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I've Got a New Complaint: Essays on Aging Disgracefully and Other Small Disasters
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26A brutally and hilariously unfiltered look at being middle-aged-plus in an absurd modern world by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Excuse Me While I Disappear.
Laurie Notaro can time travel. The portal is Scottsdale, Arizona. Once inside her elderly parents’ home, she’s a child again—who’s two years away from collecting Social Security. Caught between generations, Laurie is young enough to be thrust into the role of caregiver yet old enough to be grappling with her own creaking bones and analog life skills. It’s an awkward age.
Navigating it is just a matter of winging it. She runs rampant through Italy with her American driving skills. Infuriating office politics leave her little choice but revenge and some hexes. Laurie also confronts a high school bully at a reunion, considers an elaborate funeral at a puppet theater, and fancies an ideal retirement plan involving bank robbery. As for sex at sixty, honestly, it’s a challenge. The parts are a little rusty (at least they sound that way).
Regardless of indignity or mishap, the #1 New York Times bestselling author finds agency with the sharp wit of a woman who refuses to go gently into that good night.
Laurie Notaro can time travel. The portal is Scottsdale, Arizona. Once inside her elderly parents’ home, she’s a child again—who’s two years away from collecting Social Security. Caught between generations, Laurie is young enough to be thrust into the role of caregiver yet old enough to be grappling with her own creaking bones and analog life skills. It’s an awkward age.
Navigating it is just a matter of winging it. She runs rampant through Italy with her American driving skills. Infuriating office politics leave her little choice but revenge and some hexes. Laurie also confronts a high school bully at a reunion, considers an elaborate funeral at a puppet theater, and fancies an ideal retirement plan involving bank robbery. As for sex at sixty, honestly, it’s a challenge. The parts are a little rusty (at least they sound that way).
Regardless of indignity or mishap, the #1 New York Times bestselling author finds agency with the sharp wit of a woman who refuses to go gently into that good night.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Laurie Notaro
22 books2,286 followersLaurie Notaro is a New York Times best-selling American writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 2, 2026
I needed this!
All I can say is every woman over 50 needs to reads this....and then pee your pants just a little!
All I can say is every woman over 50 needs to reads this....and then pee your pants just a little!
August 3, 2026
I love Laurie!
Another great book! Laurie's chronicles of her life make you laugh and laugh. She's the friend who tells you about the disasters in he life while she laughs and orders another round of drinks. I have read and reread all of her books and they are still as funny as the first time. She gives you the honest picture of aging and even as you realize that's what's happening to you, you have to laugh. I read the whole book in one sitting and am now wondering how to get a room in her motel.
Another great book! Laurie's chronicles of her life make you laugh and laugh. She's the friend who tells you about the disasters in he life while she laughs and orders another round of drinks. I have read and reread all of her books and they are still as funny as the first time. She gives you the honest picture of aging and even as you realize that's what's happening to you, you have to laugh. I read the whole book in one sitting and am now wondering how to get a room in her motel.
August 3, 2026
4.5 stars. I have been a fan of Laurie for a long time I like her stories - they make me laugh.
August 2, 2026
Needed this.
Laurie Notaro is the best. I was just thinking the other day about her. Suddenly, a new book! Karma rewarded me. She is someone I would love to hang around with or have as a neighbor. I love her way of approaching life and dealing with idiots. Nothing wrong with a little spell casting! Laurie, never retire from writing.
Laurie Notaro is the best. I was just thinking the other day about her. Suddenly, a new book! Karma rewarded me. She is someone I would love to hang around with or have as a neighbor. I love her way of approaching life and dealing with idiots. Nothing wrong with a little spell casting! Laurie, never retire from writing.
Review of advance copy
What a cringey read. I know nothing about this author but based on what I've read, she is a total Karen who makes light of alcohol/drug abuse, being on Ozempic because (assumedly) she is lazy and entitled, her absolute privilege (it's completely tonedeaf), and the sexual harassment of boys 40 years younger than her. It's not even that it is edgy, it's that Boomer type of humor that doesn't even really know that it is edgy. Self awareness, yes, that is what it lacks. And the lack of self awareness is what makes this book so cringe and unfunny.
