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Nice Is Just a Place in France: How to Win at Basically Everything
LOOK, MAYBE YOU’RE A NICE GIRL, but we’re guessing you’re more like us or you probably wouldn’t have picked up this book. Not that we have a problem with girls who are nice people. But being nice is just not the way to get what you want. And this book is about getting what you want. Not in like a finding happiness, giving back to the world, being grateful for what you have sort of way. But in a ruling your world, being the most desired, powerful badass in the room way, so you can come out on top of any situation: guys, career, friends, enemies, whatever.
How does a betch make that happen?
Here are some highlights:
DON’T BE EASY.
DON’T BE POOR.
DON’T BE UGLY.
We didn’t come up with these life lessons. We’re just the ones who wrote it all down. This is not self-help. Self-help is for fat people and divorcées. This is how to deal with your problems when you have no problems. You’re welcome.
How does a betch make that happen?
Here are some highlights:
DON’T BE EASY.
DON’T BE POOR.
DON’T BE UGLY.
We didn’t come up with these life lessons. We’re just the ones who wrote it all down. This is not self-help. Self-help is for fat people and divorcées. This is how to deal with your problems when you have no problems. You’re welcome.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
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March 13, 2013When I read the synopsis of Nice is Just a Place in France... I thought it sounded fun and witty, but I have not been able to finish it.
Either the authors really are spoiled, rich, white girls who believe the whole point of life is being drunk, rich, white and skinny or the authors are making fun of girls who are constantly drunk, rich, white and skinny. Either way, I just couldn't find the humor in their constant references to not eating...to stay skinny, constantly exercising...to stay skinny, joining a country club...because only white people get in (!!), begging your daddy for money...so you can be the expensive stuff you want. It was all just too much. I got about 30% of the way through this book before I had to set it aside.
I know this book had to be written tongue in cheek (the alternative is just to horrible to even contemplate) and some parts are genuinely funny, but, for the most part, this book was just unfortunately not for me.
*I received an ARC of this book through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Either the authors really are spoiled, rich, white girls who believe the whole point of life is being drunk, rich, white and skinny or the authors are making fun of girls who are constantly drunk, rich, white and skinny. Either way, I just couldn't find the humor in their constant references to not eating...to stay skinny, constantly exercising...to stay skinny, joining a country club...because only white people get in (!!), begging your daddy for money...so you can be the expensive stuff you want. It was all just too much. I got about 30% of the way through this book before I had to set it aside.
I know this book had to be written tongue in cheek (the alternative is just to horrible to even contemplate) and some parts are genuinely funny, but, for the most part, this book was just unfortunately not for me.
*I received an ARC of this book through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2014
Oh my.
This book starts off fairly funny once you bare in mind it should be taken as satire and is purposefully trying to offend you. In the first few chapters I found myself laughing along and thinking wow I actually know a few people like this...problem? They're all selfish assholes who I've always put into the sociopath category. The girl, or betch, these authors want you to become is someone who gossips constantly, looks for the worst in people, starves herself, doesn't bring anything of value the table and worst of all is a freerider in life. When it got to the section about college/ men I stopped reading. I didn't find it funny anymore, I just found it pathetic and kind of sad. Fair enough take it with a grain of salt but I, sadly, feel that 'basic bitches' who have no independent thought will actually follow the book's advice and think it's okay for be a fucking cunt to other people. Sorry about the language but that's really how I feel about 'betches'.
This book starts off fairly funny once you bare in mind it should be taken as satire and is purposefully trying to offend you. In the first few chapters I found myself laughing along and thinking wow I actually know a few people like this...problem? They're all selfish assholes who I've always put into the sociopath category. The girl, or betch, these authors want you to become is someone who gossips constantly, looks for the worst in people, starves herself, doesn't bring anything of value the table and worst of all is a freerider in life. When it got to the section about college/ men I stopped reading. I didn't find it funny anymore, I just found it pathetic and kind of sad. Fair enough take it with a grain of salt but I, sadly, feel that 'basic bitches' who have no independent thought will actually follow the book's advice and think it's okay for be a fucking cunt to other people. Sorry about the language but that's really how I feel about 'betches'.
