Why Girls Are Weird

by Pamela Ribon

She was just writing a story.

When Anna Koval decides to creatively kill time at her library job in Austin by teaching herself HTML and posting partially fabricated stories about her life on the Internet, she hardly imagines anyone besides her friend Dale is going to read them. He's been bugging her to start writing again since her breakup with Ian over a year ago. And so what if the "Anna K" persona in Anna's online journal has a fabulous boyfriend named Ian? It's not like the real Ian will ever find out about it.
The story started writing itself.

Almost instantly Anna K starts getting e-mail from adoring fans that read her daily postings religiously. One devotee, Tess, seems intent on becoming Anna K's real-life best friend and another, a male admirer who goes by the name of "Ldobler," sounds like he'd want to date Anna K if she didn't already have a boyfriend. Meanwhile, the real Anna can't help but wonder if her newfound fans like her or the alter ego she's created. It's only a matter of time before fact and fiction collide and force Anna to decide not only who she wants to be with, but who she wants to be.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Humor, Romance, Novels, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

312 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 1999

About the author

Pamela Ribon is a screenwriter (Moana, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Bears), performer, TV writer, comic book writer, best-selling novelist, and a Film Independent Directing Lab Fellow.

She is currently adapting her original comic book series SLAM! — co-created with Veronica Fish — as an animated half-hour with Rooster Teeth and Minnow Mountain for HBO Max. She is attached to direct (with Paul Franklin) her live-action feature adaptation of her critically-acclaimed graphic novel My Boyfriend is a Bear (co-created with Cat Farris). She is also adapting her comedic memoir NOTES TO BOYS (AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULDN’T SHARE IN PUBLIC) as an animated series for FX’s CAKE.

Pamela was a flagship contributor to Television Without Pity, and is known as a pioneer in the blogging world with pamie.com, where she launched such viral essays as “How I Might Have Just Become the Newest Urban Legend” and “Barbie Fucks it Up Again,” the latter of which led to #FeministHackerBarbie, a revamp of Mattel’s products and marketing for Barbie, and the creation of Game Developer Barbie as “Career of the Year.” Pamela’s stage work has been showcased at the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival and she created the accidental international scandal known as Call Us Crazy: The Anne Heche Monologues.

A former Austinite with a BFA in Acting from the University of Texas, Pamela has been entered into the Oxford English Dictionary under “muffin top.” That is not a joke. @pamelaribon | she/her

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 star rating.

A fantastic summer commute book. Just the right amount of humor, fictionalized universal real-life experiences, and wonderful characters to keep me interested all the way through.

The moments of sheer hilarity were some of my favorite parts and they included:

- Tiny wooden hand jokes
- Poems for the love challenged
- How to fake a football orgasm
- Talking to Billy Banks during a Tae Bo workout
- The 'Betty' haircut
- Stank feet
- The bridesmaid wrangler
- Smith & The Action Grrrlz

Certainly worth the read if you're looking for a quick, breezy summer read that's intellectually staisfying. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

[tilche · Rating 3 out of 5]

even though it's tremendously visible that this book was written in the early 2000s, there isn't an uncomfortable feeling due to the difference of generation. there's no difference in the feelings we feel; in getting our heart broken and desperately wanting to get our lick back. wanting to "win" a break up. in not knowing what you wanna do in your 20s and having that "oh im a failure what the fuck im gonna do with my life?" in your mid 20s. regretting not being close with your parents before it's too late. so yeah there were times i'd roll my eyes at the" millennial cringe" and be annoyed by some remarks but i could easily relate to the character. there were times i 100% understood what she said and how she felt. sounds like a 4star book yet im giving this book 3stars based on my reading experience...this truly takes us back to the title of this book...why girls are weird?

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the story of Anna Koval, a librarian who plays around with HTML (the primary attraction for me!) who creates a web journal that initially was just for practice, then for her friend Dale, then as an outlet for all of her issues, demons and dreams. Her entries are almost always humorous, and almost every time either an improved version of her reality or an out right LIE.

Anna's broken up with her boyfriend, Ian, but writes as though they're still together. She starts to get fan mail, which fuels her writing/lying, and actually meets a couple of them -- a stalkerish girl, very S.W.F. meets Britney Spears, and a John Cusack character come to life, with whom she could fall in love (if it weren't for her supposedly current boyfriend, Ian).

Why Girls Are Weird is sorta autobiographical according to the acknowledgements and an interview with the author at the end. I went to the website it was based on (which had been taken down three years after it was made, then brough back a year later). It had it's moments, but didn't hold my interest as much as the book. The book had several lines and quotes that I loved and bookmarked the ears, something I never do. Normally I just underline the bits, but couldn't find a pencil when I came across the first.

Some of my favorites:

"Hey, Anna. Can I smoke in your appartment?"

"Are you kidding? Even my cat smokes."

"Only crazy people tell you that they love you so much they can't even see you. It's because they're trying not to kill you."

"All of this confusion and heartbreak was because of binary code. I hadn't done anything spectacular. I wasn't even a real writer. I was just some girl in Texas making up a few stories, wondering what would happen if I pretended to be someone better than I was."

And when Anna's father died...

"Looking around this place he left behind -- at my younger sisters all grown up, starting their own lives wiht determination and self-esteem, at my mother who doesn't have to worry about how to pay for the house or pay the bills, or me, his oldest daughter, who lives on her own over a thousand miles away -- I'm starting to realize why he was so quiet those last few years.

He was testing us. He wanted to make sure we'd be okay without him."

I won't give away the ending, but this is a review so I must tell you what I thought about the whole book. It was funny in places, sad in others, never long-winded, but I imagine five years from now I will remember a few of these lines that really connected with me, but I won't be able to tell you who wrote it. It was good but not memorable.

Would I read other works by this author? Sure. Maybe. Depends on the subject.

[Jason]

I became interested in this book when I found a quote from it on www.quotationspage.com. I started to read the book once I had gotten my hands on it. The first few pages of the story made me want to stop. It didn't seem appropriate for me. But it isn't like me to stop reading a book once I had started so I pushed forward, ignoring anything that I felt was inappropriate.
I was glad that I didn't stop reading at the beginning, because if I had I would've been missing out on a lot of things. The life of Anna K. was interesting. Pamela Ribon was able to incorporate a part of her own life into the book and share it with the world. The book was unpredictable, just like a human's life. There are twists and turns that you never expect. Anna's character was unique and fully developed. As a reader, I found aspects of her that I liked as well as aspects that I disliked. She was a multi-dimensional character and I found myself relating to her in certain ways.
Overall, the book was fun and enjoyable. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. It was also a surprise for me to find out that one of the entries in the book, the list about the things you can do with a little wooden hand, was kept unchanged due to her fan's request. Why Girls Are Weird is an original piece of writing that lets us into a part of the author's life as well as the main character's.

[Suad Shamma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Pamela Ribon, and it upsets me that she doesn't have the popularity that she deserves in the book-writing-fiction-sphere, because she deserves it. Her writing is so natural and conversational that you breeze right through it with a smile on your face (or smirk), and hope that the book never ends.

Her style is unique in that it is formed in a series of blog posts, letters, emails, notes, etc., which is great given the fact that that IS how Ribon actually started writing - through blog posts.

Story-wise, I will admit I enjoyed Why Moms are Weird more than this one, but that doesn't take away from the fact that I enjoyed this story and found many laugh out loud moments, as well as many tear-jerking moments. Yes, Pamela is good.

What I found a little annoying is the fact that she was so hung up on her ex and wouldn't stop obsessing about him, even though he was very obviously a jerk. Although, I can't hold that against her so much as I think we've all been through that experience where we obsessed over one worthless piece of s***, despite all the clear signs.

What I found somewhat unrealistic, is the relationship that transpired over emails, between two complete strangers. Again, we've all had online relationships, but those have become much easier nowadays with the presence of social media that aids in stalking our love interests. I still thought it was a little off putting that they fell in love so easily after emailing, and one meeting.

That being said, I still loved this book and recommend it to anyone looking for a light, fun, read.

[AJ LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books often amuse me, but it's rare that they make me laugh out loud until I cry. This is one of those books. I actually had a mini asthma attack right at the beginning from a great description of a stranger wiping out. Good stuff.

I loved this book, I loved the characters, and I loved how true it felt. This is chick lit that doesn't preach that everything's going to be perfect when you grow up. It's a book that could be your own story. Or your best friend's. Or that girl at work that you hate and wish would just shut up already.

Fantastic, painful, funny, and wonderful.

[Sherri Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and found many laugh out loud parts especially the Billy Banks dialogue. I had never read anything by this author before and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her work.

I enjoyed Anna and Dale and all of the other characters, though Ian didn't deserve half of the recognition he got in this book, every story needs a villain, I suppose. :o)

[Antof9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first comment on this book:
WOO HOO! I am going to find out why I am weird :) I always thought I was weird because of the Transitive Property of Math (yes, the only math I know): Grandmother is "A", and she's nuts. Mom is "B", and she's wacko. Mom is just like Grandmother. I am "C", and everyone says I'm just like Mom. Thus, I am going to turn into Grandmother someday. If A = B and B = C, then A = C. *sigh*

And the rest of my review from BookCrossing:
So. . .there were parts of this book I thought were incredibly hilarious, and parts where I just rolled my eyes. I also can't imagine anyone in 2003 (publication date, anyway) just inviting strangers into their house, etc. A little too far-fetched for me.

Quite possibly my favorite entry of all was How to Fake a Football Orgasm Some of the best rules are listed below:

   
     Don't walk in front of the television while the ball is in play, while they are doing an instant replay, or while the ball is at something called "the line of scrimmage". 
    

     Offer beers to everyone when you stand up. You'll be the coolest girl there, and it's still a feminist move if you're already on your way to get your own beer. 
    

     It is called a "touchdown." That's worth six points. 
    

     NEVER TOUCH THE REMOTE CONTROL. 
    

     You are supposed to be happy about overtime. It means more football. 
    

     Make sure you know which two teams are playing because they're going to switch channels during commercials. They'll watch other games at the same time, so be on your toes. If you're only rooting for "the guys in blue", you could end up cheering for the enemy of a different game. At any moment, there might be three different games on the television within an hour. I know. I'm sorry. 
    

     I don't care how persuasive they are, it is not tradition to take off your shirt when there's a turnover. You don't have to do it. 
   

I should be clear that I am a real football fan, but I still found that hilarious :)

Another part that was very much "in my house too" was:

I felt tears pressing urgently against my face. "I'm sorry," I said, miserably.
"Now that's the reaction I'd been waiting for. Fights aren't over until someone cries."

When she experiences a death in the family, I'm surprised at the depth of feeling from a chick lit book. It was impressive.

Spoiler:
This is *exactly* how I felt and still feel, and my dad died in 1998: "I missed my father. I missed him so much. It had been months since he'd died, but nobody had wanted to talk about it. I hadn't spoken to anyone about how sad it was to not have a father anymore. It was more than just a part of me was missing. It felt like my future had been erased. Any thoughts I might have had, any notions I'd entertained about what would happen to me were now negated. It couldn't happen that way anymore because my father wasn't going to be around to see it happen."

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, I'm very in love with this book, and I've only gone as far as the second chapter. Of course, I fall in love with most books at first, and its the really not always love at the end.
Funny, insightful, good character development. Keep ya posted.


Yeah, the ending was predictable, but still, the book was fantastic. There were blurbs and essays that really reminded me of my first internet friend, Jenny. The boob essay especially, reverbated with both her voice and mine. Its with narcisstic love that I recommend this book. I saw myself in so much of this book, and not in an unflattering way, so of course its the best thing ever. I love it when you get a book, and its something of a little echo from you or your own life. Being able to identify with the main character in such a funny, cynically pleasing way is awesome.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Why Girls are Weird. I can't remember the last book that I read that I enjoyed this much. I didn't want to put it down and every time I had to I couldn't wait to keep reading it. The story centers around a woman named Anna who is in her 20s. After breaking up with her long time boyfriend, she starts an online journal about their relationship together as if they had never broken up and winds up amassing a large following. (Note this book was written in the early 2000's before blogging became mainstream and what it is today). She specifically winds up in contact with two of her fans and the story delves into her relationships with these two people as well as the people who are actually present in her real life. She struggles to balance the falsehoods she has told online with the person she really is. It was a fun read with a story that I found really engaging.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is chick lit? Despite very basic similarities, I don't feel cool with lumping this in the Bridget Jones' Diary. It may be because I sometimes feel like I know the author (from her website, her twitter feed, her insanely amazing and comprehensive recaps of "Gilmore Girls" on Television Without Pity) but I feel like this book is really authentic and fun and easy to relate to. It reminds me of other media I was really enjoying at the time I read it (the movie "Bridesmaids" and the song "The Quiz" by Hello Saferide) so now it lives in a little shoe box in my brain with those things. It's comforting.

[Arielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

It picked up as I got closer to the end, but it was a chore to get there. I just really didn't like the book that much.
I think I can tell you, now, (thanks to an interview in the back) that it's because it was too autobiographical. It's good to write what you know, yes, but it's also good to fictionalize it. And it seems like Ribon was more intent on fan service (she discusses which of her blog entries needed to make it in) than on plot, and what makes the best story. So it felt bloated and disjointed, and like there were pieces that just didn't matter.
I may read other things she's written, but this wasn't one that stood out to me as all.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that sticks with you, even though it is chick-lit. It started out so innocent. Start a blog and write. But what happens when you suddenly have fans who are sending gifts and their best wishes? Suddenly you become two people: the real you and the blogger you.

I loved this story and the characters I could totally relate to. I laughed, nodded along and generally felt she was writing about me and my experiences as a blogger ten years ago.

A fantastic book and I highly recommend it!

My Rating: 5 stars

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

An easy sort of chick lit read about a blogger who builds relationships with a few of her online fans and how she skews/fibs a few of her life stories in her blog to sound more interesting. A few of the initial entries were funny and really humanly silly which appealed to me, but the book increasingly became centered around her life as defined by the relationships she had with guys and ultimately got really sappy, so it was a downhill read for me.

[Shani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where this book shines is its characterizations. I enjoyed meeting Anna's best friend, her newfound male interest, and most particularly her gynecologist (of all people!), who treats her with such kindness and tells her beautiful things about grief that made me feel practically as emotional as Anna herself. For me the book had been a solid 4, and that encounter just elevated the whole thing.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out strong but by the middle i felt like it was dragging and the ending left me nonplussed. I think there were too many plot lines going on, which caused it to feel like it wasn't moving very quickly. And i really didn't care about Anna and LDobler/Kurt - i actually was more interested in what happened with Tess than with these two.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too funny! I love the opening three pages about Barbies---we can all relate! I also loved the "blog" about big boobs...again, I can relate and those of you who cant, maybe you'll see that the grass isn't always greener.

[Stephanie GooglyEyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't LOL'd to a book like that in a long time. On a plane for that matter!! my seat mates must have thought me crazy :D

Of course there's some serious stuff in here too, but I loved Anna K. She was smart, quirky, funny AF, and slightly dorky. I loved it.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed out loud while reading this book. A very fun read.

[Chelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh soo much my mascara ran down my face!!!!
Its fabulously funny.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a simply written book of no great genius, but i lost count how many times i was laughing out loud. very entertaining.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh out loud. I had to call my friends and read parts of it to them over the phone.

[Georgiatwombly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Great, smart, conversational style. Fun plot.

[Sue Wargo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at a Salvation Army book store and found a treasure. I really liked this story. I think it would appeal to young women today. The women were all strong and appealing.

[Julianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. Loved all of it and couldn't put it down!

[Melissa Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the funniest book I have ever read. Laugh out loud funny in lots of places. My fave part involves aerobics and a cat's tail. A must (quick) read for a great laugh!

[Angela Mclaurin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super book. I read it because it was one of Tara Sivec's favorites. It had lots of humor similar to Tara's style and romance was woven throughout. Check this one out!! 4.5 stars

[Barbara Friend · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not looking forward to turning 25...

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Pamela Ribon. This is one of my favorite books.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will just say that I rarely read fiction much nowadays and with this book I’m reminded of how much I can enjoy it. It was a much-needed...not just “escape” - but well, a real treat for my brain *and* spirit. I fell into feels with the characters in this story. I was gripped from page one to the end. It took me a month to read it because I’m a slow *cough* readeveryarticleontheinternetwhilemybookscollectsaddust kind of reader, but I’m so glad I did.

I felt the awkwardness, pains, and distances of Anna K/Anna Koval in familial relations, as well as the openly satiric and nudgingly confrontational challenges of her supportive friends (and new acquaintances). I remembered the pull between the great-sex/close comfort highs vs the endless emotional staleness and gnawing discomfort of a pretty much dead-end long-term-relationship. I fondled the fuzzies of an uncertain yet remarkably warm new love interest who lives hundreds and hundreds of miles away. I also related a lot with the main character’s roller coaster “they love me/they love me not!” ride with her own relationship to writing and the serious doubts in her abilities (influenced strongly by so many radically different external forces) contrasted with finding her own cool groove and love for the craft itself. I frowned. I laughed. I CHEERED for the characters.

And that is a lot, coming from me; I normally feel connected to plots, but not characters. Maybe I just haven’t read a decent getaway book in a while? Or perhaps you’ll read it for yourself and see if this tale jives with your own soul? And maybe just maybe, you’ll find little patches of your self, if you’re honest, in the tragically but so beautifully human personalities laced between the pages.