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How the Hell Did I Not Know That?: My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity
After quitting her job with an awkward text to her boss, Lucie Frost planned to live out her early retirement fantasy. Except she was lost, an empty nester with no job, no structure, no identity, and no clear purpose. Everything changed (with the help of wine) after she binge-watched the television program 90 Day Fiancé one day, which led to a stream of answers to her question about midlife What do we do with our lives when our jobs or children are no longer making those decisions for us?
Her trivia-filled memoir, How the Hell Did I Not Know That, follows the first year of Frost’s postretirement era, a year when curiosity pulled her off the couch and into a world where she discovered how to build a fulfilling life from the smallest of wonders—things like how to unboil an egg with urine (but why, oh why?), where the vice president of the United States lives (something we should know?), and why the sky is blue (wait, didn’t we learn that in third grade?).
How the Hell Did I Not Know That is a witty and honest companion, a girlfriend, if you will, for women in midlife who are struggling to find their place in the world, who are concerned about misogyny, climate change, and the industrial prison complex, just not while watching the latest episode of The Bachelor. Frost shows us that women “of a certain age” need to take themselves seriously while remembering to laugh at inappropriate things and that they can find meaning in life by relying on the power of curiosity.
Her trivia-filled memoir, How the Hell Did I Not Know That, follows the first year of Frost’s postretirement era, a year when curiosity pulled her off the couch and into a world where she discovered how to build a fulfilling life from the smallest of wonders—things like how to unboil an egg with urine (but why, oh why?), where the vice president of the United States lives (something we should know?), and why the sky is blue (wait, didn’t we learn that in third grade?).
How the Hell Did I Not Know That is a witty and honest companion, a girlfriend, if you will, for women in midlife who are struggling to find their place in the world, who are concerned about misogyny, climate change, and the industrial prison complex, just not while watching the latest episode of The Bachelor. Frost shows us that women “of a certain age” need to take themselves seriously while remembering to laugh at inappropriate things and that they can find meaning in life by relying on the power of curiosity.
258 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2025
22 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Lucie Frost
1 book12 followersLucie is a no-longer-practicing lawyer and the author of How the Hell Did I Not Know That? (Trinity University Press, August 2025).
She has written humor and satire for NextTribe, Slackjaw, The Belladonna, Points in Case, Emrys Journal, and others. She is active on social media, with 100k+ engaged followers across various platforms.
She lives in Central Texas with her three needy, delightful dogs.
Find her at @lucieHfrost on all the socials.
She has written humor and satire for NextTribe, Slackjaw, The Belladonna, Points in Case, Emrys Journal, and others. She is active on social media, with 100k+ engaged followers across various platforms.
She lives in Central Texas with her three needy, delightful dogs.
Find her at @lucieHfrost on all the socials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 3, 2025
It’s as if your smart, hilarious best friend is on your sofa entertaining you with personal stories and interesting facts. I read it in small bites so I could (hopefully) retain some of the information. Lots o’ fun!
June 25, 2025
Lucie's superb use of wit, humor, and creativity uses the most obscure trivia to share her journey reinventing herself as a retired professional. The sass makes her book funny, but it is her honesty about very personal moments throughout her life that make it most relatable. This unique style, interweaving humor with her memoir, makes this a clever approach that captured this reader, laughing and reflecting!
August 30, 2025
I didn't realize how desperately I needed a book that brought a little humor into my life, and this one was just the ticket!
Lucie Frost has penned a delightful memoir detailing her first year of retirement, which all kicked off with a hilariously drunken resignation text to her boss. It's a riotous tale of her self-created journey, which she charmingly named Project Couch to Curiosity.
The book delves into an ever-growing list of intriguing answers to the wonders that piqued her interest. This quirky trivia began during a leisurely couch potato phase immediately after she retired, and the random facts are both amusing and surprisingly captivating! For instance, she looked into what the best instrument is to learn later in life and discovered that the organ is one of the toughest instruments to master. Turns out I played it when I was young, so now I'm feeling kinda genius😂!!
I just love the cheeky attitude and comical personality of this former lawyer turned comedienne! So if you’re in the mood for a good chuckle and wouldn’t mind picking up some amusing trivia as you read, this book is just what you need!
Many thanks to partners, Kaye Publicity and Trinity University Press for this humorous gifted review copy!
To check out more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread!
Lucie Frost has penned a delightful memoir detailing her first year of retirement, which all kicked off with a hilariously drunken resignation text to her boss. It's a riotous tale of her self-created journey, which she charmingly named Project Couch to Curiosity.
The book delves into an ever-growing list of intriguing answers to the wonders that piqued her interest. This quirky trivia began during a leisurely couch potato phase immediately after she retired, and the random facts are both amusing and surprisingly captivating! For instance, she looked into what the best instrument is to learn later in life and discovered that the organ is one of the toughest instruments to master. Turns out I played it when I was young, so now I'm feeling kinda genius😂!!
I just love the cheeky attitude and comical personality of this former lawyer turned comedienne! So if you’re in the mood for a good chuckle and wouldn’t mind picking up some amusing trivia as you read, this book is just what you need!
Many thanks to partners, Kaye Publicity and Trinity University Press for this humorous gifted review copy!
To check out more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread!
August 11, 2025
Written as a unique mashup of factoids and memoir, "How the Hell Did I Not Know That" is a book that is hilarious, informational, a little inspirational, and charmingly eclectic.
The premise here is simple: recently retired lawyer Lucie Frost has found herself lost in what to do now that she doesn't have to get up and go to work every day. After spending maybe a little too much time binge-watching reality TV shows, she decides to pursue a little self-improvement by going on a learning journey. What is she going to learn? Simply anything that piques her curiosity.
Reading this book will let you learn random facts that you probably never considered before (such as exactly why is a tennis ball yellow?), and each chapter is focused around a certain theme (e.g. exercise, animals, music). But mixed in with all the learning about random topics, you'll also learn more personal details about Lucie herself—both how her current life is going as well as personal details from her past. Lucie's humor and voice come across strongly and really breathe life into the book as a whole.
This isn't the kind of book that I would usually gravitate too, but I'm glad it fell into my lap because it was a delight to read!
If you're somebody who finds themselves doomscrolling on social media, and/or doing nothing but binge-watching TV in their spare time while also thinking about how they want to be doing something more with life, then this might just be the book for you. But I would also recommend this to anybody who might need a distraction from life, or even just somebody looking for a palate cleanser after reading a serious book.
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily—all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The premise here is simple: recently retired lawyer Lucie Frost has found herself lost in what to do now that she doesn't have to get up and go to work every day. After spending maybe a little too much time binge-watching reality TV shows, she decides to pursue a little self-improvement by going on a learning journey. What is she going to learn? Simply anything that piques her curiosity.
Reading this book will let you learn random facts that you probably never considered before (such as exactly why is a tennis ball yellow?), and each chapter is focused around a certain theme (e.g. exercise, animals, music). But mixed in with all the learning about random topics, you'll also learn more personal details about Lucie herself—both how her current life is going as well as personal details from her past. Lucie's humor and voice come across strongly and really breathe life into the book as a whole.
This isn't the kind of book that I would usually gravitate too, but I'm glad it fell into my lap because it was a delight to read!
If you're somebody who finds themselves doomscrolling on social media, and/or doing nothing but binge-watching TV in their spare time while also thinking about how they want to be doing something more with life, then this might just be the book for you. But I would also recommend this to anybody who might need a distraction from life, or even just somebody looking for a palate cleanser after reading a serious book.
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily—all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 17, 2025
Hilarious, smart, and sneakily profound
Lucie Frost’s “How the Hell Did I Not Know That?” is part trivia deep-dive, part midlife memoir, and all charm. She turns everyday curiosity into a laugh-out-loud journey through science, pop culture, and self-discovery. If you’ve ever hit a life reset button and Googled your way back to sanity—this one’s for you.
Lucie Frost’s “How the Hell Did I Not Know That?” is part trivia deep-dive, part midlife memoir, and all charm. She turns everyday curiosity into a laugh-out-loud journey through science, pop culture, and self-discovery. If you’ve ever hit a life reset button and Googled your way back to sanity—this one’s for you.
