.

If you're easily offended, skip this book. But if you love to listen to someone who is not afraid to express their opinions, no matter how crass and politically-incorrect, oh my gosh, Jen will make you laugh like nobody's business. You have to be in the mood for her. I recommend her after a dose of "Ugly Betty" or after you've picked up "People" Magazine at the dentist. I wish I had her guts! And Fletch, my love, you're my hero to be married to a strong, black (okay, sorority blonde) woman. : )

I thought this was going to be a very funny book, but I struggled to get through it. Lancaster is incredibly self-absorbed and annoying. Who calls their husband to ask if it's okay to eat Lucky Charms for three meals? She does. And it's not funny, it's annoying and irritating. A serious waste of money.

While I think Jen Lancaster is very funny, I have a few problems with her. First, she's clearly an intelligent woman, but he writing style is simply sophmoric. All those foot notes? And the incomplete sentences? Got to go.

Second, she seems whiny, lazy, and annoying. I don't know how Fletch puts up with her. Instead of making changes in her life, she carries on about them. Want to lose weight? How about put the fork down and get moving, lady. She seems smart enought to know better, but is constantly making the same impulsive mistakes (overeating, opening her big mouth, spending too much). While she recognizes this, she fails to do anything about it. And that is sad.

Besides that, she is funny, and she does have a way of sharing things that makes you feel like you're talking to a friend.

There are too few people who can laugh at themselves, and make us laugh when they do. I want to be Jen's new best friend! My only disappointment is that I didn't find this book sooner. My great pleasure is that I got to read it yesterday! I checked it out from the library but as soon as I find out how to order a signed copy directly from her, I am going to order all 3 of her books. Having lived in several neighborhoods that had homeowner's associations, I can truly appreciate Jen Cognito. Only now I wonder, is my garbage can really an "unsightly item" that needs to be removed from in front of my garage or have I been "warned" by someone just like Jen?!

Enjoyed this book very much because I could relate to many incidents, such as the joys of being a temp, bad neighbours, looking for a new home, husband issues etc. The book is a collection of anecdotes of the author's life in Chicago, and I found it to be an easy read with some really entertaining stories. The chapters are little individual stories, mostly independent of each other as opposed to Bitter is the New Black, which was more of a memoir. Worth reading!!

I wanted to like this book so much. I had heard such good things about it. Specifically, I'd read that Jen L was like David Sedaris with pearls and a super cute handbag and I had to get this book, because David Sedaris is god. I have to say that Jen L is definitely no David Sedaris, with or without handbag or pearls. The first chapter was fine, a few giggles, then the next chapter had less, by the third, I was struggling to keep my eyes open. Maybe it was the footnotes or the typesetting, which made you think you were reading e-mails, or maybe it was the unrelenting whining that got to me. I couldn't finish it. I thought I got the wrong book, but no, the David quote was right there in the front. What a disappointment.

I am reading this still- I LOVE it. I laughed for 3 pages of one "episode", I read this part to my husband and I was laughing so hard I couldn't get the words out. Tears were running down my face. Jen you CRACK ME UP!

Jen Lancaster is a fantastically funny author. She is sarcastic, and quick witted. She is able to laugh at herself (and practically eveyone she meets) - I throughly enjoy her writting, it's complete entertainment. So far, none of her books have disappointed me.

Okay, i know i shouldn't let my political views impede on my book selection. i have close friends who are republicans. i fear my husband is a closeted one. And I enjoyed her last book. But, i felt a frisson of alarm when she mentioned having Fox news on all the time and ripping down an anti-Bush poster. When she wrote about reading an Ann Coulter book, i felt repusled and could not get past it. She would write something funny and i'd think, "but she reads ann coulter!" For whatever reason, that greatly diminished my reading and enjoying the book and will dissuade me from purchasing another.

Lancaster's first book was all about ironies...the loss of her job, the eventual demise of her bank account...the subsequent near-eviction out of a ghetto apartment, etc. This is what made her so endearing. This second book however, just gets on one's nerves. There are Jen's lists, the emails, the "footnotes" and of course, the chapter to contend with. All the while with sentences. that. end. up. written. like. this. Aaggh!! In Lancaster style, she. is. trying. way. too. hard.

