Review by CJ

Page count:
329

Format:
Hardcover

ISBN:
978-1-4472-3832-4

Furiously Happy is labelled as “A Funny Book About Horrible Things” and this is the perfect way to describe it. Jenny Lawson, AKA The Bloggess, takes readers on a journey through mental and physical illness, trips to Australia, aquatic attacks and many other quirky tales with her unique storytelling.

Furiously Happy isn’t a book that will appeal to everyone as it does frequently deal with issues such as self-harm, mental illness and chronic pain. Similar to life, amongst the harsh realities are funny, inspiring and shocking stories (I did not know it was illegal to hold a koala in most Australian states).

As a whole, I loved Furiously Happy. From the furiously happy raccoon (Rory) on the cover to the treasured content.

Jenny Lawson has a wonderful sense of humour. She is also talented in her ability to explain living with mental illness and chronic pain that is sometimes very funny and sometimes not but is always insightful. Within just the introduction, I had laughed aloud three times and had something in my eye at one point. Throughout the rest of Furiously Happy I laughed aloud until tears streamed down my face and was touched by the inspiring stories of survival against the betrayal of ones own mind/body.

Lawson does explain early on that she is discussing her experiences with mental illness and chronic pain which may be very different to how others experience these things. However, I would still recommend Furiously Happy to anyone who suffers or has suffered from self doubt, anxiety, depression, chronic pain or has a loved one who does. You too might just learn a thing or two about becoming furiously happy. If not? You’ll get a good laugh out of a true aquatic possum or bird attack story.

Rating: