You'll Grow Out of It

I’ve spent most of my teen years/adult life feeling as though I don’t quite measure up when it comes to modern femininity. I was the tomboy who carried a man’s wallet in the butt pocket of her Levi’s, never quite grasping the concept of makeup. How to wear it. Where to put it. Still haven’t, I’m afraid. I feel most comfortable in the quintessential jeans and t-shirt combo, complete with Chuck Taylor's on my feet.In Jessi Klein’s You’ll Grow Out of It, we read about Jessi’s experiences as a tomboy, growing up without her own knowledge of modern femininity. Complete with uni-brow and a package of big-bottomed discount underwear that would never, ever show its face at a Victoria’s Secret, Jessi gives us insight into what it’s like going from an ugly duckling to swan, although she doesn’t feel she’s anywhere close to being a swan. In fact, there’s a whole chapter devoted to the difference between “Poodles” and “Wolves”, and how some women are destined to be the sexiest things on the planet, while others are built more for the girl-next-door.Even though Jessi and I live totally different lifestyles, I felt her stories on relationships, health, extracurricular activities (in or out of the bedroom), and life in general were relatable. She has a voice that speaks up about the issues no one else would usually feel comfortable talking about, the stuff we tend to put a filter on. It’s a refreshing take on the highs and lows of being a woman.No matter if you’re in or out of the spotlight, you’re still subject to criticism, whether it’s from others or handed out internally. While I feel I’ve adopted a few feminine traits and necessities as I’ve matured, and Jessie has, as well, I get the feeling that no matter what, she’ll never truly feel as though she’s a Poodle, and in the end, she’s totally fine with that. I am, too.

Maybe the positive reviews colored my expectations. (Or maybe it was my own depression) but I expected it to be - well - more funny. Instead it was like reading my best friend's diary. You know...the cute, rich friend. The one who thinks she can relate to you with her body issues (she's skinny with large breasts) and quirky family (2 parent household - both intellectual professionals - you know - perfect). You're working at Taco Bell while she attends Vassar, gets her dream job, marries the love of her life and has a baby.Spoiler alert - she's dumped by her first boyfriend and experiences...bad feelings. Yup. Sounds about right. Oh, and that time she turned down that job offer from Letterman? Tragic. (But don't worry, she got another one.) More whiny than funny, the book didn't make me laugh, it made me sad. If her life is a mess...Damn! Mine is a total freak show.Maybe that's the point? Afterall (Klein points out) if Nicole Kidman is miserable and alone after winning an Oscar and Jessi Klein is miserable and alone after shopping at Bergdorf's, wearing Manolos (albeit uncomfortable ones) and winning her Emmy...think about how the rest of us poor shlubs feel. (Maybe I should drown myself in a bathtub now.) The Carrie Bradshaws of the world should like this book. Me? Not so much.

First off, I really respect Jessi Klein cuz it seems like she actually worked hard to get where she is today in her industry (another industry - like all of them? - that is mainly dominated by men). As a business owner and a woman, I can appreciate and relate to that. I saw the other reviews that talked about how she sounded really privileged and was curious to see how that would play out - mostly just seems like as a kid who didn't have a lot, who grew up into an adult who has worked hard, she is comfortable financially. Not sure why people are hating on that? Anyway, the biggest thing that was hard for me to grapple with was her severe body dysmorphia and constant comparison of herself/all women to pretty much every type of wild and domesticated animal. We've all seen what Jessi Klein looks like - basically Natalie Portman's twin. And yes while we learned that even a princess can feel like dogs*** at the Emmy's... Jessi, if you're reading this please stop bitching about how un-feminine you are or how unshapely your body is. You are a beautiful queen and you're funny - so that makes you an enigma and I don't want to hear it. That said, there were certainly many funny and relatable anecdotes but definitely felt distracted by the things I already mentioned above.

This is a funny book, but that is to be expected from the author, Jessi Klein; she is the head writer for a series on Comedy Central. But really, I laughed out loud on multiple occasions as she reminisced about paying $150.00 for a “thingy” of eye cream, “the circumference of a bottle cap” that left her undereye area worse off. Or when she is talking about how Victoria Secrets sets the standard for what bras and underwear are supposed to look like: The matching set, at a bare minimum, must be “sexy enough for a fifteen-year-old boy to jerk off to.” Her discussion of porn has funny moments: “looking at porn has somehow rewired a primitive, reptilian neural pathway in my brain in such a way that I am now jerking off like a man.” Her discussions about natural childbirth versus the use of an epidural are hilarious: “It's interesting that no one cares very much about the woman doing anything 'naturally' until it involves them being in excruciating pain.” When she was “trying” to get “prego” she was told she didn't have to have sex daily-- she asks her doctor, “But it should be vaginal right?” Lots of funny lines in this memoir-- some serious moments; when she talks about that “sad species of vacation couples go on when it's the last one they'll take together, and sometimes one person knows it, and sometimes both people know it.” I recommend this book.

I LOVED this book. Jessi is both grounded and hilarious. The essays made me feel like I was reading letters from a great mate - one who'd slap you into sense with one hand while passing you wine with the other. I only discovered her when I stumbled upon her 'GET THE EPIDURAL' piece online (I will be getting the epidural) and I went straight to Amazon to buy the book. Great woman.

Thought it was a gay book. It wasn't.But it was in the gay section of the store for some reason!

This was a really fun, light hearted book that addressed important themes we face as women. Beautifully honest and easy reading whilst leaving a message. Easy enough for a holiday read and bard to put down!

Very funny, good read

This is a book that made me sad when I finished reading it! I wanted more! I feel like this woman is in my brain, she is so real and so funny.If you like Mindy Kahling, Amy Shumer, etc then you will probably find this book funny!