August 4, 2026
Not enough room TEN STARS 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Never have I ever laughed so hard. I have been reading since dick n Jane went up that DAMN hill....lol. I grew up w Red Fox, Mom's Manley and Pig meat Martin. Richard Pryor... U know I misspelled some bodies name, but, you know them. You are so much in my head and crazy as a bat. ....I Love you. God, I really thought I would give up finding a sister Just Like ME. I found you. You. I was born in 1950, but I new you would pop up someday. Chicago -' Northside' HOLLAR BACK!!
Never have I ever laughed so hard. I have been reading since dick n Jane went up that DAMN hill....lol. I grew up w Red Fox, Mom's Manley and Pig meat Martin. Richard Pryor... U know I misspelled some bodies name, but, you know them. You are so much in my head and crazy as a bat. ....I Love you. God, I really thought I would give up finding a sister Just Like ME. I found you. You. I was born in 1950, but I new you would pop up someday. Chicago -' Northside' HOLLAR BACK!!
August 5, 2026
Ha!
There was a lot in this book that was genuinely funny, and several places where I giggled for quite a while - I am generally pleased with a book when that happens once. I always thought she gave the best lines to her husband, and reading that he is the king of spontaneous silliness just made me happy. Thoroughly enjoyable.
There was a lot in this book that was genuinely funny, and several places where I giggled for quite a while - I am generally pleased with a book when that happens once. I always thought she gave the best lines to her husband, and reading that he is the king of spontaneous silliness just made me happy. Thoroughly enjoyable.
August 5, 2026
Hysterical!
Need a good laugh at life? Start reading this book today! It will entertain you and give you a novel perspective when life doesn’t always go the way you want it to.
Need a good laugh at life? Start reading this book today! It will entertain you and give you a novel perspective when life doesn’t always go the way you want it to.
August 11, 2026
If you need some ROTFL in your life (particularly if you're a Gen X-age female), Notaro's latest book of essays delivers in spades. I will recommend this book to all my 50+ friends.
Review of advance copy
I'm glad I took a chance on this one. I don't often choose from the free monthly Amazon First Reads selections because, in my experience, you tend to get what you pay for. This time, though, I decided to give I've Got a New Complaint a try, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
Laurie Notaro's collection of essays captures the strange stage of life where you're juggling aging parents, your own aches and pains, and the realization that you have somehow become the adult in every situation. Her observations are often exaggerated for comedic effect, but they're rooted in experiences that will feel familiar to many readers.
As with most essay collections, some pieces landed better than others. A few had me smiling more than laughing out loud, while others showcased Notaro's wonderfully dry, self-deprecating wit. I especially enjoyed her sharp sense of humor and the way she finds comedy in everything from office politics to getting older and all the indignities that come with it.
The biggest compliment I can give I've Got a New Complaint is that it made me want to read more of Laurie Notaro's work. If her other books have the same blend of wit, honesty, and humor, I'll happily pick up another one. Three and a half stars.
Laurie Notaro's collection of essays captures the strange stage of life where you're juggling aging parents, your own aches and pains, and the realization that you have somehow become the adult in every situation. Her observations are often exaggerated for comedic effect, but they're rooted in experiences that will feel familiar to many readers.
As with most essay collections, some pieces landed better than others. A few had me smiling more than laughing out loud, while others showcased Notaro's wonderfully dry, self-deprecating wit. I especially enjoyed her sharp sense of humor and the way she finds comedy in everything from office politics to getting older and all the indignities that come with it.
