Pretty in Plaid

I picked up the audio version of Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster at a local bookstore.  I love audiobooks.  They're great for my lengthy commute to school and my short trip to work.  I've read another book by Lancaster, Bright Lights, Big Ass.  I really liked it and was looking forward to reading/listening to Pretty in Plaid.
 
Cover: The cover is super cute! There's a pair of legs wearing long argyle socks in pastel pink and green. I love them!


Characters: The main character is the author, Jen Lancaster. I have to admit that in the beginning when she was telling stories of her childhood I thought to myself, "Please don't let my children be like this." I found her to be a total brat when she was younger. She seemed to be very superficial and overly concerned with how other people saw her. She became more bearable as she got older. Lancaster seemed to be a mature and responsible teenager but then turned into a wild child in college. She always showed, though, that when she wanted something she went for it. Lancaster never let anybody stop her. I like that about her. She is outspoken, as well, which is another quality I admire.

Writing: Lancaster's writing makes me feel as if I'm simply having a conversation with her. I like that it's not extremely structured like some books. It seems to be free flowing. She's also extremely witty and a smart ass, which is awesome. I like smart asses. She does such a great job at telling these stories and conveying her reactions and feelings at the time.

Plot: This book was a collection of stories about events from Lancaster's life from childhood to adulthood. In addition to the chapter title, she also used a piece of clothing or a fashion accessory as the staple of that chapter. I really liked this. It was very unique. Writing the book in this way allowed Lancaster to show how she grew as a person and also as a fashion lover. She always had a knack for looking great but went from shopping at your typical department stores (TJ Maxx, Marshall's, etc.) to shopping at the more expensive stores (Nordstrom, Tiffany's, etc.).

Overall: 3/5 I liked this book. I didn't find it as funny as Bright Lights, Big Ass, though. It did, however, provide more background for me after reading Bright Lights, Big Ass.

Bright Lights, Big Ass

After what seemed like forever, I finally finished Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster.  The length of time it took me to read this book does not reflect my feelings about it.  It usually takes longer to finish books we don't quite like, but that's not the case with this one.  I LOVED this book!  Unfortunately, life has been quite crazy for me lately, which has left me with little reading time.  So...here's a little preview of the book from Goodreads:

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.


Reading about Lancaster's whacky adventures was like talking to friends.  I enjoyed her honest writing and foul language, because let's be honest.  Who doesn't like (even if it's secretly) when a chick drops the F-bomb?

My favorite part of the book (SPOILERS AHEAD) was when Jen's husband was away on business.  I could totally relate to being scared of being home alone at night, eating ridiculous foods for dinner (I've recently been eating Robin Eggs for dinner at least once a week), and not being able to function like a responsible adult when the hubby's gone.  Best part: she slept with a machete under her pillow! 

I read that part of the book one night while my fiance was at work.  I welcomed him home with, "Can I get a machete?"  I explained I could use it for protection while he's gone like Jen did in the book.  His response was, "No.  You'll hurt yourself before anyone ever breaks into this house."  He's probably right.  I'm sure there's also a good chance that I would be roused from a deep sleep when he returns home from work in the middle of the night and attack him with my trusty machete.  I may surprise him and get one, though.  My pap has 2 from Honduras. ;-)

So for those of you who haven't read this book...go get it!  I'm going to be picking up the rest of Jen Lancaster's books!