This book consists of a series of essays about the author's life and her obsessive worrying about just about everything. They are witty and funny and underneath, sometimes sad. I think I shouldn't have read this book all at once because her stories all have a similar theme -- the worst can happen. So, it got a bit repetitive. Best to read in between other things, I think. ( )

It isn't often I pick up a book of essays to read, but occasionally I find they make good in between reading--even better than a short story collection in some ways. The essays are short and perfect for those moments when you don't have a lot of time to spare but must get in your reading. Although it took me a few months to make my way through Ariel Leve's collection of essays (I read it in between novels and short stories) , it was an enjoyable read, nonetheless. Leve's humor shines through in each essay and yet I couldn't help but catch a bit of sadness underneath as well, however unintentional (and maybe that's just me).

Journalist Ariel Leve compiled a series of essays about her life and thoughts into It Could Be Worse, You Could Be Me. She contemplates giving up coffee when she discovers it improves memory, discusses the bias against napping in bed, and why looking forward to anything is overrated. The author is a self-described worrier. My favorite section of the book, and the one I could most relate to was the one where she discusses health issues. I'm not so sure I'd go so far as to say I enjoyed that colonoscopy though!

As I read this collection, I found myself relating to some of the stories the author shared. Maybe a little too well. Taking compliments, for example--neither Leve or I are good at accepting them. And evidently we both have that constant scowl or lack of a smile on our face because people assume something is wrong just because we aren't smiling. And like Leve, I hate it when people tell me to cheer up just because I am not wearing that expected smile.

There were other essays I was less able to identify with, but they were no less entertaining. I have two friends who share the same life philosophy as Ariel Leve and could see them in every story. I am trying to decide which of them to loan the book to first . . . ( )

http://bluetruck.wordpress.com/2010/08/15/book-review-it-could-be-worse-you-coul... ( )

I adore Ariel Leve and fell in love with her new book, It Could Be Worse, You Could Be Me. Sure, she’s a fabulous writer, but part of my girl crush has to do with the fact that I am just like her, in that neurotic-but-still-funny kind of way. Those of you who read my blog for my ranty health posts know what I mean. Ariel won my heart with her first sentence – “Sometimes after I wake up I will stand in my pyjamas in front of the mirror over the sink and watch myself getting older.” Yep, I’ve been doing this myself since I hit age 28, and since I’m turning 40 this year, you know how much dedicated neurosis it takes to look for a grey hair, a fine line, a possible liver spot. I don’t have too many real-life nutty friends, and her style of writing (and thinking) has made me fall head over heels with this writer. I even got to meet Ms. Leve at the 2010 BookExpo America, but, since I was over-stimulated and had the worst foot pain of my entire life, I can barely remember our conversation. After reading this – “Also, even though I Google illnesses frequently and can diagnose as well as any doctor, I haven’t moved into life-threatening situations that don’t have to do with the disease.” I only wish I had more time to speak with her. My god, if only I had known my separated-at-birth-twin was standing right in front of me, the questions I could have asked. Sadly, I don’t think it went any further than “I can’t wait to read and review your book” but I feel blessed to have gotten my book autographed by her. Plus, any author who signs more than just their name is cool as hell, and I’m happy to tell you Ariel joins the cool group of BEA authors! I’d show you a photo of her autograph, but she wrote my real name, and you know how I like to hide my identity due to my abnormal fear of stalkers.

They say you shouldn’t call a glass of water half empty, as if being a pessimist is a bad thing. Ha! I find that quality attractive, especially in my authors and their novels. My life is half empty, and it’s never going to get filed up, so why wouldn’t I want to read great books by cool authors who think just like me? You say negative, I say realistic. As a matter of fact, does anyone out there even want to read a book by some normal, sweet and chirpy girl, hearing about how good (and let’s be honest, totally fake) her life is? If that was the case, we wouldn’t have such crappy reality shows that showcase such dysfunctional hot messes. If you are like me (I’m thinking you must have a hint of me somewhere deep in your heartless soul, after all, you ARE reading a blog called The Girl from the Ghetto!) you will adore Ariel’s true-life anecdotes that are funny as hell. She does her best to charm you with her neurotic ways, her love of pyjamas and coffee deliveries, and her over-indulgent and under-the-sheets naps.

I must have marked at least four dozen pages of It Could Be Worse, You Could Be Me, and it is impossible for me to write a brief book review to convince you to buy (or at least read) this book. However, we live in our hybrid ADHD/I-don’t-have-time-for-you world, so I will try to be brief. I loved the Suicide Pact essay, especially since it was under two pages and packed one hell of a giggly punch. Everyone needs a friend they can count on to kill them when the chips are down, and hearing the hell the author went through to find one friend who’d promise to kill her was not only entertaining, but totally relatable, which made it even more funnier. Anyone who writes a story under the header I Know You Don’t Like Me scores points in my book, but Ariel takes the humor a step further when she writes “Life would be so much easier if people just said “I don’t like you.”"

You can read the rest of my review here:

http://thegirlfromtheghetto.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/it-could-be-worse-you-could... ( )

Aa snarky look at everyday situations in life where the author questions.....what if? What if the worst happened that you imagined....what if it didn't all work out for the best.... Perhaps it would be better to expect it not to and then be happily surprised when it did...or not. Loads of fun stories that will have you chuckling, guffawing, or at the very least smirking through your day. Just try to get through one of these situations without reacting...betcha can't! Definitely a fun read.... ( )