The biggest compliment I can give I've Got a New Complaint is that it made me want to read more of Laurie Notaro's work. If her other books have the same blend of wit, honesty, and humor, I'll happily pick up another one. Three and a half stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I rush to read whatever Laurie Notaro writes, although, to clarify, 'rushing' at 60 takes awhile, between thinking about rushing, preparing to rush, actual rushing, then rush recovery, which culminates in forgetting, then remembering, why I rushed in the first place, and with e-books, that may take longer because you don't stumble upon the volume tucked between the pet odor spray and the Gain Flings on the shelf above the washer and dryer or, for some reason, in a dirty cowboy boot. But I digress. It happens. The point is: Laurie's got a new one and you should read it. (To tell you how enjoyable --- and relatable --- it is, I did so in two sittings, the second of which lasted until the sun was fully up and I then had to rush to the car dealership for help with the back passenger window that some random, um, substance misusing sex worker with what may have been disordered eating threw a brick through while I was on the way to the pharmacy for my cholesterol meds yesterday. Now I need to rush back there later before they put them back on the shelf and my insurance company denies coverage for 90 days setting off a sequence of lectures from medical professionals staring at computer screens somewhere in my vicinity. If you think any of that was made up, you haven't lived.
Review of advance copy
This was not my cup of tea. I received this free from Amazon Prime first reads and if I paid for it, I’d ask for my money back. Or was that awful. Musings of a 60ish woman. The first chapter about her parents was simply shocking. I thought “what the heck”? What’s going on? Why is she living with her parents who are apparently clueless. There was a funny chapter when a person calls (scammer) offering her a job and she plays along posing as a prostitute. The humor is low and crass.
Here's what I read from Amazon: "Laurie Notaro can time travel. The portal is Scottsdale, Arizona. Once inside her elderly parents’ home, she’s a child again—who’s two years away from collecting Social Security. Caught between generations, Laurie is young enough to be thrust into the role of caregiver yet old enough to be grappling with her own creaking bones and analog life skills. It’s an awkward age". I wish I read a bit more about this book before selecting it. I thought it was a novel about time travel. NOT. It's a "memoir" of sorts with various essays. I selected this book in haste and deeply regret it. UGH!
Here's what I read from Amazon: "Laurie Notaro can time travel. The portal is Scottsdale, Arizona. Once inside her elderly parents’ home, she’s a child again—who’s two years away from collecting Social Security. Caught between generations, Laurie is young enough to be thrust into the role of caregiver yet old enough to be grappling with her own creaking bones and analog life skills. It’s an awkward age". I wish I read a bit more about this book before selecting it. I thought it was a novel about time travel. NOT. It's a "memoir" of sorts with various essays. I selected this book in haste and deeply regret it. UGH!
Review of advance copy
BOOK REPORT
⭐ 3 ⭐
Got this as an Amazon First Read even though I went back and looked at my review of another Laurie Notaro book and saw that I’d given it 2 stars and said that “everything just felt a little forced.”
I’m glad I did, because once again Ms Notaro made me laugh out loud, more than once. She is definitely relatable if you’re a 60ish white woman who has worked in the higher education version of corporate communications (ahem).
Alas, as was the case with the previous book, parts of this book also seemed forced, and some were just so kind of boring/torturous I had to skip them.
All in all, though, it was an enjoyable read, one that was easy to consume on breaks from yard work….and even easier to consume afterward, with a glass of chardonnay in hand. So 3 stars it is, with A Note To Future Kristi: Remember that you like this author’s work in small doses. Think of it like gin, if you will. A little bit is good when you’re in the mood.
⭐ 3 ⭐
Got this as an Amazon First Read even though I went back and looked at my review of another Laurie Notaro book and saw that I’d given it 2 stars and said that “everything just felt a little forced.”
I’m glad I did, because once again Ms Notaro made me laugh out loud, more than once. She is definitely relatable if you’re a 60ish white woman who has worked in the higher education version of corporate communications (ahem).
Alas, as was the case with the previous book, parts of this book also seemed forced, and some were just so kind of boring/torturous I had to skip them.
All in all, though, it was an enjoyable read, one that was easy to consume on breaks from yard work….and even easier to consume afterward, with a glass of chardonnay in hand. So 3 stars it is, with A Note To Future Kristi: Remember that you like this author’s work in small doses. Think of it like gin, if you will. A little bit is good when you’re in the mood.
August 5, 2026
(Yes, I did read this before its publication, completely legally through Amazon Prime Reading)
I really enjoyed this hilarious collection of personal essays. I laughed so hard I cried multiple times, which caught the attention of a passing family member and when I read the passage aloud they invariably laughed too. Not little smirks and chuckles either, I’m talking enormous belly jiggling guffaws.
