Cat Marnell made a name for herself when legendary editor-in-chief Jane Pratt launched her female-driven lifestyle site xoJane. As a founding editor, Marnell stood out with her authenticity and ability to inject her life as an addict into her beauty articles. She quickly became a fan favorite. Eventually this attention garnered her a book deal with Simon & Schuster.
Released in January 2017, How to Murder Your Life chronicles Marnell’s journey. She takes readers from her childhood through her days after her much-talked-about xoJane dismissal. Dedicated to all the party girls, Marnell uses her signature comedic tone to detail how she climbed the editorial ladder while struggling with her addiction. Interspersed with pop culture references, anecdotes give readers a glimpse of NYC in the early 2000s to present day. Stories feature key icons like former Lucky Beauty Editor Jean Godfrey-June (now Beauty Director of goop), writer Lesley Arfin, and even a cameo from Courtney Love.
Some may wonder if HTMYL glamorizes addiction. That it does not. Marnell delves into all the shady characters and treatment facilities she came across over the years. Though some stories are difficult to read, Marnell’s honesty is refreshing. HTMYL serves as a warning to those who may find themselves heading down a similar path.
How to Murder Your Life is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Follow Cat Marnell on Twitter and Instagram.
