Bitter is the New Black

I really liked this book when I started reading it. I thought the main character was funny, bitchy, intelligent, and didn't apologize for who she was.

Then I realized I was reading a memoir written by a mid-thirties woman who went through something most people have gone through. Going through an economic downturn is nothing new, especially in this economy. But that's besides the point. I'm sick of women in their thirties writing memoirs about something that most women have gone through. Sure, Jen was poor, but she still lived in a beautiful apartment that cost three grand a month for the majority of this time. It's kind of like Eat, Pray, Love; sure, divorce sucks, but getting to go through a divorce by spending six months traveling the world finding yourself? Not so bad. Another example is Lunch in Paris (which I actually really enjoyed because the recipes were GREAT); sure not having a job sucks, but you are in PARIS eating fabulous food.

The other thing is that Jen didn't make me feel bad for her. Having to move into an apartment that cost $1500 is NOT downsizing. It is STILL just foolish and shows that she didn't learn ANYTHING. She has all these requirements when moving (granite countertops, hardwood floors, multiple bedrooms, etc.). Poor people don't usually have those luxuries. All the places she turned down just made me nauseous.

They also decide to move the second her husband has a new job. You'd think that they would wait a bit, to make sure it was stable and actually save some money. Again, proving she learned nothing.

The worst part is that when she is offered a job she doesn't take it! Sure, she wants to stay home to become a writer because her blog is somewhat popular, but it is a dream she has had for six months. Again, do both for a while until it becomes lucrative. Rarely does writing make much money - most writers have a day job. Besides blog writing is a HOBBY. Most people find time to do hobbies outside of work.

The last thing that I didn't like about the book was that she was putting other people who used to live the same life she did down. She talks poorly of her neighbors and boasts about the fact that she invites people over while looking not put together. If her neighbors want to spend their money that way, they should be able to without judgment. Maybe they weren't as reckless as she was and actually saved money. Who says they shouldn't be able to have those things? And why boast about the fact that she doesn't look nice in front of her guests after sweating while gardening. There is nothing wrong with freshening up!

Overall, I'm bummed I bought the book. While most may see the turn she makes towards the end for the better, I see it as a turn towards becoming judgmental, which is much worse that just being a bitch with a prada bad.