Leave the Building Quickly: True Stories

Cynthia Kaplan is funny. But that's almost besides the point. She's reflective and thoughtful. While you're laughing, in your mind's eye you can picture exactly what she's describing... and why... and how it applies to you and your life. Wise readers would buy everything that she writes. And read it many times.

Cindy Kaplan has the rare ability to mix comedy and poigancy into every essay--if not every sentence. You're either smiling, laughing, guffawing, or ahhing at her tales. Her crisp, tight writing makes for a quick read--no fat at all. She has the ability to turn seemingly mundane tales of everyday experiences into life stories that all can relate to. Cindy's willingness to explore and reveal her inner self gives the book an authenticity rarely seen today. Read it today!!

I loved Kaplan's first book, so when I saw this one on the front table at Borders, I bought it immediately. Kaplan is smart, sarcastic, neurotic, and ironic, but never mean-spirited; in fact her love for her parents, her brother, her in-laws, her husband, and her kids comes through clearly, even when she admits that she doesn't want to vacation with them! Reading Kaplan's stories feels like a conversation with a good friend, but one who is honest and brave enough to say out loud what she's really thinking, and in the process makes you laugh so hard that your stomach hurts.

I was so excited to see that Cynthia Kaplan had come out with a second book of essays. It was well worth the wait. Many passages were so hilarious that I found myself having to put the book down, finish laughing, and then re-read them. Kaplan updates her life since "Why I'm Like This", her incredible first book, but also delves into bigger societal issues such as God and religious extremism with deft humor and insight. This is a great summer read.

I bought this book because I had read the author's first book, "Why I'm Like This." I'd loved that book, so to be honest, I wasn't sure her second book could measure up. I was not expecting much. But this book surpassed the first. It's funny without losing depth, smart but not cocky, and allows the reader to take a delicious peak into her life as a mother, wife, sister, actress, and writer. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great read.