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The Journal of Mortifying Moments
Kerry Spence is unfulfilled by her soulless career in advertising, disappointed by her dysfunctional relationship, and horrified by the ever-increasing size of her ass. Ever since her gorgeous, self-absorbed boyfriend Sam demoted her to late night hook-up status, she has fortified herself with prime-time TV and blissful binges on cream cheese frosting, awaiting an epiphany that will reveal her next move.
Of course, everybody in her life is full of advice. Her free-spirited divorcee mother–when not necking furiously with her much younger boyfriend– sagely counsels her daughter to do whatever it takes to snag Sam back, since, quite frankly, he is the best she can do. Her friends ply her with fruity cocktails and dispense bits of ‘Cosmo’ wisdom like “Divide your age in half and add seven–that’s the youngest man you are allowed to date” and “Scotch tape can eliminate forehead wrinkles.” And then there is Kerry’s shrink, the calm, unflappable therapist who suggests she start “a diary of past encounters with men that may be contributing to her negative and dysfunctional quasi-relationship.” Or, as Kerry sees it, a journal of mortifying moments.
Beginning with a kissing game gone bad in grade school, the journal jump-starts Kerry’s stroll down memory lane of man troubles. But just as Kerry decides her poorly dressed therapist is as crazy as everybody else in her orbit, she begins to realize the journal may actually make some sense–as she plumbs the depths of her most embarrassing experiences on a quest for personal awareness that will give her the strength to turn her life around–and just maybe find love again.
The Journal of Mortifying Moments is a hysterically funny glimpse into the quirky, slightly obsessive, and completely lovable mind of Kerry Spence. But somewhere amidst the laugh-out-loud hilarity of Kerry’s exploits emerges the story of a woman who learns to stop trying to be someone she’s not, and start loving the wonderful, quirky person she is, once and for all.
Of course, everybody in her life is full of advice. Her free-spirited divorcee mother–when not necking furiously with her much younger boyfriend– sagely counsels her daughter to do whatever it takes to snag Sam back, since, quite frankly, he is the best she can do. Her friends ply her with fruity cocktails and dispense bits of ‘Cosmo’ wisdom like “Divide your age in half and add seven–that’s the youngest man you are allowed to date” and “Scotch tape can eliminate forehead wrinkles.” And then there is Kerry’s shrink, the calm, unflappable therapist who suggests she start “a diary of past encounters with men that may be contributing to her negative and dysfunctional quasi-relationship.” Or, as Kerry sees it, a journal of mortifying moments.
Beginning with a kissing game gone bad in grade school, the journal jump-starts Kerry’s stroll down memory lane of man troubles. But just as Kerry decides her poorly dressed therapist is as crazy as everybody else in her orbit, she begins to realize the journal may actually make some sense–as she plumbs the depths of her most embarrassing experiences on a quest for personal awareness that will give her the strength to turn her life around–and just maybe find love again.
The Journal of Mortifying Moments is a hysterically funny glimpse into the quirky, slightly obsessive, and completely lovable mind of Kerry Spence. But somewhere amidst the laugh-out-loud hilarity of Kerry’s exploits emerges the story of a woman who learns to stop trying to be someone she’s not, and start loving the wonderful, quirky person she is, once and for all.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
36 people are currently reading
1640 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Harding
20 books5,477 followersRobyn Harding is the bestselling author of several books and has written and executive produced an independent film. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her family and two cute but deadly rescue chihuahuas.
To learn more about Robyn's books visit: http://www.robynharding.com. Or follow her on Instagram: @rhardingwriter
or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobynH...
To learn more about Robyn's books visit: http://www.robynharding.com. Or follow her on Instagram: @rhardingwriter
or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobynH...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
April 7, 2011
If I could, I'd rate this a 3.5. Not something I'd necessarily read again, but definitely something I enjoyed while it lasted.
Harding's portrayal of Kerry, the main character with insecurities both in her social life and the workplace, reminds me exactly how befuddling people of my gender can be, haha. ^^; Though I had my fair share moments of shaking my head at Kerry because of her wild breakouts of paranoia, I loved watching Kerry slowly realize that things in her life wouldn't be pieced together by following a book, or through finding her zen... but simply by choosing her own path in life, unpressured by others.
All in all, I'd have to say I enjoyed Harding's (or Kerry's?) quips the most. "'Well, Sue, I hadn't thought about burning CDs of all our favorite songs to hand out to guests, but it's an excellent idea.' Not to mention illegal." Her sardonic moments really came through in making me grow attached to this book. :) Oh! And another favorite of mine were the little interjections of journal entries. Though they were indeed mortifying, they were beyond hilarious for outside spectators. I can't imagine how her therapist kept a straight face...!
Harding's portrayal of Kerry, the main character with insecurities both in her social life and the workplace, reminds me exactly how befuddling people of my gender can be, haha. ^^; Though I had my fair share moments of shaking my head at Kerry because of her wild breakouts of paranoia, I loved watching Kerry slowly realize that things in her life wouldn't be pieced together by following a book, or through finding her zen... but simply by choosing her own path in life, unpressured by others.
All in all, I'd have to say I enjoyed Harding's (or Kerry's?) quips the most. "'Well, Sue, I hadn't thought about burning CDs of all our favorite songs to hand out to guests, but it's an excellent idea.' Not to mention illegal." Her sardonic moments really came through in making me grow attached to this book. :) Oh! And another favorite of mine were the little interjections of journal entries. Though they were indeed mortifying, they were beyond hilarious for outside spectators. I can't imagine how her therapist kept a straight face...!
October 2, 2022
Heerlijk voorspelbaar boek met allerlei onzinnige verhalen, echt genieten!
January 3, 2021
The cover of the paperback copy I read was perfect for the content. I knew what I would be getting and wasn't let down.
The character of Kerry Spence was as expected: irritating to the very end, selfish, confused, lacking in confidence. But she was funny, and in a weird sort of way, relatable. The premise attracted me, but a journal of mortifying moments isn't really what I got, nor did the few journal entries relate to what came next.
The biggest issue with this book was the writing. It just wasn't very good. Because the story was interrupted by the entries, it didn't flow well. Plus, the author tried to tell too many stories (Kerry's mom, her dad, and a host of extras that only took up space). My frame of mind at the time I read it is likely why I've awarded it three stars. I needed something vapid, easy, and a bit light-hearted. I judged this book by its cover. Correctly.
The character of Kerry Spence was as expected: irritating to the very end, selfish, confused, lacking in confidence. But she was funny, and in a weird sort of way, relatable. The premise attracted me, but a journal of mortifying moments isn't really what I got, nor did the few journal entries relate to what came next.
The biggest issue with this book was the writing. It just wasn't very good. Because the story was interrupted by the entries, it didn't flow well. Plus, the author tried to tell too many stories (Kerry's mom, her dad, and a host of extras that only took up space). My frame of mind at the time I read it is likely why I've awarded it three stars. I needed something vapid, easy, and a bit light-hearted. I judged this book by its cover. Correctly.
April 2, 2016
Well this was an ordeal. :(
Look, I know I'm not exactly the target audience here, being only 20 asexual with no interest in dating or getting married or sex in general. Plus reading mostly fantasy, science & historical fiction, & manga doesn't give me a good knowledge of the genre to compare this book to.
But I like to think that I know a good book if I read it, no matter what. Even if the book is clearly geared toward bored housewives in their 30s & 40s or desperate cat ladies and not geared towards me.
(Although I do have a cat.)
Anyway, target or not, it's just a bad book.
My mom got this as a souvenir from our trip to Baltimore. I think the shot glasses I got from fort mchenry is better.
The "about the author" thing says that "the journal of mortifying moments" is a first novel. & it definitely shows.
How, you ask?
Well 1st off, The writing is choppy & stiff. Does not flow right at all. With way to many of these !!!!! -_- if ever other sentence has one, it takes away the effect. The dialogue is even worse. No men talk like this. I probably shouldn't generalize, because everyone is unique. & I have very little experience with men. But I'm reasonably sure, dudes aren't this open or this creepy. Dave & Sam both... Just no. No teens talk like Tiffany does. & Kerry.... Ugh. Being stuck in her head, watching her trying to sound cool in a book were no one sounds real... It was all very painful.
