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

By: Nora McInerny Purmort

Narrated by: Nora McInerny Purmort

Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins

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

Fresh, brutally raw and honest

Thank god for this perspective, and the brutal truths that come with it. I've followed this story from just a few weeks before purmorts death - reading the entire back log of the blog, and following since on Instagram, tumblr and Twitter. I've been captivated by Nora's writing, but the picture that these mediums painted didn't feel complete. This book answered the rest. Addressing ones right to selfishness, grief,quitting, and self care are what so many need to hear.

This one will be with me for quite some time to come.

Best book!

LOVED this! I especially loved that this is actually Nora reading this. Heartfelt and beautifully written/read.

Beautiful

That is all I can think of to say. If you want to bring a touch of beauty into your life, listen to this story about love. All kinds of love.

Wonderful

This book is wonderful, has helped me more than words can explain! I will definitely listen over and over and recommend to friends.

not sure this is what I was expecting

so don't want to give anyone the impression not a good book..just not.my.cup.of tea. I am totally fine with her cynical humor just think I wanted something different. very light hearted for the books I usually listen to so maybe that is a good thing. I love how she spoke her truth . above and beyond anything she did make me stop and think.

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!!!

Nora McInerny is amazing.

After encountering a guest post written by Nora McInerny on a blog a few months ago, I've scoured the internet for everything she has ever written. I read every blog post, listened to every episode of her podcast and, finally, turned to her memoir, It's Okay to Laugh. What could have been an unbearably depressing tale of grief (a la The Wave), is instead a portrait of love, filled with humor and wit. I'm sure I am not alone in saying that I wish Nora was my best friend, because grief stricken and broken as she might be, she is hilarious and pretty awesome.

Interesting, funny, sad, engaging

This book is a wash of emotions ....for me is was so engaging and interesting ...and as strong as those feelings are being funny and incredibly sad probably are probably tenfold ...this story is incredible. Nora, Aaron and of course many of the other people in this story are awesome ....but Nora and Aaron ...you both rock. May Aaron rest in peace.

Coping with a modern tragedy.

This is the best book I have ever heard of on the struggle of coping with death. Nora demonstrates what it takes to deal with the death of a loved one. She keeps you engaged with the full range of emotions and the strength it takes to be" there " for the person who is dealing with the ending of their life. It was narrated by the author and she is outstanding for sharing her experience with such humor and honesty. Thank you Nora for the treasure you have given us.

Eh

***If you don't like language, this is not the book for you.***

My expectations for this book were completely different from what I got. The book offers memories from Purmort's life before and after the deaths of her child, father, and husband. In some ways it is more autobiographical. It is not in the same category with (nor should it be) Until I say Goodbye or When Breath Becomes Air. If you are looking for deep profundity, I don't think you'll find it here. What you'll find is a Northern woman who is just trying to navigate her way through life through doing whatever works for her. It was nice that Purmort read the book.