Just as “Seinfeld” was a television show about nothing, “We Thought You Would Be Prettier: True Tales of the Dorkiest Girl Alive” is a book about nothing, . But “Seinfeld” wasn’t really about nothing — it was about everything. It was about life; it was about those maddening everyday experiences, yet are somehow hilarious given the right circumstance. Author Laurie Notaro excels at making the everyday amazingly witty.
“We Thought You Would Be Prettier” is Notaro’s fourth book of this kind: A collection of somewhat random autobiographical essays detailing the somewhat random events that make up her life. From getting stuck in the fenced-in backyard while the 110-degree Phoenix sun beats down on her and her two dogs (who Notaro fears will eat her alive by the time rescuers find her), to dealing with frustrating customer service reps with her “Campaign of Terror,” Notaro’s wit and humor shine through some of the worst possible, yet common enough, situations. It’s easy to find parallels in your own life to Notaro’s, although the way she thinks about life seems to be a little more humorous.
Every chapter tells a different story. She recounts everything from the time she got so fed up with a pet store employee’s hair that she threatened to kick its (the hair’s) ass, to explaining some of the horrific consequences that happen when she opens her big mouth and says insanely regrettable things without giving them a second thought.
Notaro also manages to touch the emotional side of the reader as well. Notaro faces up to her insecurities and sees them in a funny way. Notaro dedicates an entire chapter to her quest to find a size 14 dress in any clothing boutique in Seattle, while she shops with her friend Meg, who recently gave birth but still manages to have an “I had a baby basically yesterday but am going to the Oscars tonight in a dress made from Cling Wrap” figure.
Notaro’s collection of essay-filled books includes New York Times bestseller “The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club,” “Autobiography of a Fat Bride” and “I Love Everybody (and Other Atrocious Lies).” An interesting tidbit about Notaro, who previously was a humor columnist: She currently resides in Eugene as her husband attends graduate school at the University.
Be warned: If you read “We Thought You Would Be Prettier” in public, you will get looks. If you’re shy, I would recommend reading the book in the privacy of your own home where you can laugh and only the cat will think you’re crazy. But if you’re brave, read it in public and spread your laughter.

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