I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
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Book Reviews of I Was Told There'd Be Cake
Book Review: Tomato Tomaato
Summary: 4 Stars
It would be interesting to find out the demographics of the people giving this book bad to moderate reviews. I'm guessing that most of them are not from the same generation as Sloane Crosley. So it's understandable if they cannot relate to her and the life experiences described in her essays. But just because THEY can't relate, doesn't mean this is a bad book or that Ms. Crosley is a bad writer, and it certainly doesn't mean that people should be leaving bad reviews. Ms. Crosley is not writing to that audience anyway.
If you DO happen to come from the same generation and background as the author (like myself), or just happen to have an appreciation for intelligent and witty writing, then I think you will find this book to be an incredibly engaging and interesting read far above the usual chick-lit fare. While I do agree that there were parts of the book I was expecting to be funnier, the chapters that did have me laughing outloud more than made up for it (The Ursula Cookie, You On A Stick, and Smell This -- to name a few). This book is definitely worth your time.
Book Review: Not impressed
Summary: 1 Stars
While I felt that Crosley's quirky topics were mildly entertaining, I have to say I disagree with other reviewers that she has promise and talent. In my opinion, she is quite simply not a very good writer. I didn't even finish the book. She certainly doesn't belong among the ranks of great humorists like David Sedaris (the comparison being the reason I bought this book in the first place).Book Review: Petulance, perhaps?
Summary: 3 Stars
"... if a soup kitchen is set up in a forest and no news crews are around to see it because they all saw THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT and they'll be damned if they're setting one foot in the woods for some stinkin' homeless people, does it count? Somehow I don't think so." - Author Sloane Crosley
I've been considering the title of Sloane Crosley's book, I WAS TOLD THERE'D BE CAKE, trying to perceive the message it sends to the potential reader. I can't quite put my finger on it. It's catchy, though; I like it.
The volume itself is a series of essays on the author's reactions to the minor injustices, unmet expectations, petty annoyances, imponderables, absurdities, and anxieties of her young life. As of today, she's still in her late twenties.
Perhaps the best chapter is the one entitled "You on a Stick", wherein she describes the experience of being chosen as the maid-of-honor by an engaged, former high school "friend" that she barely remembers. A deer caught in headlights is less inconvenienced, apparently.
Perhaps my favorite essayist that ruminates on life and the human condition is Barbara Holland (Endangered Pleasures: In Defense of Naps, Bacon, Martinis, Profanity, and Other Indulgences, When All the World Was Young: A Memoir, Wasn't the Grass Greener?: Thirty-three Reasons Why Life Isn't as Good as It Used to Be). Her view of the world incorporates a certain wisdom and common sense that have evolved from several decades of living beyond what Crosley has experienced. The point I'm trying to make is that Sloane's musings, while certainly diverting and engaging, might perhaps only be taken seriously and thought profound by someone no more than thirty. She has a flair for expression, however, that, seasoned by the years to come, should result in a perception and literary talent that rivals Holland's. Thus, and perhaps unfairly, I'm awarding I WAS TOLD THERE'S BE CAKE only three stars not for what it is now but rather in comparison to the book it could become in 30-40 years.
Of course, somebody age 90, or thirty years older than I am now, may comment that this review is nonsense and I should give credit where credit is due. As a matter of fact, you're welcome to say that no matter what your age.
Returning to the mood conveyed by the title. Petulance, perhaps, or a growing sense of disappointment? I really do like it for its cleverness.
Book Review: Not funny
Summary: 2 Stars
This book was fine but no where in the class of the worst book of Sedaris. Chelsea Handler books are funnier. Chelsea Handler? Yes totally. She's hilarious - Sloan is just whiney.Book Review: Expected more
Summary: 2 Stars
I should have realized that this would be a bit on the superficial side but the comparisons to NPR essayists got me to buy it. Definitely lacks substance and the wry humor that I'd hoped for.