Status
Available
Publication
New York : Gallery Books, 2016.
Description
Amy Schumer, Emmy Award-winning comedian, actress, writer, and star, mines her past for stories about her teenage years, her family, relationship, and sex, and shares the experiences that have shaped who she is--a woman with the courage to bare her soul and stand up for what she believes in, all while making us laugh. Ranging from the raucous to the romantic, the heartfelt to the harrowing, this highly entertaining and universally appealing collection is the literary equivalent of a night out with your best friend -- an unforgettable and fun adventure you wish could last forever. --
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User reviews
LibraryThing member Kiddboyblue
For one of (in my opinion) the funniest stand up comedians of our generation, this book was very not-funny. I did not laugh hardly at all. Sure there were some funny one liners and quips thrown in, but overall, the book fell extremely flat in the humor department. It came wholly unexpected
Schumer has made a career with in your face, no holds barred, unapologetic humor and I was really looking forward to laughing my ass off with her first book. Sadly the laughs never came.
I'm not entirely sure if that was purposeful, or if she just fell short. I'm assuming it was intentional, which I guess is a choice, I'm just not sure why it would be her choice.
Most of the chapters felt very forced for me, like every chapter had to end with a life lesson, literally. It became so formulaic I found myself guessing what the life lesson would be before I reached the end of each chapter. She even begins the book by saying, I do not have any advice or life lessons for you, and then proceeds chapter after chapter to try and give us advice and life lessons. t felt almost like she was trying so hard to show that she is more then just a stand up comedian, and we can learn from her, which I absolutely believe is true, however the way she went about it just felt so pushed and out of context.
There were some really great chapters that gave huge insight into a darker part of her life, which I loved! I think they could have been even stronger if the overall book had felt more lighthearted. Something Amy Poehler did wonderfully in her book! Just to throw out a comparison. You can be funny and still give us insight and depth.
The chapters where she truly opened about her abuse, the shooting in the theatre where they were showing her movie, and her relationship with her mother all were really well written and drew me, and captivated me. It did what I feel a memoir should do, and that is to allow me to understand you more, scars and all.
Overall though, sadly, I felt the book was mostly just sort of meh. Not at all what I was expecting. I applaud her wanting to give us another side to her then just the nasty, foul mouthed comic, but when that is who you have shown us, and made us fall in love with, I feel like maybe don't abandon us so quickly. She also continuously threw in JKJK after almost any crude joke she told, like we needed her to remind us it was a joke? It felt so odd. Like if I go and see you perform, you don't stop after everytime you tell us something sexual and remind us you're totally kidding. We get it, you're telling jokes. It felt really odd in context and distracted from the stories, and only added to the whole, not funny aspect of the book. It felt like I was reading about someone else completely with the word vagina thrown in here and there as a reminder of who wrote it. It almost felt as if she had something to prove and instead of owning her crude, unapologetic humor, she was shying away from it, while claiming not to.
To be clear I am a huge fan of Amy Schumer, just not of this memoir. I'll stick with her movies, tv show and stand up.
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considering the author.Schumer has made a career with in your face, no holds barred, unapologetic humor and I was really looking forward to laughing my ass off with her first book. Sadly the laughs never came.
I'm not entirely sure if that was purposeful, or if she just fell short. I'm assuming it was intentional, which I guess is a choice, I'm just not sure why it would be her choice.
Most of the chapters felt very forced for me, like every chapter had to end with a life lesson, literally. It became so formulaic I found myself guessing what the life lesson would be before I reached the end of each chapter. She even begins the book by saying, I do not have any advice or life lessons for you, and then proceeds chapter after chapter to try and give us advice and life lessons. t felt almost like she was trying so hard to show that she is more then just a stand up comedian, and we can learn from her, which I absolutely believe is true, however the way she went about it just felt so pushed and out of context.
There were some really great chapters that gave huge insight into a darker part of her life, which I loved! I think they could have been even stronger if the overall book had felt more lighthearted. Something Amy Poehler did wonderfully in her book! Just to throw out a comparison. You can be funny and still give us insight and depth.
The chapters where she truly opened about her abuse, the shooting in the theatre where they were showing her movie, and her relationship with her mother all were really well written and drew me, and captivated me. It did what I feel a memoir should do, and that is to allow me to understand you more, scars and all.
Overall though, sadly, I felt the book was mostly just sort of meh. Not at all what I was expecting. I applaud her wanting to give us another side to her then just the nasty, foul mouthed comic, but when that is who you have shown us, and made us fall in love with, I feel like maybe don't abandon us so quickly. She also continuously threw in JKJK after almost any crude joke she told, like we needed her to remind us it was a joke? It felt so odd. Like if I go and see you perform, you don't stop after everytime you tell us something sexual and remind us you're totally kidding. We get it, you're telling jokes. It felt really odd in context and distracted from the stories, and only added to the whole, not funny aspect of the book. It felt like I was reading about someone else completely with the word vagina thrown in here and there as a reminder of who wrote it. It almost felt as if she had something to prove and instead of owning her crude, unapologetic humor, she was shying away from it, while claiming not to.
To be clear I am a huge fan of Amy Schumer, just not of this memoir. I'll stick with her movies, tv show and stand up.
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LibraryThing member justacatandabook
Amy Schumer's book comes out at a time when it seems like every celebrity in the world has a book out: some collection of essays about their life, showcasing how funny they are and what their life is like as a celebrity. In Schumer's, we hear about her life from childhood to her post Trainwreck
I found this book to be a refreshing and engaging celebrity book. It carried a surprising depth. I don't know a ton about Schumer, but loved Trainwreck and have had a crush on her for ages. That crush has only intensified upon reading her book, as I discovered several similarities between us: introverts who love hotdogs and have complicated relationships with their mothers, who both internalize stress to the point where it makes us sick. We're a match made in heaven! But, seriously, Schumer is an excellent writer, and her book is an easy read, with well-written and wonderful essays that range from humorous to serious (and often both).
Her book avoided all of my usual celebrity autobiography/memoir/essay pet peeves. In this book, we really learn about Schumer, instead of just a few token stories. I was fascinated to hear about her career trajectory: you get a great look into how hard she worked in her early years as a comedian. In addition, we actually get a lot of insight into her early life-- her childhood and teenage years. What I love is that she comes across as a real human being, instead of giving us a book that is simply full of polished, trite jokes and well-worn stories.
In fact, while parts of the book make you laugh out loud, other places make you empathize with Schumer. The book is funny, but not too funny or fake funny. And it's serious without preaching. She covers topics such as sexual assault, gun control, her father's MS, her relationship with her parents, and other serious childhood experiences that molded her, with a realism that is refreshing. Sure, there are a few "woe is me" moments about how hard it is to be a celebrity, or what it's like to have money, but they are few and far between. By the end, I admired Amy even more as a person and a comedian, and my crush will continue on stronger than ever.
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success and nearly everything in between: her friendships, her relationships, her parents, and her growth as a comedian. And, of course, a lot about sex. The book is told in a series of chapters - essays if you will - each one covering a particular moment in Schumer's life. They don't go in any particular order, but cover the gamut of her range of experiences. I found this book to be a refreshing and engaging celebrity book. It carried a surprising depth. I don't know a ton about Schumer, but loved Trainwreck and have had a crush on her for ages. That crush has only intensified upon reading her book, as I discovered several similarities between us: introverts who love hotdogs and have complicated relationships with their mothers, who both internalize stress to the point where it makes us sick. We're a match made in heaven! But, seriously, Schumer is an excellent writer, and her book is an easy read, with well-written and wonderful essays that range from humorous to serious (and often both).
Her book avoided all of my usual celebrity autobiography/memoir/essay pet peeves. In this book, we really learn about Schumer, instead of just a few token stories. I was fascinated to hear about her career trajectory: you get a great look into how hard she worked in her early years as a comedian. In addition, we actually get a lot of insight into her early life-- her childhood and teenage years. What I love is that she comes across as a real human being, instead of giving us a book that is simply full of polished, trite jokes and well-worn stories.
In fact, while parts of the book make you laugh out loud, other places make you empathize with Schumer. The book is funny, but not too funny or fake funny. And it's serious without preaching. She covers topics such as sexual assault, gun control, her father's MS, her relationship with her parents, and other serious childhood experiences that molded her, with a realism that is refreshing. Sure, there are a few "woe is me" moments about how hard it is to be a celebrity, or what it's like to have money, but they are few and far between. By the end, I admired Amy even more as a person and a comedian, and my crush will continue on stronger than ever.
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LibraryThing member dougcornelius
If you like Amy, then you will like this funny, raw collection of autobiographical stories. It's not trying to tell her story it's bite sized stories.
The audiobook, read by Amy herself, may be the best way to enjoy this book. It will inevitably make you the person laughing to himself.
The audiobook, read by Amy herself, may be the best way to enjoy this book. It will inevitably make you the person laughing to himself.
LibraryThing member ecataldi
I don't know why I didn't expect to love this but I'm sure glad I was wrong. This book was awesome! I pretty much only know Amy Schumer from Trainwreck, I've never watched her show or her stand-ups so I didn't have any pre-conceived notions about her really. Which was kind of nice, it made her
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really down to earth even though she's clearly quite famous. In the same vein as Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, or Amy Poehler, this book virtually convinces the reader that you should be best friends with Amy, she's so relatable, funny, and real. Gah, I sound like such a fangirl. But really, I went from virtually no opinion on Amy to number one fan (except for my friend Moffett, no one can top that kind of crazy!). This book isn't a memoir it's more of a mishmash of stories, lists, photos, opinions, and comedy. It's got a little something for everyone. It can be downright hilarious hearing about her hook ups and shenanigans and then it can take a completely serious turn as she discusses her dad's MS or the shooting at one of her movie screenings. I loved all of it and I look forward to reading more of her stuff in the future. Show Less
LibraryThing member Citizenjoyce
I read Amy Schumer's The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo even though I'm frequently disappointed with comedian's autobiographies. Some of it was pretty wonderful: when she speaks about rape and abuse and also when she talks about body acceptance. But then she has to throw in her "just to be
In my book club last month someone threw out the statement that it takes a certain kind of woman to get herself into an abusive relationship. Maybe I should give the book to her just for that.
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shocking" humor, and I'm not shocked, just bored and disappointed. In my book club last month someone threw out the statement that it takes a certain kind of woman to get herself into an abusive relationship. Maybe I should give the book to her just for that.
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LibraryThing member MinDea
Amy Schumer is one of my favorite comedians. She is funny, kind, smart and honest. I've seen her live once and can not wait to see her on her next tour. When I heard she had a book coming out I couldn't wan't to read it. I got it through Book of the Month (love this book subscription). I finally
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picked it up last week, but found myself not loving it. I found the stories interesting, but sometimes felt forced jokes in them and the chapters seemed a bit rambling and random at times. About half way through the book, my opinion started to change. I was actually laughing out loud at times, but also really enjoying each chapter. I don't know if my mood changed or the writing changed, but I absolutely loved the second half of the book. I would definitely recommend this book. Not only is it funny, but it is smart, insightful and empowering. Show Less
LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
This book is both humorous and honest (painfully at times) and a delight to read. Despite her success, Amy Schumer is easy to relate to and inspiring to look up to. She comes across as honest, flawed, confident, and assertive. She is one of the people I envy, those who know themselves well and stay
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true to themselves. I highly recommend this book and if you listen to audiobooks, I will say that listening to this story in Amy Schumer's own voice is an additional treat. Show Less
LibraryThing member Narshkite
I like Amy Schumer. I respect her talent, her vulnerability, her feminism, her intelligence, and her work ethic. I liked Trainwreck quite a bit, and she is enjoyable on the red carpet. All that said, though there are brilliant moments in her stand up and her tv show, and I have great respect for
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her, I simply don't enjoy watching it most of the time (though there are some sketches that I think are genius.) Not every act is for every viewer. But I like this book which is smart, sometimes funny, and really empowering for younger women Show Less
LibraryThing member rosechimera
I love biographies and autobiographies. I don't care who they are about, whether I like them or not, what their job is, or anything. Have your accountant write an autobiography, I will love it. And I enjoy Amy Schumer talking about herself. But the book, while often funny,feels almost tortured like
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she's not into it. Or I could be projecting, I wonder if subconsciously while reading it, if I remembered some interaction she had with her rape apologist writer and his detractors and therefore was sort of dejected about spending time with her book. When somebody is greatly lacking self-awareness, autobiographies seem like a lie, and even entertaining lies feel kind of pointless and empty. Show Less
LibraryThing member jhullie
I expected a rollicking read of hilarious anecdotes about sex and men but instead I read about serious issues like family members with MS, the importance of gun control laws after a shooting in a theatre showing Trainwreck. Don't get me wrong Amy still writes her funny stuff too but she has a depth
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and seriousness that I never knew about. I was sad when the book ended and I rushed right home to get my Trainwreck DVD out. Good job Amy! Show Less
LibraryThing member TulsaTV
Real and funny. Real funny.
