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It's Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too)

By: Nora McInerny Purmort
Narrated by: Nora McInerny Purmort
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Publisher's summary

Joining the ranks of Let's Pretend This Never Happened and Carry On, Warrior, a fierce, hysterically funny memoir that reminds us that comedy equals tragedy plus time.

Twentysomething Nora McInerny Purmort bounced from boyfriend to boyfriend and job to job. Then she met Aaron, a charismatic art director and her kindred spirit. They made mixtapes (and pancakes) into the wee hours of the morning. They finished each other's sentences. They just knew.

When Aaron was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer, they refused to let it limit their love. They got engaged on Aaron's hospital bed and married after his first surgery. They had a baby when he was on chemo. They shared an amazing summer filled with happiness and laughter. A few months later, Aaron died in Nora's arms in another hospital bed. His wildly creative obituary, which they wrote together, touched the world.

Now Nora shares hysterical, moving, and painfully honest stories about her journey with Aaron. It's Okay to Laugh explores universal themes of love, marriage, work, (single) motherhood, and depression through her refreshingly frank viewpoint. A love letter to life in all of its messy glory and what it's like to still be kickin', It's Okay to Laugh is like a long chat with a close friend over a cup of coffee (or chardonnay).

©2016 Nora McInerny Purmort (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about It's Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too)

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amazing

I've followed Nora and her blog since the beginning. I had high hopes for this book and I was not disappointed. it's funny, sad, sarcastic, and fucking honest. I recommend this book to anyone who loves someone, or wants to be loved, or anyone who has gone through any real life shit. I can see myself re-reading/re-listening to this book many many times.

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2 people found this helpful

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A fantastic read.

It's an emotional, raw, funny, sad, and honest take on grief and life's sometimes general suckyness. I found myself agreeing and relating to so many of the things said in this book. Clearly there is no how-to on death and loss, but if ever you need something to tell you that you are not alone in your sometimes crazy thoughts and emotions; This is it.

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Funny and Comforting

This book is amazing! It has everything, it was just the right amount of funny and sad. I discovered her through her podcast, “Terrible, Thanks for Asking”, and she definitely brought her great personality into the performance of this book.

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I 💜 Nora #TTFA

I 💜 Nora #TTFA 45 chapters of wisdom... Thoughtful, beautiful, succinct. This book makes me feel less alone.

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LOVED this book

I listen to a lot of audiobooks. (I’m a farmer. My hands are always moving, but my brain isn’t needed. So I listen to books.) This book made me laugh and cry, as promised. - And, although it’s her story, and not about me, I was left feeling like it’s okay to be human, that whatever we’re going through and whatever we’re “doing about it” (or not doing about it), it’s okay. It’s perfect actually. Nora is an incredible person, and I love that she’s not trying to be. She just is. If you’re wondering whether to download this book, do. It’s completely worth it even if you don’t have any free credits left.

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Fabulous

I loved this book so much. Nora came across as honest, sweet & sarcastic at the same time. I love the way she told her & her family's story.

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So good!

I was surprised when I got sucked in. Then, even more surprised to find myself crying and laughing out loud. Beautifully written, and told.

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Could not stop listening once I stared

Having just lost my husband of 42 years I stumbled around the internet looking for I don’t know what, answers perhaps. On YouTube I came across a Ted talk that Nora gave.
I knew immediately that I had to hear more from this woman and found this book first.
If you don’t know how to grieve, she gives you permission to not be okay. Her very straight forward and unvarnished truth telling is just what the doctor ordered.
I am now on my second listening to this book
You won’t be sorry you took the time to read it

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I can relate

Absolutely amazing , raw and relatable story. Absolutely love Nora’s authentic no bullshit story telling. Highly recommend this book

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Can we be besties Nora?

I can't be the first person to ask. If I am, shame on the roest of you. I loved this book and everything Nora has written. Please write more!!!

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4 people found this helpful