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Life Laughs: The Naked Truth About Motherhood, Marriage, and Moving On
The celebrity model and best-selling author of Baby Laughs and Belly Laughs frankly discusses her headline-making divorce and shares uplifting observations about such topics as growing older, finances, PMS, sex, dating, and motherhood. 175,000 first printing.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
26 people are currently reading
2269 people want to read
About the author
Jenny McCarthy
47 books265 followersJennifer McCarthy is an American model, comedian, actress and author. She first appeared in Playboy magazine in October 1993 and was named Playmate of the Year in its June 1994 issue. She later began a career in television and film and has recently started writing books dealing largely with her pregnancy and motherhood of a child with autism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
February 9, 2022
A little disappointing. Jenny was very honest and tried to be funny, but much of the humor fell flat for me. Don't get me wrong, I like Jenny McCarthy and think she's been an amazing example for mothers everywhere, particularly with Autistic children. (Note, this was written before the anti-vax movement blew up)
I also found it a bit light on content. I wasn't expecting long essays on the meaning of life, but each chapter was about 3 pages long. I've read many collections from various women commenting on their lives and found them more filling. Felt like it was just thrown together to make a quick buck. For my money, Jenny, you could have put a bit more into the book.
Easy read, about 2 hours maximum time if you don't get tired of poop jokes and go get a snack in the middle.
I also found it a bit light on content. I wasn't expecting long essays on the meaning of life, but each chapter was about 3 pages long. I've read many collections from various women commenting on their lives and found them more filling. Felt like it was just thrown together to make a quick buck. For my money, Jenny, you could have put a bit more into the book.
Easy read, about 2 hours maximum time if you don't get tired of poop jokes and go get a snack in the middle.
May 12, 2009
Hilarious!!!
This was my first read by Jenny McCarthy. I will defintely pick up others by her.
I laughed so hard reading this book because it is so true! I was also left feeling a tiny bit depressed, because it is so true. Great read for women.
Also good for men if they want to stop being so selfish and learn a little something about women. Like the fact that our wants and needs are completely different than their's. (Especially when it comes to sex.)
This was my first read by Jenny McCarthy. I will defintely pick up others by her.
I laughed so hard reading this book because it is so true! I was also left feeling a tiny bit depressed, because it is so true. Great read for women.
Also good for men if they want to stop being so selfish and learn a little something about women. Like the fact that our wants and needs are completely different than their's. (Especially when it comes to sex.)
March 9, 2014
Hilarious. Love her honest take on life.
March 4, 2015
Overall I enjoyed this book.
It was an easy read, with many laugh out loud moments. She is so open and honest in her views on everything from marriage to being a mom. As with her other books, she doesn't hold back her "anything goes" attitude. But at times I thought she was trying to hard to get a laugh, or being a bit to raunchy for shock value.
I'd say this book is easily a 3.5/5 ☆. Most woman could relate to many of the topics and find themselves laughing at their own experiences quite a bit throughout this book.
It was an easy read, with many laugh out loud moments. She is so open and honest in her views on everything from marriage to being a mom. As with her other books, she doesn't hold back her "anything goes" attitude. But at times I thought she was trying to hard to get a laugh, or being a bit to raunchy for shock value.
I'd say this book is easily a 3.5/5 ☆. Most woman could relate to many of the topics and find themselves laughing at their own experiences quite a bit throughout this book.
November 3, 2017
3.5
Jenny McCarthy goes in depth on her life as an ex-wife, mother, and family member in a hilarious way. Quick read and very relatable to parenthood.
Jenny McCarthy goes in depth on her life as an ex-wife, mother, and family member in a hilarious way. Quick read and very relatable to parenthood.
June 27, 2007
Girls Night Out
Like the author, Jenny McCarthy, I was also raised Catholic in a Chicago suburb and attended Southern Illinois University. This is what compelled me to read Life Laughs, her third book. She starts out the essay collection with a warning, preparing readers for her "honesty," as she discusses a variety of personal topics in a brash, "crude, raw, and sometimes dirty" manner. Truly, it's an honest description of her simple, conversational writing.
The first three quarters of the column-like compositions focus on marriage, and there are several woman vs. man scenarios typical to new relationships. As the marriage ages, the child is born, body parts start to sag, and then one day she rolls over in bed "and saw a nose with hair sticking out that was snoring with some pretty bad morning breath." There's no linear pattern to the collection, it's sort of random and all over the place, as Jenny goes places others fear to tread. Not knowing what to expect on the next page (a page that might include a caricature of Jenny falling into a toilet) added to the entertainment.
Throughout the hour or so it took me to read this bawdy little book, I felt like I was out for drinks with my funniest friends (it wasn't the book club, but definitely the bunco group) and even though I laughed out loud a few times, I have to admit, this gal also managed to bring out my inner prude. "Life Laughs," by Jenny McCarthy is for 30-something women the way "I Feel Bad About My Neck," by Nora Ephron is for 50-something women. She reminds us of the importance of laughing at ourselves, and she's willing to bare it all--even a seeming underlying pain--to do so.
Like the author, Jenny McCarthy, I was also raised Catholic in a Chicago suburb and attended Southern Illinois University. This is what compelled me to read Life Laughs, her third book. She starts out the essay collection with a warning, preparing readers for her "honesty," as she discusses a variety of personal topics in a brash, "crude, raw, and sometimes dirty" manner. Truly, it's an honest description of her simple, conversational writing.
The first three quarters of the column-like compositions focus on marriage, and there are several woman vs. man scenarios typical to new relationships. As the marriage ages, the child is born, body parts start to sag, and then one day she rolls over in bed "and saw a nose with hair sticking out that was snoring with some pretty bad morning breath." There's no linear pattern to the collection, it's sort of random and all over the place, as Jenny goes places others fear to tread. Not knowing what to expect on the next page (a page that might include a caricature of Jenny falling into a toilet) added to the entertainment.
Throughout the hour or so it took me to read this bawdy little book, I felt like I was out for drinks with my funniest friends (it wasn't the book club, but definitely the bunco group) and even though I laughed out loud a few times, I have to admit, this gal also managed to bring out my inner prude. "Life Laughs," by Jenny McCarthy is for 30-something women the way "I Feel Bad About My Neck," by Nora Ephron is for 50-something women. She reminds us of the importance of laughing at ourselves, and she's willing to bare it all--even a seeming underlying pain--to do so.
July 18, 2009
It was hot and I was lazy today, so I laid in bed, and read this entire book in two hours after work. It wouldn't have taken as long if Micah and Molly hadn't kept laying on the book. Whoever said reading and cats go together has NOT met my cats!
Anyway, this was funny and naughty, and a perfect quick read for when my brain felt like it was boiling a bit. I remember her from Singled Out when I was in junior high, I guess, and I thought she seemed like a pretty cool chick. She definitely seems like that after reading her book, (I don't know about her and autism, though). but I do have to stress the naughty bit. She's pretty no holds barred (don't get me started on that saying) so if you offend easily, you'll want to pass on this book.
I think I'll bump it down to 3.5 if we get half star ratings (fingers crossed) but for now, it's a four star book.
Anyway, this was funny and naughty, and a perfect quick read for when my brain felt like it was boiling a bit. I remember her from Singled Out when I was in junior high, I guess, and I thought she seemed like a pretty cool chick. She definitely seems like that after reading her book, (I don't know about her and autism, though). but I do have to stress the naughty bit. She's pretty no holds barred (don't get me started on that saying) so if you offend easily, you'll want to pass on this book.
I think I'll bump it down to 3.5 if we get half star ratings (fingers crossed) but for now, it's a four star book.
May 10, 2013
Jenny McCarthy thinks she's smart but she's not--she's just a smart aleck who wastes these pages rambling on about silly subjects. It's like listening to a 9th-grade girl gossip with her girlfriends about boys, sex, and partying while complaining about how rough everyday life is. Namely, it's annoying! It's not even worthy of a review--she says nothing that hundreds of people haven't better written about before and her attempts at humor fall flat on every page. She insults men constantly, demeans former lovers and family members, but praises immorality, psychics and divorce. She's a mess and this book reflects her.
September 1, 2013
This was over-the-top vulgar. There was so much potty humor, if you can call it “humor”, I was not laughing. It was not worth reading, not worth one star even. Throughout most of the book I was cringing because of all the repulsive descriptions she gave, it was uncomfortable. A lot of it was repetitive and the expletives were thrown in whenever possible. She came across as really sleazy. What is with her obsession with “south of the border?” There is more to life. The subtitle to her book could be “The Naked Truth About Jenny’s Dirty Sex Life, Potty Humor, and Foul Mouth.”
April 19, 2013
Meh. This was definitely the worst of her books so far. I didn't find this one funny at all, and there was no rhyme or reason to it. It was supposed to be a book about marriage, but she got divorced during it and changed the theme to "life". However the first half IS about marriage and the second half is about nothing, making it a very disjointed book. I just really didn't like this one.
I may still read her later books, though, because I am curious how her life changed after her son was diagnosed with autism.
I may still read her later books, though, because I am curious how her life changed after her son was diagnosed with autism.
May 18, 2011
This book took about 30 minutes to read, which is the amout of time I estimate it took her to write this book. I kind of want to put book in quotations...it was like she chose several topics and gave herself 5 minutes to reflect on each one, then lumped them randomly together in no apparent order, while making sure she threw in a few 'f' words and embarrassing tidbits into her personal life for good measure. Not impressed. If you want this sort of book, read Chelsea Handler.
August 10, 2009
Contrived, predictable, and not nearly as honest as her first two books in the series. I got the feeling that she was trying really, really hard to be funny; it not only lost the humor but also came off as not genuine. The last few chapters went back to her honest & open tone (similar to the first books), but it just made me wish that the whole book was that way.
November 27, 2009
No man should read this book - they just wouldn't get it, but its hilarious for women who are mom's and wives. I laughed out loud so much. She's a little vulgar, but her stories are so funny that they make you see your life in a different way. Not to mention, helps you laugh about the craziness that does happen in your own life.
November 5, 2008
Wow this book is awful, horribly awful. I made it through the first 20 pages or so thinking it would get better and skimmed the rest to find out it does not get better. Her writing style and subject matter is completely obnoxious.
July 26, 2015
Hilarious,I loved this book ,jenny's straightforward way of telling the truth is refreshing.it's quick and fun read that I totally recommend for a good laugh :)
January 19, 2022
DNF @ 30%
December 27, 2011
Jenny McCarthy is awesome! And not just in her books, in life she seems like such an awesome person too. I spent my early teen years watching her on Singled Out and loved her quirky personality on that show. If you've never heard of it or never watched it it's a show about getting a date and she was one of the hosts on the actual show.
Previously I have read her other books about her pregnancy and the first year of her son's life. This book continues on from the previous one and just tells funny stories from her actual life in addition to some not so funny ones but stories that do have their place between these pages. Everything from finding a job, to boyfriends to realising the man you are married to really isn't the guy you should be married to is all within these pages. Each chapter is short and to the point, just like Jenny is in real life.
Her books help remind me that everyone has the same issues and problems throughout life, it doesn't matter who you are or even how much money you have. I love reading her books because its like sharing my own life in comparison with a close friend. The book is witty and quirky and almost anyone can relate to it. I say almost because there is always that one person out there that believes they have nothing in common with any of these stories in this book. Either that person is lying or they live in a cave.
If you are a woman, pick up this book and relate to Jenny.
Previously I have read her other books about her pregnancy and the first year of her son's life. This book continues on from the previous one and just tells funny stories from her actual life in addition to some not so funny ones but stories that do have their place between these pages. Everything from finding a job, to boyfriends to realising the man you are married to really isn't the guy you should be married to is all within these pages. Each chapter is short and to the point, just like Jenny is in real life.
Her books help remind me that everyone has the same issues and problems throughout life, it doesn't matter who you are or even how much money you have. I love reading her books because its like sharing my own life in comparison with a close friend. The book is witty and quirky and almost anyone can relate to it. I say almost because there is always that one person out there that believes they have nothing in common with any of these stories in this book. Either that person is lying or they live in a cave.
If you are a woman, pick up this book and relate to Jenny.
October 1, 2008
It's very funny little book that I found in the bargain aisle at Borders. I don't like much some negative or actually overreacted thoughts in the book, however it made me laugh - you know, laughing/smiling is always good. For example, this is about guys going out together:
"When guys go out with their friends they seem to lose brain cells and all concept of reality. Unlike girls, men still try to go out to a club to see if they're still "got it". Not to cheat (hopefully), just to see if their feathers are still as alluring to the opposite sex. They'll even talk to some other birds just to show off to their friends that they've still got it. It's so stupid, but I guess it's in their genes to try and attract women until the day they die.
You can't really get jealous of them doing it. It's gonna happen whether you like it or not. Know that penises in numbers equal stupidity and that even if a vagina came flying through the air they would all just stare at it because their brains don't work fast enough to figure out what to do with it."
"When guys go out with their friends they seem to lose brain cells and all concept of reality. Unlike girls, men still try to go out to a club to see if they're still "got it". Not to cheat (hopefully), just to see if their feathers are still as alluring to the opposite sex. They'll even talk to some other birds just to show off to their friends that they've still got it. It's so stupid, but I guess it's in their genes to try and attract women until the day they die.
You can't really get jealous of them doing it. It's gonna happen whether you like it or not. Know that penises in numbers equal stupidity and that even if a vagina came flying through the air they would all just stare at it because their brains don't work fast enough to figure out what to do with it."
March 7, 2008
So, I read her first 2 books because anyone who's gone through this stuff (i.e. pregnancy & early motherhood) is automatically wiser than you are in that arena. I don't think she's a particularly good writer, but she's very honest and real. And while I was entering this crazy thing called motherhood I really appreciated a frank account of someone else's life during that time. That being said, this book isn't really about any aspect of life I'm not familar with (other than divorce which I have no intention of getting first hand knowlege in). However, I knew that going into it and I looked at this book more as a guilty pleasure. In all honesty, I just wanted to know what happened to her marriage. When you read the first 2 books and you hear about her divorce you're curiousity gets piqued... So, there you have it. I'd only recommend this to someone who read the first 2 and was curious about part 3 of her story.
December 23, 2010
Well I read this because I've always been a fan of Jenny McCarthy. I've always thought Jenny was a riot on TV. I watched her from her beginning on MTV's Singled Out, her own short lived comedy skit show The Jenny McCarthy Show and some of her bad movies she did in later years. I wasn't really interested in her mommy or autism books but I did see this book & thought I try it cause it was about other stuff in her life. I knew by getting into reading this book that I couldn't take anything serious from her but I enjoyed reading her book cause it was so funny and I can tell it was an honest book from her being her goofy self. Some examples of Jenny's honesty about herself she talks about her dingle berry incident with a boyfriend she was with to her encounter of her private area (you will have to read to know what I'm talking about- too explicit to write about). It is a fast read - you can read it in a day. Recommend if you really want to laugh and not be serious.
August 11, 2008
This is another one that I just couldn't entirely appreciate because of where I am in life.
I did find this one much more fun, but it is still about much of Jenny's mommyhood and her 'pregnancy recovery'. This one is a little less a 'how to be a new mom' helpful hints book, and more about the life she leads now.
Jenny is funny, and the tone is the same as previously - you feel like a friend getting a quirky email update for each chapter. It's a shame she doesn't do more on TV, because she is clearly a funny girl.
Again, I appreciate her honesty, but you have to be willing to deal with frequent poop stories and other things that would certainly offend some readers.
After reading these two books I'm not just a nostalgia fan, I genuinely like and respect Jenny McCarthy. She is clearly a woman who is willing to talk about her life without the usual Hollywood gloss-over.
I did find this one much more fun, but it is still about much of Jenny's mommyhood and her 'pregnancy recovery'. This one is a little less a 'how to be a new mom' helpful hints book, and more about the life she leads now.
Jenny is funny, and the tone is the same as previously - you feel like a friend getting a quirky email update for each chapter. It's a shame she doesn't do more on TV, because she is clearly a funny girl.
Again, I appreciate her honesty, but you have to be willing to deal with frequent poop stories and other things that would certainly offend some readers.
After reading these two books I'm not just a nostalgia fan, I genuinely like and respect Jenny McCarthy. She is clearly a woman who is willing to talk about her life without the usual Hollywood gloss-over.
May 30, 2011
Oh Jenny, you aren't the greatest writer, but I do admire your humor, spirit, and courage. To put yourself out there in the manner than she does, is hard. Yes, it is quite crass in many, many ways, but also amusing. I sat alone and burst out laughing as I read the various chapters. Some, I do have to say made me feel kind of bad for her and for those who may have to deal with some of the scenarios she mentioned... I feel as though I live a somewhat normal life and she seems to believe she does also, but some things she described, not even necessarily about sex, but concerning marriage and relationships just seemed completely off-color and dysfunctional. Overall, it was amusing and quick to read and she doesn't pretend to be anything but who she is and if we could all just be that honest about who we really are and life, I think this world would be a funnier and happier place.
October 11, 2008
I loved Belly Laughs and Baby Laughs so I thought I would love this book too. Maybe I've gotten to be too much of a "Mom" the last few years but I was offended by some of her language and subjects. Though, she warns everyone in the first paragraph about just that. I have to admit I did laugh at a few things though. How can't you? She is a very funny girl.
The reason I picked this book up is because after reading her first two books and then hearing she got a divorce I was curious about what happened. Nothing about Jim Carey in the book although some of the cartoon pictures in the book look exactly like him.
The reason I picked this book up is because after reading her first two books and then hearing she got a divorce I was curious about what happened. Nothing about Jim Carey in the book although some of the cartoon pictures in the book look exactly like him.
November 13, 2008
This personal autobiography from Jenny McCarthy is filled with the naked truth about motherhodd, marriage, and moving on!
