Thursday, February 10, 2011

SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A NUT: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
SOMETIMES I FEEL 
LIKE A NUT
BY JILL KARGMAN 

ABOUT THE BOOK:
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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jill Kargman is deathly afraid of clowns. And mimes. Wait, mimes are worse. She lives in New York City where she writes magazine articles and trashy novels and enjoys wrap sandwiches. She is the author of teen books Bittersweet Sixteen, Summer Intern, and Jet Set, plus some excellent grown-up books. And by grown-up books she doesn't mean porn; she means not young adult but plain old adult. Her articles have appeared in Vogue, Teen Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Town & Country, Travel + Leisure, Elle, Elle Décor, and a bunch of British magazines you've never seen. She went to Yale where she did not study writing and has three children who keep her young. And exhausted. 

PRAISE FOR SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A NUT:
The author of The Ex Mrs. Hedgefund and Wolves in Chic Clothing, Jill Kargman firmly believes in Woody Allen’s magical math equation: Comedy = Tragedy + Time. Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut is a delightful collection of essays and observations based on Kargman’s family, her phobias (vans, mimes, clowns), and her ability to use humor as a tool to get past life’s obstacles, making the fun times funnier and the tough times bearable. Fans of David Sedaris, Sloane Crosley, and Nora Ephron will rejoice, howl, and sympathize.

“A smart, pocket-sized delight that artfully engages the funny bone.”
Kirkus Reviews

“From somebody who shares Jill Kargman’s fear of both vans and clowns, I promise this book will make you laugh out loud.”
—Nate Berkus, host of The Nate Berkus Show and a regular contributor to The Oprah Winfrey Show
 

MY REVIEW:
SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A NUT is Jill Kargman’s first non-fiction book and she braved this untested territory and came up with a winner! This is a book of essays and observations from the mind of a comedic genius. Her comedy hero, Woody Allen, in my opinion, should take lessons from Jill Kargman.  The title SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A NUT comes from the fact that she grew up in a home where her father was an ad man (a la MADMEN, somewhat) and so the most important part of a television show was the commercials. She tells how she knew every jingle and thus felt the Almond Joy one fit her best for the title of this book.

Just a warning for those of you who prefer to stay away from certain subjects and language you consider taboo, the humor here is sometimes bawdy so be prepared…or just skip it if that is your concern. I think you will be sorry if you do as there is so much that is good about this book that it would really feel wrong if some  parts were left out. None of this is gratuitous, but rather part of who Jill Kargman is and how her comedic mind works. That said, I found this to be a hilarious, hold-my-sides-laughing, book written with skill and timing that was just right.

Living in New York City, Kargman comes from a family where a sense of humor was something you were born with and it is quite evident in this book. She tells personal stories and some are REALLY personal but there are also the “safer”, very funny parts like describing how Jill took up shooting a gun as well as became addicted to her spinning class. She describes how she got a tattoo not too long ago (well, not as a kid, that is) and my favorite part when she talks about “Things That Haunt Me”. I also, have a fear of clowns so can relate but laugh along with her as that is one thing she writes about as well as her fear of mimes, vans, meat, and just how much she hates Nellie Olson from “The Little House on the Prairie” Series (who can blame her there?).

Her humor doesn’t shy away from tough topics either as she tells about her cancer diagnosis in an essay called “Tumor Humor”. The section is short, as she is not one to mock such a serious subject but also deals with it in her own way as it certainly is a very important part of her life. Instead, she chooses to spend more time on things like her giving birth to her children and being a mother, her obsessions, and experiences that yield a more comfortable topic for her to obviously write about.

Jill Kargman includes a Glossary (in the front of the book which is appropriate in this case) in order to explain certain terms and names she references in case people don’t know who or what they are. Even this glossary, is funny. SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A NUT is a slim book that you can easily read in one sitting, or you can put down and come back to. I myself, did not put it down and found that some of the funniest essays were ones I know I will go back to when I need a good laugh…and all of us can use one of those!
GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO CHELSEY AND MY
GOOD FRIENDS AT HARPER COLLINS,
I HAVE FIVE FABULOUS COPIES OF
THIS HILARIOUS BOOK TO GIVE AWAY

--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
--INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT
--ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE
SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT
AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY


HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING ABOUT SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A NUT ABOVE THAT WOULD MAKE YOU WANT TO WIN THIS  BOOK

+1 MORE ENTRY:
BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW IN THE ENTRY

+1 MORE ENTRY:
GO TO JILL KARGMAN'S WEBSITE HERE AND CHECK OUT ALL HER WONDERFUL "STUFF". I THINK YOU WILL ENJOY READING HER FAQs BUT WHATEVER, COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING THERE
 

 +1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT IF YOU HAVE ENTERED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CURRENT GIVEAWAYS OF MINE. FOR EACH YOU HAVE ENTERED, COMMENT SEPARATELY HERE TO EARN YOUR EXTRA ENTRIES.  TICK TOCK AUDIO BOOK, AND/OR THE NAKED WEREWOLF 2-BOOK SET, AND/OR THE TWILIGHT SAGA. THESE HAVE LOW ENTRIES AND SO YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING ARE BETTER!

