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I Might Regret This: Essays, Drawings, Vulnerabilities, and Other Stuff
From the co-creator and co-star of the hit series Broad City, a hilarious and poignant collection about love, loss, work, comedy, and figuring out who you really are when you thought you already knew.
When Abbi Jacobson announced to friends and acquaintances that she planned to drive across the country alone, she was met with lots of questions and opinions: Why wasn't she going with friends? Wouldn't it be incredibly lonely? The North route is better! Was it safe for a woman? The Southern route is the way to go! You should bring mace! And a common one... why? But Abbi had always found comfort in solitude, and needed space to step back and hit the reset button. As she spent time in each city and town on her way to Los Angeles, she mulled over the big questions-- What do I really want? What is the worst possible scenario in which I could run into my ex? How has the decision to wear my shirts tucked in been pivotal in my adulthood? In this collection of anecdotes, observations and reflections--all told in the sharp, wildly funny, and relatable voice that has endeared Abbi to critics and fans alike--readers will feel like they're in the passenger seat on a fun and, ultimately, inspiring journey. With some original illustrations by the author.
When Abbi Jacobson announced to friends and acquaintances that she planned to drive across the country alone, she was met with lots of questions and opinions: Why wasn't she going with friends? Wouldn't it be incredibly lonely? The North route is better! Was it safe for a woman? The Southern route is the way to go! You should bring mace! And a common one... why? But Abbi had always found comfort in solitude, and needed space to step back and hit the reset button. As she spent time in each city and town on her way to Los Angeles, she mulled over the big questions-- What do I really want? What is the worst possible scenario in which I could run into my ex? How has the decision to wear my shirts tucked in been pivotal in my adulthood? In this collection of anecdotes, observations and reflections--all told in the sharp, wildly funny, and relatable voice that has endeared Abbi to critics and fans alike--readers will feel like they're in the passenger seat on a fun and, ultimately, inspiring journey. With some original illustrations by the author.
Audio CD
First published October 30, 2018
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About the author
Abbi Jacobson
8 books683 followersAbbi Jacobson (born February 1, 1984) is an American comedian, writer, actress and illustrator. She co-created and co-starred in the Comedy Central series Broad City with Ilana Glazer, based on the web series of the same name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,968 reviews
May 27, 2018
I want to give this book to all of my friends. I want to encourage us to write the shit out because we all need therapists and none of us can afford them. In a world where everything is so damn performative, Abby's voice isn't clear, nor is it fresh: it's one of a rambling, borderline obsessive overthinker. That selfsame voice screaming at us about that one time we mispronounced a word in front of our crush in eighth grade when we're now 35 and it's 3:32am and wehaveameetinginfivehoursfortheloveofallthatisholy!
The Anxiety in Me recognizes the Anxiety in You, Abbi. And I hope more of us can open up and be more honest with ourselves.
I read an advance digital manuscript of this book that I obtained as an employee of Hachette Book Group.
The Anxiety in Me recognizes the Anxiety in You, Abbi. And I hope more of us can open up and be more honest with ourselves.
I read an advance digital manuscript of this book that I obtained as an employee of Hachette Book Group.
October 20, 2020
Rant Review From An Avid Broad City Viewer: I Might Regret This by Abbi Jacobson
I was over the moon excited when I found this was out in the world and also (low-key) mad that I wasn't informed earlier of this release. Broad City was one of my highlights of September 2017, when I first discovered and watched the series with the release of season four, and featured my commentary and all the details on the show in my wrap up of the month. In hindsight, I guess some things are better left unread, like angry emails or rant-y reads.
Going into this having left two disappointing books prior, I was hoping for a pick-me-up in the form of Abbi Jacobson's writing voice. I checked out the audiobook - read by the author - and it was a joy to discover her words read with such intention and meaning; Abbi Jacobson doesn’t just read her words, she lives through them.
While reading, I also realized that this was my first foray into the author's solo work without Ilana being there to balance out her more every-day-awkwardness. It got me wondering which part of the Broad City duo I essentially enjoy more when they're apart. After reading nearly three chapters, it dawned on me pretty quickly...
Source
As much as I enjoy a good tangent, I'd like to, at some point in the storyline, reach the bigger picture, you know, the one mentioned in the title and then never elaborated on till the very rapid end... This is usually where Ilana comes in to balance out Abbi's long-winded talks with humor to light up the scene, so I found that aspect to be repeatedly missing in the essays.
It's just that I'd rather not be taken through pages of discussion on her junk mail disposing routine and what that fully entails with the many different categories they're divided in. By the time she gets to the point, on finding a long-lost letter, I've already forgotten what the essay title was about. And this effect only snowballed the more she went on. It's at this point that I was extremely thankful for the 2X speed on audio.
It got me wondering whether a certain word count was trying to be met?? Because Abbi Jacobson had so many worthy components to elaborate on (like discussing the actual seventy-year-old letter that reached her, her road trip which starts off the book but isn't mentioned for at least three chapters, the actual relationship she first experienced) but she either skims over the highlights in a quick paragraph or wraps it up in a speedy end, opting to discuss detailed throwaway things . And it made me feel slowly more riled up the more I found random tangents thrown my way.
I'm perplexed as to why the audiobook is over six hours when that time could've been cut in half with all these rants on what-ifs and building up any possible scenario (that'll never happen) before and after the event... but then the event itself is barely discussed in detail. Like the chase to hunt down the owners of the seventy-year-old letter, which she spent romanticizing in plenty of paragraphs wondering what if, when in reality it was wrapped up in one page.
Nonfiction essays are supposed to be a fun, easy-breezy read for me, like I recently experienced while listening to Anne Bogel's “I'd Rather Be Reading,” which cuts short at just over two hours. I wanted to be left wanting something more, which is what Broad City excels at with its 20-minute episodes. But this book just left me wanting something else. I jumped on any opportunity to be distracted in a google search by her mentions in the book, such as her friend's chase after the rightful owner behind the developed film found in a blizzard.
I can appreciate a long tangent and vibe if it’s on a topic the writer personally cares about and I get to experience the excitement through her words, but Jacobson chose to elaborate on details that are usually cut in the second draft. There's a lot of pages filled with dreaming and fantasizing, but little to no actual time spent on the action of the event. She even acknowledges the same:
“I’m going to go farther away from the B&B for a moment, because tangents are the most effective way I have to stall going to what I feel might be an extremely uncomfortable breakfast full of me halfheartedly making small talk over mediocre pastries. ”
She goes again into an ‘I wonder what will happen…’ spiral when staying for the first time at a B&B on her road trip, instead of just skipping straight ahead to what actually went down. This occurs way too many times in her writing to make the book enjoyable to read for me. The fact is that she build-up so many possibilities in her head of what might happen so that it creates this effect of disappointment when the real-life event finally comes around to being discussed and pales in comparison.
I mean, this is when you know the rants are bad: “While we’re here, I also want to touch on the whole saucer issue—” Plus: a whole chapter dedicated to all the items in her car for the 10-hour drive ahead.
This is also where the frustrations hits rock bottom because there are so many moments when it’s acceptable to go in depth with something juicy, like Kelly Rippa holding an article about that same long-lost letter Abbi found from seventy years ago in her mail, which happens way before Broad City, and way before Kelly Rippa even appeared on the show. Like, was that ever mentioned in real life? Did Kelly remember delivering the story? So many details worth to elaborate on but are barely mentioned again. Even something as trivial as her friend’s last name being Bieber.
Like, sure, go on a tangent about your junk mail and skip over this… Don’t mind me. There comes a point when you spend so much time wrapped up in fiction and fantasy that you tend to forget how simple and great real life can feel, how intimate and true. And I feel like this book lacked the intimate truths I was waiting to connect with, like those feelings evoked after watching a good episode of Broad City.
So it's regrettable the good didn't come to outshine the bad because when Abbi Jacobson focuses on the subject in front of her she shines so brightly in her humor. She nails down so many specifics that had me nodding along. Like her do's and don'ts when it comes to her three-week road-trip. In the end, I just wish the author would've spent more time talking about herself, rather than wasting so many pages on unimportant details and scenarios that never came to happen.
“Do not listen to Sia’s “Breathe Me.” If you must, do not be driving, especially not in a beautiful landscape. If you are, and it plays, do not by any means put your window down and picture your car driving through the expansive terrain from an aerial drone shot.”
Her insights are on-point: “SIDENOTE, “will-they-won’t-theys” are always will-theys, right?!”
If you enjoy long-winded, off-the-page, stream-of-consciousness writing then I Might Regret This by Abbi Jacobson might be your kind of book.
Make your bookish purchase through my Amazon Affiliate: I Might Regret This by Abbi Jacobson. I’ll make a small commission!
This review and more can be found on my blog.
August 5, 2019
As a fan of Broad City, I like getting inside the head of one of its creators and learning more about her life. Her reflections and anxieties are relatable, which is part of the charm of Broad City; however, I quickly found the book to be quite boring due to lack of plot and cohesion. It’s a series of essays with no theses or insights, which I suppose is accurate to real life if you published your random thoughts into a book, but from the POV of a reader I don’t know what the point of it is. It feels like reading a diary, but there’s no “why” to it.
March 26, 2020
I have had many an unpopular opinion in my time.
I have a Goodreads shelf and a blog tag dedicated to reviews in which my opinion differs from the norm. I am a lifelong preferrer of vanilla over chocolate.
And when it comes to Broad City, I’ve always been an Abbi girl over an Ilana one.
But...in the midst of Abbi’s memoir, I found myself wishing Ilana had been involved.
This story is not what you’d expect (Broad City factors in barely at all) and the story you get (a quintessential heartbreak followed by a road trip travel narrative that suffers from a lack of narrative) is not particularly special.
Even worse, it doesn’t have anything to distract from it. There’s no interesting writing or strong voice or wit or...much of anything at all.
Disappointed is an understatement.
Bottom line: This is so very...meh.
I have a Goodreads shelf and a blog tag dedicated to reviews in which my opinion differs from the norm. I am a lifelong preferrer of vanilla over chocolate.
And when it comes to Broad City, I’ve always been an Abbi girl over an Ilana one.
But...in the midst of Abbi’s memoir, I found myself wishing Ilana had been involved.
This story is not what you’d expect (Broad City factors in barely at all) and the story you get (a quintessential heartbreak followed by a road trip travel narrative that suffers from a lack of narrative) is not particularly special.
Even worse, it doesn’t have anything to distract from it. There’s no interesting writing or strong voice or wit or...much of anything at all.
Disappointed is an understatement.
Bottom line: This is so very...meh.
February 19, 2019
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
I needed this in my life simply because . . . . .
Despite not being hip enough to have ever watched any “webisode” of anything . . . ever, as a middle-aged woman I most certainly responded to the siren song of “from Executive Producer Amy Poehler,” became a Broad City instafan and discovered . . . . .
I mean really, these gals are my tribe . . . . .
There was zero chance I wasn’t going to pick up Abbi Jacobson’s collection. And when I heard it was about her going on a solo cross-country road trip?
Unfortunately, I also expected this to be FUNNY since, you know, Jacobson is a COMEDY WRITER for a living. I didn’t expect free association/stream of consciousness and I was unaware that the whole idea of the trip was inspired due to a breakup. It’s disappointing to report that I may really only be in love with one member of this duo . . . .
I also realize you are not supposed to discount or dismiss someone else’s heartbreak, but because I am a horrible old lady who has been married 147 dog years I will freely admit that it was my knee-jerk reaction to do so and I was more than a bit bummed that this didn’t live up to my expectations. I will say, however, if you frequently find this happening in your life . . . .
The “Sleep Study” chapters may be worth the price of admission.
Bonus: Jacobson might have the most pleasant speaking voice/delivery I’ve ever subjected myself to whilst commuting (and yes, I realize the print version contains “illustrations” of some sort, but really – skip it, audio is the way to go on this one).
I needed this in my life simply because . . . . .
Despite not being hip enough to have ever watched any “webisode” of anything . . . ever, as a middle-aged woman I most certainly responded to the siren song of “from Executive Producer Amy Poehler,” became a Broad City instafan and discovered . . . . .
I mean really, these gals are my tribe . . . . .
There was zero chance I wasn’t going to pick up Abbi Jacobson’s collection. And when I heard it was about her going on a solo cross-country road trip?
Unfortunately, I also expected this to be FUNNY since, you know, Jacobson is a COMEDY WRITER for a living. I didn’t expect free association/stream of consciousness and I was unaware that the whole idea of the trip was inspired due to a breakup. It’s disappointing to report that I may really only be in love with one member of this duo . . . .
I also realize you are not supposed to discount or dismiss someone else’s heartbreak, but because I am a horrible old lady who has been married 147 dog years I will freely admit that it was my knee-jerk reaction to do so and I was more than a bit bummed that this didn’t live up to my expectations. I will say, however, if you frequently find this happening in your life . . . .
The “Sleep Study” chapters may be worth the price of admission.
Bonus: Jacobson might have the most pleasant speaking voice/delivery I’ve ever subjected myself to whilst commuting (and yes, I realize the print version contains “illustrations” of some sort, but really – skip it, audio is the way to go on this one).
April 2, 2019
If I had to describe I Might Regret This: Essays, Drawings, Vulnerabilities, and Other Stuff in one word it would be stressful.
If you enjoy reading page after page (or listening to hour after hour) of late night neurotic ramblings, then this book might be perfect for you. I, on the other hand, am already a high-strung Jew who is tortured by what ifs and worst case scenarios late at night, so this book just made me sweat and think of what I am possibly currently doing wrong with my life.
I love Broad City, like most (if not all) of the other people reading this book, but I found the story hard to get through. It actually got a lot better towards the end for me, but I slogged through hours of rambling that I didn't find particularly funny.
Though I enjoyed learning about Abbi being a boss and discovering her sexuality, I can't say that I recommend this audiobook.
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February 16, 2019
I Might Regret This: Essays, Drawings, Vulnerabilities, and Other Stuff is a fun, light read. I hadn't heard of Abbi Jacobson prior to reading this book so I'm not familiar with her comedy routine. I enjoyed the book, her wit and reflections and drawings.
Following a break-up with the first person she fell in love with, Abbi decided to go on a cross-country road trip. The book is about the things Abbi thought about whilst on this trip. It's written in a stream of thoughts, which often made me laugh because her brain seems to work like mine: "What if....? OK, but then what if....? Well, maybe that won't happen, but what if....?" Those crazy brain ramblings that border on obsessiveness, especially when you're lying in bed at night, trying unsuccessfully to sleep! Not a must read, but certainly a fun and funny book. If you're in the mood for something light-hearted that will provide a few chuckles, this is a good book to read.
