My Family And Other Hazards: A Memoir (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
A trip back in time, for those of us who remember the good old days of summer. June Melby is a bit younger than we were, but she writes an engaging, funny, bittersweet story of her family's summer business - a Tom Thumb miniature golf business in upper Wisconsin. June begins with the announcement that her parents have sold the business and are moving. She then tells the story of how they decided to buy the business and all the memories, fun, disappointments, and growing up stories. The story is told in 18 chapters, yes, one for each hole on the course. And each has a theme - like family, luck, dreams, making choices, etc. Fun little side notes on popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones. Secrets to how they are made. I loved her style, as if she is talking directly to you - the reader. June used to be a stand-up comic and she knows how to deliver a line. I laughed, I cried, I was so sad when the book - and the business - were done. An absolutely wonderful summertime read! I was hooked from the first few pages, where Melby eloquently describes the beauty of Wisconsin, her home during summers. Humor abounds on every page, and I found myself laughing at the antics that Melby and her siblings get into while helping their folks run the miniature golf course that her schoolteacher parents bought when Melby was ten. But this memoir is more than a romp through summertime memories. Melby, now a successful comedienne and writer, writes about what the loss of her family's business means to her when she finds out her parents are selling it. If you enjoy memoirs such as Wild (Cheryl Strayed) or The Wilder Life (Wendy McClure) this is a book for you. Highly recommend!
What do You think about My Family And Other Hazards: A Memoir (2014)?
This was fun to read, and a sweet, nostalgic story. And now I want to play mini-golf.
—Ruella
A delightful memoir about spending summers growing up on a mini-golf course.
—Vivi
loved the beginning and end but was bored in the middle
—Lola
