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Tropical Attire Encouraged
*PRINT BOOK AVAILABLE ON APRIL 10, 2018!*
Alison Rosen, host of the immensely popular podcast "Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend," is ready to conquer the world of books in this collection of hilarious and unpredictable columns.
Alison wants to be living a fabulous life filled with myriad social engagements. She just also wants to not shower, put on a bra or leave the house. Plus, she dislikes dancing, the Fourth of July and costume parties that involve skimpy attire. Basically, if it’s fun, count her out, which is too bad, since she so desperately wants you to think she’s fun.
"Tropical Attire Encouraged” came to be on her birthday a few years ago, when her husband, Daniel Quantz, presented her with a hand-bound book of her columns from the first year she was syndicated. He worked late at his office to keep it a surprise. At the top of each one, he included a hand-drawn illustration. Daniel told her he made it because he wanted her to know he believed in her and felt she should be published in book form. Also because one year she gave him an over-the-cabinet-door organizer, and he wanted her to really know—like, on a visceral level—just how crappy her gift was in comparison. (He didn’t say this, but it was implied.)
Alison Rosen, host of the immensely popular podcast "Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend," is ready to conquer the world of books in this collection of hilarious and unpredictable columns.
Alison wants to be living a fabulous life filled with myriad social engagements. She just also wants to not shower, put on a bra or leave the house. Plus, she dislikes dancing, the Fourth of July and costume parties that involve skimpy attire. Basically, if it’s fun, count her out, which is too bad, since she so desperately wants you to think she’s fun.
"Tropical Attire Encouraged” came to be on her birthday a few years ago, when her husband, Daniel Quantz, presented her with a hand-bound book of her columns from the first year she was syndicated. He worked late at his office to keep it a surprise. At the top of each one, he included a hand-drawn illustration. Daniel told her he made it because he wanted her to know he believed in her and felt she should be published in book form. Also because one year she gave him an over-the-cabinet-door organizer, and he wanted her to really know—like, on a visceral level—just how crappy her gift was in comparison. (He didn’t say this, but it was implied.)
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2018
24 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 2, 2018
If you know / love Alison Rosen, you are 100% going to love this book. And if you don't know / love Alison Rosen yet, you need to get to know her and you will also love this book, anyway.
The reason people love Alison Rosen is because she really does feel like your best friend.
This went through my mind while reading: "My best friend Patty has done/said this thing. My best friend Patty would love Alison Rosen. Would my best friend Patty love Alison Rosen more than me? (Probably.) IS Patty Alison Rosen?" It's a lot to think about.
The essays often start with a quirky thought and end in something profound. It's all insanely relatable. I was nodding my head off, laughing my ass off. So now I am head/ass-less thanks to Alison Rosen.
On her podcast Alison has a segment "is it just me or everyone?" Many of the sentiments in TROPICAL ATTIRE perfectly address those "is it just me or everyone" feelings, but so elegantly. Alison Rosen makes this look EASY. But it's hard to do. Yes TROPICAL ATTIRE is funny and sweet but it is also masterful. Not everyone can take those "is it just me or everyone" feelings and perfectly/beautiful explain them in a way that gets people nodding/laughing their butts off.
Alison's writing is sharp, clear, and full of purpose and wit. Alison is able to encapsulate things we all feel in ways we have not considered. TROPICAL ATTIRE is a true delight, and I know you thought you could not love Alison Rosen more, but this book will make you do it.
Plus the whole thing comes from a place love. (The drawings are super sweet and make the book more loveable.)
OH WAIT ONE THING. I love Christmas. LOVE!!!! CHRISTMAS!!!!! C'mon, Alison Rosen. Come love Christmas with me.
The reason people love Alison Rosen is because she really does feel like your best friend.
This went through my mind while reading: "My best friend Patty has done/said this thing. My best friend Patty would love Alison Rosen. Would my best friend Patty love Alison Rosen more than me? (Probably.) IS Patty Alison Rosen?" It's a lot to think about.
The essays often start with a quirky thought and end in something profound. It's all insanely relatable. I was nodding my head off, laughing my ass off. So now I am head/ass-less thanks to Alison Rosen.
On her podcast Alison has a segment "is it just me or everyone?" Many of the sentiments in TROPICAL ATTIRE perfectly address those "is it just me or everyone" feelings, but so elegantly. Alison Rosen makes this look EASY. But it's hard to do. Yes TROPICAL ATTIRE is funny and sweet but it is also masterful. Not everyone can take those "is it just me or everyone" feelings and perfectly/beautiful explain them in a way that gets people nodding/laughing their butts off.
