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Try Hard: Tales from the Life of a Needy Overachiever
A hilarious, heartfelt memoir from one of Australia’s most adored performers
Funny, feisty and fabulous, Em Rusciano’s insights into her world of mayhem, stardom and motherhood is a laugh-out-loud, cry-out-loud balm for the soul.
From her exploits at Miss Sheila's Fancy-pants School of Dance and her efforts to secure a solo at the end-of-year performance, to embracing the spotlight as an Australian Idol contestant and her deep and abiding love for John Farnham, Em Rusciano is a self-confessed hobbit with a taste for glitter.
And behind the stage makeup Em is an overachiever of epic proportions – an elite athlete, the hardest working mum you’ll ever meet, and the best friend The Gays could ever have. She also has a heart bigger than Phar Lap’s, tells the best dirty jokes, and loves those closest to her ferociously. When the chips are down, you definitely want her on your side.
This all-singing, all-dancing, all-emoting, leopard-print clad warrior is fierce, fabulous and pants-wettingly funny.
Try Hard is her story.
Because she is. And she does.
Funny, feisty and fabulous, Em Rusciano’s insights into her world of mayhem, stardom and motherhood is a laugh-out-loud, cry-out-loud balm for the soul.
From her exploits at Miss Sheila's Fancy-pants School of Dance and her efforts to secure a solo at the end-of-year performance, to embracing the spotlight as an Australian Idol contestant and her deep and abiding love for John Farnham, Em Rusciano is a self-confessed hobbit with a taste for glitter.
And behind the stage makeup Em is an overachiever of epic proportions – an elite athlete, the hardest working mum you’ll ever meet, and the best friend The Gays could ever have. She also has a heart bigger than Phar Lap’s, tells the best dirty jokes, and loves those closest to her ferociously. When the chips are down, you definitely want her on your side.
This all-singing, all-dancing, all-emoting, leopard-print clad warrior is fierce, fabulous and pants-wettingly funny.
Try Hard is her story.
Because she is. And she does.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2016
54 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 28, 2016
I felt like the entire time I was reading Try Hard, I had Em Rusciano in my ear reading it aloud to me. This book has been written exactly in her words. I loved that the editors didn't go all PC and write it so it wouldn't offend anyone. I love that this nerdy overachiever could share her thoughts on all sorts of topics in such an open and honest manner.
When it comes down to it, Em is sharing her life story in all it's glory. She doesn't shy away from situations that were hard, either. Warts and all is what you get when you read this book. If you can't relate to some of her words then I would need to ask what century you were born in. For me, it was the Cabbage Patch kid from the Beckley Market, it was John Farnham (not quite to the extreme of child bride but loved nonetheless) and sadly, it was Uncle Hayd and Nana.
Whilst reading this book I laughed out loud and I cried out loud too. It feels like you are experiencing Em's ups and downs with her. I remember my first Em experience was rooting for her on Australian Idol. I was sure she was going all the way and was disappointed when my vote ended up counting for nothing. Reading her story here I learned that there was a heck of a lot more to this feisty woman than the persona that Australian Idol portrayed. I am so glad that I heard Em speak about her book which inspired me to read it. I know now that she is a kickarse woman who speaks her mind and does not realise what an effect she has on people just through sharing her life and her stories - through radio, her stage shows and now her book.
Try Hard is a winner. It is funny, it is sad and it is a little bit of all of us. Em has done a wonderful job of drawing us into her world and sharing those parts of her that she feels might help just one person. If you can do that, then you haven't just tried hard...you have succeeded! In this book, Em has succeeded!!
Pick up Try Hard and re-live your childhood. Pick it up to learn more about this amazing woman. Or, just pick it up because you need a good laugh. Whatever your reason, pick it up. I guarantee you will thank yourself for it when you are done.
Please note, I have just finished reading an Advanced Reading Copy of Try Hard, due out in November.
When it comes down to it, Em is sharing her life story in all it's glory. She doesn't shy away from situations that were hard, either. Warts and all is what you get when you read this book. If you can't relate to some of her words then I would need to ask what century you were born in. For me, it was the Cabbage Patch kid from the Beckley Market, it was John Farnham (not quite to the extreme of child bride but loved nonetheless) and sadly, it was Uncle Hayd and Nana.
