The original blurb for Jenny Noa’s <i>Bad Dreams</i> (I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, which does not influence my thoughts) misadvertises the book somehow, calling it a memoir (the word is missing from the final description). It also mentions humility and humour. This made me expect to find another favourite author – I love Jenny Lawson, Samantha Irby, Allie Brosh, Marian Keyes, and I set my expectations right there, which is a bar near impossible to clear.

Noa’s… notes feel more like blog posts than anything else (she mentions that she has reused blog entries). Some of them don’t really say much or go anywhere. The problem – which the author identifies – is (this is a quote) “I'm just aware enough to know I'm probably doomed. I need outside help and I'm no good asking for it. On top of all this, nothing interests me. It's not a small problem. Any set of job responsibilities fills me with despair. It's all so...mundane.”

My favourite part was the LA part, but the author’s self-depreciation eventually wears off. There are many reasons for her to be, for lack of better word, sad and negative about herself, but a lot of the self-sabotaging is just that, and the self-awareness makes for a painful read sometimes. The tone of the subtitle, ‘Would-Be Has-Been’, suggests exactly what we’re going to get; no false advertising here. “I have complained in these pages about my seeming unwillingness to proceed down a path when the goal is too big. I am facing the hard truth that most goals are too big for me.” Noa achieves things, then is ashamed of having achieved them; then she doesn’t achieve other things, and blames both herself and the world.

The book has been described by another reader as ‘hysterically funny’ – one of the reasons I reached for it. Personally, I didn’t find much humour on those pages. Deeply moving, yes, heartbreaking, occasionally, hilarious, nope. Perhaps (many of those pieces have been performed on stage) the performance doesn’t translate so well to written word. But the word I would go with, if I had to summarise <i>Bad Dreams</i> with just one word, would be ‘resigned’.

<i>Bad Dreams</i> is well-written, often difficult, not extremely engaging (it would also work much better as a blog), and constantly self-effacing. I wonder whether there was self-sabotage involved in writing the book, too. Because I felt it could have been so much better if only the author permitted it to be. The goal could have been bigger.

<i>My ratings:
5* = this book changed my life
4* = very good
3* = good
2* = I should have DNFed
1* = actively hostile towards the reader*</i>

[a copy of this book was provided to me by the published from netgalley. thank you!]

4⭐️

a meditative, gut-wrenching and relatable collection of essays written in a stream of conscious type style. covers themes such as mental health, grief, wellness, peace, and freedom. i enjoyed the writing style, but felt the essays could’ve had more detail or been longer, they almost feel unfinished. overall, a solid memoir in essays.

Jenny’s essays are relatable, and more than a little heartbreaking. The need, or inbuilt rule of being unable to ask for help, even in the darkest of moments is something that a lot of people can identify with.

The semi-stream of consciousness writing style does take a while to adjust to, but it does make the book feel more personal, as if she was sharing her life with you directly. As someone who has always been a performer who loathed performing, I can 100% relate to Jenny’s desire to be successful, yet unobserved.

Despite this, a number of the essays left me wanting to scream ‘come on woman, either live your dreams, or get on with it!’

Some compelling, but mostly just relatable essays.

This is an extraordinary book which is a great read! I loved the vulnerability that this book brought.

I love the cover of Bad Dreams, and the synopsis sounded interesting. I also love Los Angeles, which. is where the book. is set, however, Jenny Noa's writing style was not for me. I found it hard to engage with and that it detracted from the writing. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
A younger audience may appreciate this more, or readers who enjoy mixed genres or steam-of-consciousness writing.

3.5!
Not what I expected , but the authors writing style was nice..It’s an extraordinary read that way, although, for me, not necessarily an enjoyable read.

Jenny Noa’s Bad Dreams is a poignant and darkly funny exploration of ambition, identity, and the unexpected detours life throws our way. This debut essay collection delves into Noa’s journey from chasing creative fulfillment in Los Angeles to confronting the obstacles— both external and internal— that stood in her way.
With sharp wit and unflinching honesty, Noa unpacks her complicated relationship with her mother, the grief of losing her young husband, her struggles with mental health, and even the time a possum wandered into her bedroom. These moments are layered with insight and humility, creating a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
At its core, Bad Dreams is about the painful process of letting go of long-held aspirations and learning to accept oneself. It’s a touching, humorous, and unsparing memoir.