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Screw You Dolores
When novelist and columnist Sarah-Kate Lynch turned 50 she declared ‘A Year of Me’ and set off in search of the key to happiness. She started with great expectations by shopping for shoes in Paris, attempted to build her character by going solo, counted her friends on the fingers of both hands, remembered a dodgy handshake with Hugh Jackman, joined a laughing yoga group in Mumbai, drank too much rosé and ate too much salt.
By the end of the year she was, much to her own surprise, in possession of a clean bill of health and the secret to happiness. No, not THE SECRET. That’s not even a secret anymore. Another one, which is also now no longer a secret because in the endearing, hilarious Screw You Dolores, she shares it with you.
By the end of the year she was, much to her own surprise, in possession of a clean bill of health and the secret to happiness. No, not THE SECRET. That’s not even a secret anymore. Another one, which is also now no longer a secret because in the endearing, hilarious Screw You Dolores, she shares it with you.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2014
14 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Sarah-Kate Lynch
17 books283 followersSarah-Kate Lynch is quite a cranky journalist of several decades who prefers making things up to recording them accurately. This is not very good if you are a journalist, which may explain (a) the crankiness and (b) why she now writes novels.
She also writes two columns in the New Zealand Woman's Day, New Zealand's best-selling weekly magazine. One is about nothing and the other is about travel.
Sarah-Kate lives in a cliff top house on the wild west coast of New Zealand's North Island with a lovely dog called Ginger and a husband called Ted. Oh, hang on, no, that's not right. The dog is called Ted and the husband is Ginger.
She also writes two columns in the New Zealand Woman's Day, New Zealand's best-selling weekly magazine. One is about nothing and the other is about travel.
Sarah-Kate lives in a cliff top house on the wild west coast of New Zealand's North Island with a lovely dog called Ginger and a husband called Ted. Oh, hang on, no, that's not right. The dog is called Ted and the husband is Ginger.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 30, 2022
Screw You, Dolores, is a 2011 comedy-memoir by a kiwi Journalist/Novelist about the change in mindset that came with turning 50. While claiming to be an approach to finding happiness - at least some of the time - it’s not a self-help book, but rather a chatty monologue about the joys of friendship, family, travel and rosé (lots of rosé!) interspersed with humorous lists, letters and anecdotes - many of which are too embarrassing not to be true. The title derives from an anecdote from her youth, and she describes wanting to use it as the title of her first book, but deciding it was too rude. Years later, she doesn’t care who she offends - in fact not caring about people who don’t matter is a key part of achieving happiness. I’ve read several of Lynch’s rom-coms, enjoying some more than others - Blessed Are the Cheesemakers was a 5-star delight, but I’ve never read her magazine pieces or listened to her on the radio, and this was my first of her non-fiction books.
Likeable and very funny at times, I found her to be highly relatable - probably because I’m the same age she was when she wrote it, am also 5 foot 10, purposefully child free, and love rosé (and bubbles!) This also has some sad and dark moments - losing loved ones, including her beloved dog, being diagnosed with a serious illness and the uncertainties that come with having to move around for your spouse’s career, but she doesn’t dwell on these for long. It’s a quick read - I finished it in an evening, and there’s a lot of deadpan kiwi humour, but I think it could be appreciated by women of a certain age anywhere. It had been on my radar for years, after featuring in the Whitcoull’s Top 100 list for a couple of years - and of course I was intrigued by that title! - but never got round to buying it, and had actually recently added it to my ever-expanding Wishlist of books to buy when I’ve read all the ones I already have. Then a lady down the road posted on Facebook that she was giving books away, and there it was… which is ironic given she repeatedly exhorts the reader to buy the book at full price rather than borrowing, stealing or purchasing it second-hand. So, er, sorry, I guess, but at least you get a review!
Likeable and very funny at times, I found her to be highly relatable - probably because I’m the same age she was when she wrote it, am also 5 foot 10, purposefully child free, and love rosé (and bubbles!) This also has some sad and dark moments - losing loved ones, including her beloved dog, being diagnosed with a serious illness and the uncertainties that come with having to move around for your spouse’s career, but she doesn’t dwell on these for long. It’s a quick read - I finished it in an evening, and there’s a lot of deadpan kiwi humour, but I think it could be appreciated by women of a certain age anywhere. It had been on my radar for years, after featuring in the Whitcoull’s Top 100 list for a couple of years - and of course I was intrigued by that title! - but never got round to buying it, and had actually recently added it to my ever-expanding Wishlist of books to buy when I’ve read all the ones I already have. Then a lady down the road posted on Facebook that she was giving books away, and there it was… which is ironic given she repeatedly exhorts the reader to buy the book at full price rather than borrowing, stealing or purchasing it second-hand. So, er, sorry, I guess, but at least you get a review!
September 19, 2016
When I saw this book on the shelves at my local library, I did a double take, then I read the subtitle "A wicked approach to happiness", this is not what it appears at first glance. It’s a funny coming of age memoirs, it’s about not caring what other people think, say or do. Boy, do I agree!
