Sloppy

Or: Doing It All Wrong

By: Rax King

Narrated by: Rax King

From the James Beard Award-nominated author of Tacky, a boldly funny, warts-and-all tour of the bad habits that make Rax King who she is

"Most writers are boring people. King, though, seems different: Bettie Page meets Carrie Bradshaw."—Washington Post

With Rax King's trademark blend of irreverent humor and heartfelt honesty comes a new collection of personal essays unpacking bad behavior. Sloppy explores sobriety, begrudging self-improvement, and the habits we cling to with clenched fists.

In “Proud Alcoholic Stock,” King examines her parents’ unwavering dedication to 12 step programs and the texture her family history has lent to her own sobriety. “Shoplifting from Brandy Melville” is a lighthearted look at, what else?, shoplifting from Brandy Melville—one of her few remaining indulgences now that she doesn’t drink. King writes about her overspending and temper control issues as well as her poorly managed mental health. These seventeen essays capture the personal and generational vices that make us who we are. From being a crummy waitress to using uppers to force friendships, from obsessing over the Neopets forums to lying for no discernable reason, these essays approach bad habits with emotional intelligence, kindness and—most importantly—humor.

The examined life: worth living; worth reading.

She’s a terrific writer and terrific reader of her own stuff. The prose somehow combines wide-eyed horror, generous comedy, and gentle affection for her own rich, complicated mind and life.

Another brilliant novel by Rax King

While her first novel Tacky is my favourite (in my top 5 of books) this book is also an enjoyable listen. Tax has a way with words; even her essays about addiction or working in a strip club have a lyrical flow to them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys listening to essay styled books.