Whilst reading this book I laughed out loud and I cried out loud too. It feels like you are experiencing Em's ups and downs with her. I remember my first Em experience was rooting for her on Australian Idol. I was sure she was going all the way and was disappointed when my vote ended up counting for nothing. Reading her story here I learned that there was a heck of a lot more to this feisty woman than the persona that Australian Idol portrayed. I am so glad that I heard Em speak about her book which inspired me to read it. I know now that she is a kickarse woman who speaks her mind and does not realise what an effect she has on people just through sharing her life and her stories - through radio, her stage shows and now her book.
Try Hard is a winner. It is funny, it is sad and it is a little bit of all of us. Em has done a wonderful job of drawing us into her world and sharing those parts of her that she feels might help just one person. If you can do that, then you haven't just tried hard...you have succeeded! In this book, Em has succeeded!!
Pick up Try Hard and re-live your childhood. Pick it up to learn more about this amazing woman. Or, just pick it up because you need a good laugh. Whatever your reason, pick it up. I guarantee you will thank yourself for it when you are done.
Please note, I have just finished reading an Advanced Reading Copy of Try Hard, due out in November.
July 4, 2017
I enjoyed the raw honesty of this memoir. Em Rusciano has a no-holds barred approach to telling us if her life so far - in fact, I hope she held some back (does anyone ever disclose everything?). Easy to read, funny and poignant.
October 17, 2019
I laughed and I cried.
REVIEW COMING NEXT WEEK
REVIEW COMING NEXT WEEK
April 22, 2023
Absolutely brilliant! The best thing I’ve read for a long time. It spoke to me directly and was cleverly written. I couldn’t put it down.
September 28, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable, relatable read.
July 28, 2020
All of the tears.
February 17, 2017
Outstanding book. I laughed, I cried couldnt not stop thinking about and wanting to read it. Kept talking about it to my family. Thankyou for being so honest and who you are !!
January 19, 2017
I love a good memoir and this one didn't disappoint. I'm a follower and a fan of Rusciano on social media so I was pretty sure I'd enjoy the book.
Her writing style is open and irreverent and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud metaphors and one-liners.
My only criticism is that it's *slightly* self-indulgent in parts, and also that a tiny bit of the material has already been used in blogs and Facebook posts so I'd heard it before. Having said that, I'll allow a bit of self-indulgence as she really has had a interesting life and has worked hard for the success she's now enjoying. Rusciano is self-deprecating and admits to her foibles and failures often enough to be relatable to the average suburban mum (even though she'd hate me for equating her with those 3 words). The descriptions of growing up in the 80s (during the era of the antithesis of helicopter parenting) were especially funny.
Overall a great, easy read.
Her writing style is open and irreverent and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud metaphors and one-liners.
My only criticism is that it's *slightly* self-indulgent in parts, and also that a tiny bit of the material has already been used in blogs and Facebook posts so I'd heard it before. Having said that, I'll allow a bit of self-indulgence as she really has had a interesting life and has worked hard for the success she's now enjoying. Rusciano is self-deprecating and admits to her foibles and failures often enough to be relatable to the average suburban mum (even though she'd hate me for equating her with those 3 words). The descriptions of growing up in the 80s (during the era of the antithesis of helicopter parenting) were especially funny.
Overall a great, easy read.
May 6, 2017
I was not overly excited with this book, especially the constant swearing throughout the whole book. The story of Em's life is good but again literally peppered with foul language. Em is an extremely 'high achiever' (her words), personally I think she needs some deep therapy. Could explain why I have never found her comedy entertaining.
The book tells the story of Em Rusciano and how she went from performing for friends and family, attending the Miss Sheila Fancypants School of Dance and to go on and become a contestant on Australian Idol (a show I am not fond of).
A brand of humour that I just am not fond of.
The book tells the story of Em Rusciano and how she went from performing for friends and family, attending the Miss Sheila Fancypants School of Dance and to go on and become a contestant on Australian Idol (a show I am not fond of).
A brand of humour that I just am not fond of.
October 28, 2017
I gave 2 stars as the book has laugh out loud moments. Humour however was all I got from it. I found it to be a self absorbed rant thanking everyone who had helped her in her life. I found the flow disjointed and didn’t really go anywhere.
November 28, 2016
I wasn't expecting too much but I really enjoyed reading this. I feel that it is an honest book. It's got the best advice!
December 4, 2016
Really enjoyed this and one of the last chapters had me crying. A great read.
August 7, 2017
Drivel
May 1, 2021
I was recommended this by a close friend, who said my way of ‘relating’ to the world reminds her of Em. The conversation we had was light, filled with laughter and jest, which is what I expected when I picked this up. I did NOT get what I expected. I did have some giggles, especially early on, but as I was chauffeured along the journey of Em’s life, I found myself being thrust into some of the deepest, rawest emotions and memories. This book tore me open and molested my soul. This is a journey I will never forget. Em, you are one brave heroine. Thank you for shedding your functioning adult cloak and allowing me to believe in myself once again, with the knowledge that not only is it okay to faceplant once in a while, but I am never alone, there are others on the ground too. Just knowing that makes getting up and dusting off my skinned knees that little bit easier.
You’re an amazing human being Em, and I would love to meet you. You have officially been added to my ‘if I could chat for one hour with...’ daydream. I really hope you tour WA sometime when I am not in hospital and can attend your show.
You’re an amazing human being Em, and I would love to meet you. You have officially been added to my ‘if I could chat for one hour with...’ daydream. I really hope you tour WA sometime when I am not in hospital and can attend your show.
February 14, 2024
What a storyteller this woman is - I could happily listen to Em on the daily and never tire, she was born to tell a story and right here, she a bares all and shares her life we us all.
From her relationship with her father, sister, grandparents, to her comedy and radio careers, to becoming a mum and all the highs and lows that come with these and this thing called life. Em had me laughing - her humour is second to none and I was at tears right along side her.
There were many things that made me nostalgic too - Kleins with its scratchy vouchers, frozen water bottles wrapped in tea towels, reading lyrics from the booklets cd’s and good old dolly doctor.
I knew Em as a comedian, who reminded me of Pink and I had heard it on the radio a few times, but that was pretty much all and I’m so glad I picked this up and got to know more of the brave, headstrong, honest women that she is.
I highly recommend listening to the Audio, as she narrates it herself and it really captures her true storyteller self - there is also a few extra chapters on the Audio, which weren’t in this edition of the book.
From her relationship with her father, sister, grandparents, to her comedy and radio careers, to becoming a mum and all the highs and lows that come with these and this thing called life. Em had me laughing - her humour is second to none and I was at tears right along side her.
There were many things that made me nostalgic too - Kleins with its scratchy vouchers, frozen water bottles wrapped in tea towels, reading lyrics from the booklets cd’s and good old dolly doctor.
I knew Em as a comedian, who reminded me of Pink and I had heard it on the radio a few times, but that was pretty much all and I’m so glad I picked this up and got to know more of the brave, headstrong, honest women that she is.
I highly recommend listening to the Audio, as she narrates it herself and it really captures her true storyteller self - there is also a few extra chapters on the Audio, which weren’t in this edition of the book.
August 25, 2021
I love Em Rusciano. I've been a fan since she was on Australian Idol and I talked my mothers group into seeing her when she performed at our local pub. Some of them were reluctant but were converts after the show. Em was born 63 days before me so I feel like we'd be great mates if we met in real life. So I was excited but nervous (what if I don't like it?) to read to her book.
Thankfully I had nothing to worry about. I found plenty of laugh out loud moments. There was probably a lot I already knew from seeing her shows and following her blog, but it was still a good, fun read, with a few serious sections. My only tiny complaint is that she clearly said she was born in March 1979, then claimed to be 18 in 1996 and 21 years and 11 months in February 2000. That maths doesn't add up. I should know!
