Who Makes Up These Rules, Anyway?

I have not enjoyed reading a book as much as I did this one. It made me laugh through the whole thing. I also found Teddi's blog on Steve's website so I can see what she is up to until the next Teddi book comes out.

I was given this book by a friend and I loved it! I don't usually read Women's Fiction, but I couldn't put it down. Teddi jumped off the pages. Not your typical heroine. She's a wife, mother of 3, and a daugther to "the mother from hell." All this and lots of laughs. Can't wait to read the next "Teddi" book. Also just discovered Teddi's "journal" on Stevi Mittman's webpage. The journal connects the two books. How cleaver and what a talented writer. A guaranteed "good read."

I loved this book! Teddi is really sweet, mother of 3 and married. Her mother is crazy and by all rights should be after what she's gone through. I had a really good time reading this book, I laughed through most of it, and when I wasn't laughing, I was rooting for Teddi as I flew through the pages. I really can't wait to see what happens in her next book. This a MUST READ if you want to read something really enjoyable. You'll love the Bayer family as I have. Teddi is forever wondering where this "Book of Rules" is hidden, and I think Teddi could write her own!

The voice of Teddi, the main character in "Who Makes Up These Rules, Anyway?" makes this book a fun read. She maintains her humorous attitude towards life and family throughout her travails. Teddi is a terribly likeable character who has an outrageous mother, June, a Long Island classic. Once you get to know the Bayer family, you are hooked. I can't wait for the next installment of Teddi's life.

On the Island, Teddi Gallo, mother of three preadolescent children, lives her life in accordance with the Secret Handbook of Long Island Rules. She feels everything is near perfect as she loves her spouse and kids while enjoying her lifestyle. Perhaps the only negative is her mom June Bayer, who has a swinging door existence at South Winds Psychiatric Hospital. However, recently things have not gone well for Teddi who is frightened because she begins to wonder if she inherited her mom's mental illness. Teddi finds she forgets to do things or if she did do them forgets she did them. Her family has noticed the change too. The Rulebook does not help her nor does her spouse whose behavior appears to target pushing his wife over the edge. Teddi struggles to come to grips with losing her mind through humor especially when she rationalizes with her best friend Bobbi, but underneath she fears for her children. Teddi's terrific tale is a powerful look at a woman whose mental abilities to take care of herself and her children become questionable. As her life disintegrates Teddi uses self deprecating humor to keep going. Fans will empathize with this nice likable woman as she struggles to rewrite the Rulebook so that she can be there for her little darlings and avoid the in and out institutionalization that marks her mother's life. Harriet Klausner