June 6, 2025
I want more!! How the Hell Did I Not Know That made me laugh out loud several times. There’s nostalgia about so much. Lucie piques your curiosity, not only about the simple observations and inquiries she makes, but also about how the hell did she think of “that.” Her bright, witty, sarcastic, “perspicacious” (not only will you learn this definition, you’ll remember it) style will leave you wanting more!
May 31, 2025
Have you ever read something and wished you were best friends with the author? That’s how Lucie’s writing strikes me every time, whether it’s an online post or this wonderful gem of a book. Her indomitable spirit shines through in every line, as does her delightful quirkiness and whip-smart wit.
Lucie’s creativity takes shape in learning. She does the work behind the scenes, delving into the meanings of a panoply of words and ideas, then she delivers them to us like decorated cupcakes for us to inhale. Reading this book has been an absolute joyride, and I can’t wait to see what Lucie comes up with next.
Lucie’s creativity takes shape in learning. She does the work behind the scenes, delving into the meanings of a panoply of words and ideas, then she delivers them to us like decorated cupcakes for us to inhale. Reading this book has been an absolute joyride, and I can’t wait to see what Lucie comes up with next.
September 24, 2025
Project Couch to Curiosity is author Lucie Frost’s declaration to stay busy in retirement. After retiring one night in the most hilarious and wine-fueled way ever, Lucie has embraced her retirement, though it hasn’t yet embraced her back. Finding herself struggling to stay busy and engaged, Lucie’s reality directly corresponds with so many retirement fears. I mean, there’s only so much reality TV and binge-watching one can do before it turns concerning, right?
Having been a student, lawyer, and curious person her whole life, Lucie comes up with a plan for her retirement. Beginning with the TV show 90-Day Fiancé, Lucie dives all the way in. As Lucie finds herself deep into the 90-Day Fiancé seasons, she begins asking questions like, “Why not get married and then get a visa into the country?” Or “What financial differences does a foreign fiancé versus a foreign spouse hold?” Asking and answering the questions you didn’t even know you had, How the Hell Did I Not Know That?: My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity is as hilarious as it is insightful.
Whether you fear your own looming retirement, or the pending lack of “to-do” list awaiting you, or need a full-on tears-flowing laugh, this read is for you. Giving all the trivia answers, random insights, and questions you never anticipated having, Lucie does the research, pondering, and deep diving to lure you in.
Organized by chapters titled “All the television,” “All the food and drink,” “All the animals,” “All the music,” and so on, Lucie gives you insights into what that month of curiosity entails. Drawing readers in, Lucie’s own family and friends began to ask her their curious questions, percolating as they arose. As engaging as it is informative, How the Hell Did I Not Know That? is a refreshing take on a humorous memoir.
Guiding us through midlife and a “how not to retire from your boss” encounter, How the Hell Did I Not Know That? reignites the curiosity within us all. Providing hilarious anecdotes, wild knowledge to impress our friends, and a whole lot of laughs, this read is certainly a breath of fresh air – even if there is a lot of fecal (poop) and other smelly learnings.
Having been a student, lawyer, and curious person her whole life, Lucie comes up with a plan for her retirement. Beginning with the TV show 90-Day Fiancé, Lucie dives all the way in. As Lucie finds herself deep into the 90-Day Fiancé seasons, she begins asking questions like, “Why not get married and then get a visa into the country?” Or “What financial differences does a foreign fiancé versus a foreign spouse hold?” Asking and answering the questions you didn’t even know you had, How the Hell Did I Not Know That?: My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity is as hilarious as it is insightful.
Whether you fear your own looming retirement, or the pending lack of “to-do” list awaiting you, or need a full-on tears-flowing laugh, this read is for you. Giving all the trivia answers, random insights, and questions you never anticipated having, Lucie does the research, pondering, and deep diving to lure you in.
Organized by chapters titled “All the television,” “All the food and drink,” “All the animals,” “All the music,” and so on, Lucie gives you insights into what that month of curiosity entails. Drawing readers in, Lucie’s own family and friends began to ask her their curious questions, percolating as they arose. As engaging as it is informative, How the Hell Did I Not Know That? is a refreshing take on a humorous memoir.
