Everybody into the Pool: True Tales

A really excellent memoir, in which (for a refreshing change!) the author's happy, normal childhood leads to her own crazy bohemian existence in San Francisco. Nothing is romanticized (illegal crash pads seem much less enticing when they're suffering from a sewage leak; take that, "Rent"!); everything seems emotionally honest and real. Lisick is so likable and engaging that I almost *do* want to give up my crappy day job and take a stab at la vie boheme...but then I remember that I like my library feces-free. Lisick's a braver woman than I! And a terrific writer.

I relate to Beth Lisick. While she had a quite normal and uneventful childhood, she found herself as part of the "counter culture." I don't really fit in well with the middle-America of my childhood, and I'm not sure why. Lisick seems to have similar issues. We can both fake it really well, though.

The main difference between Beth Lisick and myself? She figured out a way to make a living doing what she enjoys. I'm still figuring that part out.

But that's one of the main reasons I enjoyed this book so much. Here is an example of someone who didn't make it huge, didn't aim for the stratosphere of recognition and fame, but eked out a modest living doing what she wants to do. She's got the house with the white picket fence, never mind that show more it's in a really rough neighborhood and her neighbor is a drug dealer. He's a better neighbor than the ones I have here in this "out in the county" housing development full of people with "regular" employment. The story about the unkempt lawn is one I related to quite personally.

Lisick's stories are personal and honest accounts of a life spent doing what had to be done in order to live the life she wanted. She works hard, no matter the job. She's an inspiration. show less

Gosh I liked this book!

It was funny, smart and unexpected. Lisick stikes such a new and true cord with this book of essays.

I really reading about her completely crazy life on the fringe from her somewhat straightlaced and unflappable perspective.

I wasn't familiar with her before I read this book but you better believe I will keep my eye out for her work in the future!

This book was hilarious! The author can really juxtapose funny and serious images. It's the kind of book you want to give someone else.

This book goes solidly into the “not for me” pile. I didn’t find Lisick’s alternative lifestyle interesting, or humorous, or in the least bit respectable or necessary. I’m sure it would appeal to some, hence the two stars instead of just one, but in my case, I’m just glad it’s off of my to-be-read shelf.

This book's good, but I was only reading it because I wanted to have written it. Does that make sense? Three stars!

she's funny and amazing. and she's led the kind of life that the average person usually dreams about. i may have a girl crush on her.