cover image Sprinkle Glitter on My Grave: Observations, Rants, and Other Uplifting Thoughts About Life

Sprinkle Glitter on My Grave: Observations, Rants, and Other Uplifting Thoughts About Life

Jill Kargman. Ballantine, $26 (240p) ISBN 978-0-399-59457-1

Kargman has written a comedic, lively take on her life as an opinionated, Jewish native New Yorker. The married mother of three created her own TV show, Bravo’s Odd Mom Out, after years as a novelist. Kargman grew up in a joyfully morbid household that she likens to The Addams Family; her former sister-in-law Drew Barrymore remarks that her in-laws start talking about death at the dinner table after an average of only 17 minutes. Kargman’s sense of humor comes from her father, a wannabe stand-up comedian. From an early age he encourages his kids to “suck the marrow out of everything” and create amazing memories. And when she does something she’s not interested in doing, such as going to Disney World (which she finds so miserable she calls it “Misney World”) and encountering hotel decor so awful that she and her husband shut down their usual hotel sex, her dissection is sharp and funny. Kargman’s tone is beyond breezy (she uses words such as skeltorious and hagitosis maximus), and she devotes chapters to lists on subjects such as what keeps her up at night and things not to be trusted. Those looking for a new, fun voice that doesn’t get too heavy will enjoy Kargman’s perspective, which is rich with gratitude, laughs, and a healthy appreciation for the color black. [em](Sept.) [/em]