My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands

Handler proves the adage that just because one can, doesn't mean one should. This applies to both her role as a writer and a narrator. In this disjointed collection of memories and experiences, even her overenthusiastic voice cannot compensate for the irrelevance and frivolousness that is this book. Her anecdotes cover a range of topics from sex to sibling rivalry to parental humiliation, all showcasing how smart and witty she can be-in hindsight. Whether rambling about how she's freaked out by red-headed men or bemoaning her arrest and short stint in prison, her attempts to be funny fall flat and her valley-girl persona wears quickly on listeners. Her lively voice has the potential to do well with audiobooks, but the overall tone and ecstatic energy she emits only emphasizes the inconsequential prose. Listeners might find themselves asking for Vodka to help reach the end of this production.

Oh Chelsea, how do I love thee… Seriously, I cannot get enough of Chelsea Handler. She first made it onto my radar when she would make guest appearances on VHI shows such as Best of the and Best Week Ever. Then she got her own show, Chelsea Lately, on E! and it was over for me. I became a devoted fan.

Handler’s written three books, this one being the newest (released this month) and I have read all three. Her first, My Horizontal Life: A History of One Night Stands, killed me. In a good way. The crap she gets herself into is laughable, especially given the fact that she has absolutely NO censor and will tell a good story whether it sheds her in a good light or not.

Handler’s second book was just as funny, although, like this book, it didn’t have the same connecting factor. Both Chelsea Chelsea, Bang Bang and Are You There Vodka, It’s Me, Chelsea involve stories from Handler’s life, both growing up and as an adult. Undoubtedly, the best “character” in the books, especially in CCBB is Handler’s father, Melvin. Melvin is an over-the-top eccentric and trying to talk sense into him is an impossible effort.

Melvin’s stubborness is especially apparent in the chapter “Dear Asshole”, in which Melvin rents out his dilapidated vacation home to unsuspecting vacationers. After spending a week in what can only be described a hell hole, the renters send Melvin a multiple page letter describing the most awful living conditions one could imagine in a vacation home, such as a broken refrigerator with liquified squid dripping from the freezer. The letter from the renters makes its way between Handler and her siblings, who are all mortified. However, their father sees nothing wrong with the living conditions and believes the renters are just making a stink over nothing. His obstinancy was unbelievable and quite humerous.

If you’ve enjoyed Handler’s previous books, this is one that can’t be missed. Now, if you are new to Handler, I would suggest any of her three books to read. They are all ridiculously funny and entertaining.

In closing, here is a picture of me and two of my sisters at a book signing for Are You There Vodka, It’s Me Chelsea. I am the one in the middle. I think my enthusiasm is obvious!

Провъзгласена от сп. „Vanity Fair“ за една от „цариците на комедията“, Челси Хендлър е звездата в собственото си шоу „Chelsea Lately“ (Челси напоследък) по телевизия „E! Entertainment“, една от звездите в шоуто Момичета с лошо поведение и чест гост на „Tonight Show“ с Джей Лено и „Late Show“ с Дейвид Летърман. Челси живее в Лос Анджелес, но изнася представления в комедийни клубове из цяла Америка, включително в „Карнеги Хол“.

Тя е колумнист на Cosmopolitan и е една от 10-те нови звезди за 2008 на Entertainment Weekly. През 2009 печели наградата на телевизия Bravo за най-добър комик, като побеждава Тина Фей, Рики Джервез и Конан О’Брайън.