September 4, 2015
worst book i've ever read.
if you're on my friends list, don't read this. i won't respect you.
i don't respect myself now.
if you're on my friends list, don't read this. i won't respect you.
i don't respect myself now.
December 19, 2014
This was hands-down the worst book I have ever read. Turn back, gentle reader, while there is still time!
July 2, 2015
This book was mildly entertaining in the beginning and end, but throughout the entire middle section is sucked. I understand it was a satirical and comedic book that should not be taken seriously, but it's pathetic a book like this can actually be published. Not only was all their "advice" terrible but the way they described their life was basically for people to aspire to be like the following useless celebrities : Kardashian/ Hilton/ Lohan
July 31, 2015
Ugh. Since I'm a nasty evil bitch from the nether regions, I had such high hopes for this book...
Look, it is to be read with an extreme amount of appreciation for sarcasm and sense of humor. I get that. However, what it really turned into is a promotion of being a gold digging whore. I say whore b/c women have to be careful about putting out or we're sluts, but apparently if you're given jewelry and/or your (potential) husband is rich, it's OK. It does nothing but advocate getting married, having kids, and fearing getting older (all only if you're a woman). The "horror" of being a modern, strong, independent woman is frowned upon.
Believe me if you rely on someone else to take care of you, you're not worth being taken care of. Guess what 'betches', NOT all women want to get married and/or have kids. And those of us who ARE modern, strong, independent women are better at being 'betches', b/c we never have to worry about our rich husbands leaving us for a younger (trophy) wife. We have better control than you do, b/c while YOU NEED someone, we don't. That's the power of choice you gold digging whores.
Speaking of choice, for the love of anything - sacred or not - do NOT advocate going after the douche bag! I can't stand alpha men or assholes. I'm sick of guys not being nice b/c they think that's a bad thing. Only idiots with low self esteem chase the asshole.I DO want the nice guy, b/c I'm worth it, 'betch'. Nice doesn't mean doormat.
Yes, again, I KNOW this is sarcasm and humor, but they went about it the entirely wrong way.
And this is coming from a PWB- a "pasty white betch". Seriously "betches" you really should stay out of the sun. Looking 50 when you're 40 is SO 2002...
Look, it is to be read with an extreme amount of appreciation for sarcasm and sense of humor. I get that. However, what it really turned into is a promotion of being a gold digging whore. I say whore b/c women have to be careful about putting out or we're sluts, but apparently if you're given jewelry and/or your (potential) husband is rich, it's OK. It does nothing but advocate getting married, having kids, and fearing getting older (all only if you're a woman). The "horror" of being a modern, strong, independent woman is frowned upon.
Believe me if you rely on someone else to take care of you, you're not worth being taken care of. Guess what 'betches', NOT all women want to get married and/or have kids. And those of us who ARE modern, strong, independent women are better at being 'betches', b/c we never have to worry about our rich husbands leaving us for a younger (trophy) wife. We have better control than you do, b/c while YOU NEED someone, we don't. That's the power of choice you gold digging whores.
Speaking of choice, for the love of anything - sacred or not - do NOT advocate going after the douche bag! I can't stand alpha men or assholes. I'm sick of guys not being nice b/c they think that's a bad thing. Only idiots with low self esteem chase the asshole.I DO want the nice guy, b/c I'm worth it, 'betch'. Nice doesn't mean doormat.
Yes, again, I KNOW this is sarcasm and humor, but they went about it the entirely wrong way.
And this is coming from a PWB- a "pasty white betch". Seriously "betches" you really should stay out of the sun. Looking 50 when you're 40 is SO 2002...
April 15, 2013
ARC reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.
