Humorist writer Bombeck makes satiric references to her life using books that were popular in the 1970s. For instance, instead of “Fear of Flying” she writes about “Fear of Buying” and Bombeck writes about how the TV commercials would show people how their lives would be all-so-more-perfect if their products were purchased. This book is copyrighted in 1979, and in each chapter she spoofs on self-help issues as self-help books were all the rage in the 1970s. However, what is particularly interesting is that not all that much has changed since 1979. For instance, in a chapter on the popularly of jogging, jogging today is still quite popular. Probably the only main difference is that in the late 1970s, some joggers ran while listening to their Walkman and today joggers can use small mp3 players.However, in one chapter Emma entitles “Is There A Draft in Your Open Marriage?,” Emma writes that her teen son asked her one day: “How come you and Dad never lived together before tying the knot?”Emma realized that she and her husband were “dinosaurs” as they had never thought to live together before getting married. She writes: "Were married people an endangered species? In time would they talk of the days when men and women roamed the earth in wedlock as matched sets? Was it possible that some day cohabital living would be sanctified relationship and marriage would be frowned by society?"This is interesting, as in many ways this has come to pass. Many couples live together without marriage. There is no more shame and it is not a new concept as it was in the 1960s and 1970s. There are even thousands of unwedded couples with children. I would not say that marriage is “frowned by society,” but it is no longer considered a necessity to many people.I enjoyed this book as it was a creative and fun read and makes me appreciate why Erma Bombeck was so popular.
And I do mean that, it was okay. Not one of her best books but did have some entertaining parts, especially the "if you do so and so you'll regret it for the rest of your life". The book is dated which may turn off some readers but hell, if you are an avid reader of Erma than that probably won't bother you :). What didn't work for me in this book is that she changed all the titles of actual self help books to clever little titles. It got to be a bit much. I wish that she would have used the actual titles instead. The book was kind of choppy and seemed to be written at a fast pace, with too much of a formula. Bring up a funny title, she tried what they suggested, kids or husband did something, funny anecdotes, then she would meet someone who would suggest another book. It is a quick read and granted there are some cute giggly parts but for much better Erma books read "Motherhood the second oldest profession" or "A Marriage made in heaven or too tired to have an affair. "
What do You think about Aunt Erma's Cope Book (1985)?
I confess that Aunt Erma is a favorite of mine; she understands me, even though she was a married woman and parented children way before I was alive. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I'd rather say Erma's universal. She didn't have to deal with some of the stuff we currently have plaguing us: cell phones, the internet, text messages, Twitter, but everything she says rings true.Read this...even if you think she's out-dated; even if you think she cannot possibly have anything to say about how we live our lives, raise our children, spend our money, run our households, and view ourselves.Erma always manages to make me laugh, and I am grateful for this more and more with each passing year.
—Lola
I love Erma's books! While other kids were sneakily reading the latest issue of Batman or Archie & Veronica comic books between the pages of their schoolbooks during class I was trying not to get caught laughing too loudly at the pages of the latest book by humorist author Erma Bombeck. Its safe to say that I grew up with her books and her name, and stories, just like V.C. Andrews', another author I grew up reading, brings back a lot of good reading memories. Erma, and her writing, will be dearly missed. We lucky that she left behind a treasure trove of very funny writing in her wake for generations to enjoy.
—Ami Squirrel Girl
Who doesn't like Erma Bombeck? I'm giving this five stars for her relentless attention to satirical humor in every sentence. No one can match Erma for humor writing. Each chapter shares Erma's experience with a self-help book she reads on the advice of friends, acquaintances, or her kids' teachers. Here's a brief example of Erma's experience with following her horoscope: Prediction: You get a chance today to provide guidance and inspiration. Fact: I chaperoned thirty fourth-graders ona tour of a meat-packing plant. Prediction: One you thought had abandoned you is back in the picture. Fact: We found a roach under the sink.Even though this book was written in 1989, it's perfectly relatable today.
—Jan Kellis
