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It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway: And Other Thoughts on Moving Forward

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Description

A collection of refreshingly honest and hilarious essays from Southern Living columnist Elizabeth Passarella about navigating change--whether emotional or logistical--and staying sane during life's unexpected twists and turns.After Elizabeth Passarella and her husband finally decided that it was time to sell their two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, she found herself wondering, Is there a proper technique for skinning a couch? The couch in question was a beloved hand-me-down from her father--who had recently passed away--and she was surprisingly reluctant to let the nine-foot, plaid, velour-covered piece of furniture go. So, out came the scissors. She kept the fabric and tossed the couch.We've all had to make decisions in our lives about what to keep and what to toss--habits, attitudes, friends, even homes. In this new collection of essays, Elizabeth explores the ups and downs of moving forward--both emotionally and logistically--with her welcome candor and sense of humor that readers have come to love. She enters into a remarkable (and strange) relationship with an elderly neighbor whose apartment she hopes to buy, examines her own stubborn stances on motherhood and therapy, and tries to come to terms with a family health crisis that brings more questions than answers. Along the way Elizabeth reminds readers that when they feel stuck or their load feels heavy, there is always light breaking in somewhere.It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway will make readers laugh, cry, and feel a little less alone as they navigate their own lives that are filled with uncertainty, change, and things beyond their control. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Nelson (May 2, 2023)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1400219019


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 18


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.2 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.85 x 8.35 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #90,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #114 in Parenting & Families Humor #245 in Humor Essays (Books) #347 in Motherhood (Books)


#114 in Parenting & Families Humor:


#245 in Humor Essays (Books):


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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Wednesday, May 22

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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Let's just say, I can't wait for the author to write another book b/c this was so good!
Have you had that feeling when you’re reading a book that is the perfect amount of touching and funny that you wish you could be friends IRL with the author? That the way she tells stories about her family, friends, herself, so spot on, it’s as if you’re sitting at her kitchen counter rapt with attention and cry-laughing and you just get it? That is how I felt reading this wonderful book filled with everyday moments of life in Manhattan. I’m imploring you to read this book if you need a laugh, if you can relate to having a relationship with an elderly person in your life, if you have sentimental attachment to things even if they’re the size of a sofa or actually a sofa, an apartment, even a building, if you have the best and brightest and always there for you kind of girlfriends that you can laugh so hard with, if you’re ok with occasionally making a MIL joke, and if change is really, really hard for you. Big, big love for this book. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2023 by carilynp
    • Candid and brilliantly-written collection
Review Image by Reader By The Water Reader By The Water
I kept my father’s pajamas. A heavy Carhart jacket. A pair of overalls. And a pocketwatch on a chain from which dangles a brass owl. I didn’t throw any stones from my glass house when Passarella decided to “skin” her dad’s ugly orange plaid velour couch before sending it to the curb. I didn’t shake my head when she folded the cloth and put it on a shelf. Nope, there is no judgment here. I nodded along with her decision. And that was just the first essay in the collection! I enjoyed her childhood memories, her time at major NYC magazines, her perspective on kids, apartments, neighbors, doormen, and her beloved NYC. I loved this candid look into what makes her tick, including a significant reliance on her faith. While I never (ever!) want to live in a city, I sure do love reading about those who do. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023 by Reader By The Water Reader By The Water
    • My Mother’s Day gift to myself
I always have 3-4 books going at once, but as soon as my pre-ordered copy of It Was An Ugly Couch Anyway arrived on release day- those went to the wayside until this is completed. I have loved Elizabeth’s writing and stories since I learned of her through The Big Boo Cast. She’s the friend we all wish we had. Always truthful, and always funny. Finding togetherness through shared stories is my favorite- thank you for sharing your stories with us, Elizabeth. The book is comprised of essays so it’s an easy read. It’s a great chance to laugh and realize we are all facing many of the same things. Already looking forward to the next book! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2023 by ElizabethScruggs
    • Funny, sometimes tedious. Didn’t enjoy the proselytizing
For the most part I enjoyed the book. Some of the chapters went on a little too long—descriptions too wordy, a little tedious. There were several parts I chuckled out loud—her tales about parenting, craving alone time, and peeing her pants. I also enjoyed the references to Memphis which is also my home. But I was completely caught off guard by the Bible verses thrown in which felt too much like proselytizing. There was no mention of this on the book jacket so it was definitely a surprise. If I had known in advance, I would have passed on the book. Maybe that’s why the publisher didn’t choose to add it to the jacket… ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2024 by LB Memphis
    • Very entertaining
Elizabeth Passarella's essays in this book have a hint of humor added to a huge slice of real life. I almost felt as if I know her and her family by the time I finished.
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2023 by Just another guy
    • Entertaining and Meaningful
Elizabeth Passarella has made me want to look for her other books. Her ability with words is unsurpassed. She tells stories about her life that pulled me in, entertained me, and made me think. This is a great book.
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2023 by Sandy Sieber
    • Difficult To Let Go Of Things Connected To Your Loved Ones
had to buy this collection of essays about moving and family life. The font size is tiny to my dismay but it was worth my crossed eyes and eye strain. The cover picture shows an orange plaid couch that is nine feet long. I had an orange plaid couch in my life too, not nine feet long and not soft velveteen as in the essay but very scratchy and uncomfortable. It was the couch that was in a rented apartment. We had to wait a month to get our furniture so we were thankful for it but glad to leave it when we moved later. The author's couch was ugly but very comfortable, but she grew attached to it because it was one of the few things of her dad's and she grew attached to it. It is a story of the pain of letting go of what your loved ones left behind and you know that it is not practical to keep it. I loved this story, I have inherited small furniture, books, pottery and so much more from my father whom I loved so much. Over time, I have had to part with several of the things that I have inherited and each time it is painful. I loved this story the best but there are many other great ones of childbirth tales, stories about the author's children and husband. It is well worth reading so I recommend it despite the tiny print. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2024 by C. Wong
    • The BEST!
This is one of my new favorite books, ever! An easy read that is funny, heart-warming, and impossible to put down once you start reading it! I have bought several copies for friends and everyone has loved it! 5++++++ stars!
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2023 by Nancy C. Fisher

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