The Fran Lebowitz Reader

by Fran Lebowitz
The Fran Lebowitz Reader cover
Good Books rating 4.36
Essays / Essay Collections
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Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £18.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8955
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-02-02
  • ISBN: 9780349015873
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2021-09-02
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

Fran Lebowitz's definitive essay collection is a treasure trove of her trademark caustic wit, turning her sharp eye to everything from children to landlords. Her advice for aspiring Absolute Political Dictators is not to be missed, and her laid-back attitude to work is a refreshing antidote to our culture of self-betterment. Lebowitz's essays are not just funny; they're a testament to her keen observations of the world around her. /n/nPraise for Lebowitz's work comes from the likes of David Sedaris, Martin Scorsese, and Hadley Freeman, all of whom attest to her brilliance and humor. The Fran Lebowitz Reader is a modern classic, set to be read and enjoyed for generations to come.

Reviews
Vocal Media · 2025-12-04
great 4.00

The book combines two of Lebowitz's publications, offering satirical, humorous, and often blunt commentary. It's a witty and engaging read.

This review from Vocal Media highlights the satirical and humorous nature of Lebowitz's writing. The book combines two of her earlier works, Metropolitan Life and Social Studies, providing a comprehensive look at her unique perspective. The essays are described as witty, sarcastic, and often very blunt, making for an engaging read. The reviewer appreciates Lebowitz's distinctive voice and her ability to tackle a wide range of topics with sharp wit and humor. The collection is praised for its timeless relevance and its ability to make readers laugh out loud.

Quick quotes

    This book combines two publications by Lebowitz called Metropolitan Life and Social Studies. They are satirical, humorous and often very blunt.

    Fran Lebowitz has my sense of humor so I enjoyed this read for the most part.

    The essays are packed with her unmistakeable personality, every bone-dry sentence glittering with wit.

The Times Literary Supplement · Lynne Murphy · 2021-10-29
brilliant 4.50

Lebowitz's essays are impossibly cool, cosmopolitan, and hilarious, making her a figure many aspire to be. Her writing is sharp and unapologetically bold.

Lynne Murphy's review in The Times Literary Supplement highlights Lebowitz's unique voice and timeless appeal. The essays are described as impossibly cool, cosmopolitan, and hilarious, capturing the essence of Lebowitz's personality. Murphy notes that Lebowitz is the kind of woman many aspire to be, blending smart, self-confident, and unapologetically bold characteristics. The collection is praised for its sharp wit and timeless relevance, making it a must-read for those who appreciate Lebowitz's distinctive style.

Quick quotes

    Impossibly cool, cosmopolitan, smart, self-confident and hilarious, Lebowitz was (and is) the kind of woman we wanted to be, were afraid to be, and (let's be honest) could never be.

    Her essays are packed with her unmistakeable personality, every bone-dry sentence glittering with wit.

    Lebowitz's writing is a testament to her unique voice and timeless appeal.

Lisa's Cubby · Lisa · 2021-09-07
entertaining 4.20

The book is a fun read, especially for those who grew up in the 70s and 80s. It's a nostalgic and entertaining collection.

Lisa's review on Lisa's Cubby highlights the nostalgic appeal of Lebowitz's writing. The book is described as a fun read, particularly for those who grew up in the 70s and 80s. Lisa appreciates the timeless relevance of Lebowitz's essays and their ability to make readers laugh out loud. The collection is praised for its sharp wit and humor, making it a must-read for fans of Lebowitz's unique style. The review notes that the book is a great introduction to Lebowitz's work and a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Quick quotes

    I think this would be a fun read for me growing up in the 70s and marrying in the mid 80s, this was my time.

    Thanks for introducing me to this hilarious and insightful collection.

    Lebowitz's writing is a testament to her unique voice and timeless appeal.

The Guardian · 2021-08-28
excellent 4.75

Lebowitz's essays remain as sharp and witty as ever, packed with her unmistakeable personality and dry humor.

Despite being over 40 years old, Lebowitz's essays remain as sharp and witty as ever. Every sentence is packed with her unmistakeable personality and dry humor, making her work a timeless classic. The essays are not just entertaining but also thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on life's absurdities. Lebowitz's ability to dissect social norms and cultural trends with such precision and wit makes her a standout voice in contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    Despite now being over 40 years old, the essays still glitter, every bone-dry sentence pared down and packed with her unmistakeable personality.

    Lebowitz's ability to dissect social norms and cultural trends with such precision and wit makes her a standout voice.

    The essays are not just entertaining but also thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on life's absurdities.

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