This is another hilarious novel by Lancaster! I loved her first one and this one did not disappoint as well! I laughed out loud so many times, even when I brought the book to Jury Duty! Jennifer Lancaster sure knows how to bring a smile to your face. I most definitely recommend this one and I can't wait to get started on her third, Such a Pretty Fat. She is witty, straight-forward, and tells it like it is, but you love her anyway!

I absolutely loved Bitter is the New Black. It was Laugh Out Loud good. I was anxiouly anticipating the release of this second book only to come away a bit disappointed. The book is still funny and a great poolside read, but it does not pack the punch of Bitter. This book was a bit on the whiney side. I smiled, but did not laugh out loud. I did not find myself wanting to read excerpts to everyone around me as I had with Bitter.

I did love the Target, IKEA, and Trader Joe's stories. The paper gown incident is also a big favorite. Overall there just are not the stories as in Bitter. This second book is mostly just a collection of incidences which do not seemed to be as well connected as the previous.

I am still a huge Jen fan and will certainly read the next book due out soon.

This book was a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!! Bitter wasn't bad; it at least had a plot. But this book was about a whiny, ignorant, overweight girl that moves .....in Chicago. She can't deal with it, either.

It was a very stupid waste of paper, and I can't believe that people even publish nonsense like this.

Why not use your talent for some good? Instead of admiring yourself in the mirror all day, why not do something useful. Like get over your fear of the gyno. Grow up. I WANT MY MONEY BACK.

TOTALLY LAME.

This is a another geat book from Jen. I can so relate to her stories. I highly recommend this. Can't wait for the next one.

I saw this book as I was ready to leave at Barnes and Noble and the Title caught my eye- clearly with a title like this, I had to buy it. I LOVE it! I am halfway through it and I am so bummed...I came to Amazon to buy bitter is the new black and to say, if you have a sarcastic, biting sense of humor, you will enjoy this book. Can she be self indulgent? Yes...Can she be frank? VERY....but scarily, she uses a lot of expressions and abbreviations I do...which makes me wonder how she got into my head. I find the footnotes and email excerpts to be a clever way to write (some reviewers do not feel the same). She does talk like a pirate (four letter words galore) but frankly that makes her more real to me and similarly more like me- thus, I love it!
My husband won't allow me to read this book in bed because I break into laughter often (not exactly the read to help you fall asleep)....but it is a great way to unwind.... You can read this and realize universal truths- Jobs can stink, Neighbors can be awful, and EVERYONE has problems that can be mountains or molehills (it all depends on how YOU react to it). Kudos, 2 thumbs up, 5 stars!

I think this book was fabulous! Since moving to Chicago from Oklahoma and from recieving a above average paycheck to being a broke student living on student aid, I could really relate to some of her funny daily dilemmas (ie... the fabulous CTA system and the ever so complicated apartment search). I was searching for something to brighten my day after being around the rude and grumpy dwellers of Chicago. I havent been able to even finish a book in years and I couldnt put this one down, often times even finding myself laughing hysterically and talking to myself in my thick southern accent on the "L" with people gawking at me like a freak (oops). I just bought "Bitter is the New Black" and I cant wait to read all of the books that follow.

I couldn't read Bitter is the new black quick enough, it was a great book. When I saw that Jen Lancaster put out another book, I was thrilled! This book was just as great as Bitter.

I have already pre-ordered her next book! Way to go Jen, you are an amazing writer!

Because of some of the reviews here on Amazon I was a little hesitant to read this book especially since I thought Bitter is the New Black was so funny but I'm glad I ignored the reviewers. BLBA is just as funny and well written as Bitter!! Jen once again puts her life out there (good, bad & ugly)for the world to read and she does a great job of capturing the classic moments of her life. I found myself cracking up in some parts and even reading certain parts to my husband where we both chuckled at Jen's life moments. Funny, fun and entertaining is to best describe this book. Way to go Jen I can't wait for the next book!

I really enjoyed Bitter is the New Black, and if you liked that one you will like this. The author is ridiculously self-absorbed and is extremely funny about it, but her writing rarely transcends that level. I love reading her books, but only for about a half hour at a time, and then I have to read something with more depth so that I can come back and enjoy her shallow but hilarious rantings again.