Notaro is like a female, less deranged David Sedaris. She writes with a potent blend of exaggeration and authenticity that somehow works better than you think it would. Some parts were not completely family friendly but it wasn’t filthy, especially by secular comedy standards.
Speaking of secular, I should say the last chapter involved some occult/voodoo type practices and as a Christian I’m really not ok with and feel I should mention as an FYI to other Christian readers.
I really enjoyed this hilarious collection of personal essays. I laughed so hard I cried multiple times, which caught the attention of a passing family member and when I read the passage aloud they invariably laughed too. Not little smirks and chuckles either, I’m talking enormous belly jiggling guffaws.
Notaro is like a female, less deranged David Sedaris. She writes with a potent blend of exaggeration and authenticity that somehow works better than you think it would. Some parts were not completely family friendly but it wasn’t filthy, especially by secular comedy standards.
Speaking of secular, I should say the last chapter involved some occult/voodoo type practices and as a Christian I’m really not ok with and feel I should mention as an FYI to other Christian readers.
August 4, 2026
Attempting to age gracefully
This is the first book I've read by Laurie Notaro and it probably won't be the last. She has an ability to add some humor to everything from visiting her aging parents and their ridiculous methods of frugality to working for a college administrator who lacks any type of skills. I especially enjoyed reading about the trip with her husband to England and Italy and how they skipped the tourist traps but lapped up the "real" side of their destinations. Be ready for the dialogue to move fast on rapidly changing topics
This is the first book I've read by Laurie Notaro and it probably won't be the last. She has an ability to add some humor to everything from visiting her aging parents and their ridiculous methods of frugality to working for a college administrator who lacks any type of skills. I especially enjoyed reading about the trip with her husband to England and Italy and how they skipped the tourist traps but lapped up the "real" side of their destinations. Be ready for the dialogue to move fast on rapidly changing topics
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This was my August 2026 First Reads book. It was entertaining.
I am close to Laurie Notaro in age (just a little bit older than she is), so much of the book rings true to me. I understand the references to pop culture, life in the '60s, '70s, '80s, and so on. I totally get the medical and physical changes we go through, and yes, I've had dogs (though not from Australia!).
It was a nice and fresh change from some of the other books I've been reading, and it's great to put everyday women at the center of the story.
I am close to Laurie Notaro in age (just a little bit older than she is), so much of the book rings true to me. I understand the references to pop culture, life in the '60s, '70s, '80s, and so on. I totally get the medical and physical changes we go through, and yes, I've had dogs (though not from Australia!).
It was a nice and fresh change from some of the other books I've been reading, and it's great to put everyday women at the center of the story.
Review of advance copy
This was an Amazon First Read for August 2026 & even after reading, I will likely purchase it for myself (so I can have endless giggles) or as a gift for a girlfriend who will so get the author's humor.
I will read it all over again just for the chapters on the doggie or the aging parents or the prison scenario as an alternatie lifestyle! Definitely go federal vs state or county correctional facilities!
This was the first book I have read by the author, but not the last. Thank you to Amazon for sharing this & the author & publisher.
I will read it all over again just for the chapters on the doggie or the aging parents or the prison scenario as an alternatie lifestyle! Definitely go federal vs state or county correctional facilities!
This was the first book I have read by the author, but not the last. Thank you to Amazon for sharing this & the author & publisher.
August 12, 2026
Another winner
I am around the authors age and live I Oregon so many of her topics resonate with me. I have bought and shared most of her books with friends and former coworkers. This book is laugh out loud funny and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish I could thank the author for bringing me joy (and yes, I still have the habit of putting two spaces after periods and need a special autocorrect for seniors). I received an advance copy through kindle but will be buying 2 paperback versions to send to my sisters, they'll love it.
I am around the authors age and live I Oregon so many of her topics resonate with me. I have bought and shared most of her books with friends and former coworkers. This book is laugh out loud funny and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish I could thank the author for bringing me joy (and yes, I still have the habit of putting two spaces after periods and need a special autocorrect for seniors). I received an advance copy through kindle but will be buying 2 paperback versions to send to my sisters, they'll love it.
August 6, 2026
Some chapters were extremely funny. The puppy chapter and the European vacation chapter are excellent. But some are just really immature and I was not sure I wanted to read them so I skipped ahead. But a sense of humor is a must in this world so go for it and read this book. But it is not a collection of essays on aging.
August 7, 2026
Jumped around, hard to follow but interesting
I felt like I was reading about a person and then seemed to go astray, like it was talking about someone else or something. I feel like there is missing parts. I found it amusing, don't get me wrong. Just felt like I missed some pages and I even went back to look for them thinking I skipped something.
I felt like I was reading about a person and then seemed to go astray, like it was talking about someone else or something. I feel like there is missing parts. I found it amusing, don't get me wrong. Just felt like I missed some pages and I even went back to look for them thinking I skipped something.
August 9, 2026
An enjoyable binge read
As expected, funny as hell, and relatable.
If you too are a woman of a certain age, be sure to have your Poise in place before reading. Laughter can be as dangerous as a sneeze.
I loved the travel story, but the drafted and deleted work emails were the funniest & potentially pee-inducing section.
As expected, funny as hell, and relatable.
If you too are a woman of a certain age, be sure to have your Poise in place before reading. Laughter can be as dangerous as a sneeze.
I loved the travel story, but the drafted and deleted work emails were the funniest & potentially pee-inducing section.
August 9, 2026
3.5 stars, because there were a couple of times that I actually laughed out loud. It’s a quick, easy read, and if you’re of a certain age, you’ll probably find at least some of it to be relatable. The downside is that it reads as if the author is trying too hard to be funny, which usually makes it less funny. Overall, I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy
Thanks to Amazon first reads and Laurie Notaro for the best laughs I’ve had in a while!
On so many levels, I can relate to the aging mishaps (other than the hubby “hot hate” in Italy) and absolutely appreciated Notaro’s way to handle toxic workplace issues with humor plus the occasional deleted emails I too wish she would have hit the send on.
Live laugh love, Laurie!
On so many levels, I can relate to the aging mishaps (other than the hubby “hot hate” in Italy) and absolutely appreciated Notaro’s way to handle toxic workplace issues with humor plus the occasional deleted emails I too wish she would have hit the send on.
Live laugh love, Laurie!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Booklist review! I read a bunch of Notaro's books when I was in high school, so it was fun to revisit her sense of humor. We are both facing very different times in our lives! It is a quick and funny read.
Review of advance copy
It is a collection of essays, and many are comical and witty. It provided a short distraction and glimpses into the author’s life, but felt scattered. I appreciated the author’s transparency on different topics and experiences through her life.
August 4, 2026
Thanks to First Reads for my monthly free book from Goodreads.
Parts of this books were hilarious especially the office memos. The one about her getting a new puppy were great. I can really relate to that. I thought the book started off a little slow and ended a little slow. But good overall.
Parts of this books were hilarious especially the office memos. The one about her getting a new puppy were great. I can really relate to that. I thought the book started off a little slow and ended a little slow. But good overall.
Read
August 5, 2026When I first started reading this book I couldn’t decide if I who I was more like, her mom or Laurie. I hope I’m more like Laurie! I could see myself in her many funny situations, so I guess I’m more her(Thank goodness). It’s a cute easy read that almost every “WOACA” can identify with.
Review of advance copy
Read as an Amazon "First Reads". Always enjoy Laurie Notaro - have read all of her nonfiction. This latest collection did not disappoint. Definitely one to read if you're in the 50+ club - she gets us.
August 6, 2026
Laugh Out Loud
This book is incredibly funny because so much of it I can relate to. I’m a bit older, but still, I haven’t laughed out loud like this EVER when reading a book! If you are over 60 and can laugh at yourself, you should definitely read this!
This book is incredibly funny because so much of it I can relate to. I’m a bit older, but still, I haven’t laughed out loud like this EVER when reading a book! If you are over 60 and can laugh at yourself, you should definitely read this!
Review of advance copy
Got this as an Amazon firstreads for free. It was funny, and a fast read, although some of the essays kind of dragged on (I get that trolling scammers is a funny premise but not funny enough to spend that many pages on it).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews