Maybe you’re a Seinfeld fan and you remember Annie Korzen from her role as Doris Klompus. Or, you’re on TikTok and you’ve seen Annie’s humorous videos there.

I know Annie Korzen, but not because of Seinfeld or TikTok. On multiple occasions, we have sat and chatted. And though I knew many things about her, reading her memoir The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart, and Chutzpah from an Accidental Influencer has helped me learn even more about her.

The Book of Annie is described as “wildly funny musings from an 83-year-old TikTok sensation.” 

This week, I’d like to share just a few of my favorite passages:

“I hope these musings will not only make you laugh, but also make you a better human being, because, wonderful as you already are, we can all benefit from an occasional upgrade.” (From the Author’s Note)

“I admit it: I am often guilty of being a nagging wife. I constantly remind Benni to watch his diet and do his exercises. I guess I’d rather be a nag than a widow.”

“Being a parent is a Catch-22. Your main job is to prepare your kids to separate from you, while your main instinct is to keep them as close to you as possible.”

“The great irony is, my first serious love was a Black guy I went to college with. But if I had married Billy, I would have been part of an interracial family, and who needed that challenge? It’s tough enough just dealing with all the Jew crap.
“Isn’t life strange? I thought I didn’t want to be a grandmother, and I thought I didn’t want to be part of an interracial family. But when those things actually happened, everything fell into place. So, just like with that Jewish wedding, maybe what we think we want or don’t want has very little to do with what really makes us happy. And who knows? As the world keeps evolving, maybe by the time my precious Max grows up, he might be able to walk down a dark street without anyone feeling threatened — or anyone threatening him.”

“But my favorite kitchen time-saver is my husband. Several years ago, I announced that I was retiring from all food-preparation duties and that it was now his turn. I’m proud to say that Benni has stepped up to the (dinner) plate. He will throw together some grilled salmon, roasted garlic potatoes, and a tossed salad without complaining, and will even sort of clean up afterward. Sometimes you just get lucky.”

Please note: I am including a link to buy the book that I’m highlighting this week. If you use my link, I do make a small commission on your purchase at no additional cost to you. I am working with Bookshop.org which also sends a portion of the profit to support local, independent bookstores.