Plus all the bad details & names that only older gals are going to understand. The whole thing as a ver dated feel.
& the story... Well, I guesses it's ok. & it could have been funny. If the m.c. Wasn't so dull and self absorbed and boring. I actually kinda liked that few bits with the shoot stars program. But honestly, I think the whole book would have been better it was a high school setting & the characters teens. At least all this stupid drama would make sense then.
& like I said, bad characters. Kerry is so self centered & whiny with the brain power of 14 year old girl. Her friend is emotionally devastated at one point and instead of staying with her, she runs off to go to a party were she MIGHT meet her soulmate. Why? Cause a fortune teller told her to. -_- then she tells her friend this rude crap she read from a new age self help book and doesn't understand why her friend is pissed. She joins a mentor ship program to help troubled teens. Not because she really gives a crap, but because she wants good karma. -_- ugh. What a bitch. & on top of it all she's terribly boring. No hobbies to speak of. All I know of her is that she likes cream cheese frosting & whales. And the whale thing only came up towards the end of the book. I mean. I get that this is a chick lit romantic type book. But do we REALLY such a self centered boring, lifeless main character who ONLY cares about men. Really. It's all she cares about, finding mister right. Even her therapy sessions are basic so she can get over Her dickhole of a exboyfriend so she can move on and find a better guy. To stop with all the dis functional relationships....
I don't get it. Wouldn't the book be better of she eventually learned to simply love herself and see that she can be happy even if she never gets married or finds "the one"?
(Maybe get a hobby? I hear people like reading. What is it with having book characters who don't read)
Probably, but Kerry doesn't learn shit. What's the point of therapy if she's still overly obsessed with finding a guy. We go from obsessing over Sam to obsessing over what a fucking fortune teller.
The moral of the story? All I can get from this is a sickening message of "you can't be happy without a man" -_- ok.... Probably not the best message to try and present.
& the other characters... Ugh. All flat boring cutouts. An gaggle of gal pals I can't tell apart. A gay friend more stereotypical that Damian from "the house of night" novels. An overbearing mother. Shitty boyfriend & creepy asshole coworker. & perfect mr. Right at the end...
Ugh. Definitely not the book for me. I can't even recommend it cause I can't think of anyone who might really enjoy such drek. Maybe people who don't read enough to this is shit?
Oh well. Hopefully my next read, "animal farm" will be better.
Look, I know I'm not exactly the target audience here, being only 20 asexual with no interest in dating or getting married or sex in general. Plus reading mostly fantasy, science & historical fiction, & manga doesn't give me a good knowledge of the genre to compare this book to.
But I like to think that I know a good book if I read it, no matter what. Even if the book is clearly geared toward bored housewives in their 30s & 40s or desperate cat ladies and not geared towards me.
(Although I do have a cat.)
Anyway, target or not, it's just a bad book.
My mom got this as a souvenir from our trip to Baltimore. I think the shot glasses I got from fort mchenry is better.
The "about the author" thing says that "the journal of mortifying moments" is a first novel. & it definitely shows.
How, you ask?
Well 1st off, The writing is choppy & stiff. Does not flow right at all. With way to many of these !!!!! -_- if ever other sentence has one, it takes away the effect. The dialogue is even worse. No men talk like this. I probably shouldn't generalize, because everyone is unique. & I have very little experience with men. But I'm reasonably sure, dudes aren't this open or this creepy. Dave & Sam both... Just no. No teens talk like Tiffany does. & Kerry.... Ugh. Being stuck in her head, watching her trying to sound cool in a book were no one sounds real... It was all very painful.
Plus all the bad details & names that only older gals are going to understand. The whole thing as a ver dated feel.
& the story... Well, I guesses it's ok. & it could have been funny. If the m.c. Wasn't so dull and self absorbed and boring. I actually kinda liked that few bits with the shoot stars program. But honestly, I think the whole book would have been better it was a high school setting & the characters teens. At least all this stupid drama would make sense then.
& like I said, bad characters. Kerry is so self centered & whiny with the brain power of 14 year old girl. Her friend is emotionally devastated at one point and instead of staying with her, she runs off to go to a party were she MIGHT meet her soulmate. Why? Cause a fortune teller told her to. -_- then she tells her friend this rude crap she read from a new age self help book and doesn't understand why her friend is pissed. She joins a mentor ship program to help troubled teens. Not because she really gives a crap, but because she wants good karma. -_- ugh. What a bitch. & on top of it all she's terribly boring. No hobbies to speak of. All I know of her is that she likes cream cheese frosting & whales. And the whale thing only came up towards the end of the book. I mean. I get that this is a chick lit romantic type book. But do we REALLY such a self centered boring, lifeless main character who ONLY cares about men. Really. It's all she cares about, finding mister right. Even her therapy sessions are basic so she can get over Her dickhole of a exboyfriend so she can move on and find a better guy. To stop with all the dis functional relationships....
I don't get it. Wouldn't the book be better of she eventually learned to simply love herself and see that she can be happy even if she never gets married or finds "the one"?
(Maybe get a hobby? I hear people like reading. What is it with having book characters who don't read)
Probably, but Kerry doesn't learn shit. What's the point of therapy if she's still overly obsessed with finding a guy. We go from obsessing over Sam to obsessing over what a fucking fortune teller.
The moral of the story? All I can get from this is a sickening message of "you can't be happy without a man" -_- ok.... Probably not the best message to try and present.
& the other characters... Ugh. All flat boring cutouts. An gaggle of gal pals I can't tell apart. A gay friend more stereotypical that Damian from "the house of night" novels. An overbearing mother. Shitty boyfriend & creepy asshole coworker. & perfect mr. Right at the end...
Ugh. Definitely not the book for me. I can't even recommend it cause I can't think of anyone who might really enjoy such drek. Maybe people who don't read enough to this is shit?
Oh well. Hopefully my next read, "animal farm" will be better.
March 24, 2014
Oh, good lord. I conscientiously read every page up to the beginning of chapter 16 (page 136) before I decided I simply couldn't stand another minute of the vapid Kerry Spence. Would she never grow up?
Initially, I thought the premise of the story was that, through keeping a journal of her 'mortifying moments' (failed relationships with men), Kerry would develop the self-awareness necessary to have a successful relationship, successful friendships, a successful career.
Wrong.
Though I read every word to page 136, and then dipped in and out at intervals through the last page, it is drearily apparent that the vapid Ms. Spence never matures a day past the emotional age of 14. Despite having blighted the earth with her presence for 31 years.
Lord help the hapless Dominic, who, despite his apparent sense and adult levels of confidence, seems to find her entertaining and attractive.
The book jacked suggests I'm supposed to find her quirky and funny. No. She's just immature, self-absorbed and tedious beyond measure.
Initially, I thought the premise of the story was that, through keeping a journal of her 'mortifying moments' (failed relationships with men), Kerry would develop the self-awareness necessary to have a successful relationship, successful friendships, a successful career.
Wrong.
Though I read every word to page 136, and then dipped in and out at intervals through the last page, it is drearily apparent that the vapid Ms. Spence never matures a day past the emotional age of 14. Despite having blighted the earth with her presence for 31 years.
Lord help the hapless Dominic, who, despite his apparent sense and adult levels of confidence, seems to find her entertaining and attractive.
The book jacked suggests I'm supposed to find her quirky and funny. No. She's just immature, self-absorbed and tedious beyond measure.
July 11, 2011
I usually don't read this sort of light, humorous chic lit novel...Really, I don't. But you know, I gotta admit I found myself laughing out loud many times reading this little rhinestone gem. Sometimes I was in public places. I nearly busted a gut in the waiting room at the dentist's office. Talk about mortifying moments!
The main character Kerry Spence has a unique way of looking at herself and others. She sees the absurdity of little everyday things that others seem to accept as normal behavior. A fun read. No regrets.
The main character Kerry Spence has a unique way of looking at herself and others. She sees the absurdity of little everyday things that others seem to accept as normal behavior. A fun read. No regrets.
March 17, 2011
Bridget Jones' Diary was a hilarious book. The Journal of Mortifying Moments is an unfortunate attempt to write the same story, in Seattle and sans hilarity. Sorry excuse of a love life? Check. Too much drinking? Check. Girlfriends plus the obligatory gay male friend? Check. Sappy ending involving great guy and new job? CHECK. Funny stuff? Funny... where's the funny? I guess there were a few funny moments. That's why I gave it two stars instead of one.
May 1, 2009
I don't usually read chick lit, but I was surprised at how funny this book actually was. It's not great literature, but it is entertaining. If you might be interested in reading chick lit, I recommend it.
January 25, 2014
This had all the ingredients for a good chick lit novel, but for some reason, it didn't quite all come together. I can't put my finger on it, but it just didn't engage me the way I expected it to.
November 3, 2014
3.5 stars I enjoyed this book, there were times I laughed out loud and really enjoyed main character, Kerry Spence. I enjoyed the premise of the book.
February 23, 2018
Enjoyed it so much! It was soooo funny! Reminds me a bit of Sophie Kinsella's!
September 21, 2022
I loved this book - parts of it had me laughing right out loud!
February 24, 2018
If it was 2004, and I was still 25, I may have been able to finish this novel and enjoyed it, but though once in awhile I still enjoy a good romantic fiction and a snarky narrator is usually a plus... But I could NOT get into this Americanized Bridget Jones esque book at all. To be fair, I retuened it to the library without finishing it, but I think after 140 pages of me not caring/being irritataed by this book, that I gave it a fair shake. Also-chick lit books from this era did not age well- I was distracted by talk of the new caller ID boxes technology (its SO convenient!) and answering machines as a matter of course and memos in offices versus email (which people had, but not at home)...I don't know- I rarely give up on a book I grab, especially one I grab specifically for light hearted escapist reading, but this was blech. Just one star.
July 10, 2021
Let's face it, this was NOT what I was looking for in a read. I am not the kind of reader who relishes in tales of thirty something women who are suffering crises in relationships, work etc. like a modern day Bronte character with an iPhone instead of pen and paper.
DESPITE that, I persevered with this as it was another of Harding's later books that was recommended to me and my reading this was my own error. I do like how Harding writes, the characters are believable and the stories plausible. My only criticism is that the supporting characters (i.e. some of her girlfriends, Sam) are underwritten and the ending is abrupt.
DESPITE that, I persevered with this as it was another of Harding's later books that was recommended to me and my reading this was my own error. I do like how Harding writes, the characters are believable and the stories plausible. My only criticism is that the supporting characters (i.e. some of her girlfriends, Sam) are underwritten and the ending is abrupt.
June 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book for its entertainment value. The poor protagonist, Kerry, was refreshingly honest, funny and believable. I think younger women would be able to resonate with her and her feelings concerning past relationships with young men. Sure, some of the mortifying moments could have been avoided as Kerry didn’t necessarily learn from her mistakes, but the honesty made up for this. Was it a huge page-turner? Well, not for me, but it was entertaining enough to finish. And it ended with hope which any good novel should
December 18, 2020
Don’t remember why I signed this out as a library ebook but think it was an author « recommendation. » Reminiscent of Bridget Jones but not even as good. The 10 mortifying moment journal entries were mildly interesting/ funny but the rest of the novel,and the overall package was very disappointing.
May 1, 2023
Ik heb genoten van Robyn’s boek! Persoonlijk vind ik haar schrijfstijl wél erg leuk en het leest makkelijk weg. Het is mij niet helemaal duidelijk of het een fictie- of non-fictie verhaal betreft, maar Kerry’s persoonlijkheidsproblematiek kwam mij akelig bekend voor. Of ik het boek nog een keer zal lezen? Nee. Op naar de buiten bibliotheek om iemand anders er een plezier mee te doen!
December 1, 2017
Quite nice. It stood out for me in that I was able to witness the heroine actually being good at things. in some of these kinds of books I wonder why I should care at all. Here I do. And the mortifying moments, are definitely mortifying.
June 16, 2019
Meh. There was only one part where I actually laughed which involved scotch tape. Otherwise the characters were just ok. No one seemed that significant. And Kerry was just a regular person. I think we all have mortifying moments equally as traumatic.
The ending was also very lack luster.
The ending was also very lack luster.
October 18, 2017
Not a very good book I did finish it because I finish all my books that I start! lol
October 5, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was easy and very funny. Looking forward to reading more by Robyn Harding.
February 15, 2020
I really enjoyed the portrayal of Kerry. Very down to earth with all her insecurities.
April 5, 2020
It’s a DNF for me - Can’t stand the main character. I’m only 60 pages in, but I’m OUT!! Enjoyed The Party by the same author. IS it the same author though??? :/
February 25, 2022
This book started out slow but I ended up really enjoyed the development of the main character over time.
August 14, 2022
Not as good as her other books.
March 28, 2023
If you like cheesy romance novels this is great for you!
October 7, 2023
This book had its moments that I enjoyed but overall was not something that I totally fell in love with. I did enjoy the writing style here but now quite what I was hoping for.
February 14, 2024
Humorous recalls of past romantic interests and events. Totally makes yourself recall disasterious incidents of your own past.
August 13, 2025
Great concept. Lackluster ending.
August 17, 2008
Fun book and quick read. I would definitely recommend this as a plane ride/road trip/doctor's office wait book - highly immersive novel.
Some of the immersivity created by this novel comes from the straightforward writing, some from the character, and some from the humor in the book. Together, they produce a really pleasant and fun read. I found myself trying not to laugh aloud at times (because it would've been pretty embarassing) and although I've never really been in the situation that the single protagonist is, I still found I could relate very well to her self-deprecation and the (sometimes) ridiculous things she did.
Having read The Quality of Life Report just a short while ago, I found myself comparing this book to that one... and the comparison was favorable to The Journal. I had a harder time relating to the arrogance and cosmopolitanism of the character in Daum's book - her New York disparagement of the Midwest was just too political for me. In Harding's book here, the character's anxiety was more closely aligned with her personal life. It is after all set up as alternating chapters of the "Journal of Mortifying Moments" and narrated action between the writing sections. The character, Kerry, is advised by her therapist to write down her most mortifying sexual/relationship moments in a journal in an attempt to help her see that her relationship difficulties aren't a personal defect but rather these events are just combinations of inexperience, bad luck, and occasional lapses in judgement. The story unfolds as first person narration (the journal) as well as narrated "first person" story that tells of events in Kerry's current life from her point of view.
The character is lovable because she's so much like the rest of us... maybe with a bit more bad luck, but entirely human. What she discovers about herself at the end is just the kind of thing that everyone seeks at some time or another during their life. Sure, the end is a tad sappy, but the book has to end somehow, and a sappy ending is one of the easiest ways of ending the story sometimes.
I won't hold it against this book.
Some of the immersivity created by this novel comes from the straightforward writing, some from the character, and some from the humor in the book. Together, they produce a really pleasant and fun read. I found myself trying not to laugh aloud at times (because it would've been pretty embarassing) and although I've never really been in the situation that the single protagonist is, I still found I could relate very well to her self-deprecation and the (sometimes) ridiculous things she did.
Having read The Quality of Life Report just a short while ago, I found myself comparing this book to that one... and the comparison was favorable to The Journal. I had a harder time relating to the arrogance and cosmopolitanism of the character in Daum's book - her New York disparagement of the Midwest was just too political for me. In Harding's book here, the character's anxiety was more closely aligned with her personal life. It is after all set up as alternating chapters of the "Journal of Mortifying Moments" and narrated action between the writing sections. The character, Kerry, is advised by her therapist to write down her most mortifying sexual/relationship moments in a journal in an attempt to help her see that her relationship difficulties aren't a personal defect but rather these events are just combinations of inexperience, bad luck, and occasional lapses in judgement. The story unfolds as first person narration (the journal) as well as narrated "first person" story that tells of events in Kerry's current life from her point of view.
The character is lovable because she's so much like the rest of us... maybe with a bit more bad luck, but entirely human. What she discovers about herself at the end is just the kind of thing that everyone seeks at some time or another during their life. Sure, the end is a tad sappy, but the book has to end somehow, and a sappy ending is one of the easiest ways of ending the story sometimes.
I won't hold it against this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews