Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City . . . by Jen Lancaster

I've read previous books by Jen Lancaster and I also follow her blog. She reminds me of one of my best friends from my neighborhood in suburban Chicago and also a little bit of my sister-in-law. Hmm—I just realized that along with having some similar personality traits, I'm pretty sure all three are Republicans. She also reminds me of (my BFF) Laurie Notaro, what with the wackiness and the shenanigans.

I'd read criticisms that in Bright Lights, Big Ass, Lancaster brings up her political beliefs more than in her previous books and on her blog. I wasn't sure how I'd react to this but I needn't have worried. She's as funny as ever. Yes, she is a Republican—much more conservative than I am. But I knew that going in. She's not trying to persuade anyone and she doesn't bash Democrats (for being Democrats, that is). It is, however, a part of who she is and so a memoir is bound to mention it.

By the way, I read this as an ebook (which is how I also read Such a Pretty Fat). I read Bitter is the New Black in paperback.

About Bright Lights, Big Ass:

Jen Lancaster hates to burst your happy little bubble, but life in the big city isn't all it's cracked up to be. Contrary to what you see on TV and in the movies, most urbanites aren't party-hopping in slinky dresses and strappy stilettos. But lucky for us, Lancaster knows how to make the life of the lower crust mercilessly funny and infinitely entertaining.

Whether she's reporting rude neighbors to Homeland Security, harboring a crush on her grocery store clerk, or fighting-and losing-the Battle of the Stairmaster- Lancaster explores how silly, strange, and not-so-fabulous real city living can be. And if anyone doesn't like it, they can kiss her big, fat, pink, puffy down parka.