It's Okay to Laugh

(Crying is Cool Too)

By: Nora McInerny Purmort

Narrated by: Nora McInerny Purmort

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

“Thank you for the perfect blend of nostalgia-drenched humor, wit, and heartbreak, Nora.” — Mandy Moore

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 mix tapes (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 OK 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 OK to Laugh is like a long chat with a close friend over a cup of coffee (or chardonnay).

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.

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.

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

I can relate

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

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.