What do you think?
Rate this book
White Girl Problems #1
White Girl Problems
Babe Walker, center of the universe, is a painstakingly manicured white girl with an expensive smoothie habit, a proclivity for Louboutins, a mysterious mother she's never met, and approximately 50 bajillion Twitter followers. But her "problems" have landed her in shopping rehab--that's what happens when you spend $246,893.50 in one afternoon at Barneys. Now she's decided to write her memoir, revealing the gut-wrenching hurdles she's had to overcome in order to be perfect in every way, every day. Hurdles such as: - I hate my horse.
- Every job I've ever had is the worst job I've ever had.
- He's not a doctor, a lawyer, or a prince.
- I'll eat anything, as long as it's gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, low-fat, low-calorie, sugar-free, and organic.
In an Adderall-induced flash of inspiration, Babe Walker has managed to create one of the most enjoyable, unforgettable memoirs in years.
- Every job I've ever had is the worst job I've ever had.
- He's not a doctor, a lawyer, or a prince.
- I'll eat anything, as long as it's gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, low-fat, low-calorie, sugar-free, and organic.
In an Adderall-induced flash of inspiration, Babe Walker has managed to create one of the most enjoyable, unforgettable memoirs in years.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Babe Walker
4 books273 followersBabe Walker lives (and very occasionally works) in L.A. You can find her on Twitter (@whitegrlproblem).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,106 reviews
February 11, 2015
I really liked this book. I can't help it. It's completely ridiculous satire of the mega-rich and the unbelievable way in which they spend their time and money. Ok, it's not about all rich people. It's really just about Babe, one of the most horrible/wonderful characters in all of literature. It's like a grownup Clueless if Cher did recreational drugs and never had an epiphany moment. I want to feel ashamed and embarrassed for Babe, but I can't. I just kept reading on with my mouth slightly agape in wonder of the luxury and wastefulness.
December 28, 2020
What a disappointing book. I know, I shouldn't have expected too much with a title like "White Girl Problems" but not only was this book unfunny, it actually made me irritated!
The writing is annoying and shallow. Part of the fun in reading memoirs (even made up memoirs) is finding areas in which you can relate to the author. Even if you cannot relate to the exact situation the author is describing, you can normally relate to the feelings described. With White Girl Problems, I just became disgusted and thanked God that I couldn't relate to any of it. This is not a book about "white girl problems" whatever those may be, it is a book about a spoiled, self-absorbed, materialistic, socialite.
Clearly some people have found humor in this book, but in good conscience I cannot recommend this book to anybody.
The writing is annoying and shallow. Part of the fun in reading memoirs (even made up memoirs) is finding areas in which you can relate to the author. Even if you cannot relate to the exact situation the author is describing, you can normally relate to the feelings described. With White Girl Problems, I just became disgusted and thanked God that I couldn't relate to any of it. This is not a book about "white girl problems" whatever those may be, it is a book about a spoiled, self-absorbed, materialistic, socialite.
Clearly some people have found humor in this book, but in good conscience I cannot recommend this book to anybody.
September 17, 2019
Funny and ridiculous. The first 100 pages had me laughing out loud in public, but then it started to go downhill for me... Definitely still recommend and I will read the next one, for sure.
March 3, 2012
I admit to reading a lot of dumb, quick books for some mindless entertainment but I am not sure how I even got as far as page 35 on this one before calling it quits. Stupidest book ever!!
February 6, 2013
“Money Can’t Buy Happiness, But I’d Rather Be Sad in A Mansion”
When I first saw White Girl Problems on the shelves in Target, I laughed and thought to myself, “What has this society come to?” I mean who is going to read a book with a title like this. I would be embarrassed to purchase a book with this title. I walked over to the shelf and picked the book up. I read the back of the book and actually found it quite funny. While I was waiting for my mom to finish getting everything she needed, I sat on the floor of Target and began to read the book.
I read the first few chapters and could not put it down. Froms Babe’s love/hate relationship with her nanny to her many different types of friends she makes, I was literally laughing out loud. Babe Walker takes all of these crazy, superficial problems that the upper class tend to deal with and turns them in to a bigger and more real problem. Her somewhat bazaar problems all have a deeper meaning to them.
The fact that Babe considers this book a memoir of her life, makes it all the better. Her stories are completely crazy and down right unimaginable. The main reason I was able to stick with this book is because it is unpredictable. There us no telling what Babe is going to do best. I cannot remember the last time I read a book where I could not tell you the ending by the middle of the book. “White Girl Problems,” is a girl version of Tucker Max’s “I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell.” It is raunchy and fun loving all at the same time. I would definitely consider this book to be only read from women 18 and up.
Although Babe is snotty, rich, bratty, stuck up, and completely spoiled, I believe we all have a little “Babe walker” in us. She is the definition of someone we all love to hate. We all secretly want to be her and also want to be away from her at the same time. We are also exposed to these types of people everyday of our lives, weather it is on TV or in real life. She is like a modern day version of Marylyn Monroe, only with no filter and zero class.
I promise, give this book a chance and you will not be able to put it down. You will be living with her through her very detailed and elaborate stories. You will have to ignore the weird looks you receive from other people while you are laughing to yourself, while reading this hilarious book.
June 3, 2018
Nope. This was awful. DNF @ 60 pages.
February 8, 2013
I read a profile in the Daily Beast of the brothers Tanner and David Oliver Cohen and Lara Schoenhals, a trio who had used Twitter to create the character of Babe Walker, an ultra-spoiled LA rich girl who makes self-centered, narcissistic comments. Babe's tweets were a hit and they put together a book, White Girl Problems.
While on vacation I read the book and was entertained; Babe Walker is an outrageous character. We learn that she is in rehab for a shopping addiction and feeling that her fellow patients are being unsympathetic, she tells us her life story.
One of the more telling incidents is that when Babe's therapist dozes off during a session, Babe reads her notes and cannot figure out why this woman thinks Babe has Narcissistic Personality Disorder. If you liked the wild humor of "Absolutely Fabulous", White Girl Problems is another terrific look at people who have more money than common sense.
I can't say it is great literature because it is NOT!!!! It is wacky and about a self absorbed young woman like all those stupid chicks on tv. But I laughed.... A LOT!!
While on vacation I read the book and was entertained; Babe Walker is an outrageous character. We learn that she is in rehab for a shopping addiction and feeling that her fellow patients are being unsympathetic, she tells us her life story.
One of the more telling incidents is that when Babe's therapist dozes off during a session, Babe reads her notes and cannot figure out why this woman thinks Babe has Narcissistic Personality Disorder. If you liked the wild humor of "Absolutely Fabulous", White Girl Problems is another terrific look at people who have more money than common sense.
I can't say it is great literature because it is NOT!!!! It is wacky and about a self absorbed young woman like all those stupid chicks on tv. But I laughed.... A LOT!!
February 26, 2013
I picked this up while strolling through Barnes and Noble, and the first line of the book was so hilarious that I decided to buy it, thinking that the rest of the book would follow suit.
Unfortunately, I was wrong, and the first line turned out to be the funniest line in the entire book.
It seems that people adore Babe Walker--and all of her "white girl problems." Either that, or they take her--and her minimization of problems that are actually very real--too seriously. I suppose I can see either side (though the latter a bit more), but I fall into neither of those categories.
First of all, marketing it as a memoir is a bit misleading, as is using real names, etc. in the book. I hadn't heard of the Babe Walker phenomenon when I bought it, so to be completely honest, I thought I was purchasing a memoir. It was approximately three chapters in when I kept thinking 'this CAN'T be real,' and googled it. If Babe Walker WERE real, I wouldn't have been able to finish.
The problem I had with this book is that--to me--the main character is irredeemably unlikable. She learns nothing, and teaches nothing. She's annoying, selfish, rude, and does nothing to change that. So, it was hard for me to read about her "life" during each chapter. I just didn't care what happened to Babe Walker. And it's hard to say that a book that produces that type of emotion is anything better than mediocre.
Sure, there have been novels with extremely unlikable main characters--but, the good writing has usually made up for that. Not the case here.
The writers are prolific in Valley Girl speak, and that's pretty much that. There are a few funny moments in the book, but by and large Babe's "memoir" drags on for entirely too long for a book without a real character arc.
I give it 2 stars, and that's just because I was able to finish it.
Bottom line: Annoying and unlikable main character, mediocre writing, no character arc. Nto a recommendation I will be giving when someone asks if I've read anything good lately.
Unfortunately, I was wrong, and the first line turned out to be the funniest line in the entire book.
It seems that people adore Babe Walker--and all of her "white girl problems." Either that, or they take her--and her minimization of problems that are actually very real--too seriously. I suppose I can see either side (though the latter a bit more), but I fall into neither of those categories.
First of all, marketing it as a memoir is a bit misleading, as is using real names, etc. in the book. I hadn't heard of the Babe Walker phenomenon when I bought it, so to be completely honest, I thought I was purchasing a memoir. It was approximately three chapters in when I kept thinking 'this CAN'T be real,' and googled it. If Babe Walker WERE real, I wouldn't have been able to finish.
The problem I had with this book is that--to me--the main character is irredeemably unlikable. She learns nothing, and teaches nothing. She's annoying, selfish, rude, and does nothing to change that. So, it was hard for me to read about her "life" during each chapter. I just didn't care what happened to Babe Walker. And it's hard to say that a book that produces that type of emotion is anything better than mediocre.
Sure, there have been novels with extremely unlikable main characters--but, the good writing has usually made up for that. Not the case here.
The writers are prolific in Valley Girl speak, and that's pretty much that. There are a few funny moments in the book, but by and large Babe's "memoir" drags on for entirely too long for a book without a real character arc.
I give it 2 stars, and that's just because I was able to finish it.
Bottom line: Annoying and unlikable main character, mediocre writing, no character arc. Nto a recommendation I will be giving when someone asks if I've read anything good lately.
August 8, 2012
Parts of this book are "laugh-out-loud" hilarious, but most of it was annoying.
My main complaints are as follows:
(1) I am not a chic fashionista. I know nothing about hottest designer brands. Shopping at Banana Republic or Nordstrom is splurging for me, so I know nothing about the fancy schmancy brands she constantly references.
(2) White PRIVILEGED girl problems tend to just piss me off. I can't imagining having a maid, an on-call therapist or an ATM machine for a father sooooo I can't relate to anything that she says.
(3) I really wanted to punch Babe Walker in the face. A LOT.
For a fictional character, her unrelenting narcissism really got under my skin.
My main complaints are as follows:
(1) I am not a chic fashionista. I know nothing about hottest designer brands. Shopping at Banana Republic or Nordstrom is splurging for me, so I know nothing about the fancy schmancy brands she constantly references.
(2) White PRIVILEGED girl problems tend to just piss me off. I can't imagining having a maid, an on-call therapist or an ATM machine for a father sooooo I can't relate to anything that she says.
(3) I really wanted to punch Babe Walker in the face. A LOT.
For a fictional character, her unrelenting narcissism really got under my skin.
July 3, 2012
It's a great thing I ignored Tori Spelling's review on the cover. This book was barely "laugh-out-loud" funny and didn't even approached "pee-in-your-Cosabellas" funny. While it's blatant that this book is about a drama queen and the stories may be a stretch, all the fun is ruined when you find out it was written by the Coen brothers and some PR girl. At least when Jen Lancaster writes her bitchy dialogue, you can at least assume something of that nature was said out loud in real life. Reading the jacked up imaginative world of two has-been comedic writers was a total bust. Babe Walker's life is unrelatable, completely absurd for the sake of being absurd and full of enough drugs and alcohol to kill a horse. Barf.
That being said, the only reason I gave it two stars was it was plenty of entertainment to easily get me through a week of sitting in airports. Don't waste your money - borrow it from a friend or a library.
That being said, the only reason I gave it two stars was it was plenty of entertainment to easily get me through a week of sitting in airports. Don't waste your money - borrow it from a friend or a library.
May 28, 2013
UPDATE: Okay, I've read this book now. It was hilarious, and that's coming from someone who didn't like the main character all that much.
The story focuses on the "life experiences" (if we can even call them that) of the author. I'm not entirely sure what anyone would classify this book, because it blurs the line between fiction and reality. The people that are discussed in the book are actually real people, but who knows exactly how truthful the stories told about them are. Some of the stories are just so outlandish that you really wonder how deeply rooted in fact they are. But anyway, the main character (who is the author and writing her "memoirs from shopping rehab") is the daughter of a wealthy and influential lawyer in Los Angeles. She's in her 20s, has no responsibilities, no job, bounced around five different colleges before deciding to drop out and spends a lot of her time with her coke-addicted BFF Gen and her gay best friend Roman (whom she incidentally lost her virginity to).
Despite my feelings about her character and how it illustrates everything that is wrong with society, her one-liners are hilarious. The stories that she tells are enjoyable and it was a good mindless read for Spring Break.
Haven't started this book, but I had to buy it because of the chapter titles.
Here is a sampling of them:
If I like him, he's probably gay.
My vagina is bullshit.
My major in college was picking my major, with a minor in being really bored.
My first trip to jail was not nearly as fun as I thought it would be. Super cute mugshot though.
Sorry for texting you 93 times last night.
It's 5:15. How much weight can I lose by 8:00?
I need a therapist to talk about the problems I'm having with my therapist.
Every job I've ever had is the worst job I've ever had.
The story focuses on the "life experiences" (if we can even call them that) of the author. I'm not entirely sure what anyone would classify this book, because it blurs the line between fiction and reality. The people that are discussed in the book are actually real people, but who knows exactly how truthful the stories told about them are. Some of the stories are just so outlandish that you really wonder how deeply rooted in fact they are. But anyway, the main character (who is the author and writing her "memoirs from shopping rehab") is the daughter of a wealthy and influential lawyer in Los Angeles. She's in her 20s, has no responsibilities, no job, bounced around five different colleges before deciding to drop out and spends a lot of her time with her coke-addicted BFF Gen and her gay best friend Roman (whom she incidentally lost her virginity to).
Despite my feelings about her character and how it illustrates everything that is wrong with society, her one-liners are hilarious. The stories that she tells are enjoyable and it was a good mindless read for Spring Break.
Haven't started this book, but I had to buy it because of the chapter titles.
Here is a sampling of them:
If I like him, he's probably gay.
My vagina is bullshit.
My major in college was picking my major, with a minor in being really bored.
My first trip to jail was not nearly as fun as I thought it would be. Super cute mugshot though.
Sorry for texting you 93 times last night.
It's 5:15. How much weight can I lose by 8:00?
I need a therapist to talk about the problems I'm having with my therapist.
Every job I've ever had is the worst job I've ever had.
February 14, 2012
Quick & light read, not much of a humorous book, extremely shallow. The sort of book you want to read to break the string of too much fictional/fantasy novels. Like a rebound book, kinda, if am allowed to say so.
Anyways, I found it lame, but suited the little time & mind I had for reading.
P.S 9.99$ is pricy for such a tacky book! most regrettable 99.9$ spent over a book!
Anyways, I found it lame, but suited the little time & mind I had for reading.
P.S 9.99$ is pricy for such a tacky book! most regrettable 99.9$ spent over a book!
April 26, 2021
Ok, the whole time I was reading this book my thoughts were pretty much: is this for real? 😳😳
June 11, 2015
I am in love with White Girl Problems. It's rare for a book to make me laugh out loud, but I was LOL'ing all over the place with this one. Babe Walker is such a horrible person, but damn it if I wasn't cheering her on. I read through this one so quickly that I actually set it down for a few hours when I got to the last chapter. I just did not want it to end. Then I remembered that there is a sequel that I will be purchasing when I go to the B&N on Tuesday. Problem solved. Any fan of the movie Clueless would love this one. Babe Walker is my spirit animal.
*Babe Walker is not a real person. Therefore this is not a real memoir. The crazy shit described in this book is just that: crazy shit. There is gratuitous swearing, sex, drugs and a little rock 'n roll thrown in the mix. The low reviews for this book seem to be by people who thought this was real and expected an inspiring story of reformation and personal growth. If that's what you're after, you've got the wrong fucking book.
*Babe Walker is not a real person. Therefore this is not a real memoir. The crazy shit described in this book is just that: crazy shit. There is gratuitous swearing, sex, drugs and a little rock 'n roll thrown in the mix. The low reviews for this book seem to be by people who thought this was real and expected an inspiring story of reformation and personal growth. If that's what you're after, you've got the wrong fucking book.
November 5, 2012
‘White Girl Problems’ is an autobiography by Babe Walker that is two hundred and eighty-eight pages. The book follows the somewhat raunchy Babe Walker, a daddy’s girl living in the heart of Los Angeles. She's mainly known for her witty Twitter account, 'White Girl Problems' which, in a way goes along with the book itself. Filled with an infinite number hilarious moments ‘White Girl Problems’ had me both on the edge of my seat and laughing out load! I usually despise autobiographies and biographies but this one was so different to all the others I had read. It was playful and funny, and furthermore, absolutely unbelievable! The character is great, and the mystery behind WHO she is really kept me thinking about her well after I had finished the book. A great read and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a good book and some fun!
July 28, 2013
To elicit sympathy for an obnoxious character, the author needs to provide some degree of reformation. At some point, the character earns the reader's sympathy by recognizing their personal fault. That never happens in this novel.
There is nothing likeable about the protagonist, who is so thoroughly self-absorbed as to be remarkably boring. Her life is empty and so is the book, empty of anything that would draw a reader in.
If not for the book club, I would have given up by page 60.
Even for a light summer read, the book is devoid of substance, not unlike the type of food that our heroine makes such a fuss over. She's model-thin, you see, and eating disordered and who gives a rat's arse. If you want humour, you'd be better served with something by Jen Lancaster.
There is nothing likeable about the protagonist, who is so thoroughly self-absorbed as to be remarkably boring. Her life is empty and so is the book, empty of anything that would draw a reader in.
If not for the book club, I would have given up by page 60.
Even for a light summer read, the book is devoid of substance, not unlike the type of food that our heroine makes such a fuss over. She's model-thin, you see, and eating disordered and who gives a rat's arse. If you want humour, you'd be better served with something by Jen Lancaster.
April 14, 2012
I just started this one, and the language is atrocious. Almost from the first page. Not as funny yet, either. I'll continue to slog through it and hope for the best. The title should really be RICH white girl problems....I gave up and didn't finish. It wasn't nearly as funny as I was led to believe, and I found the language fairly vulgar(and that's saying something) and honestly, I couldn't figure out, after 3 chapters, what she had to bitch so much about so i stopped reading. Time better spent on other pursuits, or within the pages of other books.
May 8, 2022
I read this as I loved the Shopaholic series. I didn't enjoy it at all. Super unrealistic, no character arc, and no real point. Not my thing!
January 22, 2016
This book is quite different than what I typically read, but my "book club" (wine club??) told me my selections were too depressing. We browsed the web to find something light and funny--we stumbled upon "White Girl Problems," and in our hazy, inebriated state, we purchased three copies for about a penny each off Amazon. Honestly, I was a bit concerned...could I really like a book that didn't have some deeper meaning? I never really cared for mindless drivel or chic lit, but after several mixed reviews, I, at least, gathered that "White Girl Problems" would be a fun poke at socialites.
Babe Walker, Bitch Extraordinaire...do you hate or love her?? Is she a protagonist or antagonist? This chic has serious issues--like SERIOUS ISSUES. If the reader wanted to really delve into those issues, he/she would be sad actually, but, luckily, the shenanigans that Babe finds herself in leaves no room for sadness or pity. In fact, I think there is a little bit of Babe Walker in each of us...Don't we all tend to be selfish or set in our ways over certain things. I really couldn't hate Babe because I saw a little bit of her in me! Her alter-ego Babette was a hoot because break-ups can be humiliating experiences...been there, done that!! However, even in my worst state of mind, I never went to the extreme lengths that Babe took to seek revenge on exes when wronged. (Read the chapter in which she stages an intervention with her ex-boyfriend's family, having convinced them he was addicted to sex. Revenge is sweet, Babe Walker). Babe Walker makes even the most psychotic of readers look sane on even their worst days!
Sure, Babe is a hot mess, but after finishing the book, I miss her. I miss the mindless drivel--I miss her delusional view on life. I miss her over-exaggerated feelings of self-importance. I am tempted to buy Babe Walker's sequel, "Psycho," but it has been my experience that sequels can be disappointing reads. What if Babe cleans up her act and becomes almost likable?? I want no part of that.
So, obviously, "White Girl Problems" is not going to go down in history as classic literature, but I still give it a five star review. It is is hilarious, fast-paced, and downright ridiculous. If you have a sense of humor and can laugh at human emotions this book is for you!!
Babe Walker, Bitch Extraordinaire...do you hate or love her?? Is she a protagonist or antagonist? This chic has serious issues--like SERIOUS ISSUES. If the reader wanted to really delve into those issues, he/she would be sad actually, but, luckily, the shenanigans that Babe finds herself in leaves no room for sadness or pity. In fact, I think there is a little bit of Babe Walker in each of us...Don't we all tend to be selfish or set in our ways over certain things. I really couldn't hate Babe because I saw a little bit of her in me! Her alter-ego Babette was a hoot because break-ups can be humiliating experiences...been there, done that!! However, even in my worst state of mind, I never went to the extreme lengths that Babe took to seek revenge on exes when wronged. (Read the chapter in which she stages an intervention with her ex-boyfriend's family, having convinced them he was addicted to sex. Revenge is sweet, Babe Walker). Babe Walker makes even the most psychotic of readers look sane on even their worst days!
Sure, Babe is a hot mess, but after finishing the book, I miss her. I miss the mindless drivel--I miss her delusional view on life. I miss her over-exaggerated feelings of self-importance. I am tempted to buy Babe Walker's sequel, "Psycho," but it has been my experience that sequels can be disappointing reads. What if Babe cleans up her act and becomes almost likable?? I want no part of that.
So, obviously, "White Girl Problems" is not going to go down in history as classic literature, but I still give it a five star review. It is is hilarious, fast-paced, and downright ridiculous. If you have a sense of humor and can laugh at human emotions this book is for you!!
March 14, 2013
My sister chose this book. I had my doubts, but in the name of sisterliness I was willing to give it a whirl. I read 'Celebitchy' every night & laugh my ass off. this book is officially categorized by the Library of Congress under 'Young Women -Fiction,' 'Women, White -Fiction' & 'Chick lit.' I never knew any of those were categories. That's the most interesting part of this book & it's not part of the manuscript. The title of this book should be 'Super Spoiled Rich Girl Problems.' That aside, I didn't find it to be at all funny & I can't forgive a book whose publisher categorizes it under 'humor' that is not funny. By not funny I mean 'didn't even crack a smile or giggle on the inside once.' I will never get back the time I spent reading this book. I could have been reading trashy tabloids!
Read
May 22, 2012I want that few hours of my life back. I picked this up because it looked like a quick read and something that I would enjoy. The title is misleading. There is zero character development. Reading about a spoiled rich girl who has no clue what the real world is about is not an escape. It's just plain painful. If you need to read something that will definitely not make you think, this is your book. It feels like the writing is done based on researching current hot trends/styles/designers as a way to brag about a life that very few people even know exists. Completely disappointing.
September 8, 2016
White Girl Problems had me laughing out loud, and not many books can do that. Oh for some of Babe's problems--too much money, too much time on her hands...oh okay, I'll just take those two problems and create some of my own. This is a good book, even though it feels a bit trashy at times. She is blunt and cutting to the bone, but I liked it. Would I read something else by her? You betcha.
November 2, 2012
funniest. book. ever.
May 11, 2016
The author, Babe Walker lives in Los Angeles, California. She has written other multiple books. The writing style is realistic fiction, and because of some interesting scenes, it is intended for adults. The purpose of this book, was to give its readers a laugh, since most of us cannot really relate (at least not with most of it). The title, ties in the book as a whole. Throughout this comical story, we read about all sorts of problems this “white girl”, Babe Walker (the character) faces. With the title White Girl Problems, one can only imagine what the book may hold, to some it may be interesting, and to some it may not be. There is no preface, but upon seeing chapter titles, like “Who am I, and when did I gain a pound ?”, you can get a hint of what might be talked about. The book, has chapters, but is also written like a journal, starting at “Day 26”.The cover of the book, may capture someone’s eye. It is a white cover, with a picture of two heels, one stepping in gum. Seeing that cover, and the title, may draw people in, because that can be relatable, (who likes to step in gum?). If you flip through pages of the book, you can see different fonts, pages where it looks like back and forth texts, and even some drawings. I think, in this piece of writing, it all contributes to the book. All these aspects included in the book, add to our story, providing us with more detailed information and events. Upon seeing the non-traditional all-worded book, I was captured.
The main character, named after the author, is Babe Walker. The story is written in first person view, and we constantly follow her throughout. I cannot empathize with the character, we are on completely opposite spectrums. This book, was written very informally. Although, it is an older read, it is not a hard read. In the book, Babe Walker, is struggling with self-conflicts, ones that might seem ridiculous to us, but still problems to her. Many quotes from this book stand out, the whole book is hilarious, “I typically moisturize between 100 and 110 times a day”(Walker 123, P 4). The author is really good with detail, and including you in on the life, our main character Babe Walker has lived, and is living. Walker, provides us with background information on the character and what leads us to her current situation.
White Girl Problems has to be one of the funniest books I have read. Babe Walker, a spoiled, rich, white girl, is our main character. We follow her throughout the entire story. From the time Babe was little, up until the very end of the story, the problems she struggles with is absolutely wild. Some scenes are may not be very appropriate for young readers, but it is funny. We see crude humor, and language that a formal book may not have. Depending on the reader, some may find it too easy. I do not think the book was written to be hard, and fulfills what it should. Babe, our main character, has questionable principles, and ideas, but it is what gives this story a twist. Since the book is fiction, I do not think Walker needed to provide us with anymore information than she did.
I loved the book while I read it. Walker provides us with this twisted life story of her fictional character. Some events may leave you shocked, but it gave me a perfect opportunity to relax. As a reader you really get to connect to our main character, and see where she is coming from, because it was so well written. You may not agree with everything Babe does, but it makes for one good story. I have not yet read any other books Walker has read, but I would definitely like to. This book does compare really well to some other fictional books, of course solely depending on what other book. The book appealed to my emotions, I laughed when it was funny, and in some situations even felt bad for the character. Putting yourself in rehab for spending $246,893.50 in one day, lands Babe exactly where she is. Another chapter title that caught my eye is “Every job I’ve ever had is the worst job I’ve ever had.” If you are looking for a book that’ll leave you laughing, and maybe turning your head in an “oh my goodness” way, White Girl Problems may provide you with that.
The main character, named after the author, is Babe Walker. The story is written in first person view, and we constantly follow her throughout. I cannot empathize with the character, we are on completely opposite spectrums. This book, was written very informally. Although, it is an older read, it is not a hard read. In the book, Babe Walker, is struggling with self-conflicts, ones that might seem ridiculous to us, but still problems to her. Many quotes from this book stand out, the whole book is hilarious, “I typically moisturize between 100 and 110 times a day”(Walker 123, P 4). The author is really good with detail, and including you in on the life, our main character Babe Walker has lived, and is living. Walker, provides us with background information on the character and what leads us to her current situation.