LibraryThing member brakketh
Less humorous and more wrenching then I expected.
LibraryThing member nivramkoorb
This is 5th or 6th book that I have by a female humorist(Tina Fey, Emma Klein, Leno Dunham, Amy Poehler and now this) and they were all very good. I couldn't rate this higher because it was bit long and not very groundbreaking. On the good side, it was funny especially in her narrative. She dealt
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with some serious stuff but also gave us insight into her upbringing etc. There was a little bit too much telling us how well she treats people now that she is a star but it certainly looks like she has gotten where she is through hard work and talent. I do enjoy her work but I think one book by her would be enough. Show Less
LibraryThing member Baochuan
A memoir that you expected from a comedian.
LibraryThing member Gingermama
I picked up this audio book expecting Amy Schumer's usual brand of humor, and wasn't disappointed on that score. But I was also pleasantly surprised to find so much more here. Amy opens up about her life -- including the painful bits -- and shares stories about her past that not everyone would have
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the moxie to do. I give her credit for her honesty, and admire her loyalty to friends and family. Overall, an interesting, enjoyable, and very funny read. (Amy herself gives a hilarious reading of the audio version.) Show Less
LibraryThing member jameshold
Okay, truth is I didn't read it. I picked it up in the store and skimmed thru it about 10 minutes. Having seen bits and pieces of her 'comedy' act...mostly about various body parts...I wasn't expecting much. A brief glance confirmed it. I can't see any sober, un-stoned person liking this.
LibraryThing member Berly
I really like Amy Schumer as a person. She makes me uncomfortable sometimes because she is so open and uncensored, but I also think she is intelligent, a feminist, honest, hardworking, and, duh, funny! The first half of the book felt like her attempt to be funny on paper, which didn't work all that
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well for me. Kinda raunchy and forced. Then the second half of the book was wonderful. There were less walls and she didn't hide behind the jokes as much. There she talks about body image, abusive relationships, her parents, and a shooting that happened during a viewing of Trainwreck and how strongly she feels about gun control. Don't get me wrong, Schumer still has her authentic potty mouth, but I could feel some of the uncomfortableness of her life without having to laugh it off. I like her very much! Show Less
LibraryThing member rosechimera
I love biographies and autobiographies. I don't care who they are about, whether I like them or not, what their job is, or anything. Have your accountant write an autobiography, I will love it. And I enjoy Amy Schumer talking about herself. But the book, while often funny,feels almost tortured like
Show More
she's not into it. Or I could be projecting, I wonder if subconsciously while reading it, if I remembered some interaction she had with her rape apologist writer and his detractors and therefore was sort of dejected about spending time with her book. When somebody is greatly lacking self-awareness, autobiographies seem like a lie, and even entertaining lies feel kind of pointless and empty. Show Less
LibraryThing member Susan.Macura
Amy Schumer is a very funny woman, but she is also honest and very likable. She can be vulgar, opinionated and charming, often all at once, in this very personable reflection on her life. I enjoy her comedy and loved reading her insights on life, love, family, friends and staying sane in today’s
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world. Show Less
LibraryThing member texascheeseman
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo
Author: Amy Schumer
Publisher: Galley Books
Pgs: 336
Dewey: 792.7028 SCH
Disposition: Irving Public Library - South Campus - Irving, TX
_________________________________________________
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
Amy essays on her life, family, relationships,
_________________________________________________
Genre:
Satire
Actor/Actress
Entertainer
Biographies
Humor
Essays
Why this book:
Because I have loved her work and meant to read this whenever it fell into my hands.
_________________________________________________
The Feel:
Written like you are having a conversation with her instead of her telling you what she wants to.
Favorite Scene / Quote/Concept:
The Open Letter to My Vagina was a helluva mood setter for opening the book.
“People like women with more to their bodies too.” Some prefer women with meat on their souls. Someone who is more than just the meat their skeleton carries around.
The Sigh:
The Amy vs guns essay is heartwrenching. If that many NRA members support background checks, they need to stage a coup and force out the bullshit gun nut mentality of their leadership. Of course, that may be what was at the base of Oliver North being forced out.
Wisdom:
I agree with her take on young girls being brought up as hostesses. My girls were brought up to realize that any bridge can be broken or burned if need be. They don’t have to be nice to everybody. And that what they think and feel is important. And if that makes them as Amy self applies “a cunt” then so be it. This bastard is proud of them.
Juxtaposition:
Talks about learning what kind of person someone is by what they post on Instagram...and admitting that she loves posting pictures of her sister...picking up her dog’s shit while they are walking.
The Unexpected:
As I flipped through the pages of this library book, I found a Jack In The Box reciept. In light of how Amy talks about life and food, it made me giggle, felt almost like a feature of the book rather than something left behind.
Missed Opportunity:
Hot Dogs and Lesbians should totally be a bar.
_________________________________________________
Pacing:
The pace was hit or miss.
Last Page Sound:
I enjoyed it.
_________________________________________________
Author: Amy Schumer
Publisher: Galley Books
Pgs: 336
Dewey: 792.7028 SCH
Disposition: Irving Public Library - South Campus - Irving, TX
_________________________________________________
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
Amy essays on her life, family, relationships,
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sex, and the experiences that shape us all. She gives you a hard glimpse behind the doors of her psyche while giving you a laugh. Heartfelt, harrowing, raucous, romantic...a late night talk with a good friend over ice cream, yogurt...bourbon. _________________________________________________
Genre:
Satire
Actor/Actress
Entertainer
Biographies
Humor
Essays
Why this book:
Because I have loved her work and meant to read this whenever it fell into my hands.
_________________________________________________
The Feel:
Written like you are having a conversation with her instead of her telling you what she wants to.
Favorite Scene / Quote/Concept:
The Open Letter to My Vagina was a helluva mood setter for opening the book.
“People like women with more to their bodies too.” Some prefer women with meat on their souls. Someone who is more than just the meat their skeleton carries around.
The Sigh:
The Amy vs guns essay is heartwrenching. If that many NRA members support background checks, they need to stage a coup and force out the bullshit gun nut mentality of their leadership. Of course, that may be what was at the base of Oliver North being forced out.
Wisdom:
I agree with her take on young girls being brought up as hostesses. My girls were brought up to realize that any bridge can be broken or burned if need be. They don’t have to be nice to everybody. And that what they think and feel is important. And if that makes them as Amy self applies “a cunt” then so be it. This bastard is proud of them.
Juxtaposition:
Talks about learning what kind of person someone is by what they post on Instagram...and admitting that she loves posting pictures of her sister...picking up her dog’s shit while they are walking.
The Unexpected:
As I flipped through the pages of this library book, I found a Jack In The Box reciept. In light of how Amy talks about life and food, it made me giggle, felt almost like a feature of the book rather than something left behind.
Missed Opportunity:
Hot Dogs and Lesbians should totally be a bar.
_________________________________________________
Pacing:
The pace was hit or miss.
Last Page Sound:
I enjoyed it.
_________________________________________________
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LibraryThing member villemezbrown
Schumer manages a nice balance of humor and serious revelations about herself and her family.
LibraryThing member gaillamontagne
Memoir written and read my Amy Schumer, is heartfelt, shocking, but creates sympathy for her and other young women who have had similar experiences. Schumer grew up in a family of alcoholics and was forced to be the adult in the family after her parents divorced. Amy ended up trying to raise her
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little sister. Her mom made the mistake of treating her young daughter as a roommate rather than taking the role of a responsible adult. Shumer is candid, honest, funny, crass, bold, disgusting at times, and, has the tendency to gain weight with which most of us can relate. She endeavors to empower women to be comfortable in their own skin, body type, and place in the world. (really, make your own place.) She shared very sensitive and private details with the intention of being honest and not to shock. I appreciated her story but it should come with a "warning" label. Show Less
LibraryThing member sprainedbrain
I have always thought Amy Schumer was funny, but I’ve not gone out of my way to see her stuff, and wasn’t planning to read this book. I’m so glad I did! I listened to the audio, read by Amy, and absolutely loved it. I laughed, I cried, and I was surprised. She is hilarious, unashamed, crude,
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
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and so very human and relatable.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
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LibraryThing member decaturmamaof2
I love Amy's voice here. Always authentic, frequently funny, and often moving
LibraryThing member readingover50
I really enjoyed this book. I am a fan of Amy Schumer's comedy, but this book made me like her even more. I appreciate how unapologetic she is about her life and her actions. I was surprised to learn that she is an introvert, and I am so happy she shared that with everyone. People need to know that
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you can be an introvert and not be shy. You just value your alone time. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2017)
Language
Original publication date
2016
Physical description
viii, 323 p.; 24 cm
ISBN
9781501139888