4.5 stars rounded up
Thankfully I had nothing to worry about. I found plenty of laugh out loud moments. There was probably a lot I already knew from seeing her shows and following her blog, but it was still a good, fun read, with a few serious sections. My only tiny complaint is that she clearly said she was born in March 1979, then claimed to be 18 in 1996 and 21 years and 11 months in February 2000. That maths doesn't add up. I should know!
4.5 stars rounded up
November 11, 2022
I found this book in a street library as I was walking by one day. The bright pink spine jumped out at me and said “Read me Anna!”
In her own words Em Rusciano comes across as a likable and raw person who has done many great things in her life this far with the amazing support of her parents and her friends as well.
Spoiler alert - Em takes you through her time growing up in a mad Italian / Australia family in a small town. Her incredible work ethic. The heartbreak of losing her career as an athlete, her time on Australian Idol which shot her to fame as a musician, dancer and comedic personality, her post natal depression, her sudden resignation from successful radio career, the breakup of her marriage, her financial troubles, losing her Uncle Hayden and grandmother in quick succession, and the loss of a baby.
In her own words Em Rusciano comes across as a likable and raw person who has done many great things in her life this far with the amazing support of her parents and her friends as well.
Spoiler alert - Em takes you through her time growing up in a mad Italian / Australia family in a small town. Her incredible work ethic. The heartbreak of losing her career as an athlete, her time on Australian Idol which shot her to fame as a musician, dancer and comedic personality, her post natal depression, her sudden resignation from successful radio career, the breakup of her marriage, her financial troubles, losing her Uncle Hayden and grandmother in quick succession, and the loss of a baby.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 7, 20203/5 it’s quite hard to rate memoirs.
I didn’t really know who Em Rusciano was before reading this. Anyway- I enjoyed it and was sort of even rollicking through it until it got to the full time work in radio and the remainder of the book. Nothing wrong with the job of course, I just felt once it got there that maybe it was too recent or something- there was less story telling in a fun sense that came with the childhood stories. Lots of laugh out loud at the start.
Also it is absurd to me to suggest that you might be ‘defined’ by the death of a not very close uncle and an elderly grandma, which spoke to me of a theme of self-centredness running through. Having said that, I thought the writing about Em’s post-partum depression was very moving.
I didn’t really know who Em Rusciano was before reading this. Anyway- I enjoyed it and was sort of even rollicking through it until it got to the full time work in radio and the remainder of the book. Nothing wrong with the job of course, I just felt once it got there that maybe it was too recent or something- there was less story telling in a fun sense that came with the childhood stories. Lots of laugh out loud at the start.
Also it is absurd to me to suggest that you might be ‘defined’ by the death of a not very close uncle and an elderly grandma, which spoke to me of a theme of self-centredness running through. Having said that, I thought the writing about Em’s post-partum depression was very moving.
November 2, 2020
Okay I admit it. I honestly didn't really know who Em Rusciano was. I had seen her on Twitter, thought she was kind of funny and decided to read the book. But as the library didn't have the book, but instead had the audio book, I listened to it instead.
Little did I know that she is a singer, and was on Australian Idol, and she likes to sing. Including in the audio book. (Sorry I fast forwarded). As I was not the target audience, this book did not really do it for me and was destined for a 2 stars, but the last chapter she told her tale of losing her baby at 13 weeks. We also lost a baby in a similar way and oh my god I bonded with her. So much raw emotion and I can not believe she had the strength to narrate this. 4 stars
Little did I know that she is a singer, and was on Australian Idol, and she likes to sing. Including in the audio book. (Sorry I fast forwarded). As I was not the target audience, this book did not really do it for me and was destined for a 2 stars, but the last chapter she told her tale of losing her baby at 13 weeks. We also lost a baby in a similar way and oh my god I bonded with her. So much raw emotion and I can not believe she had the strength to narrate this. 4 stars
June 23, 2017
I'm ashamed to admit that purely because I don't spend a lot of time in the biographical section of the bookstore that I may have never seen this book much less picked it up or bought it. I got it as a birthday present and WOW am I glad :) (thank you to my amazing cousin) not only is this book amazingly written and funny but it is also completely insightful and brutally honest. I enjoyed being in em's world, crying reading a hot chocolate in San churros laughing in my bedroom with no t.v on (my housemates now probably thing I'm crazy). This book is a must read for anyone who has ever doubted themselves even a little bit.