Alison's writing is sharp, clear, and full of purpose and wit. Alison is able to encapsulate things we all feel in ways we have not considered. TROPICAL ATTIRE is a true delight, and I know you thought you could not love Alison Rosen more, but this book will make you do it.
Plus the whole thing comes from a place love. (The drawings are super sweet and make the book more loveable.)
OH WAIT ONE THING. I love Christmas. LOVE!!!! CHRISTMAS!!!!! C'mon, Alison Rosen. Come love Christmas with me.
June 4, 2018
I picked up this book because one of my favorite podcasts is Alison Rosen is Your New Best Friend, and I was exited to see she wrote a book!
This is the kind of book (as is the podcast) that deals with anxiety of small things in a humorous way. Who ruined the most furniture in their apartment, Alison or her fiancé? Has she played too much Candy Crush, as she now wants to squish together real-life objects, like in the mobile game? Why can't she remember names, if she can remember the name and occupation of your high school ex-girlfriend's ex-boyfriend?
These questions (and more!) are never really answered, but are simply short essay musings on a variety of topics. Much like talking to your real-life best friend about wedding planning, a topic covered in the book, it's less about wanting answers and more about wanting to reflect and rant to someone about the uselessly conflicting advice from everyone about everything.
This book was great to pick up and read in short bursts, since all of the essays were about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 pages. The thing that would have made this book just a little better was a little more unity and flow between the essays. It turns out that this is a collection of syndicated columns collected in 2014, which was gifted to her by her (now) husband, who also provided the illustrations. This left me feeling like a wizard that knew the future of Alison's career, dog, and relationships, and I look forward to see what she writes next!
This is the kind of book (as is the podcast) that deals with anxiety of small things in a humorous way. Who ruined the most furniture in their apartment, Alison or her fiancé? Has she played too much Candy Crush, as she now wants to squish together real-life objects, like in the mobile game? Why can't she remember names, if she can remember the name and occupation of your high school ex-girlfriend's ex-boyfriend?
These questions (and more!) are never really answered, but are simply short essay musings on a variety of topics. Much like talking to your real-life best friend about wedding planning, a topic covered in the book, it's less about wanting answers and more about wanting to reflect and rant to someone about the uselessly conflicting advice from everyone about everything.
This book was great to pick up and read in short bursts, since all of the essays were about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 pages. The thing that would have made this book just a little better was a little more unity and flow between the essays. It turns out that this is a collection of syndicated columns collected in 2014, which was gifted to her by her (now) husband, who also provided the illustrations. This left me feeling like a wizard that knew the future of Alison's career, dog, and relationships, and I look forward to see what she writes next!
January 5, 2023
Real Life, Really Funny
This was a treat!
Fun, interesting, and funny.
Some really well-written, witty, and playful essays and letters.
I also found it touching how it was all thanks to Quantz as a secret gift!
As a fan of Alison, this was a splendid read.
She is one of the few podcasters I will listen to when she guests on other podcasts.
I found this a great companion to her great candid personality, podcasts, and guest hostings.
One of my favorite essays from this book was the one about the Tines of Time. I actually had ChatGPT write a poem about that story, and it is hilarious:
The Tines of Time
There once was a woman named Alison
Whose teeth were a sight to behold
They were chipped and cracked
And a little bit attacked-ed
By the tines of time, so uncontrolled,
She loved to eat with a fork in hand
But alas, her teeth could not withstand
The pressure and strain
Of the metal tines' pain
And so they were chipped, as you'd understand
But Alison didn't let this bring her down
She smiled and laughed, never wearing a frown
She embraced her chipped teeth
And didn't think them beneath
Her, even when people stared and frowned
So if you have teeth that aren't quite perfect
Just remember Alison, and don't be strict
Embrace your imperfections
And share your affection
For life, even with its tines of time, is a strict judge of history
Anyways, this book gave lots to think about. Whimsical and a little Jerry Seinfeld-like, I recommend reading the stories.
Great fun
4.6/5
This was a treat!
Fun, interesting, and funny.
Some really well-written, witty, and playful essays and letters.
I also found it touching how it was all thanks to Quantz as a secret gift!
As a fan of Alison, this was a splendid read.
She is one of the few podcasters I will listen to when she guests on other podcasts.
I found this a great companion to her great candid personality, podcasts, and guest hostings.
One of my favorite essays from this book was the one about the Tines of Time. I actually had ChatGPT write a poem about that story, and it is hilarious:
The Tines of Time
There once was a woman named Alison
Whose teeth were a sight to behold
They were chipped and cracked
And a little bit attacked-ed
By the tines of time, so uncontrolled,
She loved to eat with a fork in hand
But alas, her teeth could not withstand
The pressure and strain
Of the metal tines' pain
And so they were chipped, as you'd understand
But Alison didn't let this bring her down
She smiled and laughed, never wearing a frown
She embraced her chipped teeth
And didn't think them beneath
Her, even when people stared and frowned
So if you have teeth that aren't quite perfect
Just remember Alison, and don't be strict
Embrace your imperfections
And share your affection
For life, even with its tines of time, is a strict judge of history
Anyways, this book gave lots to think about. Whimsical and a little Jerry Seinfeld-like, I recommend reading the stories.
Great fun
4.6/5
July 2, 2018
I picked up this book because one of my favorite podcasts is Alison Rosen is Your New Best Friend, and I was exited to see she wrote a book!
This is the kind of book (as is the podcast) that deals with anxiety of small things in a humorous way. Who ruined the most furniture in their apartment, Alison or her fiancé? Has she played too much Candy Crush, as she now wants to squish together real-life objects, like in the mobile game? Why can't she remember names, if she can remember the name and occupation of your high school ex-girlfriend's ex-boyfriend?
These questions (and more!) are never really answered, but are simply short essay musings on a variety of topics. Much like talking to your real-life best friend about wedding planning, a topic covered in the book, it's less about wanting answers and more about wanting to reflect and rant to someone about the uselessly conflicting advice from everyone about everything.
This book was great to pick up and read in short bursts, since all of the essays were about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 pages. The thing that would have made this book just a little better was a little more unity and flow between the essays. It turns out that this is a collection of syndicated columns collected in 2014, which was gifted to her by her (now) husband, who also provided the illustrations. This left me feeling like a wizard that knew the future of Alison's career, dog, and relationships, and I look forward to see what she writes next!
This is the kind of book (as is the podcast) that deals with anxiety of small things in a humorous way. Who ruined the most furniture in their apartment, Alison or her fiancé? Has she played too much Candy Crush, as she now wants to squish together real-life objects, like in the mobile game? Why can't she remember names, if she can remember the name and occupation of your high school ex-girlfriend's ex-boyfriend?
These questions (and more!) are never really answered, but are simply short essay musings on a variety of topics. Much like talking to your real-life best friend about wedding planning, a topic covered in the book, it's less about wanting answers and more about wanting to reflect and rant to someone about the uselessly conflicting advice from everyone about everything.
This book was great to pick up and read in short bursts, since all of the essays were about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 pages. The thing that would have made this book just a little better was a little more unity and flow between the essays. It turns out that this is a collection of syndicated columns collected in 2014, which was gifted to her by her (now) husband, who also provided the illustrations. This left me feeling like a wizard that knew the future of Alison's career, dog, and relationships, and I look forward to see what she writes next!
October 13, 2018
(Won through a Goodreads giveaway! Thank you to Creators Publishing for providing me a free e-copy.)
To be fair, I don’t listen to Alison Rosen’s podcast or follow her on social media, so I didn’t have that level of initial investment/attachment. She’s definitely funny and fairly relatable, but there’s also an unaddressed level of privilege; it doesn’t seem like a stretch to say she’s living and working in a bubble — sure, it’s a lighthearted collection based on her own personal experiences, rather than an analytical social commentary, but in this day and age “funny and relatable” doesn’t seem to be enough on its own anymore.
To be fair, I don’t listen to Alison Rosen’s podcast or follow her on social media, so I didn’t have that level of initial investment/attachment. She’s definitely funny and fairly relatable, but there’s also an unaddressed level of privilege; it doesn’t seem like a stretch to say she’s living and working in a bubble — sure, it’s a lighthearted collection based on her own personal experiences, rather than an analytical social commentary, but in this day and age “funny and relatable” doesn’t seem to be enough on its own anymore.
May 17, 2018
Absolutely loved Alison’s book. Actually LOLed at multiple points throughout. Her stories are so incredibly relatable - makes me realise that it’s not just me, it may not be everyone, but it is at least me & Alison! 😂
June 19, 2019
** audio book review **
The description of the illustration at the beginning of each chapter was annoying.
So many essays involve how fat and/or flabby she is. And her big nose. I listened to this while camping. Halfway thru, when I got WiFi, I looked up photos of her and of course (she lives in LA and is in the biz) she is thin and beautiful. This really really irked me. So much so I had a hard time listening to the last half of the book and when the essays had to do with her looks I skipped ahead.
Yes, it’s better to say Daniel than fiancé, fiancé’,fiancé.
When I wonder who in the world can be influenced by Instagram Influencers, now I know.
The description of the illustration at the beginning of each chapter was annoying.
So many essays involve how fat and/or flabby she is. And her big nose. I listened to this while camping. Halfway thru, when I got WiFi, I looked up photos of her and of course (she lives in LA and is in the biz) she is thin and beautiful. This really really irked me. So much so I had a hard time listening to the last half of the book and when the essays had to do with her looks I skipped ahead.
Yes, it’s better to say Daniel than fiancé, fiancé’,fiancé.
When I wonder who in the world can be influenced by Instagram Influencers, now I know.
March 24, 2023
I received this book as a gift, not knowing anything about the author or content.
It was FANTASTIC! I stopped trying to count the number of times I laughed out loud. I found Alison Rosen to be very relatable in an up-front way. The book itself was an easy read, which I liked a lot as well. It's written in short (1-4 pages each) chapters that read more like journal entries.
Would recommend it to anyone who identifies as slightly (or way more than slightly) crazy.
It was FANTASTIC! I stopped trying to count the number of times I laughed out loud. I found Alison Rosen to be very relatable in an up-front way. The book itself was an easy read, which I liked a lot as well. It's written in short (1-4 pages each) chapters that read more like journal entries.
Would recommend it to anyone who identifies as slightly (or way more than slightly) crazy.
November 19, 2018
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed listening to this book, but since it's a series of columns, there didn't seem to be a sense of closure at the end. Alison Rosen is funny and totally relatable, and reads in an interesting way (she added asides to the pieces she was reading which was great), but the book needs more to take it further than just being a collection of a year's worth of her columns.
January 30, 2022
I knew nothing about this author. I found this quirky little book in the free audible section. It exceeded expectations. She reads it and since she wrote it awhile back she adds new commentary at ad hoc. Normally this would drive me crazy but she pulled it off. And the back story of her husband compiling it and illustrating it as a gift made me swoon.
October 29, 2018
I won this book in Goodreads Giveaway. It was a nice, light read with a bit of added humor. I found this book entertaining, but it would probably be more so if I were a listener of Alison Rosen's podcast
October 22, 2021
So this book started playing after Retta's book. I was distracted so I didn't stop it, and I'm glad I didn't. I have no idea who this person is, but I found her charming and relatable and hilarious. Thank you for the smiles. I'm sorry about your puppy.
July 31, 2018
Not even finished but I know that Alison Rosen is my spirit animal.
August 20, 2019
It is a lot like listening to the podcast, which I am a big fan. I was expecting more but even in the introduction Alison explains the genesis of this book. Therefore, it met my expectations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2019
Kinda ok
January 23, 2020
Fun, short and sweet. I’m a fan of Alison; she’s delightfully neurotic and cleverly self-aware.
Read
November 11, 2022I love Alison Rosen. I love the way she talks, the way she thinks, and even the way she is neurotic about herself. If anything, knowing Alison Rosen has made it easier to love myself <3
June 7, 2025
DNF: not for me: the humor wasn't very relatable. I disagree that one can just assemble past columns and it's a coherent book.
June 14, 2021
This is witty and fun! A very fast read, book of essays.
April 8, 2021
Since this is a collection of columns originally published a while ago, she adds little updates/addenda to the ends of most pieces. But maybe this is just in the audiobook? She narrates these parts as if she is speaking off the top of her head, not reading previously written text, which I found sort of charming initiallly but confusing - if she just added those parts to the audiobook, it seems odd for an audiobook to be so different than the text. If they ARE in the text, it is a CHOICE to read them in that manner, and one that grows tiring.
Also, these are kind of silly quibbles, but they bugged me a lot: she pronounces "peony" in a way I have never heard, and she refers to popcorn ceilings as "cottage cheese ceilings" in a passage where she mentions disdainfully that she once heard someone call them popcorn ceilings, as if it were a very strange thing to call them.
Really though, it was fine for a quick read/listen.
Also, these are kind of silly quibbles, but they bugged me a lot: she pronounces "peony" in a way I have never heard, and she refers to popcorn ceilings as "cottage cheese ceilings" in a passage where she mentions disdainfully that she once heard someone call them popcorn ceilings, as if it were a very strange thing to call them.
Really though, it was fine for a quick read/listen.
June 17, 2021
As an indecisive control freak who’s always sure there’s something better around the corner, all my lesser qualities had come together at once to leave me paralyzed.
I've long been a fan of Alison Rosen and her podcasts, so this was a fun read for me. I've always found her to be really relatable. It's particularly poignant to read this now that she's in a much different place in her life (most/all of this was written before she got married).
I've long been a fan of Alison Rosen and her podcasts, so this was a fun read for me. I've always found her to be really relatable. It's particularly poignant to read this now that she's in a much different place in her life (most/all of this was written before she got married).
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews