If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?

I am on an Erma Bombeck kick ~~ and to be honest, this one is my favorite. I have rated all the others a five but if I could rate this one a ten, I would. It's funny, it's warm and it's loving as well as full of statire. I love statire. It's not the mushy warmth you'd think you're getting. Even if it is a bit dated (I grew up in the 70s & 80s) ~~ the insights are still true today. This book made me laugh and made me cry. I think my absolute favorite chapter would be: I am Laughing So Hard that I Can't Stop Crying. I think I cried and laughed throughout that whole chapter. There's one where the father grumbles about the grass being torn up because of the wading pool, the sledding parties and beach parties. Then there's the one where it says, I love you enough to say no .... truths that my parents have always said to me and truths that I plan to pass onto my kids. This book is heartfelt and witty. I wish there are more writers like Erma still out there. Sometimes, it seems like not everyone has a sense of humor anymore about life ~~ and even though life was hard, Erma made it all worthwhile. It still rings true today. 5-15-06

For those of you unfamiliar with Erma Bombeck, I suggest that you check this book out, as part of your introduction to her wonderful, unique brand of comedy. Most of her insights in this book (like many of her books) are family-centered observations, that relate to the part that exists in all of us--yes, that tension between us and the fear that we are indeed a product of our environment, and that we also may be turning into our parents!!!! Bombeck takes on the topics like housecleaning, childrearing and the day-to-day sagas of the American housewife. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, that job, in and of itself, is just as full time and demanding as any out-of-the-house kind of work. Bombeck depicts her experiences, as a housewife, with a combination of wit and sensitivity that also makes her exceptionally engaging as a wonderful storyteller. A fast and entertaining read!!

I just love Erma Bombeck. And this book is one of my favorites. Erma makes me laugh, period. She has a way of talking about her life as though she's talking about YOUR life. I can see myself in her, I can see my mother, I can see my sister. She speaks for all of us, and keeps it upbeat and funny at the same time. She is sorely missed, but at least we can re-read her books!

Erma Bombeck was, hands down, the funniest humorist of her time. Even today, her work is still some of the best ever written.This book is a combination of a collection of her column writings, mixed in with some new (at the time) observings. Her reflection of husbands, kids, friends, and her own sanity (or lack thereof) will have you rolling on the floor with laughter (or, at least, giggling fairly loudly).A great book to add to your collection.