Book Review- Samantha Irby's Quietly Hostile: Essays

Thank you to Vintage Anchor and Libro FM for the arcs of Samantha Irby’s latest essay collection, Quietly Hostile. For the purposes of this review, I listed to the audio arc read by the author.

Samantha Irby is one of my favorite humor writers. She’s just absolutely hilarious and never holds back from sharing intimate details of her life, especially if they have to do with something embarrassing involving the bathroom. I have to confess that this particular collection should not be read or listened to while you are eating, as it goes to rather gross places and you might spit up some food or liquids from laughter.

As a Sex and the City fan, I enjoyed her chapter on writing for the reboot (And Just Like That) and also her analysis of the original show. She even got threats from rabid fans who were concerned for Carrie Bradshaw’s love life. I’m not exactly team Aidan, but still…Carrie’s not real! C’mon people!

By far, the biggest impression was made during the chapter Body Horror, when Irby describes a former sexual relationship with a man who had certain bodily function related kinks. I’m not going to spoil it, but I was not prepared for the gross-factor or just the violation of it all. I found this so disturbing that I couldn’t stop telling everyone about it, including coworkers at the bookstore where I work. If Irby happens to read this review (highly unlikely), I am so sorry that happened to you.

I just love everything Irby writes and I will read it all. Also, how can you resist her covers? They are my all-time favorite book covers. Quietly Hostile is another win for Irby.

Book Review- Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan is Killing It

Finlay Donovan is beyond stressed. The recently divorced, single mom of two is struggling to meet the deadline for her latest book. Her bank account is reaching zero and she’s desperate, but not desperate enough to commit murder.

While at a coffee meeting with her agent, a stranger overhears pieces of their conversation and mistakes Finlay for a hitman. After her meeting, the stranger, a woman with a husband issue, contacts Finlay with a proposition for a hit job. Unable to properly disengage herself from the situation, Finlay agrees to go to dinner with the target, planning on assessing the case, perhaps issuing a stern warning, rather than committing a crime. The guy is a jerk after all, and Finlay has had her own husband troubles. A mishap occurs and although she didn’t commit murder, Finlay is left with a dead body that she must handle. Every move makes her appear more guilty and serves to confirm her involvement with a murder. Can Finlay hide the body and complete the job without getting caught? Will she manage to get back on track with her manuscript? Can she prove to her ex-husband that she is capable of life without him?

Finlay Donovan is Killing It is catchy. I was drawn to the clever title and fun cover. Seriously, isn’t this one of the best book covers? I thought it would make an ideal costume if there was a contest to dress like a book cover!

The story itself is entertaining, if not a bit ridiculous. You absolutely must suspend your disbelief. Finlay is a plucky character and I think relatable to many women who might be recently divorced and struggling to get back on their feet. While I found the premise to be engaging, the overarching plot gets silly. It’s just so outrageous. However, if you want an escapist read, this could be a good pick. I took it on vacation, and for a light read, it was enjoyable. It has minor amount of gore, but it falls into the comedy-mystery category, so possibly a good pick for people who like a mystery, but don’t like anything too dark. It’s an easy read. The humor and tone reminded me of the TV series ( also a book, but I have only see the series) The Flight Attendant.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It is the first in a series. If you had asked me while I was still reading, if I was planning on picking up the next one, I think I would have said no. However, there is an enormous cliff-hanger at the end of the first book, leaving me curious to see how it is all going to play out. Although, I would be more inclined to watch a tv series version, rather than continue reading the books.

Book Review- Laurie Zaleski's Funny Farm

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of Laurie Zaleski’s memoir, Funny Farm.

Running from an abusive marriage, Laurie Zaleski’s mom fled from her husband, taking a small amount of belongings and her three young children. Money was tight, but they managed to find a rental property in a rural area. The house was small and run down, a place that had been used for squatters and teenagers, but with her determination and upbeat attitude, Zaleski’s mom turned the place into a home where she would raise her children. The property was big enough that they started to amass an assortment of rescue animals, including a beloved horse whose broken leg they healed.

They were not able to move far from Zaleski’s father, who despite continuing to terrorize Zaleski’s mother, was granted partial custody of his children. Zaleski witnessed acts of cruelty inflicted by her father, who was wealthy and prominent in their local community.

Healing and comfort was found in their animal community. Animals, who like Zaleski’s family, were learning to regain trust after trauma. In her adult years, Zaleski would be pulled in two directions; leaving the farm to pursue city life or continue her mother’s work. It isn’t a spoiler to share that she chose a life on the farm and not only took on her mother’s animals, but bought a bigger property. Her rescue is thriving with volunteers and a large social media presence. Her instagram page for the Funny Farm Animal Sanctuary is absolutely delightful, a must-follow for animal lovers.

Funny Farm is a tough read. The rampant abuse; spousal, child, and animal, is hard. Trigger warning is an apt caution. That said, the love and compassion overshadow the abuse, ultimately allowing those abused to triumph. I connected with Zaleski’s pull towards different paths in her adult life, but ultimately following in her mother’s footsteps. Zaleski’s caregiving during her mother’s cancer, took me back to 2008, when I was in a similar position. I may not have a whole farm of rescue animals (just two spoiled cats) or have survived an abusive childhood, but I could relate to much of this memoir.

Funny Farm is a great choice for animal lovers who can stomach the difficult parts. Either way, make sure to visit the Funny Farm social media pages for adorable animal antics. If you’re in New Jersey, you can even visit the rescue and meet Zaleski!