Guiding us through midlife and a “how not to retire from your boss” encounter, How the Hell Did I Not Know That? reignites the curiosity within us all. Providing hilarious anecdotes, wild knowledge to impress our friends, and a whole lot of laughs, this read is certainly a breath of fresh air – even if there is a lot of fecal (poop) and other smelly learnings.
August 13, 2025
How the Hell Did I Not Know That?: My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity
As a reader (and writer) of a certain age, I loved this book, full of quick witted writing and answers to things I never thought I needed to know.
But more than that, Lucie Frost reached into my alternatively hot/cold core and reminded me that while we spend our whole lives thinking that we can do the things, the traveling, the cooking classes, the meaningful volunteering, the truth is, our generation didn't do those things. We worked. A lot. Because we figured we could do those other things once we finished college/got married/had kids/started a career/became the boss/whatever but many of us--we didn't do that. We just did more work. Until we didn't. Until we were laid off, or until we text-quitted with bonkers text to our boss or until we got sick and was "fired." And then we found ourselves "now what do I do?"
Lucie answers the questions of why tennis balls are yellow and what all the different cuts of meat are called on a cow, how the witness protection program works, and the importance of starting the first of every month saying "Rabbit Rabbit" and so many more, with each chapter covering a topic like food, health, sports etc., as she considers her own journey from Work to Couch to Full Life. But she also gives those of us wandering, maybe lost, maybe feeling like so much of the important smart part of our lives is on the decline, a rope, to pull us along behind her, to light us on fire not for work or our kids or our family, but for our own hearts and souls, and to give us the emotional (and physical but let's not over do it) strength to finally say out loud to someone who is being a jerk "why are you such an a$$hole?"
I give it all the dimples on a golf ball.
As a reader (and writer) of a certain age, I loved this book, full of quick witted writing and answers to things I never thought I needed to know.
But more than that, Lucie Frost reached into my alternatively hot/cold core and reminded me that while we spend our whole lives thinking that we can do the things, the traveling, the cooking classes, the meaningful volunteering, the truth is, our generation didn't do those things. We worked. A lot. Because we figured we could do those other things once we finished college/got married/had kids/started a career/became the boss/whatever but many of us--we didn't do that. We just did more work. Until we didn't. Until we were laid off, or until we text-quitted with bonkers text to our boss or until we got sick and was "fired." And then we found ourselves "now what do I do?"
Lucie answers the questions of why tennis balls are yellow and what all the different cuts of meat are called on a cow, how the witness protection program works, and the importance of starting the first of every month saying "Rabbit Rabbit" and so many more, with each chapter covering a topic like food, health, sports etc., as she considers her own journey from Work to Couch to Full Life. But she also gives those of us wandering, maybe lost, maybe feeling like so much of the important smart part of our lives is on the decline, a rope, to pull us along behind her, to light us on fire not for work or our kids or our family, but for our own hearts and souls, and to give us the emotional (and physical but let's not over do it) strength to finally say out loud to someone who is being a jerk "why are you such an a$$hole?"
I give it all the dimples on a golf ball.
September 16, 2025
Besides being a female, white and 60 ish, I do NOT author have anything in common with the author…who willingly goes on/pays for a retreat with Cheryl Strayed and the “Eat, Love…” woman, who spur of the moment quits her job (without at least discussing with her life partner), she’s had NOT one, but two surgeries to try to help her to NOT eat herself to death. Very early on the author humble brags about how smart she is, yet, I too am left wondering how in the world she didn’t know these things (why is a glove box called that? How was the plague spread? …).
She didn't know how long FDR was president? Hey Lucie - research who was with him in Warm Springs when he passed.
The author’s % re how many presidents have died in office is a little high…we’ve had a great run of late. It’s now around 17%. Re “would you take a job knowing this %?” Hey Lucie - research the reason why the most powerful man on Cap Hill (LBJ) agreed to give up all that power and be JFK’s lowly VP.
An online search of the author states that she’s now divorced. What? This book just came out and all of the TMI, and she doesn’t tell us that? I really liked Rob.
