It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway

And Other Thoughts on Moving Forward

By: Elizabeth Passarella

Narrated by: Elizabeth Passarellla

A collection of refreshingly honest and hilarious essays from Southern Living columnist Elizabeth Passarella about navigating change—whether emotional or logistical—and staying sane during life's unexpected twists and turns.

After Elizabeth Passarella and her husband finally decided that it was time to sell their two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, she found herself wondering, Is there a proper technique for skinning a couch? The couch in question was a beloved hand-me-down from her father—who had recently passed away—and she was surprisingly reluctant to let the nine-foot, plaid, velour-covered piece of furniture go. So, out came the scissors. She kept the fabric and tossed the couch.

We've all had to make decisions in our lives about what to keep and what to toss—habits, attitudes, friends, even homes. In this new collection of essays, Elizabeth explores the ups and downs of moving forward—both emotionally and logistically—with her welcome candor and sense of humor that listeners have come to love. She enters into a remarkable (and strange) relationship with an elderly neighbor whose apartment she hopes to buy, examines her own stubborn stances on motherhood and therapy, and tries to come to terms with a family health crisis that brings more questions than answers. Along the way Elizabeth reminds listeners that when they feel stuck or their load feels heavy, there is always light breaking in somewhere.

It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway will make listeners laugh, cry, and feel a little less alone as they navigate their own lives that are filled with uncertainty, change, and things beyond their control.

©2023 Elizabeth Passarella (P)2023 Thomas Nelson

Excellent read!!

It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway is funny, poignant, & real, through & through! Readers get wonderful glimpses of Elizabeth’s life, faith, and humor on every page. You will be tickled, encouraged, and inspired by her words.

Amazing!

I loved this book so much !
It’s got a southern twist to it which I appreciate !
Everyone go listen to this book. Highly entertaining.

Love ending this on Mothers Day!!

I loved this!! I want more essays like these. So heartwarming and honest about struggles. Thanks for another great read Elizabeth.

New Favorite Book

Southern charm with New Yorker spunk. I loved every minute of it. Listening to Elizabeth was like sitting with an old friend and catching up. She's such an extraordinary storyteller. I can't wait to read her next book and hope it's filled with stories of her beloved NYC building and apartment and, of course, Lois. ♡

Witty and Honest

Witty, Honest, Beautiful words about place, family and home! Passarella’s unique take as a permanently transplanted southerner living in NYC is inspiring!

So good

I couldn’t stop listening. Elizabeth is an amazing storyteller and she brings you in to every situation as if you were living it.

Enjoyable

The title of this book reeled me in hook, line, and sinker!
I dove right in listening to this book with no idea of what it was about. It’s a sweet, funny, transparent take on the authors thoughts about her life, starting with her southern roots in Memphis and ending with her love and new life and home in. New York. Elizabeth is able to tell a story that is hilarious and REALLY HONEST about her family, friendships, frustrations, and shortcomings. I laughed out loud many times while listening and at other times had moments of introspection at my own relationships and life.
I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something with substance, humor, and light hearted.

Amazing Read/Listen

Loved this book. I laughed...I cried and I smiled a lot.
Loved the Southern humor with obvious love of NYC.
As a mom of teens this book gave me solace in knowing I am not alone in my struggles and reminded me that faith in God and a little humor go a long way!

Read this book!

For so many reasons, you should just read this book. You will be glad you did.

A delightful listen!

I loved this book so much. A perfect blend of hilarious anecdotes, meaningful stories, and deep spiritual truths. The combination of modern day tales of life in New York City combined with the author’s memories of her life growing up and her aging parents was seamlessly done and I didn’t want it to end!