It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway

And Other Thoughts on Moving Forward

De: Elizabeth Passarella

Narrado por: Elizabeth Passarellla

Read by the author.

A collection of refreshingly honest and hilarious essays from Southern Living columnist Elizabeth Passarella about navigating change--whether emotional or logistical--and staying sane during life's unexpected twists and turns.

After Elizabeth Passarella and her husband finally decided that it was time to sell their two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, she found herself wondering, Is there a proper technique for skinning a couch? The couch in question was a beloved hand-me-down from her father--who had recently passed away--and she was surprisingly reluctant to let the nine-foot, plaid, velour-covered piece of furniture go. So, out came the scissors. She kept the fabric and tossed the couch.

We've all had to make decisions in our lives about what to keep and what to toss--habits, attitudes, friends, even homes. In this new collection of essays, Elizabeth explores the ups and downs of moving forward--both emotionally and logistically--with her welcome candor and sense of humor that readers have come to love. She enters into a remarkable (and strange) relationship with an elderly neighbor whose apartment she hopes to buy, examines her own stubborn stances on motherhood and therapy, and tries to come to terms with a family health crisis that brings more questions than answers. Along the way Elizabeth reminds readers that when they feel stuck or their load feels heavy, there is always light breaking in somewhere.

It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway will make readers laugh, cry, and feel a little less alone as they navigate their own lives that are filled with uncertainty, change, and things beyond their control.

New Favorite Book

Southern charm with New Yorker spunk. I loved every minute of it. Listening to Elizabeth was like sitting with an old friend and catching up. She's such an extraordinary storyteller. I can't wait to read her next book and hope it's filled with stories of her beloved NYC building and apartment and, of course, Lois. ♡

fun, deep, honest reflection

I stumbled on this book in Audible one day, & opted to listen because of the title. I was not familiar with Elizabeth Passarella, but immediately realized she grew up in East Memphis, TN, where I lived 20 years of my adult life, & that she graduated from St Mary's Episcopal School. I am 63; she seems to be in her 40s. She graduated from high school just ahead of my now 27 year old daughter's birth. My daughter graduated from SMS in 2017, so there were many connections. Even if you had no connection to her hometown, main neighborhood, or SMS, it is a very fun read. She is a Southern gal totally converted to NYC. I always enjoy most those titles read by authors themselves. Elizabeth is hilarious, open, honest, & tender. By the end, you feel you know her & "Lois" who becomes a central character. I called to recommend the book to my sister, who is a voracious reader. She had already read & loved the book, & said I must read her other one about moving to/falling in love with NYC, so I soon finished Good Apple: Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York. I am Southern, Christian, & Republican, BUT none of us completely fit stereotype molds in which the modern world wants to file us. We all benefit from examining our beliefs, contemplating those of others, & being aware of what lies beyond our personal experience, & in the larger world. I think both books would appeal to many, but especially females/mothers, regardless of political, spiritual, geographical roots/leanings. Both are pure pleasure. While each can stand alone, though they probably best flow together if one reads "Apple" before "Couch". Elizabeth - thanks & please keep writing!

Love ending this on Mothers Day!!

I loved this!! I want more essays like these. So heartwarming and honest about struggles. Thanks for another great read Elizabeth.

Loved this book!

Entertaining read! Well written! Great humor for real life experiences! Can’t wait to read her next book!

Excellent read!!

It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway is funny, poignant, & real, through & through! Readers get wonderful glimpses of Elizabeth’s life, faith, and humor on every page. You will be tickled, encouraged, and inspired by her words.