Getting the first reviews of your new book, product or service is always a slightly nerve-wracking moment, was all that work worth it? Will they like it? And don’t get me wrong there are always people who don’t like something; but as long as the reviews are generally positive, I’m a happy bunny. By the way I don’t pay for reviews, and you shouldn’t consider doing it either, it’s unethical.
Laughing at Myself isn’t available on general release as yet, but here’s what the reviewers have to say so far;
“I just read Eden’s book ‘Laughing At Myself’, which is a delightfully cringeworthy, humorous book of short stories that is written so well that I couldn’t help but picture myself as the character in most stories, particularly the one about the elderly cat’s bladder issues, as I had to literally question the author whether the story was based on the time it happened to me. It wasn’t and I was evilly relieved that I wasn’t the only person that cats had decided to use as a litter tray.
The whole book made me feel grateful that I am not the only person in the world that gets myself in an array of embarrassing situations, and I happily laughed at the characters’ misfortune.
I read the book over three mornings and found the writing style easy to read due to the ease of flow and the large type intended for dyslexic readers. I am not dyslexic myself but did find the format easier to read than a regular font.
I also particularly enjoyed the story about the size 6 shoes on size 4 feet, and the one about the driving test. I won’t give any more away as you need to read it yourself.
I very much look forward to reading future work from Eden. Well done!” written by Wendy Harding
“Just finished reading this, great book! I have loved reading LAUGHING AT MYSELF … so many of the stories I could relate to in way one or another … feeling like an awkward teenager at times and especially the perm ? didn’t we all have a disaster hair-do during some stage in our lives? ??
The book is easy to read, episodic, the type of book you want to read on a rainy day, with a cuppa and a biscuit (or three). It’s important we can find humour in some of the hiccups life throws at us, and Eden’s book reminds us of that.
I was sorry that I’d finished it, it was like I was getting to know Eden more and more and then it was the end ☹ I hope there’s another in the future.” Written by Clare Drew
This delightfully hilarious, sensitive, witty, brave, forgiving and loving read is not to be missed. The author’s magical simplicity is a clever invitation, not only to be thoroughly entertained, but Gruger reintroduces ourselves in a whole new light.
Laughing at Myself is a beautifully easy read that you won’t want to put down. Gruger skilfully guides you effortlessly through her narrative, while giving you all the details the reader needs to put themselves in the scenes of the story. Each short story flows into the next. Equally if time to yourself is limited, (and hiding from my 3 children at home during lockdown is only successful for so long), it is a book you can delve into for a quick visit, be entertained and come back to it again later… again and again. It will never fail to put a smile on your face.
As Gruger continues to introduce herself as she skips through her life’s encounters, you are left laughing out loud as you get to know her ‘Bridget Jones meets Calamity Jane’ character. The amusing references are endless, but… “Yet another time in my life when something I found funny, everyone else thought was idiotic”… resounds throughout.
I was left feeling not only amused, but quite elated. Encouraged to look at the humour within ourselves, our own vulnerabilities, to recognise them, greet them, open heartedly, and laugh away. Perhaps we can admit a little piece of this author is within all of us, and Gruger does a superb job of introducing us.
Gruger will leave you awakened, with a renewed awareness, as she teaches us those good solid life lessons… laugh at yourself, laugh with others, find the humour in life, forgive ourselves and ultimately love ourselves and the life we live.
The only criticism you will have is being left wanting more. Not just more tales of Gruger’s adventures, that goes without saying. But intrigued to find out more about each scenario, to share the further depths of Gruger’s thinking and humour. Where will each experience take her next. You want more than that peek, you’ll want to be experiencing it with her, get to know her better. She’s your potential best friend you haven’t met yet. And there’s a hell of a lot of catching up to do!” Written by Vida Warby .
It’s worth remembering that not everyone can like everything, and that’s ok, if someone doesn’t enjoy one of my books, as long as they are constructively critical it’s all useful. For these reviews I am very thankful, Laughing at Myself will be on pre-order to subscribers only for the next two weeks, and in six weeks it will be available worldwide! there will be more books to come after this (and with a much shorter waiting time), I promise, you can always check into my blog for your Eden fix.
Available in paperback, ebook and audio
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