The author is hilarious, but sometimes she comes across a bit snotty (that and the insistent self-promotion cost her one of my stars). I’m not sure if the book is available outside NZ, but if you’re lucky enough to live in Aotearoa, are female and craving something light and uplifting, read this!
3.5 stars
The author is hilarious, but sometimes she comes across a bit snotty (that and the insistent self-promotion cost her one of my stars). I’m not sure if the book is available outside NZ, but if you’re lucky enough to live in Aotearoa, are female and craving something light and uplifting, read this!
3.5 stars
April 11, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this very funny book, I had lots of real laugh out loud moments, some of which were in my garden. We're halfway through a 4 week lock down here in NZ and we had only just moved here before that happened. My neighbours probably think I'm some kind of loon, and they would be right, bet they can't wait wait to meet me for real!!!!!
I do however have serious feelings of guilt having bought it at an op-shop!! Sarah-Kate if you should happen to read this, I do humbly apologise for my thoughtless actions and do solemnly swear that in future I shall buy your books at the full asking price, cross my heart and hope to die, please don't hit me on the back of my head with a shovel! Ta very muchly.
I do however have serious feelings of guilt having bought it at an op-shop!! Sarah-Kate if you should happen to read this, I do humbly apologise for my thoughtless actions and do solemnly swear that in future I shall buy your books at the full asking price, cross my heart and hope to die, please don't hit me on the back of my head with a shovel! Ta very muchly.
November 29, 2025
Nov 2025 re-read: Picked up in a secondhand store and purchased because I remember enjoying it the first time, and re-read while away on a short hiking trip involving long ferry rides. Another autobiography from a NZ personality (who also had cancer, but it is not a central part of this book). I didn’t find the book as LOL-inducing as first time around, but I still enjoyed it.
Actual LOL-inducing read, perfect for a long day flight (and effective at eliciting stares from other passengers as you burst out in laughter while reading). Despite the light tone, there are some wise nuggets in here. "Screw You Dolores" (the story behind this is brilliant) are words to live by.
Actual LOL-inducing read, perfect for a long day flight (and effective at eliciting stares from other passengers as you burst out in laughter while reading). Despite the light tone, there are some wise nuggets in here. "Screw You Dolores" (the story behind this is brilliant) are words to live by.
September 15, 2015
Loved, loved, loved this book! SKL I'd enjoy meeting you! Chuckled through it. My "Ginger", (actually "the Grey") probably relieved I'm finished, as I keep demanding his attention to chortle through a passage together. Light and luscious!
March 28, 2014
Funny, warm, honest and of more value than 99% of the "serious" self-help books out there.
May 3, 2014
self indulgent rubbish, waste of time reading and waste of money.
April 10, 2015
SK definitely has some life experience gems to share. I enjoyed seeing the world from her perspective and I enjoyed her take on what is really important with how we choose to live our lives.
September 2, 2021
I think I like Lynch's fiction better than non-fiction. This is something of a memoir about turning 50 and life lessons Lynch has accrued up to that point, as well as delightful descriptions of her travels for work and pleasure. Lynch is a naturally gifted humor writer, but by the end it felt more superficial than I would've liked. However I do appreciate her seemingly effortless humor, which style-wise reminds me a bit of columnist Emma Bombeck and for a much more recent reference, R. Eric Thomas (writer of "Here for It") -- all three pack their writing with funny references, asides, and self depreciation, and each would be a delightful dinner companion (or even better, a boozy brunch companion!)
June 12, 2020
What a laugh! Who knew a biography/guide to happiness/turning 50 non-fiction book could be so good! This book gets better and better as it goes along, and has moments of laughter and sighs. The little pictures are a hoot....except on page 345.....I think the drawings are supposed to be a cricket bat and a canoe? But they look more like a paddle and a vibrator.....however, they are whatever you think they are, and if you don't find this book hilarious then SCREW YOU DOLORES!
March 12, 2018
Easy read, not groundbreaking but lighthearted
April 21, 2018
Loved this book, very funny, it made me laugh out loud. Looking forward to reading her other novels.
September 29, 2020
I loved this light hearted book that reminds you to just enjoy the life you have!
December 31, 2020
My fav book. I read this one once a year and still enjoy it every time!
January 26, 2021
Great pick me up read. Now I'm going to please myself, start my own book club, not expect to be 100% happy all the time and get a doggie. 4 stars. I did really cackle outloud... I frightened my son.
August 20, 2023
Some parts were funny. I agreed with a previous reader, it is a book of self indulgent dribble.
December 13, 2024
I didn’t realise this was non-fiction/memoir but what a hoot I laughed out loud and smiled almost the whole way through this funny book. Im so glad she’s written lots of books.
April 4, 2025
I feel a lot better about getting older now.