White Girl Problems has to be one of the funniest books I have read. Babe Walker, a spoiled, rich, white girl, is our main character. We follow her throughout the entire story. From the time Babe was little, up until the very end of the story, the problems she struggles with is absolutely wild. Some scenes are may not be very appropriate for young readers, but it is funny. We see crude humor, and language that a formal book may not have. Depending on the reader, some may find it too easy. I do not think the book was written to be hard, and fulfills what it should. Babe, our main character, has questionable principles, and ideas, but it is what gives this story a twist. Since the book is fiction, I do not think Walker needed to provide us with anymore information than she did.
I loved the book while I read it. Walker provides us with this twisted life story of her fictional character. Some events may leave you shocked, but it gave me a perfect opportunity to relax. As a reader you really get to connect to our main character, and see where she is coming from, because it was so well written. You may not agree with everything Babe does, but it makes for one good story. I have not yet read any other books Walker has read, but I would definitely like to. This book does compare really well to some other fictional books, of course solely depending on what other book. The book appealed to my emotions, I laughed when it was funny, and in some situations even felt bad for the character. Putting yourself in rehab for spending $246,893.50 in one day, lands Babe exactly where she is. Another chapter title that caught my eye is “Every job I’ve ever had is the worst job I’ve ever had.” If you are looking for a book that’ll leave you laughing, and maybe turning your head in an “oh my goodness” way, White Girl Problems may provide you with that.
December 10, 2012
"White Girl Problems" was very disappointing to me. I didn't realize that it was based off of a Twitter account when I bought the book, and I thought it was going to be funnier than what it was. The fact that it is told from, Babe Walker's perspective is annoying. This book in total took me two days to read. However, I needed a four day intermission because she annoyed me so much!
Babe Walker is a made up character who decides to write her memoir because her life is supposedly so interesting. However, it's just a Poor Little Rich Girl---who I have diagnosed with, schizophrenia disorder---although, her therapist diagnosed her with, "Narcissistic Personality Disorder".
I am pretty sure it is considered rape what she did to her best friend, and it's something that I don't find funny. I also find it perverted how she lets her nanny (her nanny has known her from a baby) film it from a closet, and the nanny was actually into it. Hell! She was only 15/16! That's just sick, in my opinion. It's like having your parents record you having sex.
Babette, Babe's alter ego is every man's nightmare, and I am pretty sure every woman's too.
There is no plot to this book. You can literally skip pages, and it wouldn't make a difference. You can still discuss the book. I literally read the last eight pages in four minutes.
It's not that the stories are bad, it's just the way they're told. Honestly, I think I read the word "chic" on every other page. "So chic", "She's so chic", "The house is so chic", "This smoothie is so chic", GROWWWWWLLLLL I wanted to tear my hair out, but I honestly believe it is just because I can't stand the protagonist.
I don't know why I finished the book. Possibly, because I would be embarrassed if I didn't because it is such an easy read.
Reading this book is like watching all those female based reality shows like, "Keeping Up With the Kardashins", "Army Wives", "Mafia Wives", "Jersey Shore" etc.
I'd only recommend this book to people who get off on making fun of other people's fatuousness and ignorance. Which I don't. I prefer clever books. I thought that this was going to be told in a different light. FAIL
I really wanted to give this book a 2.5, but there is no half star option; therefore, I picked 2 stars instead of 3.
This book made me....
• . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . ,.-‘”. . . . . . . . . .``~.,
. . . . . . . .. . . . . .,.-”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .“-.,
. . . . .. . . . . . ..,/. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ”:,
. . . . . . . .. .,?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\,
. . . . . . . . . /. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,}
. . . . . . . . ./. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,:`^`.}
. . . . . . . ./. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,:”. . . ./
. . . . . . .?. . . __. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . :`. . . ./
. . . . . . . /__.(. . .“~-,_. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,:`. . . .. ./
. . . . . . /(_. . ”~,_. . . ..“~,_. . . . . . . . . .,:`. . . . _/
. . . .. .{.._$;_. . .”=,_. . . .“-,_. . . ,.-~-,}, .~”; /. .. .}
. . .. . .((. . .*~_. . . .”=-._. . .“;,,./`. . /” . . . ./. .. ../
. . . .. . .\`~,. . ..“~.,. . . . . . . . . ..`. . .}. . . . . . ../
. . . . . .(. ..`=-,,. . . .`. . . . . . . . . . . ..(. . . ;_,,-”
. . . . . ../.`~,. . ..`-.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..\. . /\
. . . . . . \`~.*-,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..|,./.....\,__
,,_. . . . . }.>-._\. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .|. . . . . . ..`=~-,
. .. `=~-,_\_. . . `\,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .`=~-,,.\,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . `:,, . . . . . . . . . . . . . `\. . . . . . ..__
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .`=-,. . . . . . . . . .,%`>--
Babe Walker is a made up character who decides to write her memoir because her life is supposedly so interesting. However, it's just a Poor Little Rich Girl---who I have diagnosed with, schizophrenia disorder---although, her therapist diagnosed her with, "Narcissistic Personality Disorder".
I am pretty sure it is considered rape what she did to her best friend, and it's something that I don't find funny. I also find it perverted how she lets her nanny (her nanny has known her from a baby) film it from a closet, and the nanny was actually into it. Hell! She was only 15/16! That's just sick, in my opinion. It's like having your parents record you having sex.
Babette, Babe's alter ego is every man's nightmare, and I am pretty sure every woman's too.
There is no plot to this book. You can literally skip pages, and it wouldn't make a difference. You can still discuss the book. I literally read the last eight pages in four minutes.
It's not that the stories are bad, it's just the way they're told. Honestly, I think I read the word "chic" on every other page. "So chic", "She's so chic", "The house is so chic", "This smoothie is so chic", GROWWWWWLLLLL I wanted to tear my hair out, but I honestly believe it is just because I can't stand the protagonist.
I don't know why I finished the book. Possibly, because I would be embarrassed if I didn't because it is such an easy read.
Reading this book is like watching all those female based reality shows like, "Keeping Up With the Kardashins", "Army Wives", "Mafia Wives", "Jersey Shore" etc.
I'd only recommend this book to people who get off on making fun of other people's fatuousness and ignorance. Which I don't. I prefer clever books. I thought that this was going to be told in a different light. FAIL
I really wanted to give this book a 2.5, but there is no half star option; therefore, I picked 2 stars instead of 3.
This book made me....
• . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . ,.-‘”. . . . . . . . . .``~.,
. . . . . . . .. . . . . .,.-”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .“-.,
. . . . .. . . . . . ..,/. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ”:,
. . . . . . . .. .,?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\,
. . . . . . . . . /. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,}
. . . . . . . . ./. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,:`^`.}
. . . . . . . ./. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,:”. . . ./
. . . . . . .?. . . __. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . :`. . . ./
. . . . . . . /__.(. . .“~-,_. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,:`. . . .. ./
. . . . . . /(_. . ”~,_. . . ..“~,_. . . . . . . . . .,:`. . . . _/
. . . .. .{.._$;_. . .”=,_. . . .“-,_. . . ,.-~-,}, .~”; /. .. .}
. . .. . .((. . .*~_. . . .”=-._. . .“;,,./`. . /” . . . ./. .. ../
. . . .. . .\`~,. . ..“~.,. . . . . . . . . ..`. . .}. . . . . . ../
. . . . . .(. ..`=-,,. . . .`. . . . . . . . . . . ..(. . . ;_,,-”
. . . . . ../.`~,. . ..`-.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..\. . /\
. . . . . . \`~.*-,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..|,./.....\,__
,,_. . . . . }.>-._\. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .|. . . . . . ..`=~-,
. .. `=~-,_\_. . . `\,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .`=~-,,.\,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . `:,, . . . . . . . . . . . . . `\. . . . . . ..__
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .`=-,. . . . . . . . . .,%`>--
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 12, 2012Charlotte Happel
12/12/12
Mr. Pollock’s 9-2 class
Walker, Babe. White Girl Problems. New York: Hyperion, 2012.
I hate having questions at the end of a book that wasn’t at all a “cliff hanger”. It’s not fair to me, as the reader, to still have questions after reading a book such as White Girl Problems by Babe Walker. I liked this book, but there where too many unanswered questions, my main question being, “Is this real or not?’ The author writes this book about herself and her friends and while these are all real people, the Library of Congress categorized it as fiction. I found this constant idea of fiction vs. non-fiction constantly distracting me while reading this book. The relationships Babe Walker writes about seem so real, but the event and actions make me believe that it’s not. Part of me wishes this book was real, just because babe Walker is hysterical.
One of the chapters in White Girl Problems is all about her birthday parties and how they never end well. She goes on to tell you about her 12th birthday party and how her and her friends accidentally ate her grandmother’s medicinal marijuana macaroons. “About an hour later, everyone at the party was unknowingly stoned. My hot tub was filled with twelve tweenage girls, blazed out of their minds…” (Walker, 4%)
This is just one of the many examples the crazy experiences Babe Walker writes about.
This book connects to Hollywood so well. Everything is so over the top. It is all about stereotypical rich people and how they spend their money. Babe Walker reminds me of a child who grew up in Hollywood, very used to getting her way.
The one thing I wish I could do is meet the real Babe Walker. I want to ask her about her friends in the book and if they are really like that in real life. I want to ask her if her grandmother really did purposely mauled by a lion because she had cancer. Not only do I want answers about the book, but also I want to see if she is as crazy as she seems. Overall Babe Walker seems really cool. Even if her stories aren’t true, she still has to be pretty amazing to think of all of them.
White Girl Problems is one of those books that is very stupid and has no point to it whatsoever; but its so entertaining. I found myself never wanting to put the book down. I always wanted to see the insane thing Babe Walker did nest. Not only was it hard to put down, but also it was extremely funny.
12/12/12
Mr. Pollock’s 9-2 class
Walker, Babe. White Girl Problems. New York: Hyperion, 2012.
I hate having questions at the end of a book that wasn’t at all a “cliff hanger”. It’s not fair to me, as the reader, to still have questions after reading a book such as White Girl Problems by Babe Walker. I liked this book, but there where too many unanswered questions, my main question being, “Is this real or not?’ The author writes this book about herself and her friends and while these are all real people, the Library of Congress categorized it as fiction. I found this constant idea of fiction vs. non-fiction constantly distracting me while reading this book. The relationships Babe Walker writes about seem so real, but the event and actions make me believe that it’s not. Part of me wishes this book was real, just because babe Walker is hysterical.
One of the chapters in White Girl Problems is all about her birthday parties and how they never end well. She goes on to tell you about her 12th birthday party and how her and her friends accidentally ate her grandmother’s medicinal marijuana macaroons. “About an hour later, everyone at the party was unknowingly stoned. My hot tub was filled with twelve tweenage girls, blazed out of their minds…” (Walker, 4%)
This is just one of the many examples the crazy experiences Babe Walker writes about.
This book connects to Hollywood so well. Everything is so over the top. It is all about stereotypical rich people and how they spend their money. Babe Walker reminds me of a child who grew up in Hollywood, very used to getting her way.
The one thing I wish I could do is meet the real Babe Walker. I want to ask her about her friends in the book and if they are really like that in real life. I want to ask her if her grandmother really did purposely mauled by a lion because she had cancer. Not only do I want answers about the book, but also I want to see if she is as crazy as she seems. Overall Babe Walker seems really cool. Even if her stories aren’t true, she still has to be pretty amazing to think of all of them.
White Girl Problems is one of those books that is very stupid and has no point to it whatsoever; but its so entertaining. I found myself never wanting to put the book down. I always wanted to see the insane thing Babe Walker did nest. Not only was it hard to put down, but also it was extremely funny.
February 1, 2012
Many people will have heard of this novel based on the Twitter account in its likeness, or fashion articles that promote it, so it is easy to assume that it is a frothy, content-free read; personally, that would be making a pretty big mistake. The novel stars Babe Walker, a filthy rich girl who is best friends with her stay-in nanny, and is now at a rehabilitation center for her shopping addiction, where she writes out all of her misadventures in a journal. Some of these stories are purely anecdotal, situations gone awry, others genuinely make you feel badly for Babe. While this sounds like a Confessions of a Shopaholic rehashing, it is definitely not. Babe is never afraid to be rude or unlikeable, and her narrative is filled with hilarious lines that, unlike other novels of this "genre", are more laughing with her than at her. It is hard to define why exactly this novel is so appealing, but I'd start with that it is hilarious, never afraid to offend, charismatic, and sometimes deep. The ending is good, something more definitive would have been preferred, unless they are planning for a sequel, in which case, that would be perfect. This is not an inspired novel, but more of an inspired character, and it is her presence that drives the entire book and is what makes it interesting. She also, quite surprisingly, gets away with a lot, and her sassy antics do not (at least not for me) make you cringe or hate Babe. Even when her therapist trashes her, listing off traits and occurrences that are quite incriminating, you can't help but disagree, and root for Babe. So, it is a good book, with a lot of funny stories, but it's definitely Babe who leaves the largest impression, and not the events in the novel. I think they could benefit from doing a sequel, but to be honest, not in this style of narrative, but as one genuine story, with a start, middle, and end. If they choose to, this works as the perfect prelude and introduction to a fabulously bitchy and lovable character.
March 13, 2012
Babe Walker managed to write a personal, funny, touching and yes, crazy, but coherent memoir. I've followed her on twitter for a while and I have to say the book was more serious than I had anticipated but I really enjoyed it. I liked her writing style. She is supremely confident even when discussing the most ridiculous things (e.g., designing dashikis for charity, Splenda cubes for dessert, her fabulous personal trainer). As an LA native almost the same age I loved the book. Walker's opinions of LA have an authenticity that only a native can understand, for example her description of shopping on Melrose is truly only something a real LA girl would be able to provide insight into. Usually I don't like the use of the frame narrative but it didn't bother me because she didn't go back and forth throughout the memoir but simply used it to segue into her past. Her life was fascinating from the influence of her grandmother, to her birthday parties, to her time at RISD. Walker had me laughing several times. Don't get me wrong, she is not necessarily a protagonist to imitate nor is she a good influence for young girls, but that is not what this book is about nor is it the audience that should be reading this book. Ultimately it is about a young woman trying to get her life in order, even if she does have a touch of Patrick Bateman in her. The book is very entertaining and a fun read.
February 9, 2016
I don’t want to admit to liking this story of a spoiled Bel Air princess as much as I do.
But it’s totally not just a guilty pleasure read. I mean, it is, but it’s also a satire of modern reality television and the celebration of vapid, materialistic bobble heads.
And hey, the authors (Babe Walker is a pseudonym) even do a decent job of mocking Los Angeles. That’s hard to do, as it requires both a keen sense of humor and a love of the City of Angels and its quirks. If SNL’s Californians skit is an example of how not to mock LA (really, SNL writers, at least take the time to look at a map to get the freeways correct), White Girls Problems gets pretty close to showing how to mock this lovely but exasperating city. Recommended.
But it’s totally not just a guilty pleasure read. I mean, it is, but it’s also a satire of modern reality television and the celebration of vapid, materialistic bobble heads.
And hey, the authors (Babe Walker is a pseudonym) even do a decent job of mocking Los Angeles. That’s hard to do, as it requires both a keen sense of humor and a love of the City of Angels and its quirks. If SNL’s Californians skit is an example of how not to mock LA (really, SNL writers, at least take the time to look at a map to get the freeways correct), White Girls Problems gets pretty close to showing how to mock this lovely but exasperating city. Recommended.
April 22, 2015
I can't tell if this is a flawless work of anti-racist, anti-capitalist satire or the mad rambling of the world's most self-indulgent narcissist, but it was funny as fuck, and I fully enjoyed it. It's the kind of book where you start off firmly against the protagonist, and rooting for her to fall on her privileged ass, but right around the time she tells you about having an orgasm in front of her fridge because the smoothie her new sexy chef made her was that good, you kind of just want to be her instead. Minus the $250K bill from Barney's of course. Read it. You'll judge her, but you'll laugh first, and you'll feel better about your own life by comparison.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,106 reviews