When I considered this book for review, I looked at the blog (BetchesLoveThis.com) of the authors. There was some amusing stuff there and I like laughing, so I thought I would like this. Ugh. The book description should have taught me better. It, as well as the book, tells you that it’s not a self-help book, but the subtitle says “How to Win at Basically Everything.” While I wasn’t expecting a self-help book, I didn’t get the subtitle reference either. Basically the book is divided up in telling a girl to do whatever the hell she wants, others be damned. OK, I can dig that to an extent, but in the ways that they tried to make it funny were just, ugh. Unintelligent mutterings that would turn me off from anyone who would actually consider most of it.
Obviously the book wasn’t meant to be taken seriously, because if it were there would be sooo much hate on that front (there is a section telling girls that they basically shouldn’t eat, or only eat a meal a day, or work out all day long, etc., etc., etc.). The only, and I mean the ONLY, reason this book got two stars from me is because there were witty and clever quotes from real people and other pop culture references. Maybe I’m just a nice girl after all. (And I am definitely OK with that if the opposite is a Betch!)
Book Received: For free from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
When I considered this book for review, I looked at the blog (BetchesLoveThis.com) of the authors. There was some amusing stuff there and I like laughing, so I thought I would like this. Ugh. The book description should have taught me better. It, as well as the book, tells you that it’s not a self-help book, but the subtitle says “How to Win at Basically Everything.” While I wasn’t expecting a self-help book, I didn’t get the subtitle reference either. Basically the book is divided up in telling a girl to do whatever the hell she wants, others be damned. OK, I can dig that to an extent, but in the ways that they tried to make it funny were just, ugh. Unintelligent mutterings that would turn me off from anyone who would actually consider most of it.
Obviously the book wasn’t meant to be taken seriously, because if it were there would be sooo much hate on that front (there is a section telling girls that they basically shouldn’t eat, or only eat a meal a day, or work out all day long, etc., etc., etc.). The only, and I mean the ONLY, reason this book got two stars from me is because there were witty and clever quotes from real people and other pop culture references. Maybe I’m just a nice girl after all. (And I am definitely OK with that if the opposite is a Betch!)
Book Received: For free from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2013
HILARIOUS. If you like the site, this is a must read. Obviously it is ridiculously offensive and screams moronic white privilege but you should already know that from the site, and personally: I love it. Super quick read & I was howling with every page turn.
February 7, 2016
Could not continue to read such a horrible book... how do books like this even exist? Absolutely ridiculous; it made me want to gouge my eyes out.
June 3, 2015
Disturbing, juvenile, and narcissistic.
I kept reading, hoping for the figurative Ashton Kutcher to jump out and tell, "You got punk'd!" This book claims to be a guide for "ruling the world," by advocating for eating disorders, manipulation, and laziness. Should anyone take this book seriously, it is a disturbing social commentary on our generation.
I kept reading, hoping for the figurative Ashton Kutcher to jump out and tell, "You got punk'd!" This book claims to be a guide for "ruling the world," by advocating for eating disorders, manipulation, and laziness. Should anyone take this book seriously, it is a disturbing social commentary on our generation.
January 5, 2019
I don’t write reviews, ever. But, this book was so bad I stopped at p 27 because fat shaming, promoting eating disorder culture, stopping being nice, and riding on the coattails of others so you can be lazy (amongst many other tidbits of “advice” they offer) aren’t ideals anyone should be allowed to publish and market to young women. I don’t even want to know what else is in this festering swamp of a book, so I will be returning it so these evidently spoiled, narrow-minded, and privileged women don’t enjoy the fruits of their crappy labour. Satire or not, this dialogue is unacceptable.
Do yourself a favour, donate the cost of the book to any of the many women’s empowerment organizations that are working to undo the rancid culture that is promoted in this book. That’s what I will be doing once I flame throw this book back onto the counter at Chapters.
Do yourself a favour, donate the cost of the book to any of the many women’s empowerment organizations that are working to undo the rancid culture that is promoted in this book. That’s what I will be doing once I flame throw this book back onto the counter at Chapters.
