I Feel Bad About My Neck

And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman

By: Nora Ephron

Narrated by: Nora Ephron

With her disarming, intimate, completely accessible voice, and dry sense of humor, Nora Ephron shares with us her ups and downs in I Feel Bad About My Neck, a candid, hilarious look at women who are getting older and dealing with the tribulations of maintenance, menopause, empty nests, and life itself.

The woman who brought us When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, and Bewitched, and the author of best sellers Heartburn, Scribble Scribble, and Crazy Salad, discusses everything, from how much she hates her purse to how much time she spends attempting to stop the clock: the hair dye, the treadmill, the lotions and creams that promise to slow the aging process but never do. Oh, and she can't stand the way her neck looks. But her dermatologist tells her there's no quick fix for that.

Ephron chronicles her life as an obsessed cook, passionate city dweller, and hapless parent. She recounts her anything-but-glamorous days as a White House intern during the JFK years and shares how she fell in and out of love with Bill Clinton...from a distance, of course. But mostly she speaks frankly and uproariously about life as a woman of a certain age.

Utterly courageous, wickedly funny, and unexpectedly moving in its truth telling, I Feel Bad About My Neck is a book of wisdom, advice, and laugh-out-loud moments, a scrumptious, irresistible treat.

©2006 Nora Ephron (P)2006 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

• The Book Sense Book of the Year Award, Adult Nonfiction, 2007

"Ephron returns to her print roots with a new collection of essays reflecting the perspective of an aging, but still crackling sharp, cultural scribe." (Boston Globe)

"This current gatherum of hard and funny truths spares neither the author's pride nor her audience's, but it does salve wounds, and many of Ephron's insights are bound to come in handy." (The New York Times Book Review)

"Ephron's insights make the book an enjoyable romp.... For people who want a little candor and humor about not only hanging on but getting on, this book is for you." (The New York Post)

Annoying voice, but well written.

Listened to it before bed. Annoying voice, but well written. Would prefer it read by a less acerbic voice.

I just love Nora's point of view and perceptions

Where does I Feel Bad About My Neck rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I Feel Bad About My Neck is definitely one of my favorites. I read/listen to various genres, and this is definitely among the better of the memoirs. I have found it is the only Nora memoir (not fictionalized) that I enjoyed.

What other book might you compare I Feel Bad About My Neck to and why?

Any of the Sedaris memoirs. Both are read by the authors, both authors are able to clearly convey a scene.

Which character – as performed by Nora Ephron – was your favorite?

It is all about La Nora.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I listen to this style of book to be able to listen in discrete periods of time. A novel will often suck me in, trying my willpower. Distinct beginnings and endings make it easier to be strong and stop when I should.

Any additional comments?

I have listened to this book many times, in whole and in part. It did take me a while to get used to Nora's voice, and every listen takes a bit of an adjustment. But in the end, it makes sense that she narrated her own life and adds a certain depth to the experience.

So funny!

While this is a "chick" book, and probably for the over 40 set, I found it to be so funny and just good all around. I love Nora Ephron - I've read her books in fiction, I've seen her movies and just enjoy her quirkly and realistic views of life. I also like that she narrates the book - I love hearing her read the words with her cadence and emphasis. An overall joy to listen to.

Witty

Loved hearing Nora herself read it. Plan on gifting it to others. Miss her voice in the world.

Love Nora! She was an amazing and confident woman

Where does I Feel Bad About My Neck rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top 5

What other book might you compare I Feel Bad About My Neck to and why?

Tina Fey's book bossy pants b/c she is also an interesting and funny woman.

What does Nora Ephron bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

her amazing personality

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Aging gracefully - impossible

Relatable and wonderful

I found myself repeatedly saying oh yes me too! I frequently laughed out loud as I listened to Ephron’s clever narration.

Downer

I felt as though her attitude was that of a realist it came across as somewhat depressing instead of funny.
I didn't hate it but I won't order another book.
Not my cup of tea!

The end...

I found this audio book to be so entertaining. However, the end...about the very end...left me feeling morose. I felt like I had been pushed off a cliff...

Familiar While Providing Ah Ha Moments

Love it and listened to it three times and became hooked on all things Nora!

Nora's the best!

Nora Ephron's narration adds extra humor to this already-wonderful book. What a pleasure to hear her!