Sad Janet

A Novel

By: Lucie Britsch

Narrated by: Kristen Sieh

Named one of the Best Books of the Summer by Lit Hub, The Millions, Refinery29, and Hey Alma.

“Hilarious, wise, wicked, and tender.” —Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, The New York Times–bestselling author of The Nest

Janet works at a rundown dog shelter in the woods. She wears black, loves The Smiths, and can’t wait to get rid of her passive-aggressive boyfriend. Her brain is full of anxiety, like “one of those closets you never want to open because everything will fall out and crush you.” She has a meddlesome family, eccentric coworkers, one old friend who’s left her for Ibiza, and one new friend who’s really just a neighbor she sees in the hallway. Most of all, Janet has her sadness—a comfortable cloak she uses to insulate herself from the oppressions of the wider world.

That is, until one fateful summer when word spreads about a new pill that offers even cynics like her a short-term taste of happiness . . . .just long enough to make it through the holidays without wanting to stab someone with a candy cane. When her family stages an intervention, her boyfriend leaves, and the prospect of making it through Christmas alone seems like too much, Janet decides to give them what they want. What follows is life-changing for all concerned—in ways no one quite expects.

Hilarious, bitterly wise, and surprisingly warm, Sad Janet is the depression comedy you never knew you needed.

Hehehe......

Who would have thought depression could be funny? I so enjoyed this book. It took me away from all the chaos of life and into the world of one messed up young woman who lays it all bare, and for some reason I found myself relating to her. I picked this one up with no reviews....I took a chance.....you should to......its weirdly funny...heehehe

Meh

I didn't particularly feel one way or another about this. The narration was good, but the story didn't pull me in. Janet was too into being a sad person and pretty quickly I just wanted her to take the happy pills to be less miserable. That feeling continued throughout.

Utterly brilliant

Original and relentlessly clever, this author is like (as Liz Phair once said) “Like relieving a headache.” If your audiobook collection is feeling stale and repetitive, you are a smart woman, or just smart, or just a woman, you will have a good time with this one. The narration is one of the best I have heard. The only thing I found distracting is the subtle and not so subtle British references, with an American narrator and no allusion to where they were. Maybe it was intentional. Had to be. Just confused me a little.

PS there is almost no info online about the author which is both cool and mysterious and completely annoying.

British story with American Narrator

This was a fine book and overall I would’ve enjoyed it, but it was clearly written in British English but narrated by somebody was an American accent. So distracting and irritating. Do not recommend.

I’m A Janet

Thank you Lucie for the dedication. I find this book comforting. Finally, a story/character I can truly identify with. Love you Lucie.