January 9, 2018
When it comes to biographies I really struggle to read them unless I'm #fangirl and I like Em but I'm not a raging fangirl who follows everything that she does (Benjamin Law on the other hand #stalker). I need that really big connection otherwise I get bored HOWEVER I loved this one. It has some heavy issues in their from postnatal depression, dealing with family death, sexism in the workplace and miscarriage but it is all told in such a hilarious way. I loved the way Em didn't censor herself throughout the book. She made crude jokes, expressed her love for glitter and gays. Hands down one of the sassiest memoirs I've read and I couldn't put it down.
April 9, 2018
It took me a while to get used to Rusciano’s over the top style of writing. Too many grand statements and exclamation marks. Despite myself, I became engrossed very quickly, enjoying her openness and sense of humour. It’s definitely a self indulgent book, but I suppose that is the case for all memoirs. A book that is also a stage play or musical? A book you borrowed , a book about or involving a sport, a book about mental health.
December 18, 2023
I have been a long time fan of Em for years and once this book became available as an audio at my library I jumped at the chance! I couldn’t resist the dulcet tones of Ms Emilia Rusciano in my eardrums!
Her memoir didn’t disappoint. It’s raw, so moving, and absolutely hilarious in audio version. I could listen to Em tell her story over and over.
What an incredible and moving book of her beautiful journey through life.
Her memoir didn’t disappoint. It’s raw, so moving, and absolutely hilarious in audio version. I could listen to Em tell her story over and over.
What an incredible and moving book of her beautiful journey through life.
October 29, 2016
One of the most honest refreshing and bloody hilarious books I've read in ages. Em has a way with words and at times I was laughing so hard I cried. So many happy memories of my own childhood came back and her innate description of many of the delights of womanhood are spot on. Can't wait to share this with my closest bitches. Inspired reading and freaking great way to waste an afternoon.
July 3, 2017
I loved loved loved this book. Em is so relatable, unapologetically honest, endearingly crass and filled with a love of life. She does everything with her whole heart which is so inoffensive, honest and pure because she never publicly buggers up. She is a force for women and I wish her the best in every single thing she does. Her daughters are beyond lucky
July 9, 2017
I'm a huge fan of Em and am still buzzing from her live show and meeting her at her book signing last year! Her inimitable brand of humour is of course here in abundance and her raw honesty about the tougher times in her life is a breath of fresh air. I am so pleased for her and her family that her career continues to shine - she is a fabulous, fierce, formidable woman indeed.
July 4, 2018
Dear Em,
I'm up to THAT part of the book. I'm doing what you asked. I am so grateful you narrated your audio book yourself. Nobody else could give your words soul and life like you do. I appreciate it was difficult to get through it; but no matter what happens next, you got this. I believe in you.
XOX Belinda
I'm up to THAT part of the book. I'm doing what you asked. I am so grateful you narrated your audio book yourself. Nobody else could give your words soul and life like you do. I appreciate it was difficult to get through it; but no matter what happens next, you got this. I believe in you.
XOX Belinda
August 24, 2018
Em Rusciano is absolutely annoying.... but this book was so awesome! It was hilarious yet real and raw. I just couldn't put it down. I love that she was able to create a funny whitty read around the events of her life regardless of how heavy things really became. I will always look at her in a different light now.
January 2, 2019
I loved how raw, honest and charming this book was. Em approaches this with refreshing honesty and no-holds-barred approach. An insight into an Australian childhood and then the move into becoming a well-loved entertainer and comedian. Not afraid to discuss the difficult topics, Em bares all and left me feeling like I had met a kindred spirit.
February 13, 2017
Sorry Em. I love your work but your book missed the mark for me. I have read two extracts you've had published online but I felt they were the best bits, so the rest of the book was disappointing in comparison to the free stuff I've already read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews