Synopses & Reviews
Cynthia Kaplan takes us on a hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking journey through her unique, uncensored world—her bungled romantic encounters and unsung theatrical experiences; her gadget-obsessed father, her pill-popping therapist, and her eccentric grandmothers; her fearless husband, whom she engages in an ongoing battle over which of them is the most popular person in their apartment; and, of course, her vengeful, power-hungry one-year-old son.
Kaplan's voice is a lot like the one in our heads—the one that most of us are only willing to listen to late at night . . . maybe while locked in a closet. What a relief it is that someone finally admits that she is afraid of nearly everything; that she is jealous even of people whose lives are on the verge of collapse; and that she has, at times, tried to pass for a gentile.
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“Cynthia Kaplan is very funny. These piece are very, very funny.” Laura Zigman, author of Animal Husbandry and Her
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“Kaplan consistently amuses while cutting surprisingly deep.” Booklist
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“This is a charming collection of essays in the spirit of David Sedaris…” John Searles, The Early Show on CBS
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“A fresh voice with a bright future.” Kirkus Reviews
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“When Kaplan is funny, shes very funny…Well worth reading.” New Orleans Times-Picayune
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“Quickwitted, neatly written and unapologetically grandiose…in the spirit of Dorothy Parker…[Kaplan] renders weird and rowdy scenarios with style.” New York Times Book Review
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“Knee-slapping hilarious…Fans of David Sedaris or Anne Lamott will appreciate (Kaplans) quirky way of looking at lifes intricacies.” USA Today
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“Funny, sweet, weirdly life-affirming and painfully true…” Jerry Stahl, author of PERMANENT MIDNIGHT and PLAINCLOTHES NAKED
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“Cynthia Kaplans gift is her ability to take on lifes absurdities and come out a winner.” Debra Ginsberg, author of WAITING and RAISING BLAZE
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“One of downtowns coolest actors . . . youll laugh until you cant breathe.” Time Out New York
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“WHY IM LIKE THIS is an impressive debut and Kaplan has a wonderfully natural comedic style.” Detroit Free Press
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“WHY IM LIKE THIS is a collection of personal essays that are as funny as they are poignant.” Paper Magazine
About the Author
Writer and actress Cynthia Kaplan's essays have been published in many newspapers, magazines, and anthologies, and she is the author of the collection Why I'm Like This. She has appeared in clubs, theaters, and on film, but never on Law & Order. She lives in New York City with her husband and children.