She didn't know how long FDR was president? Hey Lucie - research who was with him in Warm Springs when he passed.
The author’s % re how many presidents have died in office is a little high…we’ve had a great run of late. It’s now around 17%. Re “would you take a job knowing this %?” Hey Lucie - research the reason why the most powerful man on Cap Hill (LBJ) agreed to give up all that power and be JFK’s lowly VP.
An online search of the author states that she’s now divorced. What? This book just came out and all of the TMI, and she doesn’t tell us that? I really liked Rob.
June 30, 2025
How the Hell Did I Not Know That? runs the gamut. From Thalassemia to that weird thumping sound your car makes when you roll down the windows on the expressway that bothers your ears, this book is chock full of handy answers to questions you didn’t even know you had. But the real key to this book unlocks more than odd facts as Lucie Frost shares how a weekend writing retreat with Cheryl Strayed and Liz Gilbert helped her realize her love of words was greater than her love of being a lawyer. In finding her writing voice, she retired one noble career for another. So, forget becoming a “woman of a certain age.” F*** that! And yes, it’s okay to use bad words for emphasis. When we listen to ourselves and stay interested in learning and satisfying our curiosities, our lives maintain a sense of wonder, and we discover more meaning and purpose along the way. How the Hell Did I Not Know That? is a personal quest for answers, both the trivial and profound, with a reliable and hilarious voice at the helm that can only be Lucie Frost’s. --Georgia Erck
August 24, 2025
Retirement is a journey as well as a defining point in life: What’s next? At first you’re exhausted, but you can’t stay on the couch forever. At some point your intellect comes back and author Lucie Frost used this turning point to cultivate her intelligence, wit, humor, and web-surfing skills to answer life’s important questions such as what is Tempeh and why is it easier to bring a foreign fiance into the country than a spouse? Readers will laugh out loud while they learn something, and Frost’s natural curiosity and intelligence lead you into a world of interesting factoids that will amuse you and leave you wanting to learn more. How the Hell Did I Not Know That?: My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity is a perfect light read when you need to read something light that will spark your own curious nature.
May 27, 2025
This is a book not only for women of a certain age but also for men who retire from a high-pressure job. What do you do for the rest of your life? Just wait it out?
Some might waste their time away by watching television, pigging out on junk food, and downing alcohol. Lucie Frost did all that, but she wised up and admitted she wasn’t as wise as she thought. She knew she had a lot to learn, or more likely, she never learned at all.
With pen in hand, keen curiosity, and a wealth of humor, she crafts an engaging lexicon of a woman coming to grips with middle age. I found myself gasping and alternately giggling when she bares her soul and confronts her weaknesses and lack of knowledge, one by one. She delivers a stream of delightful factoids in a heavy Texas accent. You don’t need to be a Texan to learn up, and ya can’t help but enjoy the ride! By the way, it’s that wonderful kind of book you can lay down and pick up and not miss a thing.
Some might waste their time away by watching television, pigging out on junk food, and downing alcohol. Lucie Frost did all that, but she wised up and admitted she wasn’t as wise as she thought. She knew she had a lot to learn, or more likely, she never learned at all.
With pen in hand, keen curiosity, and a wealth of humor, she crafts an engaging lexicon of a woman coming to grips with middle age. I found myself gasping and alternately giggling when she bares her soul and confronts her weaknesses and lack of knowledge, one by one. She delivers a stream of delightful factoids in a heavy Texas accent. You don’t need to be a Texan to learn up, and ya can’t help but enjoy the ride! By the way, it’s that wonderful kind of book you can lay down and pick up and not miss a thing.
June 11, 2025
What does purple paint mean in rural Texas? What exactly is a female urination device? Do armadillos really carry leprosy? Why say "salud" instead of "bless you"? As someone who actually keeps a list of homophones in the Notes on my phone, I have an immediate affinity for anyone who just likes to learn and is curious about, well, everything. Of course she listens to Krista Tippett's On Being podcast! Reading this book was like having a couple glasses of wine with the funniest friend you have, the one who swears a lot and is willing to pretty much talk about anything. For anyone who has struggled with their post-retirement identity, anyone who appreciates sarcasm and irreverence, and anyone who just likes to know new things, this book really is a gem. Among her last lines is this: "I have the privilege to be mouthy so I don't plan to shut up." Amen! This one hasn't even officially come out and I'm ready for the next one!
