Broken (In the Best Possible Way) is a mixed collection of chapters: some are laugh-so-hard-you-cry funny, others are brutally honest depictions of mental illness and the treatments needed to be okay, and then there are chapters which I can only describe as quiet reflections on life. Jenny Lawson is known for balancing the outrageously funny with the darker chapters. Even in chapters that are not funny at all she usually has a turn of phase that will make you laugh for a second. In her latest book Jenny moves away from that need to always interject humor. It’s still there in the funny chapters (my favorites were the one where she kept losing her shoe and the tweets from people who experienced hilariously awkward situations), but the reflective chapters are more quiet, whimsical, and artsy. She doesn’t try to move into the humor, but lets the chapters stand as they are. Having read her previous books multiple times, it’s interesting to see her style change a little in this book. Kind of like listening to a beloved artist’s new album: there’s a lot familiar, but some new styles as well. If you’re already a fan of Jenny’s work then you’re going to enjoy this new book as well.

*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review ( )

I've been reading Jenny Lawson's on and off for years. She's always had a mix of hilarity and deeply thoughtful things to say about navigating life with multiple chronic health conditions as well as severe depression and anxiety.

Her books have that same mix and this is no exception. The audio editions read by her are wonderful because you truly get her stories in her voice.

There were chapters that made me aware of the invisible mental and physical health issues that people may be struggling through without me being aware. Some of it was heartbreaking (such as her open letter to her medical insurance company) and other parts were incredibly insightful and lovely.

Then there are the chapters that made me laugh out loud while driving around in my car totally alone. The one about why she can never go to the post office again is the best. Another favorite is the one where her social media followers shared their most embarrassing moments. I need to play those two chapters for my husband.

As always, time with Jenny made me laugh, made me cry, and made me appreciate all the little things in life. ( )

3.5 stars - It wasn't as funny as her last book "Furiously Happy". It was kind of half funny and half thoughtful/deep essays/ramblings. Also, WAY too many mentions of danger noodles (yes my phobia is to the point where I can't even say the word)!!!

Also, apparently I didn't understand the "why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side" joke either until I read this book!!!!! Omg ( )

I’m so grateful that Jenny Lawson continues to share her gift of humor as she opens-up to readers about coping with depression and anxiety. Broken (in the best possible way) is an excellent addition to her previous books, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened and Furiously Happy. In Broken, Jenny keeps inquiring minds up to date with stories of hilarious life moments that had me laughing until I cried. She also shares very serious stories that drive home the real struggles of depression. I appreciate her transparency and advocacy for all people. It’s obvious that she is a very kind, caring person.

I own a signed copy of Broken that I picked up at my local independent bookstore, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, when this book was released. I chose to listen to the audiobook because Jenny narrates, and it’s the best possible way to enjoy her stories. At the end of the audiobook, she tells how she recorded the book in her closet because it was during the pandemic. I remember seeing her social posts about that experience. Speaking of social media, I follow Jenny on Instagram and X and love her posts. If you don’t already, give her a follow on your preferred platform.

My husband and I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Jenny Lawson when she was on book tour for You Are Here: An Owner’s Manual for Dangerous Minds. My author event blog post is linked below for your convenience. She is just as wonderful in person!

I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog ( )

I've been getting really tired of the toxic positivity type of self-help books, the ones that are all like, "Girl, all you need is a clean face!" and, "You can figure out ANYTHING!" Ummm... screw that. Sometimes life is tough, sometimes it really sucks, and some of us deal with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that no amount of face-washing can ever fix. So Jenny Lawson's books are a breath of fresh air in an otherwise pretty toxic string of books that poke you in the eye with the constant reminder that if your life is tough, it's your own damn fault. So just go wash your face again.

This was my first foray into Lawson's work. I wasn't familiar with her before picking up the book, and I found myself happily laughing along (and yelling at Victor) from page one. The mix of genuinely hilarious stories and heartbreaking, first-person accounts of living with depression and anxiety struck just the right balance between light and dark. I found myself nodding along, frequently whispering "Me, too" and "Fuck, yes." Every page offers a beautiful (and non-toxic) reminder that you are enough. You are okay. And you are in good company. ( )