Book Review
Title: Broken by Jenny Lawson
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating: 5 Stars
I have heard so much about Jenny Lawson’s books especially this one which if I have read reviews correctly focuses on Lawson’s issues with her mental health over the years which is something I can relate to. From the introduction alone I can already tell I am going to enjoy Lawson’s writing if nothing else and she is open and honest and doesn’t sugar coat anything which is sorely needed in this area. Honestly, Lawson starts the book off on an hilarious note as she talks about how her ADD affects her life leading the an amazing explanations on how she continues to lose her shoes while wearing them. At first, I looked at the title with completely confusion that soon became pure amusement as I attempted to hold in my laughter since I have done something similar but without Lawson’s regularity and her internal thoughts are pure comedy.
Lawson definitely does shy away from some of the things she has said and done in life which was incredibly embarrassing and I commend her for it. Reading the list of things she has said at social gathering but didn’t get the reaction she expected gave me second hand embarrassment because I have genuinely been in that situation and how awkward it is but you cant take the words back. Lawson’s descriptions of her panic attacks and social anxiety are so interesting to read about as I suffer with anxiety and panic attacks myself and social anxiety so it made me feel seen in a way I never have before. I also really appreciated how she has gone through with book signings and meetings even though they are incredibly draining for her because she understands how it makes other people feel seen and normal in a way some might not have felt before.
I have to be completely honest and say that Lawson is definitely the most relatable author I have read from in my entire life, from the way she sees the world to how she sees her own mental and physical illnesses is so similar to my own it’s scary at times. The entire conversation between Lawson and her sister about how male dogs know to lift their leg while female squat and the chaos it turns into was hilarious and reminded me of some conversations I’ve had with friends over the years. Even though I’m only 25% done with the book I am saying now even if you don’t read non-fiction or memoirs please give this book a go because you are definitely going to laugh your ass off and if you don’t them you might have been abducted by aliens (laugh if you get the reference). One thing that absolutely shocked me about this book was Lawson’s experience with health insurance. Coming from the UK I obviously don’t have to deal with this and get my antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication free from the NHS but hearing how she has to fight medical gaslighting to this day and often loses that fight forcing her to pay hundreds of dollars for medications that keep her healthy and relatively sane was heart-breaking especially for someone like me that has struggled with mental health for over half of my life.
I really loved the way Lawson looks at depression and anxiety, while she does make some jokes she is also serious about the effects these illnesses have on her and her family. I loved how she explained that some days you know you need to eat and shower but only have the energy to do one of those things ad have to choose carefully. I also liked how she links agoraphobia as a side effect of depression and anxiety which is another thing I can relate to as I don’t leave my room much less the house unless it is absolutely necessary which means I do miss a lot of appointment as I talk myself out of going to them but there is light at the end of the tunnel. However, she does note that more often than not that light only comes to the people that have the support whether it is emotionally or financially to get through treatment and this isn’t the case for everyone. It is a true testament to Lawson’s writing skill of how she can make me cry laughing with stories others have shared with her about their real life blunders to sobbing hysterically as she discusses the reality of dealing with her grandmother’s dementia. That chapter really hurt my heart and she discusses watching her grandmother lose herself bit by bit but taking what joy she can in the stories that pour from her but also understanding that one day her grandmother won’t come back at all.
At this point I binge read the first half of the book with overwhelming emotions on various ends of the spectrum before I had to sleep but I picked it straight back up the very next day. Lawson’s journey in dealing with both chronic illness and mental health was inspiring to read about but the thing that made me laugh the most was her discussing her relationship with her husband, Victor. Having been married for over two decades she looks back on how they have stayed together that long through all the rough patches they have had and it was endearing in its honesty. She makes it clear that things haven’t been smooth sailing over the years and they have contemplated divorce more than once but never went through with it because she was too lazy to fill out the necessary paperwork and I’ve never read anything more real or relatable in my life. It also made me look forward to when I have these experiences despite how bad they might seem at the time because having someone to share those burdens and experiences with sounds amazing.
I know I keep repeating about how well Lawson has portrayed mental illness in this book but it is a point I want to hammer home. In many books both fiction and non-fiction I have read, mental illness and mental health issues are glamourised and often airbrushed but Lawson reveals the almost terrifying reality of living with conditions like depression and anxiety and how they make the most routine things like shopping and answering the phone seems like Mount Everest and I completely agree, only monsters call when they could text. Also, the entire sequence of notes between Lawson and the various editors for her books are the most hilarious I’ve ever read and honestly I felt like I am both Lawson and the editor depending on the day and my mood. Just reading about these ordinary and extraordinary moments in Lawson’s life and how she deals with them alongside being a writer, wife and mother was amazing. I honestly understand the hype around Broken now and I will definitely be picking up more of her books in the near future as I have laughed so hard at a book in years. Highly recommended!
Buy it here:
Paperback/Hardcover: amazon.co.uk amazon.com
Kindle Edition: amazon.co.uk amazon.com
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