Picture a Texas humorist who turned her wild life and mental health battles into laugh-out-loud memoirs—meet Jenny Lawson, aka The Bloggess! With her irreverent wit and raw honesty, Lawson has carved a unique space in the literary world, blending hilarity with heartfelt reflections on depression and anxiety. Her bestselling books and quirky blog have made her a beacon for those navigating life’s absurdities.
The Making of Jenny Lawson
Born on December 29, 1973, in Wall, Texas, Jenny Lawson grew up in a quirky household where her father, a taxidermist, crafted dead-animal puppets, and chickens lived in filing cabinets. This eccentric upbringing shaped her dark, irreverent humor. After graduating from Angelo State University, Lawson dove into writing, starting with columns for the Houston Chronicle and her blog, The Bloggess, which quickly gained a cult following for its candid takes on life and mental health.
Jenny Lawson’s Unforgettable Stories
Lawson’s writing is a rollercoaster of humor and vulnerability, often described as David Sedaris meets Tina Fey with a Texas twist. Her debut memoir, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (2012), a #1 New York Times bestseller, recounts her bizarre childhood and awkward adulthood with stories like mailing herself a cobra (accidentally, of course). Furiously Happy (2015), another chart-topper, dives deeper into her struggles with depression and anxiety, coining the term 'furiously happy' to celebrate life’s highs as a counter to its lows. Her third book, You Are Here (2017), an adult coloring book with advice and illustrations, surprised everyone by hitting the bestseller list. Broken (in the Best Possible Way) (2021) continues her candid storytelling, earning praise for its humor and hope. Lawson’s style—profane, poignant, and packed with taxidermy tales—makes her work both relatable and riotously funny.
Her blog, The Bloggess, remains a cornerstone of her career, drawing 100,000 weekly visitors with posts about everything from panic attacks to her love for Rory, a taxidermied raccoon. Lawson’s ability to balance dark topics with absurd humor has earned her accolades, including the 2012 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Humor Book and an Audie Award for Furiously Happy’s audiobook.
Why Jenny Lawson Matters
Jenny Lawson’s impact transcends humor. By openly sharing her battles with depression, anxiety, and other disorders, she’s created a safe space for millions to feel seen and less alone. Her 'Bloggess tribe' connects through hashtags like #DepressionLies, fostering a community of support. Lawson’s Nowhere Bookshop in San Antonio, opened during a pandemic, reflects her resilience and love for literature (and booze, naturally). Her work destigmatizes mental health, proving you can laugh through the pain and find joy in the chaos. As Brené Brown notes, Lawson’s fearlessness in discussing mental illness is 'changing the conversation one rented sloth at a time.'
- Born: December 29, 1973, Wall, Texas
- Key Works: Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, Furiously Happy, You Are Here, Broken
- Awards: Goodreads Choice Award (2012), Audie Award (2016)
- Fun Fact: Owns a taxidermied raccoon named Rory
Ready for a dose of hilarity and heart? Snag Furiously Happy and dive into Jenny Lawson’s wild, wonderful world!