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I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays
I Was Told There'd Be Cake Essays
Author: Sloane Crosley
Wry, hilarious, and profoundly genuine, this debut collection of literary essays is a celebration of fallibility and haplessness in all their glory. From despoiling an exhibit at the Natural History Museum to provoking the ire of her first boss to siccing the cops on her mysterious neighbor, Crosley can do no right despite the best of intentions...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9781594483066
ISBN-10: 159448306X
Publication Date: 4/1/2008
Pages: 240
Rating:
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 279

3.3 stars, based on 279 ratings
Publisher: Riverhead Trade
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 21
Based on other reviews I had read on a bookseller website I thought this was going to be really funny; well it wasn't. The author seemed to be on a 150 page whine about the stupid things happening in her life. I would love to see some humor when faced with actual problems instead of jobs that sucked and volunteer positions gone bad, but it wasn't to be. There are way better narratives out there than this one. Try Chelsea Handler's "Are You There Vodka, its Me Chelsea," even if it seems far fetched at least its funny.
reviewed I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays on
Helpful Score: 17
She was told there'd be cake? Well, I was told this book would be funny. It wasn't. There were a few giggleworthy entries here and there but overall I was not impressed. Quite a disappointing read, actually.
esjro avatar reviewed I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays on + 946 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
Comparisons to David Sedaris' work are inevitable, so I won't try to avoid them in this review. Each chapter is a humorous essay drawing from the author's life. Like Sedaris, the author writes in a somewhat sarcastic style, and the humor tends to be dry with some occasional slapstick. Although I did laugh out loud at a few of the pieces, the humor level varied too much for my taste from chapter to chapter. In fairness, Crosley is at a distinct disadvantage versus Sedaris because her family is not nearly as funny (e.g. Amy Sedaris). Given what she has to work with, not a bad effort.
reviewed I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
The book was not as 'funny' or 'witty' as the reviews claimed. The writing style was ok in a few of the essays and left a lot to be desired in others. Glad for the opportunity to read the book but nothing I would consider keeping and re-reading at a later time.
bighairtexan avatar reviewed I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
First of all, I have to admit, I am not a "Seinfeld" fan. I didn't enjoy the "series about nothing." This book, like the television show, was a series of 'essays' about self absorption. She caught me with the very cute title so I bought the book. Then I kept wondering, as I was reading it, "Is this going to get funny? Interesting? Why would she even think anyone would give a rat's behind that she collects ponies and (marginally) worked in publishing?" I feel as if I were robbed of several hours of my life. I am mostly irritated with myself that I actually read the whole dang thing. YAWNNNNNNNNNNN. If you want to read interesting essays, try Sedaris or Rivenbark.
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blackeyebetty avatar reviewed I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays on + 11 more book reviews
Awesome book, and an easy read!
reviewed I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays on
Loved this book! Crosley had a very real, down-to-earth writing style that women in there 20's and early 30's can relate to.
reviewed I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays on + 636 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book of essays - funny, witty and well-written and seemingly non-fiction, they were quite enjoyable. Perhaps not as funny as Sedaris, it was certainly still laugh-out-loud funny. I'd recommend and it really made me excited for the new Sedaris!


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