Not to be controversial or start a whole thing, but Jenny Slate is doing what Miranda July thinks she’s doing. That whole intense, weird quirkiness but with meaning behind it? I just think Slate is so much better at it and comes across as way more natural and sincere. I remembered only sort of liking Slate's other book “Little Weirds” and giving it 3 stars, so I revisited my review for that one. I think this release is similar but her ideas were a bit more organized, and she perhaps had a better grasp on what she was truly capable of as a writer.

The various pieces can be a bit rambly and stream of consciousness in parts, but are then deeply poetic without warning in the best way. There’s an amazing essay in which she reimagines part of the plot of Ghostbusters, specifically from the POV of Dana. (I sometimes do that with movies I like, too! Inserting myself into the plot and completely rearranging things or continuing after the credits.) There is also a genuinely beautiful piece about the aging and death of family members that I found very moving. (Though this may be the one and only thing to be aware of as far as possible trigger warnings. It's also deeply sad.)

There WERE a couple of parts during which I had a difficult time following her. I couldn’t really picture what she was describing or figure out what she was trying to say. But the rest of the book more than made up for these moments. It’s kind of tough to explain unless you just read it, but the way she talks about things like Anxiety, aging and Depression is so real and harsh and relatable. I also really like the dark humor in her writing, because one moment she’ll be going on and on about how she’s the happiest she’s ever been and then immediately she’ll be talking about being painfully aware of her own mortality. (For example.) But the actual jokes are quite weird and funny.

I’m visiting Boston in October, because I used to live there and I miss it. I recently found out that Jenny Slate will actually be there promoting this very book the night BEFORE I arrive! Sadly, I’ve already purchased my plane tickets. The absolute tragedy of this timing is almost poetic and I think she would appreciate it.

4.5 stars

Thanks so much to Netgalley and to the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

Jenny Slate’s writing is ethereal, gentle, and strange in the very best way. She captures the intersections of reality and imagination in such a whimsical-yet-analytical form, and it always makes my heart sing just a little bit. I loved the first half of this book, particularly the sections about the raccoon and eavesdropping at lunch. There is just a human quality to these essays. However, as a young woman who is really struggling with the concept of the desire to not ever have children, I did not relate to the second half and found myself skimming it at times. This has nothing to do with the writing or Slate’s talent, but my own aversion to the idea of myself as a mother at this point in my life.

I knew when I saw that Jenny Slate was releasing a new book, that it would be strange, poetic, and deeply affecting. That is exactly what this turned out to be. She uses the absolute strangest metaphors and allegories to push forth some of the most beautiful, relatable experiences of womanhood. Her imagery is quirky and memorable (i.e, the baby seal). Some of the stories were a bit more difficult to understand, but that could be me not being a mother preventing me from understanding. Overall, I loved this book and will cherish it. I think it would make a great gift to a mother-to-be!

This was an entertaining and insightful quick nonfiction read. I haven’t had the best luck reading nonfiction by celebrities but this one felt like a door that was opened into Slate’s world and it felt like a friend was telling their story.

While Jenny Slate's stand-up comedy and comedic acting roles are very accessible and hilarious (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On! Mona-Lisa Saperstein!), her writing is often the complete opposite. While I found her debut selection of stories LITTLE WEIRDS delightful, though somewhat.. weird (of course), I found her latest LIFEFORM even more weirder and harder to crack. While I certainly don't mind surreal, Slate truly takes the whimsical surrealness she is known for to a whole new level.

I was so excited to dive into her thoughts about being a new mom, especially since I'm currently pregnant. I related to some parts, but not all. The stories are fantastical and strange, and I'm sure some people will be VERY into this vibe, but it just wasn't working for me at the end of the day. I'm not mad I read it though. I still admire how inventive and creative she is, and how she makes me laugh a lot in other ways!