In this book Jenny McCarthy exploits her many personal experiences. At times, her tribulations were hilarious, and at other times, they were down right nasty. I gave this book three stars because overall it was a good read, but not my cup of tea. A friend recommended it to me,and I was utterly surprised at how she could have gotten her hands on it. I do not really recommend this book to anybody, but if anybody is interested in Jenny McCarthy's life, then pick it up and give it a try!
In this book Jenny McCarthy exploits her many personal experiences. At times, her tribulations were hilarious, and at other times, they were down right nasty. I gave this book three stars because overall it was a good read, but not my cup of tea. A friend recommended it to me,and I was utterly surprised at how she could have gotten her hands on it. I do not really recommend this book to anybody, but if anybody is interested in Jenny McCarthy's life, then pick it up and give it a try!
March 24, 2012
I'm not a big Jenny McCarthy fan, due to the whole vaccination thing. Last night I ran into Half Price Books at 5 minutes until closing determined to grab a JENNA McCarthy book, deliberately passed over several JENNY McCarthy books, then somehow ended up with one of hers anyway. Oops.
So far it's better than Belly Laughs, anyway, which I read a long time ago and thought was somewhere between so-so and not very good.
Finished: I probably gave this three stars because it was exactly what I was in the mood for - mindlessly funny. If I'd been in a different mood, I might not have been as kind. It really is completely lacking in substance (and rather raunchy), so keep that in mind.
So far it's better than Belly Laughs, anyway, which I read a long time ago and thought was somewhere between so-so and not very good.
Finished: I probably gave this three stars because it was exactly what I was in the mood for - mindlessly funny. If I'd been in a different mood, I might not have been as kind. It really is completely lacking in substance (and rather raunchy), so keep that in mind.
June 14, 2016
I adore Jenny McCarthy. I was really excited to find a book by her at the thrifty store. What luck! At the start she talks about how crass and crude she is. And I'm sure ten or so years ago when she wrote the book it may have been a little shocking. Sadly, this book has not aged as well as she has. We are all a little crass and crude and you can get this kind of blunt, funny honesty on any blog.
I'm glad I read the book but even as my bath time book it took me Forever to get through. I adore you Jenny. Glad things like this paved the way for all us -in your face, curse like a sailor, but still somehow very sweet and ladylike- girls like us.
I'm glad I read the book but even as my bath time book it took me Forever to get through. I adore you Jenny. Glad things like this paved the way for all us -in your face, curse like a sailor, but still somehow very sweet and ladylike- girls like us.
March 31, 2008
While some of the wording and phrases could be labeled a bit raunch (although she does warn you in the beginning of just this) I enjoyed Jennie's humor through her observances of everyday things that happen in a marriage. Some of the stuff was so true and I found myself bobbing my head in agreement. This was a very fast read, the chapters are never more than two or three pages. And Jennie is witty, frank and brutally honest. But I felt it was lacking more. Perhaps she was holding back for another book but it left me feleing like I only got a bit of the surface and wanted more.
October 11, 2008
Jenny's first 2 books focused on the humor and joys, as well as awkwardness and difficulties, of pregnancy and the first year as a family. This book is a transition as it becomes apparent that her perfect little boy has some very serious challenges to face. In addition, her marriage suffers as a consequence. Read this to enjoy and laugh, but keep in mind what happens next in her life and you will find additional levels of poignancy. Still a very funny and enjoyable read, it also shows Jenny's development as a fierce Mom who will do anything it takes to protect and nurture her child.
November 19, 2008
If you read Louder Than Words you will know that Jenny wrote this during a very tramultuous time in her life. She was struggling with her son's autism diagnosis and the end of her marriage. This probably explains why the language is pretty raw in this one compared to Belly Laughs and Baby Laughs--the book was probably an outlet for her. The stories are pretty random (the book lacks a central theme like Belly and Baby) but it is also pretty funny. If you're a mom who likes Chelsea Handler's books, then pick this one up too.
December 14, 2008
I've never been a fan of McCarthy, but received a copy via bookcrossing from a friend of mine and decided to give it a chance.
This is a very short book, filled with several very short chapters that are really each very short stories. There is no cohesiveness between chapters. Each one reads as its own anecdote.
Perhaps because I am neither married nor a mother, I wasn't as amused by Jenny's quips on life. It didn't make me laugh but there were a few chuckles. And I really don't care if Jenny has a ring-around-her-asshole.
This is a very short book, filled with several very short chapters that are really each very short stories. There is no cohesiveness between chapters. Each one reads as its own anecdote.
Perhaps because I am neither married nor a mother, I wasn't as amused by Jenny's quips on life. It didn't make me laugh but there were a few chuckles. And I really don't care if Jenny has a ring-around-her-asshole.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews