Bright Lights, Big Ass

By drodriguez Oct 05, 2008

Do you dream that city life is all about stilettos and cocktail hours? Jen Lancaster says think again. All illusions about city dwelling are gone in her new book, ?Bright Lights, Big Ass’. No longer living her fabulous penthouse-style ways Lancaster looks at life in a new light. Now she is more like the rest of us with her pajama-clad days, house hunting weekends, and her tireless search for the perfect temporary job. Lancaster is witty and charming in this latest memoir. Her usual no-holds barred approach to her days shines through on each page. The short stories and blurbs about menacing squirrels, mass-transit debacles, and her love for all things Target are easily relatable. ?Bright Lights’ is sharp and fun. Lancaster dishes out the sarcasm continuously as she writes about her first year as a published author.

This second book by Lancaster deals more with the everyday life of the author unlike debut novel ?Bitter’ which chronicled her downward spiral into unemployment and eviction. One feels excited for her as she describes the joy at seeing her first published book sitting on a bookstore shelf. She notes with dismay that her everyday world ceases to change despite brisk book sales. A book deal does not equal carte blanche on expensive shoes. For Jen it means finding temporary office work to pay the bills. She still can’t get her landlord to repair her leaky kitchen ceiling and her husband, Fletch, is obsessed with Rachel Ray. She dispels the Carrie Bradshaw type myth that it is all fun and drinks in the city and more akin to parking tickets and trips to Trader Joe’s grocery store. Lancaster’s second book reads just like her popular blog, Jennslyvania. In fact, many of its pages come directly from her daily posts making it a quick, easy, and laugh out loud summer read.

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Comments

by adorabledork | Hooksett, NH

Nov 12, 2008

I'm considering a move to Chicago, so this might be worth a read!!

by shawndra | UNION, WA

Nov 05, 2008

I will be reading this soon,sounds awesome

by WindingWheelCO | PARKER, CO

Oct 29, 2008

This is the greates book of the 21st century and Jen Lancaster is the greatest author of the 21st century. I've been sharing all of her books with my friends.

by jadedray | Nokomis, FL

Sep 27, 2008

Sounds like a great day on the beach read, I've recently discovered the fun of these types of books, so for me they are enchanting in that "new" kind of way. I'm only now at a point where i can truly appreciate the humor of womans situations, illusions and realities.

by chochie1 | Warren, PA

Aug 13, 2008

This sounds like a great read with a nice lighthearted approach. It's nice to see someone write about some real reality instead of a glamourized life in the big city.

by balitheike | OLATHE, KS

Jul 23, 2008

Sounds like an awesome read, can't wait to check this out! I especially love that this is Chicago related since I've lived there for several years!

by cupi26 | erie, PA

Apr 14, 2008

i have read this and her other one she has out. i feel like her in so many ways can relate to her. i highly recommend it!

by cher1011 | Covington, LA

Jan 17, 2008

I'll have to check it out, love Janet Evanovich so if it's funny I'm sure I'll enjoy the book.

by tery1971tj | MOUNT LAUREL, NJ

Nov 13, 2007

I read this book It really made me laugh I loved it

by momofthreebigboys | Fullerton, NE

Nov 02, 2007

This book was just silly. I loved it and cant wait to read her sequel.

by dezigner1 | MISSION VIEJO, CA

Jul 10, 2007

Could be a very entertaining read. My friends and I can definitely relate to this author's style and sense of humor. Love her no-holds barred approach. I haven't read her before but her books could be right up there with Leslie Schnur and Janet Evanovich, both of whom never disappoint.

by linzipruitt | Louisville, KY

Jul 09, 2007

After reading the title of Jen Lancaster's new book, I had to wonder if she was referring to me? I'm kidding, of course! There aren't a whole lot of bright lights in my town. :)

by didama | MAPLEWOOD, NJ

Jun 23, 2007

This sounds like such a fun summer read. I love authors who dispel the "Sex In the City" lifestyle. As an ex-Manhattanite I can say first hand that life was not all Cosmos and Manolos! It's nice to see read a real woman's NYC story.