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I've Tried Being Nice: Essays

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Description

New York Times bestselling author Ann Leary offers a literary feast of humor and wisdom told from the perspective of a recovering people pleaser. Having arrived at a certain age (her prime), Ann Leary casts a wry backward glance at a life spent trying—and often failing—to be nice. With wit and surprising candor, Leary recounts the bedlam of home bat invasions, an obsession with online personality tests, and the mortification of taking ballroom dance lessons with her actor husband. She describes hilarious red-carpet fiascos and other observations from the sidelines of fame, while also touching upon her more poignant struggles with alcoholism, her love for her family, her dogs, and so much more. Prepare to laugh, cry, cringe and revel in the comically relatable chaos of Ann Leary’s life as revealed in this delightful collection of essays. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books (June 4, 2024)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982120347


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 44


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.38 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #92,681 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #136 in Self-Help & Psychology Humor #250 in Humor Essays (Books) #2,915 in Memoirs (Books)


#136 in Self-Help & Psychology Humor:


#250 in Humor Essays (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • INSPIRATIONAL!
New York Times bestselling author Ann Leary offers a literary feast of humor and wisdom told from the perspective of a recovering people pleaser. Having arrived at a certain age (her prime), Ann Leary casts a wry backward glance at a life spent trying—and often failing—to be nice. With wit and surprising candor, Leary recounts the bedlam of home bat invasions, an obsession with online personality tests, and the mortification of taking ballroom dance lessons with her actor husband. She describes hilarious red-carpet fiascos and other observations from the sidelines of fame, while also touching upon her more poignant struggles with alcoholism, her love for her family, her dogs, and so much more. Prepare to laugh, cry, cringe and revel in the comically relatable chaos of Ann Leary’s life as revealed in this delightful collection of essays. My Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed Leary’s collection entitled I’ve Tried Being Nice, just as I have also loved some of her fiction, like The Good House, which was made into a movie. I also saw it again on Amazon Prime. Her stories of family life, struggles with alcoholism, and humorous events like living in houses with bats flying about were fascinating. This last bit was especially something I could relate to, having lived in a country house with bats! Now I plan to look up more of her fiction, as this memoir earned 5 stars. *** ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2024 by Laurel-Rain Snow

  • Personal Reflections - Some Funny/Witty, Others Emotional
If you enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek into the lives of famous people who lead somewhat ordinary lives, I recommend I’ve Tried Being Nice by Ann Leary. She’s the author of several published novels (including the Good House and The Foundling), and her husband is Denis Leary, the actor and comedian. Topics included in this cleverly titled group of essays range from the early years of her husband’s career and their children’s childhood to the dogs that’ve been part of their family and interactions with neighbors and friends. As with any collection of stories, I enjoyed some more than others. Many included humor featuring the author’s dry wit, while others were touching and emotional. I read one essay each day rather than reading this 240-page collection like chapters in a novel. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2024 by HappiestWhileReading

  • If you're not reading Ann Leary, you're missing out
I love this recent gift from Ann Leary. Her honest, straightforward writing style is relatable to almost everyone! I could be more eloquent if I could write! I'm not even finished I've Tried Being Nice and I couldn't wait to write a review. This was put on preorder and did not disappoint in its anticipation! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024 by BooBoo Kitty

  • I'm Sorry I can't be Nicer
Ms. Leary seems to be a likeable person and is certainly funny, but a few of the essays were so boring I skimmed through them and moved on to the next essay. I'm sorry I couldn't be nicer, but I spent $14.99 on this book and don't feel I got my money's worth. Sorry, Sorry. Please excuse me.
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2024 by CM

  • Incredibly fun and honest!
I loved this book from the moment I opened it. It's delightfully real and relatable. When you marry a man who later becomes somewhat famous, I know from my experience that it can be difficult to tell things like they are and not temper your feelings and insights for fear of reprisals. Kudos to Ms. Leary for exposing herself and her true feelings and allowing us a fun and enlightening glimpse into the daily life of this incredible writer. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024 by martha h.

  • Great read!!
Amazingly funny! I felt each story with the stress and anxiety but I laughed through the entire book. So true to life and it’s nice when you can look back and laugh at things that at the time you thought was going to end up terrible. What a great idea for a book! I definitely look forward to reading more by Ann Leary. Happy reading! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2024 by Lots of Book Love

  • A mixed bag!
◇ Synopsis Ann Leary, in her prime, humorously reflects on a life spent trying—and often failing—to be nice. With wit and candor, she recounts home bat invasions, an obsession with online personality tests, and the embarrassment of ballroom dance lessons with her actor husband. She shares red-carpet mishaps, her struggles with alcoholism, and her love for her family and dogs. Prepare to laugh, cry, cringe, and revel in the relatable chaos of Leary’s life in this delightful collection of essays. ◇ Thoughts "A mixed bag of nuts" aptly describes this collection. Some essays, especially those on marriage, writing, and parenting, are relatable and funny. It was a surprise to learn that her husband is Dennis Leary after starting the book. The essays are easy to read in chunks or one at a time. While it’s often funny and witty, there were moments where it didn’t quite connect with me. Overall, I recommend it if you enjoy non-fiction stories about celebrity lives. Special thanks to the author and publisher for the advanced copy! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2024 by Dan Pickett

  • Enjoyable read
The dog walker story is by far the best but I enjoyed the whole book and will definitely read more of Ann Leary’s work.
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2024 by Lady Macbeth

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