Review: Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mental illness has historically been shrouded in shame and secrecy, but author Jenny Lawson has, in this absolutely hilarious collection of essays, opened that closet and allowed readers an unobstructed view into her own mental health issues. In spite of the serious nature of the theme, these pieces are not only funny but also raw, sometimes poignant and unflinchingly honest.

Lawson admits to having suffered numerous issues throughout her life. In addition to her crippling pain from rheumatoid arthritis, she is also a victim of periodic depressive episodes, tremendous anxiety and a host of phobias. In spite of all, however, in Furiously Happy Lawson lets her freak flag fly and confronts the social stigmas related to mental health with a comedic approach that is as surprising as it is refreshing.

I read this book a little at a time, particularly at night, when my own demons come home to stir up their devilment. The essays can be consumed individually, and not necessarily in the order in which they appear, which makes small doses easily consumable. Each piece in the collection stands alone—independent episodes that are as uplifting as they are entertaining. From Lawson’s predilection for taxidermied wildlife (the raccoon on the cover is a family institution) to her laugh out-loud-funny retelling of interactions with her husband, friends and fans, every page offers hope and support for readers suffering with their own inner conflict. Nothing is sacred here, and particularly the conversations with husband Victor are solid gold.

“Oh, holy hell … this website says I might have been impregnated,” I yelled at Victor.

“From a swan running at you?” he asked incredulously. “Do you even realize how crazy you sound right now?”

“Well, I’m problemly in shock. And possibly pregnant with waterfowl, so god knows what my hormones are doing right now. I just found a medical journal that says you need to seek ‘prophylactics’ after a swan attack. THAT’S HOW DEVIOUS SWANS ARE.”

Then Victor tried to explain that “prophylactics” means “preventative care” and doesn’t automatically equal birth control but I was too busy to listen because I may have just been forcibly impregnated by a murder of swans. Then Victor pointed out that it’s a “murder of crows” and that a group of swans is called a “lamentation” but I’m pretty sure that just proves my point because swans are mute, yet they’re named after a word that means “wailing in horrible pain”?

This is the perfect read for those who are afraid of the darkness that even sometimes comes in the daylight, but it’s equally as accessible for anyone who just needs a belly laugh, a giggle or even just a wry smirk. Highly recommended and a new favorite.


View all my reviews