Or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me?

Jen takes on temp jobs while waiting for her advance check from selling her first book. To fill the extra hours, she has written a hilarious memoir about her ordinary life experiences. Cross her and you may be the lucky recipient of one of her crafty letters that you wouldn't believe someone would have the nerve to write. (And what a great tool for releasing anger) If your one of her stay at home friends, you may be on the recieving end of funny daily scoops that rival a soap opera drama, and much more interesting by far. -The thing is you never read any e-mails from them, so their lives must be dreadfully boring in comparison.

I've never had a book make me laugh out loud (even in public) like this one did! This girl has lightning quick wit and humor. Actually, reading this made me feel a little more sane. (Thanks Jen:) I thought I had an overactive mind, she's definately got me beat, and her thoughts are way funnier than mine could ever be! Her behavior and mouth are so excusable because she's just hilarious. She really does make being bad look good.

This is a keeper. When I'm feeling low and needing a good laugh, I'll be reaching for this. Reading this will make passing the time (in line or Dr's office or anywhere) much more pleasant. Just know that it is very likely to make you bust out laughing in front of everyone!

This book was a series of humorous essays detailing the author's life in Chicago. I thought they were pretty funny until I read the one where she talks about how much she loves Ann Coulter and wants to have a slumber party with her. Eww.

I was eventually able to overlook that unfortunate Republican aspect of her life. As I was reading the rest of the book, I alternated between laughing out loud and thinking, "Jeez, she's a moron" (and not because of the Republican thing). What I think would REALLY be funny is a book written by her husband about how he puts up with her. Some of the best lines in the book are his, usually in response to something stupid she's done.

While I think Jen Lancaster is very funny, I have a few problems with her. First, she's clearly an intelligent woman, but he writing style is simply sophmoric. All those foot notes? And the incomplete sentences? Got to go.

Second, she seems whiny, lazy, and annoying. I don't know how Fletch puts up with her. Instead of making changes in her life, she carries on about them. Want to lose weight? How about put the fork down and get moving, lady. She seems smart enought to know better, but is constantly making the same impulsive mistakes (overeating, opening her big mouth, spending too much). While she recognizes this, she fails to do anything about it. And that is sad.

Besides that, she is funny, and she does have a way of sharing things that makes you feel like you're talking to a friend.

I loved Jen Lancaster's first book and this follow up was even more brilliant and funny than the first. She is a caustic bitchy broad with a keen ability to throw in enough self deprection to let you know she doesn't take herself to seriously. If you cannot appreciate the humor I'm afraid no one can help you. The only bad part for me was that it had to end. I cannot wait to read the project she is currently working on. I know it will be a great escape just like this one.

I really enjoyed this book and her sense of humor. She's quite cynical, so if you aren't looking for that, then you might want to seek elsewhere. I was kinda expecting a little bit more at the end, but I'm looking forward to reading some of her other books.

I usually like Jen Lancaster's books, "Bitter is the New Black" and "Pretty in Plaid" were both creative and funny, but with "Bright Lights, Big Ass" I wish I could get my time and money back. In this book, Jen writes a lot about how she has nothing to write about, and folks, she's not lying. If you're writing a "memoir" perhaps you should get out of the house and do something, so you have something to write about. She includes a lot of e-mails addressed to her best girlfriends who are never identified in the book, and I deduce that she copied and pasted her real messages because she was to lazy to do any real writing. I don't want to her about her dogs pooping on the rug every chapter, or about their "corn chip-scented" paws, I have heard people say that in real life and didn't find it amusing, let along a topic to write about. I could give a crap about her stupid cats (I don't want to hear about my real friends' pets either, BORING), poor eating habits, or reality TV watching. You can put that crap on your blog, where people can read it for free if they want. This book masquerades as a satire to "Bright Lights, Big City" and Jen lives in the thriving metropolis of Chicago, but she doesn't actually get out in the city and do anything interesting. She takes several jabs at Candace Bushnell, but at least her characters get dressed and leave the house. Honestly, if you are interested in this book, check out the author's other works instead, they are worth reading, but this one is a miss.

There were so many quotable and funny quotes in here, I would be jotting down the whole book. I love this writer! This isn't a novel with characters and plot. This is Jen's actual life on paper. It takes someone special to be able to put all of her thoughts and adventures in writing like she does. I loved the chapter on Rachel Ray. I have a couple of her cookbooks and I have tried several of her recipes and liked them. But, I would never be caught dead sitting in front of the TV watching her show. Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard. I can't take it. I like the fact Jen is a Republican and reads Ann Coulter on a bus. That's brave. I admire her for being overweight and liking her self just as she is. Her husband should receive a medal for allowing Jen to put their life out there for all to see. If you are in the mood to sit and giggle for several hours, this is a book for you!

Enjoyed this book very much because I could relate to many incidents, such as the joys of being a temp, bad neighbours, looking for a new home, husband issues etc. The book is a collection of anecdotes of the author's life in Chicago, and I found it to be an easy read with some really entertaining stories. The chapters are little individual stories, mostly independent of each other as opposed to Bitter is the New Black, which was more of a memoir. Worth reading!!

Hilarious. I had tears running down my face during some parts of this book. My husband kept coming into the room to see what was so funny which of course led to me reading whole passages out loud. Even he had to admit it was amusing.

As a side note, I read this (her second book) before reading Bitter (her first book). No need to worry about reading them out of sequence. I thought Bright Lights was funnier.

I enjoyed the first twenty to thirty pages of this book, but soon thereafter it began to lose its charm. To the author's credit, she did give us fair warning in the book's subtitle. I would add "profoundly annoying" to "self-indulgent" and "surly."

Like others I really wanted to like this book. Some of it is hilarious and witty/intelligent. Some of the more boring rants last for 5 pages, like the coyote in the street story. I thought it would be a guilty pleasure at night, and every time I attempt, it is instead an irritating disaster. I also agree with others re how on earth could her husband TOLERATE her???? whining & wasting his time while he's trying to work. Her emails to her friends are embarrassing. Smug, cloying, trying too hard. i will look at the first book jacket to see if it might be any better. Maybe she got too full of herself ?

I enjoyed the first twenty to thirty pages of this book, but soon thereafter it began to lose its charm. To the author's credit, she did give us fair warning in the book's subtitle. I would add "profoundly annoying" to "self-indulgent" and "surly."

Like others I really wanted to like this book. Some of it is hilarious and witty/intelligent. Some of the more boring rants last for 5 pages, like the coyote in the street story. I thought it would be a guilty pleasure at night, and every time I attempt, it is instead an irritating disaster. I also agree with others re how on earth could her husband TOLERATE her???? whining & wasting his time while he's trying to work. Her emails to her friends are embarrassing. Smug, cloying, trying too hard. i will look at the first book jacket to see if it might be any better. Maybe she got too full of herself ?

I love Jen Lancasters books. I own most of them, including this one. It's not my fav, it's a little scattered and there's no point to the story, no conclusion or lesson learned it's just blah(at least to me everyone's different)

I LOVED Jen Lancaster's first book, and was looking forward to this one. I was a bit disappointed, as this book dragged a bit and I made myself finish it instead of looking forward to each page and being disappointed when I was out of book to read, as I was with her first book.

I think the problem here is that Jen is now happy. She was more interesting when she was bitter and hating everyone. Maybe she has to go back to working full time, and then write another book. Or maybe she needs to get divorced and dive into the miserable world of first dates? I can't imagine what her third book will be about--but I do know that I can't take another chapter about her dogs!

I really thought this book was great and very funny in parts. I could do without the preachy parts and WASPy nature, but at the same time that is what made me laugh, so I guess I need to take it as a while. I did laugh out loud and often. When I tried to read parts out loud to my sister on a couple of occasion, I could not get the words out of my mouth because of laughter. The ending was rather deflated and that is my only real complaint. It's a fun entertaining read.

I think this book was fabulous! Since moving to Chicago from Oklahoma and from recieving a above average paycheck to being a broke student living on student aid, I could really relate to some of her funny daily dilemmas (ie... the fabulous CTA system and the ever so complicated apartment search). I was searching for something to brighten my day after being around the rude and grumpy dwellers of Chicago. I havent been able to even finish a book in years and I couldnt put this one down, often times even finding myself laughing hysterically and talking to myself in my thick southern accent on the "L" with people gawking at me like a freak (oops). I just bought "Bitter is the New Black" and I cant wait to read all of the books that follow.

This is the best book ever. When I stopped reading it, I felt as though my best friend moved away. We had some good times together :) Jen Lancaster has a very witty, sarcastic, and always hilarious way of explaining her world. She tackles various subjects such as annoying neighbors, her crazy dogs (I can totally relate) and her constant procrastination against working out. I guess it sounds like every other chicklit book, but I must say I think it stands out among all others in terms of laugh-outloud-ability (and yes I made that a word). LOVED IT! Will be putting her other book on my bookswim list immediately!

I very much enjoy reading Jen Lancaster's books, she is witty and doesn't hold anything back. I often find myself laughing out loud on train and wishing my commute was longer just so I can read more. I did enjoy this book but I have to say that I enjoyed Bitter is the new black just a little bit more. Needless to say, I will be recommending these books to my friends.

My favorite Jennifer Lancaster book! In Bright Lights, Big Ass Jennifer Lancaster successfully debunks myths about city living that are generally portrayed on television shows. Aside from her ability to make the reader laugh-out-loud Jennifer Lancaster offers a unique perspective as someone who has had a career in the corporate world.

Jen Lancaster is hilarious. I can't count the number of times I laughed out loud while reading this memoir. Bright Lights isn't a linear story the way Bitter was, but it's still a fantastic read. I personally enjoy the individual essay format.

Lancaster is wittier than I could ever hope to be, and she's not below a little self-deprecation, which I find endearing. A lot of reviewers have complained that Lancaster is a snob or a spoiled brat. While she may come across as one at times, she also pokes fun at it, too. Don't take it so seriously; she clearly doesn't.

I was a little disappointed with this book, especially after loving "Bitter" so much. I didn't feel as though there was a point or a storyline. It felt thrown together, perhaps to fill a gap between her first and third books. I just didn't enjoy it. I read through it and kept expecting it to have a the same charm as "Bitter" but it never happened. I'm going to continue reading her series, however I hope the 3rd book, and the soon to be released book, live up to my high expectations that "Bitter" caused me to have.

While Jen is still rather humorous, I found her latest book lacking. It still amuses, but its more of a little smile rather than the laugh out loud hilarity that was found in Bitter. Also, there is rarely a common thread throughout the whole book. Jen randomly makes references to Sex and the City, but there aren't enough of these to bring the book together.

Lancaster's first book was all about ironies...the loss of her job, the eventual demise of her bank account...the subsequent near-eviction out of a ghetto apartment, etc. This is what made her so endearing. This second book however, just gets on one's nerves. There are Jen's lists, the emails, the "footnotes" and of course, the chapter to contend with. All the while with sentences. that. end. up. written. like. this. Aaggh!! In Lancaster style, she. is. trying. way. too. hard.

OK, I've read some of the less than complimentary reviews & don't get it? This chick is soooo funny & if you are offended, you don't have a sense of humor about life! She gets away with printing things many have thought about but were too concerned about what others think to say it out loud. Some think she's obnoxious, have you READ the titles?? It's part of her own self admitted personality. Jeez, get a life, get the book & ENJOY. Good for all ages, but maybe best for those who have HAD A LIFE!

Jens first book had me laughing all the way through, and I was super excited to finally get my hands on number 2. Unfortunately, as other revierws have mentioned, in the first book she had a story to tell but this one was more just random whining.
If I had to describe it in one word, that word would be 'forgettable.'

It started out funny, then it got boring (ex: her train experience and how she needed her husband for EVERYTHING, come on). I thought it was fiction, but it was a memoir. I couldn't even finish the book, stopped half way.

This is another hilarious novel by Lancaster! I loved her first one and this one did not disappoint as well! I laughed out loud so many times, even when I brought the book to Jury Duty! Jennifer Lancaster sure knows how to bring a smile to your face. I most definitely recommend this one and I can't wait to get started on her third, Such a Pretty Fat. She is witty, straight-forward, and tells it like it is, but you love her anyway!

The foot notes are annoying and I found them distracting. She walks the line on various issues which keeps it fun. She's very honest about herself and has a knack for keeping a story exciting. A little rambly at times, but very funny and bold.

Jen Lancaster is a fantastically funny author. She is sarcastic, and quick witted. She is able to laugh at herself (and practically eveyone she meets) - I throughly enjoy her writting, it's complete entertainment. So far, none of her books have disappointed me.

The biggest complaint I have about this book is that I'm already finished reading it! Boo hoo!

I read a lot of books, and I have to tell you that when I read "Bitter is the New Black" last year, I laughed so hard that my sides felt like they were going to split open...just like Jen's pants split open in "Bright Lights, Big Ass!" I was so worried that this new book couldn't possibly live up to "Bitter," but I was wrong. "Bright Lights, Big Ass" is just as snarky, outlandish and hilarious as it can possibly be!

While "Bitter" detailed Jen's experience of going from a six-figure salary to being unemployed and unable to pay her rent (or support her expensive shopping habit), "Bright Lights, Big Ass" describes what it's like to be a working class citizen living in the city of Chicago. Being a Chicago gal myself, I enjoyed reading a book all about my city and wholeheartedly agree with many of the points Jen makes in her memoir:

+ Target, Trader Joe's, and IKEA are my version of the Holy Trinity.

+ The majority of neighbors are freakish and must be avoided at all costs.

+ Finding a house or an apartment in this city is one of the most difficult tasks imaginable.

+ Mass transportation is never an option because "it transports the masses."

I adored every page of this book. Jen is so unbelievably funny and sarcastic and fabulous! I seriously want to Google-stalk her (just as she admits to Google-stalking former high school classmates) and "arrange" to bump into her on the street somewhere, because I have a feeling we'd become fast friends and would enjoy drinking together and making fun of all the crazy people around us.

If you don't already have copies of "Bitter" and "Bright Lights, Big Ass," shame on you! These are must-have memoirs for every woman, every Chicagoan, and everyone who enjoys good laughs and great books.

Lancaster is a spoiled brat. Period.

For a great many chapters I read as she complained about how she USED to have money and now is struggling to be middle class. BOO HOO. Welcome to America, sister. MOST Americans deal with being broke everyday.

She rants about everything and sadly, I couldn't bring myself to give a hoot about anything she had to say. She sounded like a four year old who had her favorite toy taken away. She can't do a breast exam on her own cause she is too modest. Doesn't like having to work on her books because she used to have money. She wishes her husband would stop everything he is doing to support her lazy butt so that she can have someone to annoy because no one else wants to deal with her. She refers to Carrie Bradshaw as though anyone actually mistook Sex and the City for a reality program... well, SHE might have.

Either way you slice it, the book isn't well written and the author needs to think about getting another job to get ALL that money back. Good luck on that. :)

This is so far my favorite book of Jen Lancaster. If you don't laugh out loud at this book you might want to get your funny bone checked! Her trip to the Dr. and the spa had me doubled over! Great book, Jen! Keep 'em coming!

As most authors and their readers know is that the second book is usually a make or break for future readings. This author has done what other writer's have had difficulty doing, which is making an even more witty, thought provoking and truly hilarious must read book for the entire year. From the beginning of the book she has you hooked with her razor sharp wit and hysterical tales of life in the REAL city. This is a must read for those who have been brainwashed by prior authors and television shows that distort the true city life for most of Americans. It is told in the way only a born writer could tell it and for that I am thankful. I have not laughed this hard since Jen's initial book which I also gave five stars. Trust me you will not be disappointed.

I have to agree w. Marion, I had high expectations for this book and it was definitely a disappointment. I loveeeddd 'Bitter' couldn't put it down finished it in like two days, so as soon as I found out she had another book I literally brought it the same day. I checked the reviews on the store and trusted from the positive response that it'd be great. I was sadly mistaken :(. I can't even pick up the book, I can't finish it it's that terrible. I found myself being forced to read it since I paid for it, but I just gave up after a few chapters. I think her first book was a success, but nonfiction memoir isn't really good if you don't have a story to tell. Bitter was great because it had a plot, this one not so much. Def borrow it if you feel compelled to read a follow up to 'Bitter' but save your $$$.

Once again Jennifer wrote a hilarious book. I read her book "Such a Pretty Fat." I fell in love with her writing. Her smart ass commentary about her life had me laughing out loud. You will love this book.

After reading her first book, I was her number one fan. I hooted and hollered the whole way through, and couldn't wait for her sophomore book to be released. (But I did, not that impatient...) It's painful to get through it because I'm one of those people that absolutely MUST finish anything I start, and chapter after chapter I keep saying to myself, it's gonna get better... it doesn't.... I feel like I am reading a reality show! Sorely disappointed!

First and foremost there's a reason politics is one of those topics that should be avoided in public. The book suddenly got crappy once I had to start hearing about Lancaster's political views. I don't want to give the wrong idea, she doesn't preach politics but I'm not a fan of her views.

Secondly, I don't mind books about nothing just a few zany adventures (like Seinfeld), but this isn't really what this book is about. This seemed less like a bunch of cute short stories about nothing and more of some idiotic ramblings. I kept wondering why her husband married her b/c she seemed like an idiot. No one really wants to hear about the mundane day to day stuff unless something interesting happens. It doesn't have to be big - just something funny or ironic. I keep expecting the next chapter to be about Jen on the toilet pondering the meaning of life.

The bottom line is save your money. If you must get this from the library or if you catch it on the bargain rack. I notice one of the tags for this is Notaro - as in Lauri Notaro the author. This is no where near as good as her books!!!

PS - AVOID FOOTNOTES - use (). I can't stress how annoying it was to have these footnotes at the bottom of every page. It really didn't help.

I just finished both of Jen Lancaster's books within the span of 3 days. Her account of living a lush lifestyle, complete with pent house, designer clothes and daddy's caddy, then losing her posh job & eventually riding the bus and temping is so endearing, funny, sad, fabulous. I was rolling around on my chaise lounge laughing so hard I was snorting. I highly recommend both of Jen Lancaster's books if you're looking for a hilarious, humble tale of life told by the FUNNIEST girl next door.