I've Tried Being Nice

(Among Other Things): Essays

By: Ann Leary

Narrated by: Ann Leary

New York Times bestselling author Ann Leary offers a “zany, relatable essay collection” (Oprah Daily), told from the perspective of a recovering people pleaser.

“Ann Leary is a damn delight...Read this book!” —Glennon Doyle

Having arrived at a certain age (her prime), Ann Leary casts a wry backward glance at a life spent trying—and often failing—to be nice. With “humor and expert storytelling” (Oprah Daily), Leary recounts the bedlam of home bat invasions, an obsession with online personality tests, and the mortification of taking ballroom dance lessons with her actor husband. She describes hilarious red-carpet fiascos and other observations from the sidelines of fame, while also touching upon her more poignant struggles with alcoholism, her love for her family, her dogs, and so much more.

Prepare to laugh, cry, cringe, and revel in the comically relatable chaos of Ann Leary’s life as revealed in this “thoughtful, humorous, and brutally honest” (The Boston Globe) collection of essays.

“As relatable and refreshing as a good talk with your wisest friend.” —The Boston Globe, “75 Books We’re Most Excited to Read This Summer”
“In funny and unpretentious essays...Leary shares stories from a lifetime of wanting to be liked.” —The Washington Post, “10 Noteworthy Books for June”
“[A] winning essay collection…The humor lands and the lithe prose elevates Leary’s musings on life’s mundanities. This is a gem.” —Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)

Critic reviews

"Leary’s narration is a hilarious combination of sarcastic delivery and witty thoughts that often lead to laugh-out-loud moments. Her narration allows listeners to enjoy her incredible sense of humor, as well as her feelings about the complications of life and figuring out what is truly important."

Laughed out loud multiple times!

I have not laughed that hard in years. I love her humor, and her insight! She has such a great way of making you feel like you are right there in the room with her.

Big Leary Fan

Enjoyed essays found myself laughing out loud while listening..
I have enjoyed Ann Leary’s books more when she’s not the narrator.
I get it-it’s dry humor but I find Ann’s reading gets monotonous. Still a huge fan of all her books and of Rescue Me!

Witty and insightful

Great writing and astute observations for women. The humor is witty, narration is great. Really enjoyed this !

Funny and witty!

Not what I was expecting, but better than I expected. Her comedic view of her world is hilarious and makes you chuckle later at something she said.

I’ve tried being Nice!

This was absolutely a fun fun book, and so relatable. Ann Leary is not only enjoyable in her writing, but her own narration was spot on!!!
I’ll admit I had never heard of this author, and I downloaded the book for free only because of the title, as that is my mantra daily! Haha . I was out of credits so looking for free audio books, and I have to say this was a delicious surprise. Very few times do I luck out on the freebies , but BINGO on this one. I’ve already purchased “The Good House” and several others of hers are on my wish list!
Funny, realistic, honest, heart warming and lovely! Thank you Ann Leary.