October 14, 2025
Around 20% in I almost DNF'd this book, but I'm really glad I didn't.
I found myself not enjoying it nearly as much as I expected (from the blurb it sounds made for me -- someone also in midlife who thrives on curiosity) and annoyed by the 'voice' of the author. It seemed like she was trying too much to lean into the "witty" identity of the book instead of setting a better introduction to the journey she was going to be writing about.
Based on how absolutely perfect the book seemed for me, I kept reading, however, and did indeed find writing and a story that made me smile and inspired me, just as I expected.
I do still feel I would have enjoyed it more with a little more focused discussion of the journey the author went through in her first year of retirement throughout the book. If this sounds like something you would like, though, I recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found myself not enjoying it nearly as much as I expected (from the blurb it sounds made for me -- someone also in midlife who thrives on curiosity) and annoyed by the 'voice' of the author. It seemed like she was trying too much to lean into the "witty" identity of the book instead of setting a better introduction to the journey she was going to be writing about.
Based on how absolutely perfect the book seemed for me, I kept reading, however, and did indeed find writing and a story that made me smile and inspired me, just as I expected.
I do still feel I would have enjoyed it more with a little more focused discussion of the journey the author went through in her first year of retirement throughout the book. If this sounds like something you would like, though, I recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2025
Give this woman an Ig Nobel award! Either in literature or, even better, interdisciplinary research! In her new book, How the Hell Did I Not Know That?, Lucie Frost makes you laugh (a lot!), and then she makes you think.
Where else could I learn the purpose of purple paint on a country fence post? Or about obscure Texas statutes concerning dildos and the like? Or the purpose of slinging a pair of running shoes over a power line? Or appropriate collective nouns for various groups of animals?
Using humor and intelligence in an easygoing style, Lucie has written a delightful compendium of little-known facts while sharing her journey from professional burn-out to peace and self-acceptance. Reading How the Hell Did I Not Know That? has given me the impetus to follow my own curiosity and see where it takes me. And I eagerly look forward to reading her next book!
Where else could I learn the purpose of purple paint on a country fence post? Or about obscure Texas statutes concerning dildos and the like? Or the purpose of slinging a pair of running shoes over a power line? Or appropriate collective nouns for various groups of animals?
Using humor and intelligence in an easygoing style, Lucie has written a delightful compendium of little-known facts while sharing her journey from professional burn-out to peace and self-acceptance. Reading How the Hell Did I Not Know That? has given me the impetus to follow my own curiosity and see where it takes me. And I eagerly look forward to reading her next book!
September 12, 2025
I admit I didn't entirely like reading this book. At first I thought it was amusing but this palled towards the end.
The style is like listening to one's own thoughts, often short and unconnected, and going off at random. This was clearly the intention and succeeded. However after a while I needed a break from the constant chatter.
The book was in reality a list of events and related thoughts and did not have a common theme connection, apart from all these thoughts. I appreciate that we all must have these rapid thoughts firing up within our brain at times, but this was constant.
I wondered if the author suffered from ADHD. The writing captured the rapid though processes really well, but I felt the storyline was lacking.
I received an advance copy of this and leave my review voluntarily.
The style is like listening to one's own thoughts, often short and unconnected, and going off at random. This was clearly the intention and succeeded. However after a while I needed a break from the constant chatter.
The book was in reality a list of events and related thoughts and did not have a common theme connection, apart from all these thoughts. I appreciate that we all must have these rapid thoughts firing up within our brain at times, but this was constant.
I wondered if the author suffered from ADHD. The writing captured the rapid though processes really well, but I felt the storyline was lacking.
I received an advance copy of this and leave my review voluntarily.
June 20, 2025
A day in the life, or perhaps more accurately, a year in the life. I stumbled upon Lucie on the "Socials," and immediately I thought, "Interesting. She is very interesting." I've just summarized the book for you, "Interesting. Very interesting!" If you've ever thought (and you know you have!), "I should look that up..." This is the book for you. She's done it, yes, she's done it for us! She's looked "it" up for us! This book takes us on a personal journey with Lucie. The book is honest and we learn just as much about Lucie and her world as we do all the curiosities she reveals to us. Oh and did I mention this was all done with sincerity and with humor and sass, yes, plenty sassiness. When I finished the book did I feel smarter? Maybe not, but I definitely felt I'd made a new friend.
June 29, 2025
I have found my soulmate-at least in curiosity! Our minds work the same quirky way! Plus we both watch reality TV. Personally, I’m binging Americas Next Top Model and I’m in season 5! And LUCIE is watching 90 Day Fiancé. We both watch Nate the Hoof GP because who doesn’t need to learn more about cows feet??
I was surprised but certainly understand why we are both in the WDNC club. IYKYK!
She likes politics a bit more than me, but my favorite quote came from politics. I’m still giggling about “bastard title-senator from the Great State of Texas”
There’s a large section of etymology. And I just had to look up that word so it wasn’t confused with big study! Just like LUCIE!
I loved this book!!!
I was surprised but certainly understand why we are both in the WDNC club. IYKYK!
She likes politics a bit more than me, but my favorite quote came from politics. I’m still giggling about “bastard title-senator from the Great State of Texas”
There’s a large section of etymology. And I just had to look up that word so it wasn’t confused with big study! Just like LUCIE!
I loved this book!!!
July 2, 2025
Reading this book was fun! Each time I picked it up, a smile would form and I'd feel my spirits lighten. The book is funny, cheeky, and informative (I learned a lot ... on all sorts of topics that crossed a curious mind!). As someone who spends an inordinate amount of time googling answers to my own question, and now am asking ChatGPT for more detail, I identified with the author.
I also realized there is a community of individuals grappling with retirement, a changing identity that was previously tied to one's work, and trying to figure out what living a productive life means when retirement has released one from the day to day demands of a job. This book provided me a companion (not advice!) as I try to figure it out for myself.
I also realized there is a community of individuals grappling with retirement, a changing identity that was previously tied to one's work, and trying to figure out what living a productive life means when retirement has released one from the day to day demands of a job. This book provided me a companion (not advice!) as I try to figure it out for myself.
October 5, 2025
This is a trivia-filled memoir, written by a middle-aged woman who quit her job as a lawyer via a drunk-text to her boss because she was tired of mediating ass insults. She then embarked on her very own Project Couch to Curiosity.
Seriously, that's all you need to know. Go ahead and grab this book!
I was laughing out loud within the first few pages. And honestly, it takes a lot to get me laughing. I might smirk or chuckle, but actual full-on laughter from a book is a rare gift.
AND I actually learned stuff along the way. Entertainment and education all in one! Now I'm all set for a game of trivia. Well, providing I can bring this book, because my memory s*cks.
*Thanks to Kaye Publicity for the free copy!*
Seriously, that's all you need to know. Go ahead and grab this book!
I was laughing out loud within the first few pages. And honestly, it takes a lot to get me laughing. I might smirk or chuckle, but actual full-on laughter from a book is a rare gift.
AND I actually learned stuff along the way. Entertainment and education all in one! Now I'm all set for a game of trivia. Well, providing I can bring this book, because my memory s*cks.
*Thanks to Kaye Publicity for the free copy!*
June 5, 2025
This book is part memoir, part fun facts. The author, Lucy, has recently retired and decides to fill her time by becoming curious. She finds things she doesn't know much about and sets off to learn about them. This makes for a fun read that leaves the reader feeling curious as well. I've found myself on several deep dives on the internet about various topics since reading this book. It is also an easy book to read, feeling much like a chat with a close friend. I definitely recommend this book to anyone, but especially those of us who are feeling a bit stagnant and need a little inspiration to awaken our inner curious child!
June 18, 2025
This is a wonderfully fun read. Lucie takes us on a winding trip through her curious mind and in the process discovers all sorts of things that will make you also say, “How The Hell Did I Not Know That?” Along the way she reveals interesting anecdotes about her personal journey through life, a fascinating story in itself. One word of advice, if you’re easily offended by “naughty” words, brace yourself and read it anyway. You’ll discover things you’ll be glad to know and, just maybe, you’ll broaden your appreciation for her terrific brand of humor. It’s an easy read and a lot of fun. I definitely recommend this book.
May 26, 2025
Laugh out loud funny! I found Lucie on Instagram (the one time when the damn algorithm did something right) and have enjoyed her musings on esoteric topics. When I got the chance to read her book in advance of its publication, I quickly entered the lottery in spite of the fact that I never win anything.
I won the lottery and I think I found my long lost sister. Lucie is funnier in print than she is in her videos, which is saying a lot. You'll laugh and you'll learn and then maybe you'll go all gourmand and have some toast. Enjoy!
I won the lottery and I think I found my long lost sister. Lucie is funnier in print than she is in her videos, which is saying a lot. You'll laugh and you'll learn and then maybe you'll go all gourmand and have some toast. Enjoy!
June 1, 2025
A joy! Smart fun - hilarity mixed with poignancy and vulnerability and lots of interesting information. Useful information! Lucie's easy-breezy conversational style is honest and relatable, hopeful and refreshing. It's friendly and comforting. You will learn about lots of things - not just fun facts but about how not to be so hard on ourselves (and others.) It’s the kind of book that stays with you after you’re done reading. When I finished, I missed Lucie and wanted to spend more time with her. Love!
June 6, 2025
Lucie has been educating me and thousands of others on social media for years. Now all her post-retirement curiosity is paired with her post-retirement trauma for a hilarious, truth-baring exposé on how to adapt to non-working and learn as you go. From scrotal asymmetry to moon phases, how to acknowledge sneezes to Erickson’s Stages of Development, she’s a hoot, and a smart one. I felt great about my own foibles as well as my strengths after reading this, while learning random stuff. You likely will, too.
July 2, 2025
“How The Hell Did I Not Know That” by Lucie Frost is a delightful rollercoaster of revelations and self-discovery. With sharp wit and a refreshing perspective, Frost takes readers on a journey through the blind spots of life, making us laugh while also prompting a few “aha!” moments. It's like having a candid chat with your most insightful friend—only funnier and with fewer interruptions. If you’ve ever felt like you’re a step behind in the game of life, this book is your playbook for catching up, one laugh at a time!
July 31, 2025
Lucie had me giggling from the first page! For some reason I want to call this book a "romp," but is that the best word (it is more than that, and what kind of romp, exactly??)?? Actually, how about I call it this: a reluctant and delightful couch potato's soulful curiosity romp! I loved the book and the opportunity it provided to romp with Lucie and her curious brain. I learned a lot, laughed a lot (live, love, laugh, baby -- life is hard) and it doesn't get any better than that. Highly recommended for all the readers! (I was lucky enough to read this as an advance copy.)
August 11, 2025
Absolutely Loved This Book!
This book is right up my alley—I loved every page of it! Lucie dives into so many fun, fascinating subjects and curiosities that I honestly wish I could retain them all. Every chapter is packed with things that made me smile, think, or want to immediately share with someone. I’ll definitely be going back through with a highlighter to mark all the keepers. Honestly, I might just carry it around with me—it’s the easiest way to tell everyone how enjoyable and delightful it is!
This book is right up my alley—I loved every page of it! Lucie dives into so many fun, fascinating subjects and curiosities that I honestly wish I could retain them all. Every chapter is packed with things that made me smile, think, or want to immediately share with someone. I’ll definitely be going back through with a highlighter to mark all the keepers. Honestly, I might just carry it around with me—it’s the easiest way to tell everyone how enjoyable and delightful it is!
August 16, 2025
Lucie Frost was beached on her couch, watching bad tv and drinking too much. In "How the Hell did I Not Know That," Lucie tells her story of a disastrous start to early retirement and how her own curiosity saved her. I laughed with her as she found her way by hilariously running down oddities and sorting out confusion. From the use of eye black in sports, to pronunciations peculiar to her native Texas, you get to know the author and you root for her as she struggles, and finds, her new chapter. If you need a laugh-until-you-cry read, Lucie Frost's book is for you!
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