Sarah Colonna

After receiving LIFE AS I BLOW IT through Random House’s Early Bird Reads program, I didn’t know what to expect. Honestly, I don’t like ‘Chelsea Lately’ – I like Chelsea Handler’s books, but despise her show, her acting her standup. I took ARE YOU THERE, VODKA? with me on a flight to Japan and was angry when I finished it two hours later. It was that good. Sarah Colonna is a writer and executive producer on ‘Chelsea Lately’, so she had big shoes to fill on this one. Writing show more a book that amuses me as much as the shenanigans in Chelsea Handler’s books is a difficult task, but somehow, Colonna managed to rise to the occasion – and actually might have beat Handler in some aspects.

Colonna’s debut is a mixture of sexcapades, drinking stories, and embarrassing adventures. I don’t identify with Colonna for a second, being an overeducated, prudish homebody who thinks that a fun night out is going to get Korean barbecue and be home by 9 for five episodes of ‘Arrested Development’ for the 50th time and some string cheese for dessert. Once I started this book, I couldn’t stop. From recollections of boyfriends past and her inability to settle down, I was laughing out loud having a great time. With a few exceptions of dull moments and random connecting threads, this book lives up to the expectations given to it as being a book connected to Chelsea Handler’s comedic writing mastery.

If you are into comedic books with a more adult take (IE tales of drinking, drugs, and lots of sex), then LIFE AS I BLOW IT is probably a book for you. The stories are funny, ranging from heartfelt to just plain hilarious. And although I don’t identify with Colonna, I do identify with being a young person who isn’t ready to grow up, be serious, and figure out who I am. I tried that, didn’t really work out well, and I went back to acting like I’m permanently 15 years old pretty quickly.

This story does have a few flaws as I mentioned, but on the whole, it is a laugh-out-loud, snorting-and-chuckling, pass-it-on-to-your-BFF type of book. If you can get past a strange narrative where chapter breaks seem random and stories that just go from one to another with no break, you will really enjoy this, especially if you love Chelsea Handler’s books. Check this one out and be sure to prepare for the laughs, but if you are a real prude and not just a closet freak like me, then you might want to skip this one – or sample it first.

VERDICT: A hilarious romp about sex, lies, and growing up, LIFE AS I BLOW IT will appeal to fans of Chelsea Handler’s books – and then some. show less

In a recent review I wrote for Mindy Kaling's Book, I said that with the exception of Chelsea Handler's first book, books by female comedians are not funny. After reading Life as I Blow It, I have figured out why this is true. Usually they don't appeal to men. Life as I Blow it, DOES! This book is very funny as the author Sarah Colonna, talks about growing up in a small town in Arkansas, going to college, then making the big move to California. Anyone can relate to the desire to not grow up, show more and party way too much. The book goes further though and you learn that she did not just "get lucky" or walk right into a career. You can also see why she and Chelsea are best friends.
This was a very fun book to read. show less

I was super excited to get the chance to read this book before it was released. Sarah Colonna is my favorite regular of the round table on Chelsea Lately. In her book she is just as funny as when she is on the round table. In this book Sarah gives the reader a look at her life; from her childhood, to her bartending days, to being hired as a writer on Chelsea Lately. While the book is filled with hilarious tales she also lets the reader see a different side of her.

I felt the book was show more hilarious and easy for any woman to relate to. I would definitely recommend this to friends and family members. This is a book to share with all your girl friends.

*I received this book from a giveaway by the publisher. That in no way affects the content of my review.* show less

I absolutely love Sarah Colonna so I'll happily read any and every book she puts out there. She writes like she's talking to a friend and that's how it comes across to the reader. I LOVED this book, even more than her first one, which I also loved. I had a lot of laughs and several nods of "I've been there!" while I read it. GREAT BOOK!!