THIS WEEK I'M LAUGHING

“She's a lying bitch."

It's not a phrase you hear every day in the seniors home. But there we were, old and young alike, hearing the words and laughing hysterically. We were listening to the tragic tales of Linda Richman's life, from her novel I'd Rather Laugh: How to Be Happy Even When Life Has Other Plans for You. The same Linda Richman that was parodied on SNL by her son-in-law, Mike Myers.

The charming woman I volunteer with brought Richman's book in for a change of pace. In our reading sessions, we usually stick to books that are safe. Gentle stories of boys with their dogs in the Maritimes. Mishaps in the drug store. To be honest, I was becoming uninspired. Our faithful group of white-haired listeners seemed to be losing enthusiasm as well. In our efforts to be inoffensive, had we become boring?

Well, let me tell you, Linda Richman sparked a fire in my storytelling soul. I was practically jumping out of my seat while narrating her anecdotes of dysfunctional family life. I felt like the star of a play with the audience hanging onto my every word. Clearly, Richman's been through a lot. But somehow she manages to paint her picture with incredible humour. A type of humour that is loads of fun to share.
​

It's apparent that playing it safe can only get you so far. In all areas of life. Go for the provocative. Something that moves you and outrages you. Our reading session this week stirred more discussion and controversy than usual. It got us thinking and raising our voices. And best of all, it made us laugh.
​