Bitter is the New Black - Jen Lancaster (2006)

My sister told me about this author that made her laugh non-stop while she quickly read through her books. After reading Pillars of the Earth this past summer (and its 900+ pages) I found myself in the Book World store on Bridge Street in Charlevoix looking for a good summer laugh. I had passed this store many times on walks into town and noticed the one copy of Lancaster’s book displayed prominently in the front window. Figuring this was my “fun summer-make you want to laugh-easy read” book I plucked the novel from the window, paid my “not-so-Costco-discounted” full price and headed home!

Yes, it is March and I am just now blogging this story, but I really did finish it in February! This was an easy read and one that I read on and off as more Ken Follett passed through my hands. Lancaster is hilarious. She’s got a witty way of analyzing people, expressing her opinion and telling you through the use of footnotes, how she really feels. Going from a six-digit paying job to unemployment we watch Lancaster transform into someone who is bound and determined not to let society ruin her life. She explores the complexities of large corporate businesses and their lack of concern for those who apply for their job openings. She finds that many times she is too qualified for positions and is refused at the first interview. Anyone that says they will be in touch with her for a second interview is sure not to call back. Even her husband, Fletch, ends up in the unemployment line with her and falls into a great depression as they move from their “dream” apartment into one in a mixed neighborhood (I say that lightly… Surely Lancaster would have a better way of describing the crowd!).

I have to say, this was probably the funniest book I have read in a very, very long time. It was amusing, clever and well written. I now follow Jen Lancaster on Twitter (@altgeldshrugged) and am planning on purchasing the next book as soon as my birthday present iPad arrives! If you are looking for a good laugh in the ‘chick-lit’ category, check out Jen Lancaster.