April 8, 2014
(Jennifer) I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this and cannot recommend it highly enough – especially as a Mother’s Day gift. I simply could not put it down. Life’s served our queen of wicked one-liners the good and the not-so-good over the years as this wonderful collection of essays reveals. Turning 50 last year was, of cousre, a year of celebrations for her but it was also a time to think about waht makes for a happy life. It’s chock-full of hilarious anecdotes and musings on subjects from finding the perfect boots, to the correct use for whiteboards, losing jobs, gaining pounds, star-gazing (of the Hugh Jackman kind) and those most-unflattering "poo-catcher” pants. As she turns the big “five-o”, Sarah-Kate also thoughtfully reflects on marriage, children, friendships, waistlines, career hurdles and also how she’s dealt with some bigger, darker blips along the way which makes for such a poignant read. It’s such an emotional-rollercoaster ride. Sarah-Kate has such a unique voice and we are blessed to have such a clever and funny writer to call NZ’s own.
February 11, 2015
Lucky me - I was sent one chapter as a preview and can't wait till tomorrow to get my hands on the whole thing. Sarah-Kate Lynch deserves her reputation as NZ"s funniest woman writer. She's able to turn the most mundane doings into something hysterically funny. It's only after you've wiped away the tears of laughter and got your breath back that you realise there was quite an important message in what she was saying. SO clever.
I'm the buyer for a very small bookshop and we have a lot of customers who'll be hanging out for the courier to arrive with their copy tomorrow.
Oh dear - I drove straight in to get my copy when the bookshop rang. Starving husband had to starve while I had my nose in Screw YOu, Dolores. Couldn't stop reading or laughing or crying. Fabulous.
I'm the buyer for a very small bookshop and we have a lot of customers who'll be hanging out for the courier to arrive with their copy tomorrow.
Oh dear - I drove straight in to get my copy when the bookshop rang. Starving husband had to starve while I had my nose in Screw YOu, Dolores. Couldn't stop reading or laughing or crying. Fabulous.
September 11, 2014
What a delightful book, it filled me with little bubbles of joie de vivre and made me want to (not in any particular order):
1. Try some real champagne
2. Get a dog, as long as he is as goofy and comical as Ted
3. Go to Mumbai
4. Live in Paris or New York for a month or two (two cities I love as SKL does but have only spent fleeting amounts of time in)
I picked this book up from the library (phew, glad to read in this book that libraries pay authors every time someone checks out their book - I've always wondered how this works), because the title made me laugh. And the book made me laugh as well as appreciating the little things that make our lives wonderful. I like to think the sentiment behind it was also the reason I was assertive 3 times yesterday (in a polite way).
1. Try some real champagne
2. Get a dog, as long as he is as goofy and comical as Ted
3. Go to Mumbai
4. Live in Paris or New York for a month or two (two cities I love as SKL does but have only spent fleeting amounts of time in)
I picked this book up from the library (phew, glad to read in this book that libraries pay authors every time someone checks out their book - I've always wondered how this works), because the title made me laugh. And the book made me laugh as well as appreciating the little things that make our lives wonderful. I like to think the sentiment behind it was also the reason I was assertive 3 times yesterday (in a polite way).
January 15, 2015
When author Sarah-Kate Lynch turned 50, she declared it to be the ‘year of me’, and off she went to Paris in search of happiness - not just how and where to find it, but also to experience it, despite having ‘Bitchy Resting Face’. ‘Screw you Dolores’ is all about attitude and being able to live your life without feeling that you have to live up to other people’s expectations - please yourself in other words. And you can do that without hurting anyone. With the wisdom of experience and the attitude to go with it, Lynch has written a marvelously funny book, jam-packed with hilarious anecdotes – enough to make you laugh so hard you’ll cry.
May 31, 2015
I had totally forgotten how hilarious I find Sarah-Kate Lynch's writing style. I loved this book, I loved her quirky way of telling a story and I am now going to go back and re-read the stories of hers that I own before venturing into the ones I have not read. I loved her personal take on some serious issues and I was thrilled by her stories about her dogs. Fabulous!
August 2, 2014
I loved this book so much, and it arrived at just the perfect time. I have two years to plan my own Year of Me, and I cannot wait! I plan to give all of my friends (mostly my age) a copy of this book for their birthday. :-)
November 13, 2018
Really easy, fun and enjoyable read. Found it like a really honest non-censured conversation with the author, over a vino. Appreciate how out there she put herself. Having recently turned 40 I related to and enjoyed it.
May 23, 2014
Lighthearted, had a few chuckles when I recognised something similar in my life. Enjoyable.
June 8, 2014
I just loved this book, as it is very funny!!!!! This book will have you LOL from start to finish!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2014
Had a few laughs, noted a couple of memorable quotes bit mostly a very light read.
June 13, 2014
I guess I just prefer Sarah-Kates fiction. Im a big fan but Im not 50 or in the neighbourhood of it so Im probably just not the intended demographic for this one.
June 9, 2015
An easy 5 stars. And I'm not related to SK. And I have read over 10 books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews