Customer Reviews

Cool, Calm & Contentious

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This book was worth the wait. The writing is so good. It's more of a conversation than a book.

The approach Merrill takes to difficult subjects is extremely clever. Whether she is talking about her mom or her adventures in relationships, she handles it with wit and grace.

When I was done reading the book, I wanted to be able to give her a big hug of thanks. But since I couldn't do that, I wrote this instead.

This is a must buy.

I've always been a huge fan of Merrill Markoe's novels. I bought this book of essays as soon as it came out. Not only is it hilarious (trying to model herself on Jack Kerouac as a desperate-to-be-liked teenager is full of laughs) but incredibly brave and revealing. Markoe writes with honesty, wit and wisdom on a wide range of topics: her impossible-to-please mother, a perfect explanation of the narcissistic personality, or a river rafting trip for women to bond over. Oh, and dogs! Lots and lots of dogs. This book is a treasure.

This was a fun read, especially the parts about Merrill's peculiar yet fascinating mother. She came across as a character we've seen Claude Rains play (and that's why we love Claude Rains). Her 'first time', arty teen, rafting, and 'how to spot an a-word' essays were also fun. I got bogged down with all the dog stuff, but a dog owner may slurp that stuff up like spilled gravy.

Thank you Merrill for writing a book as a true comedian who knows what it means to be a comedian that isn't afraid to be self-reflective and serious at times. This book is poignant, heart breaking and entertaining at the same time. But not in the weird "checked out entertaining" way. I highlighted phrases in this book more times than I can count. Thanks for keeping it real [even alarming] and not being afraid to be you but being downright honest and hilarious at the same time.

So true and yet so hilarious - I could not stop reading it once I started. I saw Merrill being interviewed by Jon Stewart and decided to get the sample for my kindle. Thought it would only be about her mother's travel diaries - bought it anyway because it was so funny. It turns out that it is about many people (and dogs) throughout her life. Her explanation of recognizing (and learning how to cope with) people with narcissistic disorders may save you thousands in therapy sessions.

This was one of my favorite reads of 2011, the chapters about spotting narcissists and losing virginity being well worth the price of admission. And then the opening piece about the mother, complete with the woman's journal entries -- pure genius. The only cons: (1) too much dog; and (2) I didn't like it when she had dialogue with herself and/or her dogs. That said, I can only hope to ever be half as funny and smart as Merrill Markoe.

I cannot imagine anyone thinking this book is anything other than first rate entertainment. I saw the author interviewed on the Jon Stewart show and was left with the impression the book was a collection of short stories about her cranky, judgmental mother, but to my delight, I found myself so engaged in the book I could not put it down. Okay, so maybe it's partly because I'm a dog person, but I also admire a good writer with a great sense of humor, and Markoe nailed it! It's a terrific read and if you're a dog lover, you'll especially enjoy it.

I got this book on my ipad after seeing the author on Jon Stewart. I'm so glad I made the purchase. I went into this not knowing a thing about the author so I had no preconceived opinions. Oh my, what a treasure of insight in the foibles of human nature...herself and others. She doesn't spare herself. I had a narcissistic mother...though not as bad as hers...so I could somewhat relate. Having had dogs my whole life I could not stop laughing at her chapter on why she loves dogs. I tried to read passages of it to my husband and had to stop and let him read it himself since I couldn't stop laughing. I haven't finished the book but have enjoyed every chapter so far. Don't be put off by negative reviews...get a sample first if you can. Highly recommended.

Among her many virtues, Markoe joins a deep understanding of narcissists (especially the ones who have deformed and informed her life) with laugh out loud humor. Comic and humorists may be rooted in the pain and frustration of their childhood among psychologically damaged caregivers, but few have Markoe's insight and practical advice on how to deal with pathologically self-absorbed and solipsistic friends, mates, and relatives. Health care professionals take note. This book is a godsend to anyone who'd like to stop lamenting the limitations of their loved ones, and start laughing instead. Talk about wit AND wisdom!

This was a first -- our book club has been meeting for more than 15 years, and it was the first time the hostess was so mortified at the selection of the book -- Cool, Calm, and Contentious -- that she bought everyone a replacement book.

Based upon online reviews -- and the fact that the author is associated with the New York Times -- our club selected Markoe's book this past month. We unanimously found it sad, not funny -- the author's account of her serial rapes as an entree to adulthood were treated as an opportunity for clever writing, and her parent-bashing was just plain immature. They didn't appear to behave any differently than any other parents looking out for the best interests of their daughter. The one star on this review is for the account of narcissism contained in the book -- from which the author regrettably omitted herself.