Broken (In the Best Possible Way)

By: Jenny Lawson

4/5

**I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

It should come to no surprise to Jenny's fans that she suffers from depression. It's been talked about in her last two books, but is even more prevalent in Jenny's third book as she is going through transcranial magnetic stimulation in an attempt to improve her depressive symptoms. In her brutally honest style, Jenny details her experiences with this new treatment, insurance companies, and of course, her husband Victor. Of course, Jenny returns to her humorous style to also detail parts of life that are typically mundane.

I have been a Jenny Lawson fan for years now, so my review may be slightly biased, but also... she is an excellent writer! There was something more... genuine about this book. Something more nonsensical, yet more real. Her worries and fears, added with the random thoughts, are just so relatable even though I don't have many of the same mental health concerns as her. Jenny Lawson is just a people person: she's for everyone, and I firmly believe this.

Perhaps it's the year-long stress we've all been going through, but this book came when it was needed most. I'd like to particularly point out the "letter to my insurance" portion. This essay had me reeling, I was so angry for Jenny. The letter itself is humorous in a way, but it highlights a much larger issue in America. Hearing how she has to send appeal after appeal to get medication to live really made me love her more. It made Jenny much more powerful and strong in my eyes. I definitely have a newfound respect.

I also cannot thank her enough for opening up about such an experimental treatment for depression and anxiety: transcranial magnetic stimulation. This is definitely not a treatment many people will try in the near future, but Jenny is so brave in sharing her experience with it. And I'm SO excited to hear that it's working for her! It gave me so much hope for her!

Of course, in normal Jenny style, there were the nonsensical rants and conversations with Victor. These honestly were spaced out in a way that allowed for a breather from the deeper pain and trauma. I thought the organization of the novel was very well done! I never felt like it was getting too difficult to handle before another funny situation took hold. Also, can I just say, we all need a Victor in our lives! He seems so supportive, and I love that Jenny pointed out that it wasn't always rainbows and sunshine within their marriage, either. It's important to be honest with people who look up to you, and Jenny absolutely nails it!