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, MARCH 4
GOOD LUCK!

89 comments:

dogwood said...

A fear of clowns and mimes and is addicted to spinning?? Me, too!

Karen B said...

Love a good laugh-out-loud - and doodles are a plus.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com

Karen B said...

Jill loves "street pretzels" and cold weather. Well, it's -10 here in Mn and I'll trade for something warmer!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com

debbie said...

I like the "tumor humor", after going through that with my son, you have to keep your sense of humor. It is sometimes the only thing that helps.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered the twilight giveaway.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered the tick tock giveaway.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered the naked werewolf giveaway.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

ANyone who fears clowns and loves Woody Allen is ok in my book.
jgoffice(at)cox(dot)net

Thanks for the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I didn't know she had published so many books. Love her introduction about her webpage!

jgoffice(at)cox(dot)net

Tina said...

I have read all of her books and would love to read this one.

I don't like mimes either YUK!!!

Steve Capell said...

I had no idea that so many people had this fear of clowns! I now wonder if that spills over to people that dress up for Halloween. I always looked forward to the circus and most of all the clowns. I am not a Woody Allen fan ... in fact I find his humor to be dry, but your review of this book sounds very interesting. So I drop my name in the floppy clown hat and say the magic words abracadabra and hope for the best.

steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

bermudaonion said...

This is near the very top of my TBR pile, so I'm glad to see it's funny. I need some funny in my life right now. No need to enter me.

Ricki said...

I love humorous essays.
rickimc[at]aol[dot]com

bloggingmom said...

This book sounds hilarious. She is a New Yorker just like I was born and bred. I never liked clowns much myself. I need to read this book!

PoCoKat said...

Sounds awesome! I hate clowns too.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

PoCoKat said...

I entered the Tick Tock giveaway

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

PoCoKat said...

Jill once worked as a Xerox whore (too funny)

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

bloggingmom said...

I really liked her honesty on her website. Especially her opening letter. garczynski (at) aol (dot) com

bloggingmom said...

I entered the "Tick Tock" giveaway! garczynski (at) aol (dot) com

PoCoKat said...

Shared on my blog:

http://mysteriesetc.blogspot.com/2011/02/giveaway-link-sometimes-i-feel-like-nut.html

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

traveler said...

Entertaining is wonderful. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Entertaining which is wonderful. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered The Twilight Giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

She is talented to have written so much. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Her interests are certainly diverse. SPinning and what a sense of humor. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Her book sounds unique. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I tweeted: http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/2011/02/sometimes-i-feel-like-nut-review-and.html Giveaway of 'Sometimes I feel like a Nut"

My Twitter name is Carolee888

Carol N Wong said...

Somehow, my first remark didn't save.

I don't have a fear of clowns but I do have one of vans. More specifically, being inside of a can. Invariably, when getting out of a van, I end up with a mild or a severe concussion. That's just me.

I really like that she faces life with a sense of humor. It is really necessary when facing the
big "C". I would really love to read this little book.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

When I went to her website, I wa immediately attracted to her "Momzillas" book. I knew what she was talking about even before I read the blurb. I thinks she will be a refreshing change of pace.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

petite said...

I entered The Twilight giveaway. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered The Naked Werewolf. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

'tumor humor' what a sense of humor. love books that make me laugh out loud, although people sitting around me sometimes think i nuts!
charlcr(at)aol.com

Kimberly Sue said...

I love bawdy humor, so the fact that it's described that way in the review definitely piques my interest!

kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com

Kimberly Sue said...

I posted it to twitter.

twitter.com/kdaze10

kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com

holdenj said...

I love collections like this that are portable. Nothing like reading one humorous essay every stop waiting for one of the kids! Thanks for the info and chance to win.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

Love the Les Mis/Jean Valjean shout out in her FAQ's. We all have to aspire to be someone.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered Tick Tock.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered the for the Naked Werewolf set.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered for the Twilight Saga.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

This sounds like such fun. I love Woody Allen and Nora Ephron. I am sure this will be a hit.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Momzillas sounds fun, too.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I entered the THE NAKED WEREWOLF 2-BOOK SET giveaway.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I entered the Tick Tock audiobook giveaway.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I entered the TWILIGHT SAGA giveaway.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I love that Jill Kargman subscribes to the Woody Allen brand of comedy! I am looking forward to reading her essays for that reason since I'm a big fan of Woody Allen!

Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I tweeted this giveaway:
http://twitter.com/#!/Amestir/status/36515501580484608


Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

On the FAQs page of Jill Kargman's web page she admits that in her book Momzillas, she mistakenly referenced the janitor from The Sixteen Candles when the janitor is from The Breakfast Club. She laughs about it and obviously is okay with making that mistake. I think that's great!

Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I entered the giveaway for Late for Tea at Deer Palace


Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I entered the giveaway for Georgia Bottoms


Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Meredith said...

I have a fear of clowns as well. Growing up with her family sounds very amusing!

meredithfl at gmail dot com

Meredith said...

I love the humor on her website. The FAQ's are hilarious, especially since she's being teased about waiting so long to get on FB and for a oops she made in an interview on Momzilla.


meredithfl at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I'd like to find out what her new names for nail polish is


pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks

Anonymous said...

Her being deathly afraid of clowns well, i am too :( I really didn't know that there were more out there like me >...


pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks

Unknown said...

Please enter me in contest. I would love to read the book. Sounds very funny. Tore923@aol.com

Unknown said...

I would LOVE to read this book because it sounds so interesting. It seems as if Jill looks at her life with a sense of humor, whether going through good times or bad. I admire that and would love to hear about her fabulous, wacky journey.

christauf4(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

Just tweeted about this giveaway!
http://twitter.com/#!/christauf4/status/37635647778983936

christauf4(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

I went to Jill Kargman's website and checked out her FAQs. She is stinking hilarious! She said she never wanted to be a writer, but a tv host. I think she could have done a little Chelsea Handler gig!

christauf4(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

I entered the Tick Tock audio book giveaway!

christauf4(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

I entered the Molly Harper books giveaway!

christauf4(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

I entered the "Hearts and Twilight" giveaway!

christauf4(at)gmail.com

bison61 said...

I agree on clowns and mimes. I'd like to read about her giving birth, being a mother, & her obsessions

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I would like to win "Sometimes I feel like a nut" by Jill Kargman because I think it would be an interesting and funny read about her life. I found it interesting that she wrote that she came to terms with her desire for gay men.

Pamela Keener said...

Well one can always use a good laugh & these essays sound very entertaining.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered The Tick Tock giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

Her taste in music is very interesting. I think it answers alot of questions about her style of writing.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Laura H. said...

This sounds like a hilarious read! And I love bawdy humor! Sooo count me in for this one!

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/39485993115590656

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

I see where Jill was reluctant to sign up for all the social media networks but finally relented. I now follow her on Twitter because I think this is an author I'm going to enjoy reading.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Entered the Tick Tock giveaway.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Entered the Naked Werewolf 2-book set giveaway.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Entered the Twilight giveaway.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

February FB fan bonus entry (Laura G. Henderson).

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

YWLiang said...

Thanks for the giveaway!

The fact that Woody Allen (love that guy) should take lessons from Jill K. already makes me want to read this book! I love comedy :)


Email: yiliang0124[at]hotmail.com

YWLiang said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
YWLiang said...

I visited her site and I love her humor XD Xerox whore, lol.

What I find interesting: Enshrined Peeps - The Apps :D


Email: yiliang0124[at]hotmail.com

YWLiang said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rubynreba said...

I haven't read a good comedy for a long time and this sounds good!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

Arm Candy sounds like a good book.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

Entered Tick Tock giveaway
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

dag888888 said...

I like books you can read in one sitting and that are entertaining like this book!

dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com

dag888888 said...

Jill's dream job was to be on TV not really as an actress but a talk show type, minus the whole chair-hurling, family-beating, whoring, cursing, foaming at the mouth, morbidly obese guest thing. She said she'd love to have that Elizabeth girl’s job on The View - and I wish she would replace Elizabeth for real!

dag888888[at]yahoo]dot]com

MRWriter said...

She's afraid of mimes and clowns!
AlexDean03(at)yahoo.com

MRWriter said...

She hates the word "blog." Me too!
AlexDean03(at)yahoo.com

MRWriter said...

I entered the Naked Werewolf set
AlexDean03(at)yahoo.com

Karen B said...

"FB Fan February Bonus Entry".
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com

Mona said...

I very much enjoy humor in books and I love Woody Allen. And the fact that it is a book of essays that I can pick up and put aside is a plus. Very often, I have put a book aside only to have forgotten what happened in the story.

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

I visited her site and read the FAQ's. I am also a fan of John Hugh's movies. I also found many books to add to my TBR mountain. MOMZILLAS sounds interesting.

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

I entered THE NAKED WEREWOLF 2-BOOK SET.

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

I entered TWILIGHT SAGA giveaway.

monagarg@yahoo.com

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