Following a break-up with the first person she fell in love with, Abbi decided to go on a cross-country road trip. The book is about the things Abbi thought about whilst on this trip. It's written in a stream of thoughts, which often made me laugh because her brain seems to work like mine: "What if....? OK, but then what if....? Well, maybe that won't happen, but what if....?" Those crazy brain ramblings that border on obsessiveness, especially when you're lying in bed at night, trying unsuccessfully to sleep! Not a must read, but certainly a fun and funny book. If you're in the mood for something light-hearted that will provide a few chuckles, this is a good book to read.
April 25, 2021
This is a witty collection of essays by Abbi Jacobson. I loved the included drawings and recommend this one in physical form if possible because of those. Abbi’s honesty is refreshing.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
December 20, 2018
I really enjoyed a lot of this book, especially as read by Abbi Jacobson in the audiobook. Her vulnerability in essays about her breakup and her musings on random topics were alternately moving and funny. However I can't help but feel like this memoir needed more editing, to push some of the essays further to get to the meat of the topic, to cut some of the tangents, and to give the book as a whole a structure or focus that made sense.
April 16, 2019
I Might Regret Reading This One ...
😕
You know how they say to never meet your idols because they'll never live up to your idea of them? This book was kind of like that.
This hurts me to write. I wanted to love this book, I eagerly awaited it on hold from the library and was *thrilled* to read it. Obviously, my expectations were too high. Perhaps if you aim low you won't be as disappointed.
HUGE fan of Broad City, LOVE Abbi and Ilana ... together ... I'm actually borderline 2 stars, but I watched the VERY LAST episode of the series tonight and I'm not ready to let go. 😩
Whyyy was this so painful?! A true test of patience, there's not much here aside from stream-of-conscious navel gazing, endless thought cycles, imaginings, what if's, and lists of questions with no answers. The narrative goes nowhere fast, and if Abbi didn't read the audiobook, I would have bailed without finishing.
As far as memoirs go, this barely qualifies. It's more an attempt to heal after a breakup by taking a cross country road trip, during which Abbi waxes un-poetically about random things and tries to come to grips with her life, her lack of significant other, and the (gasp) end of Broad City.
Pretty bummed as the last episode of the entire series was also a bummer.
Abbi and Ilana are KWEENS, but this book felt like chewing someone else's gum.
Intimate, and yet entirely unnecessary.
“Some of the best experiences don’t end with a bang, but rather a dose of reality.”
— Abbi Jacobson
[Might alter stars later. But it is still Abbi, and she does touch on meeting Ilana and starting Broad City—so at least there was that. Maybe they're just better together?]
***Edit: Reflecting on this book, and in light of other, better memoirs I’ve read lately—this really did not deserve 3 stars. It was painful, and I’m still amazed this book made it past editors and into print. You’re better off watching the show. Don’t let this book ruin Abbi for you.***
"I wandered. It was a mess and not perfect and all mine. I got lost, and that's okay."
— Abbi Jacobson
😕
You know how they say to never meet your idols because they'll never live up to your idea of them? This book was kind of like that.
This hurts me to write. I wanted to love this book, I eagerly awaited it on hold from the library and was *thrilled* to read it. Obviously, my expectations were too high. Perhaps if you aim low you won't be as disappointed.
HUGE fan of Broad City, LOVE Abbi and Ilana ... together ... I'm actually borderline 2 stars, but I watched the VERY LAST episode of the series tonight and I'm not ready to let go. 😩
Whyyy was this so painful?! A true test of patience, there's not much here aside from stream-of-conscious navel gazing, endless thought cycles, imaginings, what if's, and lists of questions with no answers. The narrative goes nowhere fast, and if Abbi didn't read the audiobook, I would have bailed without finishing.
As far as memoirs go, this barely qualifies. It's more an attempt to heal after a breakup by taking a cross country road trip, during which Abbi waxes un-poetically about random things and tries to come to grips with her life, her lack of significant other, and the (gasp) end of Broad City.
Pretty bummed as the last episode of the entire series was also a bummer.
Abbi and Ilana are KWEENS, but this book felt like chewing someone else's gum.
Intimate, and yet entirely unnecessary.
“Some of the best experiences don’t end with a bang, but rather a dose of reality.”
— Abbi Jacobson
[Might alter stars later. But it is still Abbi, and she does touch on meeting Ilana and starting Broad City—so at least there was that. Maybe they're just better together?]
***Edit: Reflecting on this book, and in light of other, better memoirs I’ve read lately—this really did not deserve 3 stars. It was painful, and I’m still amazed this book made it past editors and into print. You’re better off watching the show. Don’t let this book ruin Abbi for you.***
"I wandered. It was a mess and not perfect and all mine. I got lost, and that's okay."
— Abbi Jacobson
September 22, 2022
abbi jacobson’s i might regret this is a raw and intimate look into the life and mind of one of television’s greatest stars as she lets her unfiltered consciousness and sense of humour do all the talking, bringing us closer to her and the parts of her life she wishes to share with us with frank honesty.
jacobson’s mind is one of a genius. anybody lucky enough to know of her and to be a fan of broad city and/or prime video’s a league of their own has a front seat to her brilliance. she takes said brilliance to the next step here in her collection of essays where she uses a road trip through various states in america to connect to us on different levels, sharing insights into her takes and experiences with love, fear, regret, pride, sexism, the television industry, culture, spirituality, broad city, and her beloved friendship with ilana glazer. we explore the past, the present, and the future, with fondness, hope, and the understanding that we should welcome failure for what we do next is what matters; often what we do next is improved because of the failure we are so afraid and ashamed of.
as i read this i felt as if i was on facetime with my best friend as she explained the world and the experiences we feel we cannot be so open about through another set of eyes - a wiser set of eyes if you will. despite the vulnerability on show here jacobson remains hilarious throughout, making this seem all the more human and all the more relatable.
like any facetime call with a best friend, i wish this had been longer.
“It’s okay to not see all the art and not meet all the locals and not walk all the famous walks or hear all the indie bands in the coolest venues in town. It’s okay to go to sleep early and spend too long finding the good coffee spot but not seeing the historical sights. It’s okay. It’s okay to not figure it all out. It’s okay to feel broken and alone and scared sometimes. It’s okay to not know everything. It’s okay to not eat where everyone tells you to, or not take a selfie in front of everything you’ve seen or done and post on the internet for friends and strangers to see. It’s okay to go away and come back. It’s okay. It’s okay if it’s not all amazing or incredible or spectacular. It’s okay. It’s okay to leave earlier than you expected, to drink too much or not drink at all. It’s okay to replay stupid moments you regret in your mind and it’s okay to not have moved on completely. It’s okay to be fucking pissed. Everyone is on their own timeline when it comes to love, so it’s okay. It’s okay to think it’s not okay. It’s okay to go off the grid and not be in touch. It’s okay to take a second and to breathe and to cry. It’s okay to be tender. It’s okay to fail. It’s okay to change, to grow, to be confused. It’s okay to fight for something and to want to give up. It’s okay to want someone. It’s okay to need someone. It’s okay to learn and to get better and to know you’re still not quite there yet. It’s okay to suck at drawing hands. It’s okay to be nervous and excited at the same time, to be unsure of what’s ahead. It’s okay to just go and try and to feel whatever you have to feel and to follow your gut. It’s okay, because that’s all you really have.”
- 4.5 stars rounded down to 4.
jacobson’s mind is one of a genius. anybody lucky enough to know of her and to be a fan of broad city and/or prime video’s a league of their own has a front seat to her brilliance. she takes said brilliance to the next step here in her collection of essays where she uses a road trip through various states in america to connect to us on different levels, sharing insights into her takes and experiences with love, fear, regret, pride, sexism, the television industry, culture, spirituality, broad city, and her beloved friendship with ilana glazer. we explore the past, the present, and the future, with fondness, hope, and the understanding that we should welcome failure for what we do next is what matters; often what we do next is improved because of the failure we are so afraid and ashamed of.
as i read this i felt as if i was on facetime with my best friend as she explained the world and the experiences we feel we cannot be so open about through another set of eyes - a wiser set of eyes if you will. despite the vulnerability on show here jacobson remains hilarious throughout, making this seem all the more human and all the more relatable.
like any facetime call with a best friend, i wish this had been longer.
“It’s okay to not see all the art and not meet all the locals and not walk all the famous walks or hear all the indie bands in the coolest venues in town. It’s okay to go to sleep early and spend too long finding the good coffee spot but not seeing the historical sights. It’s okay. It’s okay to not figure it all out. It’s okay to feel broken and alone and scared sometimes. It’s okay to not know everything. It’s okay to not eat where everyone tells you to, or not take a selfie in front of everything you’ve seen or done and post on the internet for friends and strangers to see. It’s okay to go away and come back. It’s okay. It’s okay if it’s not all amazing or incredible or spectacular. It’s okay. It’s okay to leave earlier than you expected, to drink too much or not drink at all. It’s okay to replay stupid moments you regret in your mind and it’s okay to not have moved on completely. It’s okay to be fucking pissed. Everyone is on their own timeline when it comes to love, so it’s okay. It’s okay to think it’s not okay. It’s okay to go off the grid and not be in touch. It’s okay to take a second and to breathe and to cry. It’s okay to be tender. It’s okay to fail. It’s okay to change, to grow, to be confused. It’s okay to fight for something and to want to give up. It’s okay to want someone. It’s okay to need someone. It’s okay to learn and to get better and to know you’re still not quite there yet. It’s okay to suck at drawing hands. It’s okay to be nervous and excited at the same time, to be unsure of what’s ahead. It’s okay to just go and try and to feel whatever you have to feel and to follow your gut. It’s okay, because that’s all you really have.”
- 4.5 stars rounded down to 4.
August 28, 2018
I sent the publisher a fangirl email (always with the "I'm a librarian" mention) and begged for an advanced copy of this book. To my surprise, it worked! I quickly read through this collection of essays by one of my favorite funny ladies and her writing does not disappoint. Which really was not a surprise. There is so much to love within these pages...she's hilarious (I couldn't help but hear her voice as I was reading), there are some very touching moments (the long love letters to Ilana and her mom are two of my favorite chapters), she includes some of her drawings, and there are some revealing moments (won't spoil!). It's exactly what I always hope for in a collection of personal essays. Sad it's over but my daughter was basically reading over my shoulder so she's happy I can pass it on to her now.
January 19, 2019
Broad City is one of my all time favorite shows. it’s smart, funny, and unique. it shows us what our twenties are supposed to be like. so it was only obvious that I would read one of the co-creators memoir.
I cannot believe I'm giving this book a two-star rating. I wanted to bring it up to a three, but then I'd be lying to myself and to you. so much of the book felt fruitless. It was just over anxious rambling and underdeveloped life stories and advice. when there were chapters that i liked, they still weren’t great. even some of the advice felt redundant and cliche. just overall a really disappointing read from a person i love.
I cannot believe I'm giving this book a two-star rating. I wanted to bring it up to a three, but then I'd be lying to myself and to you. so much of the book felt fruitless. It was just over anxious rambling and underdeveloped life stories and advice. when there were chapters that i liked, they still weren’t great. even some of the advice felt redundant and cliche. just overall a really disappointing read from a person i love.
December 31, 2018
WHO HURT ABBI SHE IS P E R F E C T
November 25, 2018
Weird..but endearing.
Abbi has a lot going on in her life. I mean, I guess that could be said about any young woman fighting her way towards her career goals and trying to deal with love, heartbreak, anxiety, depression, etc. But you really get the sense of how overwhelmed she feels in these "essays"/"journals" where she's just driving around trying to seek peace in a variety of places.
Abbi seems a lot like her character in Broad City though she says she differs in the sense that she's an introvert, whereas BC's Abbi is an extrovert?? This book illustrated that on a base-level they're really the same person; whether she wants to recognize it or not.
This book sometimes felt like a test in my patience, if I'm going to be honest.. it just felt like writing for writing sake. The naval-gazing was at an all-time high with only hints and whispers of important conversations breaking through the noise and nonsensical static. The art was funny & cute tho, so there's that.
Abbi has a lot going on in her life. I mean, I guess that could be said about any young woman fighting her way towards her career goals and trying to deal with love, heartbreak, anxiety, depression, etc. But you really get the sense of how overwhelmed she feels in these "essays"/"journals" where she's just driving around trying to seek peace in a variety of places.
Abbi seems a lot like her character in Broad City though she says she differs in the sense that she's an introvert, whereas BC's Abbi is an extrovert?? This book illustrated that on a base-level they're really the same person; whether she wants to recognize it or not.
This book sometimes felt like a test in my patience, if I'm going to be honest.. it just felt like writing for writing sake. The naval-gazing was at an all-time high with only hints and whispers of important conversations breaking through the noise and nonsensical static. The art was funny & cute tho, so there's that.
January 24, 2019
Abby Jacobson - best known as one-half of TV's Broad City duo - is just all over the place here . . .
Literally - Ms. Jacobson (a southeast Pennsylvania native - woot woot!) details her solo drive across the U.S. starting in New York City, with stops in Memphis, Tennessee; Austin, Texas; and Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with various smaller locales and some scenic locations out west. This is done in the aftermath of a relationship - her first with another woman - that recently ended, so there is a lot of navel-gazing and reflection interspersed with the humor / drama about being a single woman in her 30's. Random observations and hand-drawn sketches also pepper the chapters breaks.
Her recounting of her early days, when trying to break into NYC's comedy writing / performing world, were interesting and reminiscent of similar chapters in books by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
There was a particularly nice section towards the end in which she speaks lovingly of her hearing-impaired mother, who sounds like quite a character. ("My mom is unlike anyone I've ever met. Her capacity to love and thoughtfulness towards others have been through lines in her life . . . her enthusiasm for life is roaring.") Additionally, Jacobson speaks highly of her mother's longtime boyfriend - her parents had amicably divorced when she was in high school - who had passed away unexpectedly in 2001, and she notes with some regret in hindsight that she could've been more pleasant towards / accepting of him but was (perhaps understandably) stuck in 'angsty teenager' mode at the time.
I was not a viewer of Broad City - which is now ending after five seasons - but now I'm interested in checking it out, as well as any further books Ms. Jacobson has to offer.
Literally - Ms. Jacobson (a southeast Pennsylvania native - woot woot!) details her solo drive across the U.S. starting in New York City, with stops in Memphis, Tennessee; Austin, Texas; and Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with various smaller locales and some scenic locations out west. This is done in the aftermath of a relationship - her first with another woman - that recently ended, so there is a lot of navel-gazing and reflection interspersed with the humor / drama about being a single woman in her 30's. Random observations and hand-drawn sketches also pepper the chapters breaks.
Her recounting of her early days, when trying to break into NYC's comedy writing / performing world, were interesting and reminiscent of similar chapters in books by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
There was a particularly nice section towards the end in which she speaks lovingly of her hearing-impaired mother, who sounds like quite a character. ("My mom is unlike anyone I've ever met. Her capacity to love and thoughtfulness towards others have been through lines in her life . . . her enthusiasm for life is roaring.") Additionally, Jacobson speaks highly of her mother's longtime boyfriend - her parents had amicably divorced when she was in high school - who had passed away unexpectedly in 2001, and she notes with some regret in hindsight that she could've been more pleasant towards / accepting of him but was (perhaps understandably) stuck in 'angsty teenager' mode at the time.
I was not a viewer of Broad City - which is now ending after five seasons - but now I'm interested in checking it out, as well as any further books Ms. Jacobson has to offer.
Read
March 17, 2022You won’t regret reading this! I fell in love with Abbi Jacobson after binge-watching the Comedy Central show Broad City created by Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer. Abbi is the less exuberant and more grounded of the comedic duo. Their characters' personalities complement one another and I enjoyed reading about how they met, as they seem like two souls destined to meet. I’ve read many female comedians’ memoirs and Abbi's path was very similar, interestingly enough, improv seems to be the defining moment where most of the women found their home. Abbi is a multi-talented artist and she includes drawings of albums she listened to on a self-reflective journey across the country after a bad break-up. Her vulnerability and willingness to share so much of her innermost life is encouraging and inspiring. I found myself many times thinking “Oh my god! She thinks that way too!” I will be eager to see what Abbi gives us next!
-Lisanne E.
-Lisanne E.
March 4, 2019
Abbi Jacobson chronicles a three week road trip as she ponders what she wants out of life and love. It is an enjoyable read and I particularly liked her illustrations of podcasts and albums she listened to, her hack for 'cado toast, and numerous "sleep studies" when she couldn't sleep.
I enjoyed the read, but don't feel it has a lot of sticking power. Also I've never gotten into Broad City so those sections didn't mean a lot to me. (I swear I've tried!)
I enjoyed the read, but don't feel it has a lot of sticking power. Also I've never gotten into Broad City so those sections didn't mean a lot to me. (I swear I've tried!)
November 11, 2018
Abbi needs Ilana. This was not great.
June 6, 2019
Prior to reading this memoir, I had not heard of Abbi Jacobson nor had I heard of the show"Broad City". I was going into reading this blindly and I can happily say that it was well worth the read.
This was an amazing read for me. Along with these essays being incredibly humorous and easy reads that fully captured my attention, Abbi was extremely relatable. Both in her personality along with her struggles in adulthood. Seriously, I was laughing along with some of the humorous recounts of these struggles acknowledging that I have definitely been in similar situations.
In addition to the essays, I loved how there were also illustrations integrated. It felt as if you were along with the writer on her personal journey and were gathering snippets along the way.
I would definitely recommend this to those that like to read real life stories from a relatable and humorous voice. Abbi Jacobson definitely has her own unique personality but as someone who also enjoys Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, I would definitely say they all fall into an equally enjoyable category. After reading this, I know I will definitely be checking out "Broad City" along with any future publications by Abbi.
***Thank you to Hachette Book Group and Grand Central Publishing for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
This was an amazing read for me. Along with these essays being incredibly humorous and easy reads that fully captured my attention, Abbi was extremely relatable. Both in her personality along with her struggles in adulthood. Seriously, I was laughing along with some of the humorous recounts of these struggles acknowledging that I have definitely been in similar situations.
In addition to the essays, I loved how there were also illustrations integrated. It felt as if you were along with the writer on her personal journey and were gathering snippets along the way.
I would definitely recommend this to those that like to read real life stories from a relatable and humorous voice. Abbi Jacobson definitely has her own unique personality but as someone who also enjoys Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, I would definitely say they all fall into an equally enjoyable category. After reading this, I know I will definitely be checking out "Broad City" along with any future publications by Abbi.
***Thank you to Hachette Book Group and Grand Central Publishing for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
November 12, 2018
Abbi is me and I am Abbi.
December 12, 2018
I regret it, I really do.
November 4, 2018
Get the audio book. You won't regret it. Abbi tells her stories and short rants effortlessly. I felt that she was so relatable while discussing her inner conflicts and going through heartbreak. Going on a cross country road trip solo is bad ass in its own but I like that she took the time to do it her way, without taking everyone's advice on must do's (something I'd like to try on my next trip). I really enjoyed the parts where she spoke about her step dad, mom, and Ilana. Now to figure out how to look at the photos and drawings from the audio book...
February 21, 2019
The best part of this whole book was the part where Jacobson talks about tucking in her shirt and like...all of womanhood and lesbian love clicking into place around her. I agree. Also, like, not to be that girl, but...this book is about Carrie Brownstein, right? We're all thinking it? Just wondering.
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October 30, 2018Confession time: I haven't watched Broad City (although it's been on my radar and I do want to watch; I'll probably binge pretty soon) and I accepted a pitch for this because Cheryl Strayed blurbed the cover. (And because I tend to love memoirs by funny women, regardless of my familiarity with their work.)
I said that to say this: I am now a huge fan of Abbi Jacobson. This book is as funny as you'd expect (maybe even funnier; suffice to say it's a fantastic read) but she's also incredibly honest. I'm not sure I've ever related to a stranger as much as I've related to her in this.
(Her sleep study chapters, you guys. I feel like if you've ever had any problems sleeping, you'll know where this is coming from.)
I expected to enjoy this book and I expected it to make me even more excited to watch Broad City. I didn't expect to completely love it and read it in a day.
Highly recommended.
I said that to say this: I am now a huge fan of Abbi Jacobson. This book is as funny as you'd expect (maybe even funnier; suffice to say it's a fantastic read) but she's also incredibly honest. I'm not sure I've ever related to a stranger as much as I've related to her in this.
(Her sleep study chapters, you guys. I feel like if you've ever had any problems sleeping, you'll know where this is coming from.)
I expected to enjoy this book and I expected it to make me even more excited to watch Broad City. I didn't expect to completely love it and read it in a day.
Highly recommended.
September 25, 2021
Pre sada već šest godina (kuku meni) sam kao neko ko je voleo i i dalje voli seriju „Girls“ sa mnogo entuzijazma krenula da čitam knjigu Lene Dunham i vrlo brzo se pokajala. Koliko god da i dalje stojim iza toga da je ona beskrajno pronicljiva i talentovana umetnica i da je njena serija genijalna, njena ličnost koja se preliva sa svake stranice pisanog teksta je nepodnošljiva i ja zaista ne želim da znam ništa o njenom životu.
S druge strane, serija „Broad City“ nije nešto u čemu ja mogu da uživam, ali sam u knjizi Abbi Jacobson mnogo uživala. Ova zbirka autobiografskih eseja nikako nije naporno samoopsesivno kukanje, naprotiv, duboka je, iskrena, beskrajno duhovita i usudila bih se da kažem poučna.
Redak primer savremene autobiografske proze koja ne srlja u nepodnošljivu automasturbaciju i gde je tekst bitniji od autorke.
S druge strane, serija „Broad City“ nije nešto u čemu ja mogu da uživam, ali sam u knjizi Abbi Jacobson mnogo uživala. Ova zbirka autobiografskih eseja nikako nije naporno samoopsesivno kukanje, naprotiv, duboka je, iskrena, beskrajno duhovita i usudila bih se da kažem poučna.
Redak primer savremene autobiografske proze koja ne srlja u nepodnošljivu automasturbaciju i gde je tekst bitniji od autorke.
July 26, 2022
I’m a pretty big fan of the show Broad City, so when I saw that one of the co-creators wrote a book I was really intrigued! I found this to be a really cute, funny, and at times insightful and emotional memoir and I had a really good time listening to it. I also really liked getting to hear more about Broad City, and I realised that I think I need to rewatch it. This wasn’t groundbreaking by any means, but it was a fun read and Abbi has a great creative voice.
December 9, 2018
Ultimately this book is not much, and yet here I am with four stars to dole out. I have a soft spot for the mundane. I love queer awakening. I feel the anxieties. Did it go anywhere? No, but...isn’t that the point?
February 5, 2020
RATING: 4 STARS
2018; Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group
I am a fan of Broad City, which is created by the author Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer. The show has ended and I am now feeling the loss of Abbi and Ilana's humour. This book of essays does a good job in helping to cure some of the Broad City Blues. If you are a fan of the show, I would recommend the audiobook. Hearing Abbi narrate this book really brings it to life. It is hard to review this book, or these types of books. You have to know the humour, and of course like it, to enjoy it. This is not a memoir, but rather essays, and thoughts that come to Abbi as she take a car trip.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2018; Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group
I am a fan of Broad City, which is created by the author Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer. The show has ended and I am now feeling the loss of Abbi and Ilana's humour. This book of essays does a good job in helping to cure some of the Broad City Blues. If you are a fan of the show, I would recommend the audiobook. Hearing Abbi narrate this book really brings it to life. It is hard to review this book, or these types of books. You have to know the humour, and of course like it, to enjoy it. This is not a memoir, but rather essays, and thoughts that come to Abbi as she take a car trip.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
January 28, 2019
I’m a bit biased because I love Broad City and therefore Abbi Jacobson, although I hadn’t realized how much I didn’t know about her before reading this.
These essays are certainly passionate, yet also impulsive. I think when people choose to write about their lives they accidentally fall into the trap to think that anything about oneself equals potential/endearing content. While the trick is to make one’s experiences readable—which I think Jacobson achieves, it’s like talking to a friend!—it’s also important to lead writing with a sense of purpose, which I found a bit hard to detect in some of these essays.
I don’t know if someone would pick this up or if I’d recommend this if they weren’t already a fan of Broad City or Abbi Jacobson, but if chosen by accident somehow, it wouldn’t be such bad luck
These essays are certainly passionate, yet also impulsive. I think when people choose to write about their lives they accidentally fall into the trap to think that anything about oneself equals potential/endearing content. While the trick is to make one’s experiences readable—which I think Jacobson achieves, it’s like talking to a friend!—it’s also important to lead writing with a sense of purpose, which I found a bit hard to detect in some of these essays.
I don’t know if someone would pick this up or if I’d recommend this if they weren’t already a fan of Broad City or Abbi Jacobson, but if chosen by accident somehow, it wouldn’t be such bad luck
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