March 3, 2016
Ok, I will judge you if you read this and love it. Yes, this book wasn't meant to be taken seriously. It's suppose to be funny and entertaining, but goodness I couldn't even laugh my way through it! Awful advice and let me just say, there is NOTHING wrong with being "a nice girl".
June 28, 2013
Don't be fooled by the 4-star rating, I hated this book, it left me with an acrid aftertaste, like vom.
Precisely because it is so totally well written and designed. Like a really good website, with an ADD layout like Usa Today.
"Nice" is a scathing multimedia indictment of our sexist caste society — whether intended that way or earnestly aiming to advise privileged girls on how to game our fucked-up system. (By privileged, I mean like rich, white, pretty, and groomed to become alpha females in a Chimp world, as opposed to a Bonobo world).
"It is important to remember that everyone, even fat and poor people, have something decent about them to be complimented... the key is to find [it] and exploit it to our benefit."
The chapter on college includes tips on how to chose your curriculum (no courses in the morning, and nothing in Gender Studies, the prof is probs a butch femi-fascist who's gonna flunk you for being pretty), and how to work just enough to get passing grades (the point of college isn't to learn anything, just to 've been there). The whole book is in that vein.
Ok, need like one more proof? The 14th of Feb is for flosers: "Let the fattie next door down chocolates and semen" — giving head is a means to an end, you see, a transaction, better keep tabs...)
Throughout the book, there isn't any hint of irony, or any trace of humor, compassion, or any feeling actually; then in the last chapter, the authors let the mask slip a little bit:
This "... isn't about being happy. This is about ruling your world. It's about being the most desired, powerful, manipulative woman you can be. ...Many people will hate you. Why shouldn't they? You only look out for yourself, you're hotter than them, you know you're better than them. Do they envy you for being happier? No. Because you're not — that's just not part of the fucking deal."
This book is fugly, cynical, bitter, angry. The last word of the last page is "rage", nuff said?
Wonder if we must expect a sequel in like 20 years (milfezlikethis.com?)
Precisely because it is so totally well written and designed. Like a really good website, with an ADD layout like Usa Today.
"Nice" is a scathing multimedia indictment of our sexist caste society — whether intended that way or earnestly aiming to advise privileged girls on how to game our fucked-up system. (By privileged, I mean like rich, white, pretty, and groomed to become alpha females in a Chimp world, as opposed to a Bonobo world).
"It is important to remember that everyone, even fat and poor people, have something decent about them to be complimented... the key is to find [it] and exploit it to our benefit."
The chapter on college includes tips on how to chose your curriculum (no courses in the morning, and nothing in Gender Studies, the prof is probs a butch femi-fascist who's gonna flunk you for being pretty), and how to work just enough to get passing grades (the point of college isn't to learn anything, just to 've been there). The whole book is in that vein.
Ok, need like one more proof? The 14th of Feb is for flosers: "Let the fattie next door down chocolates and semen" — giving head is a means to an end, you see, a transaction, better keep tabs...)
Throughout the book, there isn't any hint of irony, or any trace of humor, compassion, or any feeling actually; then in the last chapter, the authors let the mask slip a little bit:
This "... isn't about being happy. This is about ruling your world. It's about being the most desired, powerful, manipulative woman you can be. ...Many people will hate you. Why shouldn't they? You only look out for yourself, you're hotter than them, you know you're better than them. Do they envy you for being happier? No. Because you're not — that's just not part of the fucking deal."
This book is fugly, cynical, bitter, angry. The last word of the last page is "rage", nuff said?
Wonder if we must expect a sequel in like 20 years (milfezlikethis.com?)
December 14, 2013
Ok so the people who posted indignant reviews of this book clearly failed to see how obviously tongue-in-cheek this book is. Hello, the authors call themselves "The Betches"! I really enjoyed it - silly, sure, but laugh-out-loud funny. One of my favorite parts is from the chapter on college:
On girls who choose to study abroad in Paris:
"You like fashion and art and took French in high school. You'll learn throughout your semester in Paris that French people really fucking hate Americans and will do whatever possible to ensure that you have a miserable time in their city and never want to come back. If you aren't busy fighting off pickpockets while your garc,on refuses to serve you iced coffee ('I'm afraid zat is impossible. Le ice is out of season!'), you're probably sitting in a cab with a driver who's purposely running up the meter by giving you a scenic tour of twenty-five extra arrondissements."
On gypsies in Europe:
"Gypsies: Oh man, they're everywhere. Whether they're interrupting your outdoor meal to sell you a fucking leaf, or they're hurling their baby at you so you'll drop your purse and they can steal it, there's only one way to stop these crazy nomads. And that is by demanding that they give you their tears."
All in all, a ridiculous but fun read.
On girls who choose to study abroad in Paris:
"You like fashion and art and took French in high school. You'll learn throughout your semester in Paris that French people really fucking hate Americans and will do whatever possible to ensure that you have a miserable time in their city and never want to come back. If you aren't busy fighting off pickpockets while your garc,on refuses to serve you iced coffee ('I'm afraid zat is impossible. Le ice is out of season!'), you're probably sitting in a cab with a driver who's purposely running up the meter by giving you a scenic tour of twenty-five extra arrondissements."
On gypsies in Europe:
"Gypsies: Oh man, they're everywhere. Whether they're interrupting your outdoor meal to sell you a fucking leaf, or they're hurling their baby at you so you'll drop your purse and they can steal it, there's only one way to stop these crazy nomads. And that is by demanding that they give you their tears."
All in all, a ridiculous but fun read.
February 12, 2015
This book is a laugh and a half. It is a book of "tips" on how to "win at basically everything". It was written by a group of modern day, American girls. There are chapters on dating, parties, college, etc. Many of the jokes are "we were all thinking it, i just said it" type jokes. It edges on offensive throughout almost the whole book. It is a perfect combination of sassy, inappropriate, and relatable. I would not recommend this book if you are easily offended and if you are under a certain age I would recommend that you ask your parent's permission before you start it.
May 13, 2016
No. Just... No. I read so much excellent stuff that is self-published, but this is what a publisher is willing to put their money and resources behind. Ffs.
April 29, 2013
DNf at 15% (The amount I promise all publishers through NetGalley and Edelweiss that I will read before I can DNF a book.)
1.5*s
This book gave me a headache. Literally. The only reason I'm giving it 1.5*s rather than just one is because some bits were kind of funny. Even though they really shouldn't have been.
What possessed me to download this title from Edelweiss? I have no freaking idea.
Before I saw this book I had never heard of "The Betches" or anything to do with them. I am also not one to care about having a "celebrity" body. Or, really, any of the matters presented in this book. So, maybe it is my fault I don't like this book.
All I know is that this book annoying, headache inducing, kinda boring, occasionally funny, and always offensive. Or at least it was offensive to me in parts. I just...can't. I just can't. I don't even know what to say about this book really. I just...
1.5*s
This book gave me a headache. Literally. The only reason I'm giving it 1.5*s rather than just one is because some bits were kind of funny. Even though they really shouldn't have been.
What possessed me to download this title from Edelweiss? I have no freaking idea.
Before I saw this book I had never heard of "The Betches" or anything to do with them. I am also not one to care about having a "celebrity" body. Or, really, any of the matters presented in this book. So, maybe it is my fault I don't like this book.
All I know is that this book annoying, headache inducing, kinda boring, occasionally funny, and always offensive. Or at least it was offensive to me in parts. I just...can't. I just can't. I don't even know what to say about this book really. I just...
June 20, 2015
From the title of this book, I assumed it would be a funny, lighthearted, and an engaging read.
I was sadly mistaken...
Instead it was pointless, contained not one actual "life lesson" (unless you count their continual suggests to become anorexic to get drunk faster a "life lesson") and had a swear word every 5 words.
They discussed how important what college you select and what sorority you join is... so that must mean they were writing this for high school seniors, right?
Wrong, because then the next chapter would discus finding tricks to never having to work a day in your life and how you had to marry someone hot and rich.
Don't waste your time or money on this book.
I was sadly mistaken...
Instead it was pointless, contained not one actual "life lesson" (unless you count their continual suggests to become anorexic to get drunk faster a "life lesson") and had a swear word every 5 words.
They discussed how important what college you select and what sorority you join is... so that must mean they were writing this for high school seniors, right?
Wrong, because then the next chapter would discus finding tricks to never having to work a day in your life and how you had to marry someone hot and rich.
Don't waste your time or money on this book.
October 26, 2014
This is a great book as long as you're able to read it as a satire. It's written by girls that take pride in being trust fund babies and accomplishing nothing on their own. If taken seriously, it would be an insult to the entire female population. It is entertaining, and they occasionally made valid points.
February 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all that aren't that sensitive and want to be entertained. It may be hurtful if you don't take it as a joke, but if you can handle it I'm sure there will be times where you will laugh out loud, it relates to teens and our society, and it is interesting to see the perspective the authors have.
June 10, 2015
I was expecting a lot more from this book. I thought it was going to be funny but instead it just seemed very bitchy and annoying. Some things inside we interesting and funny but most of it wasn't. I wouldn't recommended this book and I don't think it deserves the hype it got.
June 30, 2015
This book is not to be taken seriously. It's satire--it's making fun of a certain type of 'betch' that if you have lived or gone to college in the Tri-State area you've most definitely come into contact with. It's hysterical and spot on.
July 29, 2015
This is one of the few books I didn't even have the heart to finish. While I usually enjoy a good satire, this book felt a little too...serious? Awful advice for awful people. Basically what is wrong in the world. Written by "Betches".
August 4, 2015
worst book ever. total waste of time, content is ridiculous.
September 11, 2015
This one was pretty hilarious, I must admit! I wasn't a huge fan of the vulgarity this novel had, which is what lowered my overall rating to 2/5 stars.
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September 17, 2016Terrible terrible terrible
I only got 40 pages in and couldn't take anymore.
I only got 40 pages in and couldn't take anymore.
June 14, 2017
It's no Chelsea Handler.
It's supposed to be a satire, I think, but it's just repetitive and not as humorous as I thought it'd be.
At the end of the book there is a conclusion labeled: "You Can Skip This Part", and though that made me chuckle a little (no one likes conclusions) I was so happy to see permission from the author not to keep reading. So as far as I'm considered I finished this book and I'm so happy to move on.
It's supposed to be a satire, I think, but it's just repetitive and not as humorous as I thought it'd be.
At the end of the book there is a conclusion labeled: "You Can Skip This Part", and though that made me chuckle a little (no one likes conclusions) I was so happy to see permission from the author not to keep reading. So as far as I'm considered I finished this book and I'm so happy to move on.
January 27, 2024
It started out quippy and funny but then it quickly turned to toxic and I couldn’t listen anymore. Something I agree with that another reviewer wrote- ‘If this is satire, it wasn’t done well because we aren’t laughing’
July 23, 2020
Satire that had me laughing out loud and then creasing my brows in distraught concern with the turn of a page. I am not interested in being a “Betch” but it was interesting to see how self-centered some people can be and the lengths they are willing to go to get what they want.
February 22, 2019
This is the worst book ever. I couldn’t even finish it. It promotes and encourages drugs and eating disorders and also just screams white privilege. Either the authors are skinny, white, rich girls or that’s who they’re trying to make fun of. Either way the entire book is basically about how the goal is to get married to a rich husband, stay skinny, and get what you want by not doing shit. Yes, I know and understand this book is very sarcastic and the advice should be taken with a grain of salt but frankly I still found it kind of offensive. This is basically the book all the mean girls in high school live off of.So honestly fuck you betches this book sucksssssss.
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