Both books read like a series of blog posts - the rhythm doesn't change much nor does the style or content. But the author is incredibly funny, which makes these worth reading even with the limitations.

Bottom line, if you read Bitter you know exactly what to expect. This would be a great purse or beach read because it really is excellent in smaller doses.

I LOVED Jen Lancaster's first book, and was looking forward to this one. I was a bit disappointed, as this book dragged a bit and I made myself finish it instead of looking forward to each page and being disappointed when I was out of book to read, as I was with her first book.

I think the problem here is that Jen is now happy. She was more interesting when she was bitter and hating everyone. Maybe she has to go back to working full time, and then write another book. Or maybe she needs to get divorced and dive into the miserable world of first dates? I can't imagine what her third book will be about--but I do know that I can't take another chapter about her dogs!

I read alot and I admit I got the first book because the title made me laugh and it was small and cute enough to fit into the beach bag.. I admit it.. I started reading it and that was it I was HOOKED>

Come on she got me hooked on trader Joes!.. I swear I feel like I could be this girl.. except the langauge.. LOL.. and Fletch, what a wit.. I LOVED her first book, thrilled when I saw this one and have already pre-ordered her third.

She is funny, self indulgent.. sarcastic.. witty and SMART! Many of us have worked those agencies at those temp jobs.. met some of those same neighbors.. did alot of those same things.. for me she is totally real.. One of my all time favorite authors and I read a ton of books on nearly everything. So for me to mention her as a favorite shows she is in amazing company among entertaining authors

I read her first book and thought it was OK, but this one surprised me. I was laughing aloud and almost crying in laughter at certain parts. I related so much to this book! I recommend it!

Jen is my new favorite person on the planet. Her books are funny and poignant, while she still wouldn't be someone I would want to have behind me in line at Target.
Her life is funny and she writes about it well.
Her website Jennsylvania.com is also hysterical.

I cannot believe this "journal" was published. Consisting of uncensored anecdotes from Ms. Lancaster's life, this book is an unbelievably boring romp through Ms. Lancaster's unbelievably boring life. And, who is this woman, who is afraid to see the gynecologist? What are you 12? This isn't funny, it's stupid and lame. You are not funny Ms. Lancaster, you are stupid, lame and appalling narcissistic. I want my money back.

Hilarious. I had tears running down my face during some parts of this book. My husband kept coming into the room to see what was so funny which of course led to me reading whole passages out loud. Even he had to admit it was amusing.

As a side note, I read this (her second book) before reading Bitter (her first book). No need to worry about reading them out of sequence. I thought Bright Lights was funnier.

This is the best book ever. When I stopped reading it, I felt as though my best friend moved away. We had some good times together :) Jen Lancaster has a very witty, sarcastic, and always hilarious way of explaining her world. She tackles various subjects such as annoying neighbors, her crazy dogs (I can totally relate) and her constant procrastination against working out. I guess it sounds like every other chicklit book, but I must say I think it stands out among all others in terms of laugh-outloud-ability (and yes I made that a word). LOVED IT! Will be putting her other book on my bookswim list immediately!

I was given your book Bitter Is The New Black from a co-worker for Christmas, and couldn't put it down! You need to make it waterproof though, because I do my best reading in my bubble bath (Walgreens budget bubble bath), & BITNB almost got drenched a couple of times!
I went through 1) I don't like Jen, to 2) Jen deserves it, to 3)I wish I was as honest as Jen! I love to write, but my book would lack the bite that yours does! My favorite people are honest, like you! In my longstanding friendships, I am typically the Tonto to the Lone Ranger, which is, actually a good balance. I'm sooo witty in my head,which is encouraged, & I manage to keep my chutspa friends out of jail, without being an albatross...
Your bravery is to be admired; keep being true to yourself with your writing, appreciate Fletch's moral support, & continue to kick butt! You have a new,loyal fan! I hope you don't mind that I'm lending BITNB to the friend that bought it for me to read, but probably won't lend this one to my mom! Thanks.....

I just loved "Bitter Is The New Black" so I was very pleased to find a new book by Jen Lancaster. The woman just cracks me up. My life is nothing like hers, in fact she'd probably call me a Liberal Suburban Soccer Mom-- yet I can relate to so much of what she details in her books. And her writing style? Is fabulous. My ONLY complaint, and it is a tiny one, is that the footnotes are a bit distracting. Most of the info could go in the main body of the book.

I don't want to describe the particularly hilarious bits because it'll spoil it for potential readers, but the bit about Target stores, and the paper gown at the gynecologist's office, and the monkey woman on the train...just priceless.

Another reviewer on this page has called Jen Lancaster's behavior spoiled, mean-spirited, and immature. Yes, she has her moments, but she KNOWS it. She's laughing at herself. You're supposed to laugh too!

Funny, funny book. Buy it. I've already got one for myself and two for Christmas gifts.

I've read both of Jen's books recently and LOVE them. Not only are they insanely funny and easy to read in a single sitting, but I feel like she and I have so much in common: everything from our pageant & sorority days, our poli sci degrees, and our love of the Four Seasons, to our near-collisions with reality TV... the list goes on and on. It's almost like the two of us were twins separated at birth or something. But the crazy part is that Jen seems to have evoked that deep connection not just with me - but with thousands of women across the country! So go on: buy and devour her books - you'll feel like you've found a new best friend.

I was lucky enough to stumble upon Bitter a year ago, so it was with great enthusiasm that I awaited the release of Jen Lancaster's second novel and I wasn't disappointed. Her second installment was a laugh-out-loud good time. There's not many books that can throw me into a wheeze from laughing so hard, and her description of the squirrel attacking Fletch caused just that. And people, it only got better from there. I HIGHLY recommend this book and am looking forward to her third installment.

Jen Lancaster is hilarious. I can't count the number of times I laughed out loud while reading this memoir. Bright Lights isn't a linear story the way Bitter was, but it's still a fantastic read. I personally enjoy the individual essay format.

Lancaster is wittier than I could ever hope to be, and she's not below a little self-deprecation, which I find endearing. A lot of reviewers have complained that Lancaster is a snob or a spoiled brat. While she may come across as one at times, she also pokes fun at it, too. Don't take it so seriously; she clearly doesn't.

I really wanted to love this book, for many reasons. First, Jen survived as a female in the high stakes dot com era, which wasn't easy to do. She thrived and took charge - and traits that men would call "courageous" and "ready for action" in other men, they would call "bitchy" and "conceited" in women. It's one of the unfair aspects of men and women, and I am very eager to support women who do the best they can in those situations.

Second, Jen is overweight and is attempting to be comfortable with that in a world of stick-thin models and 24/7 press hammering us to be beautiful. Again, it is very hard in our modern society to even try to accept yourself if you're overweight, and I give great kudos to Jen for giving it her best shot.

Also, it is always REALLY scary to write your life story and put it out there. If someone criticizes Eragon, heck, it's just a fiction story. The writer might be a little upset. But if you criticize a memoir, you are now putting down an author's *way of life*. Since few of us can claim to live a perfect life, how can a reader possibly say someone else's way of life is "awful"? We are all trying to do our best with the world we live in. So I give Jen a lot of credit for having the nerve to lay her life on the table for public perusal.

Now, that all being said, I offer my impressions of the book with those caveats in mind. Jen was perhaps shaped by her dot-com environment to be snappy and judgmental. Maybe it's the only way she could survive. But you can only judge the book presented to you - you can't try to second guess the author's motives or background or reasons. And while I find her *writing style* to be great, full of snappy humor and well chosen words - I find her *willingness to harm others* to be very upsetting. This is the type of character, in a fiction novel, who bothers the heroine until the point that the heroine snaps, punches her in the face, and everyone applauds. To have this person out in real life behaving like this - and to have in essence a self-congratulatory book praising herself for her behavior - bothers me.

I gave a lot of thought to my reaction. After all, I used to watch All in the Family when I was growing up. Archie Bunker was very much like Jen - only cared about himself, actively hurt others as a daily way of life, and didn't care at all. His actions would explicitly cause others either emotional pain and trouble in their jobs. Jen is the exact same way. Why did I enjoy All in the Family, but get bothered by Jen?

After several hours of thought, it came down to the All in the Family atmosphere clearly being a satire. That was a fake situation explicitly made to show why that behavior was harmful, to hopefully help those who were like Archie to take a look at what they were doing and to stop doing it.

In comparison, Jen seems to be wanting to build a club of Jen wanna-bes, people who were just as pleased to make snarky comments to people *right in their face*. Jen went out of her way to hurt people who had physical or ethnic issues that were completely out of their control. It upsets me a lot that a movement of "hurting people" is thought of as fun. With all the conflict we have in the world, we should be trying to understand and help each other - not thinking up better and better zingers to damage each other's self esteem. What kind of a way is that to live?

Just off the top of my head, Jen lies to her employers. She is randomly deceptive for her own amusement. She actively works to harm her husband's chances at work. This isn't just once - but MULTIPLE times. She complains about how tight money is - but rather than help her husband, she BOTHERS HIM while he is working with immature, petulant whining! Her husband must have the patience of a saint, because if my husband started behaving the way Jen does, we would either be talking to some sort of a couples therapist or splitting up. Her behavior goes far beyond "cutely eccentric" and deep into the realm of "daily torture".

As much as she claims she is comfortable with her weight while she gorges on sweets, as soon as it comes to a real test like being in public, she is suddenly signing up with an Exercise Nazi and trying to kill herself so she can be "better looking" in public. I would have given her far more credit if after all her bitchy talk she did actually go out and "be herself" and be proud of it. if you're going to talk the talk (and a super-nasty talk at that) you better be able to walk the walk.

The book is full of many poor messages like this, wrapped in a fine silk of fun writing and comedic timing. I read a lot of books every month - but with the thousands of educational and inspirational new books that are out there, I would much rather read one that had an encouraging message, rather than one as discouraging as this one is.

I am not an avid reader, but I could not put this down. It is witty, funny and absolutely hilarious.

This is one of the funniest books I have ever read, and I read a lot! It made me laugh out loud. Everyone should read Bright Lights. I have bought this book for my friends because I don't want to lose my copy of it. I look forward to Jen 's next book.

It was embarrassing to read this book in public as I could not control my laughter.Jen Lancaster is witty, brilliant and beautifully honest, right up there with Burroughs and Sedaris.

Jen takes on temp jobs while waiting for her advance check from selling her first book. To fill the extra hours, she has written a hilarious memoir about her ordinary life experiences. Cross her and you may be the lucky recipient of one of her crafty letters that you wouldn't believe someone would have the nerve to write. (And what a great tool for releasing anger) If your one of her stay at home friends, you may be on the recieving end of funny daily scoops that rival a soap opera drama, and much more interesting by far. -The thing is you never read any e-mails from them, so their lives must be dreadfully boring in comparison.

I've never had a book make me laugh out loud (even in public) like this one did! This girl has lightning quick wit and humor. Actually, reading this made me feel a little more sane. (Thanks Jen:) I thought I had an overactive mind, she's definately got me beat, and her thoughts are way funnier than mine could ever be! Her behavior and mouth are so excusable because she's just hilarious. She really does make being bad look good.

This is a keeper. When I'm feeling low and needing a good laugh, I'll be reaching for this. Reading this will make passing the time (in line or Dr's office or anywhere) much more pleasant. Just know that it is very likely to make you bust out laughing in front of everyone!

Bitter is the New Black, Jen's first book, was wonderful. This second book is great, but I feel it falls a little short of the fullness of BINB. Not as much of an actual story line, just tons of funny scenarios and banter - which are all great, but I'm not as anxious to find out what happens next (when does Jen find a job, how will they survive the next month, etc). It definitely still keeps me chuckling page after page though. Since there is not much drama in this book, I am enjoying getting to know Fletch a little more.

I couldn't put this down, it is so funny! I was laughing and chuckling so hard that I even annoyed my husband (who is not nearly as patient as Jen's husband, Fletch). She writes what the rest of us are thinking, but are now too politically correct to say out loud. Awesome. I check www.Jennsylvania.com every morning in my little cube farm for a chuckle. I can't wait for the next one.

I loved bitter and didn't know how the author, Jen Lancaster, could create anything funnier and then I read this! While reading it I was reminded of the first time I saw wedding crashers. The whole time I am thinking I have to go back and reread this because there are sooo many funny things going on here! This is a great read and a great gift for friends!!

I loved Jen Lancaster's first book and this follow up was even more brilliant and funny than the first. She is a caustic bitchy broad with a keen ability to throw in enough self deprection to let you know she doesn't take herself to seriously. If you cannot appreciate the humor I'm afraid no one can help you. The only bad part for me was that it had to end. I cannot wait to read the project she is currently working on. I know it will be a great escape just like this one.

Jen Lancaster has outdone herself! I was a big fan of Bitter is the New Black, but if possible, this book is even more entertaining. It is full of laughs and I whipped through it fast because it was such a page turner. I recommend this to all my friends and read her blog, too! She is a new favorite of mine.

Lancaster is a spoiled brat. Period.

For a great many chapters I read as she complained about how she USED to have money and now is struggling to be middle class. BOO HOO. Welcome to America, sister. MOST Americans deal with being broke everyday.

She rants about everything and sadly, I couldn't bring myself to give a hoot about anything she had to say. She sounded like a four year old who had her favorite toy taken away. She can't do a breast exam on her own cause she is too modest. Doesn't like having to work on her books because she used to have money. She wishes her husband would stop everything he is doing to support her lazy butt so that she can have someone to annoy because no one else wants to deal with her. She refers to Carrie Bradshaw as though anyone actually mistook Sex and the City for a reality program... well, SHE might have.

Either way you slice it, the book isn't well written and the author needs to think about getting another job to get ALL that money back. Good luck on that. :)

I could not put it down. Jen Lancaster is so funny, bitchy sometimes but she says the things we all would love to say but just can't. She writes about real life and how the rug can be jerked right out from under you!!! And her dogs!!! My husband had to ask me to go into the other room to read because I was laughing out loud!!!!

It started out funny, then it got boring (ex: her train experience and how she needed her husband for EVERYTHING, come on). I thought it was fiction, but it was a memoir. I couldn't even finish the book, stopped half way.

Jen Lancaster keeps me laughing all throughout her book. It is extremely enjoyable, an easy read, and something I could reread anytime I need a good laugh.

After reading her first book, I was her number one fan. I hooted and hollered the whole way through, and couldn't wait for her sophomore book to be released. (But I did, not that impatient...) It's painful to get through it because I'm one of those people that absolutely MUST finish anything I start, and chapter after chapter I keep saying to myself, it's gonna get better... it doesn't.... I feel like I am reading a reality show! Sorely disappointed!

I loved Jen's first book but this one is even better. I was just ticked when the book was over because I wanted more! After reading her two books, I feel as if Jen and Fletch and their assorted cast of friends, family, and dogs (love the dogs) are old friends to me now. I'm not sure I'd want her living next door to me but I'd darn sure want to go shopping with her, hang out, and make unmerciful fun of those around us. She's just the kind of sarcastic, smart, funny friend that I want around and after reading these two books, I do consider her a friend--even if I've never met her and probably never will. (P.S.--her blog is hilarious too!)

There were so many quotable and funny quotes in here, I would be jotting down the whole book. I love this writer! This isn't a novel with characters and plot. This is Jen's actual life on paper. It takes someone special to be able to put all of her thoughts and adventures in writing like she does. I loved the chapter on Rachel Ray. I have a couple of her cookbooks and I have tried several of her recipes and liked them. But, I would never be caught dead sitting in front of the TV watching her show. Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard. I can't take it. I like the fact Jen is a Republican and reads Ann Coulter on a bus. That's brave. I admire her for being overweight and liking her self just as she is. Her husband should receive a medal for allowing Jen to put their life out there for all to see. If you are in the mood to sit and giggle for several hours, this is a book for you!

Seriously, Jen Lancaster had me laughing out loud while reading the entire time! I loved every page of her book and can totally relate to everyt word she writes. Can't wait for her next book! The perfect beach (or anytime) read. Would suggest this book to anyone looking for a fun, fresh, comical read.