Customer Reviews

Someone Will Be with You Shortly: Notes from a Perfectly Imperfect Life

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I'd read Lisa Kogan before in Oprah Magazine - only a few times, though, whenever i was near a magazine (which isn't that often) and I recently heard her on NPR and she's the BEST thing about the magazine in my opinion. but i didn't know she had a monthly column, and i didn't know how popular she was, or how many fans and i didn't know just how hilarious she could be. which is to say VERY hilarious - like EXTREMELY hilarious. not in a vodka and sex chelsea handler way, more in a funny, poignant, completely fresh way that reminded me of david sedaris if he were a woman living in a horrible apartment building with a small child. I don't think she's like anyone i've read before. she's never nasty but she has a side, a way of looking at things that i can't really remember coming across before - sharp without being snide, and completely charming. The book basically chronicles the life and times of lisa, her boyfriend (who might as well live on the moon for as often as she sees the guy) and her totally irresistible daughter. sure, she lives in new york, but the themes here - being single, being in love, having a child, fighting health problems, getting older - are totally universal. men, if you want to understand women, read this book. women, if you want to see yourself, read this book. I'd heard people tell me how funny and original Lisa Kogan was but until i read this collection (which is kind of a greatest hits thing) i didn't put it all together. anyhow, once you start it you won't be able to put it down. It's THAT good!

This is an easy, quick & satisfying read for any woman. I also believe any man who may be trying to understand women & the many directions they feel pulled in would love this book as well. Lisa is a very witty writer & I found myself reading many parts outloud to my husband. I particularly loved the part where she said she was "closed." VERY true!!
However, the only caveat is her strong liberal political views spread throughout the book. I don't have the same politic opinions as the author & it honestly took away from my enjoyment of the book. I would have given it 5 stars if the frequent negative references to conservative politics weren't rampant. But that's what makes America great- authors can write how they wish. I believe the book would have been better without those references, but I'm so glad I read this & can agree with the author on SO many points. This is a laugh-out-loud fabulous memoir. I will definitely recommend it to friends.

This is one of those books you smile your way through. There's the "that was really funny!" smile and the "man, I've been there" smile and the "there's always a saving grace, isn't there?" smile and... well you get it. Lisa Kogan is spot on in her perceptions of life's little moments - from the gratingly annoying to the elevatingly graceful - and always with her unique humor and humility. She has an amazing ability to be cuttingly direct about human foibles without ever being mean-spirited. That's because just when you think you're looking at "the annoying other" with her, you realize you are also looking in the mirror with her - but it's OK, because she is not judging and finds fodder for soulful humor in her own short-comings as much as in those of others. We're all waiting for that someone who will be with us shortly; and at the same time worrying that we are leaving others waiting. Lisa Kogan gets that and celebrates the humanity of that dichotomy. She is amused and edified (and we with her) as much by our own flawed responses to life's challenges as by the challenges themselves This is a book that has you feeling good each time you pick it up - and most importantly - it'll make you smile!

I really enjoyed the book. I would read and actually laugh out loud at certain parts. I found myself thinking of people that I know who remind me of characters in the book. I would highly recommend the book at everyone!!

I picked this up on the recommendation of a friend. A quick read. Very funny and charming. I found myself nodding in agreement and snickering out loud. Highly recommend for a quick, uplifting read.

Lisa Kogan has a wry, witty and acerbic sense of humor. She puts on paper the thoughts that go through my head at work, in the check out line, and in traffic every day, and make them better. She sees the world for what it is and encourages all of us to deal with it and make it better.I downloaded her book into my Kindle on a much needed solo getaway, and read it straight through, laughing and crying with each chapter. She is your best friend, your confidant, and your conscience all rolled into one, and you will finish the book only to start from the beginning and read it again. Kudos and bless you, Lisa Kolb.

I received this book as a birthday gift and sat down with it on a rainy Thursday afternoon. I didn't get up from the chair (not for the raisinettes or the telephone) until I was done! This is a hilariously-told version of the author's life that contained many, many universal truths - at least one on every page - but oh, if only I'd been able to laugh at my life as it was rolling out the way I laughed at Lisa's telling us about hers. Highly recommend it - a really good read.

I have always enjoyed Lisa Kogan's column in O Magazine, but I wasnt prepared for how much I would love this book. Life's big lessons meld beautifully with her utterly original wit. Lisa Kogan is the best friend I wished I always had -- I totally relate to her insightful way of looking at the world and life's joys, hopes, and daily frustrations. I heartily recommend it to anyone in need of a laugh and some good company. This is a truly talented writer -- I can't wait for the sequel -- or better yet: somebody turn her life into a TV series fast!!

Lisa's book covers various aspects of life as a middle-aged career woman in NYC who's an older mother and isn't skinny. Best chapters focus on her family relationships -- with her partner who lives in Europe part-time, with her mother and with her daughter. I also really enjoyed the chapter about learning that she had diabetes.
Too many chapters touch on not being skinny enough, not looking young anymore, and being squeamish.
Chapters are quite short so it's a good book to read a little of before bed.
I guess I thought I'd have more in common with her than I did. But she's funny.

Lisa's story is everyone's story - only it is doubtful that anyone else could tell it with such delicious and spot-on words. This is a great read; you'll laugh out loud and find yourself yelling, "Me too! Me too!" I kept thinking, "Lisa and I must be best friends - she knows everything about me!" Lisa's hilarious perspective and self-deprecating wit reminds us to appreciate every moment and that it's better than okay to be average, to aspire to plain old regularness ....and that you can always embelish when average is just too dull to keep a conversation going. Don't miss this read.