When You Look Like Your Passport Photo, It's Time To Go Home (1993) - Plot & Excerpts
I chanced upon this book on my visit to a local library. I have been a huge fan of Erma Bombeck's primarily because of her quotes but have never had the opportunity to read any of her books. Being fond of travel and hoping to travel the entire world one day, this particular book interested me immensely.The book talks about her travels across countries; about travelling with her husband, with kids, with parents, etc. It also talks about the various activities one undertakes in the course of travelling - a cruise, rafting, etc.Erma's style of writing is humourous and the way she puts across her experiences is amazing. You cannot but help laugh at her (mis) adventures as she plans her travels and actually undertakes them.However, the book is not all comedy; there are quite a few poignant moments as when Erma realizes how much closer travel has brought her family and how women all over the world share certain key worries pertaining to their families and kids.The book takes us through quite a few exotic places such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Istanbul, Mexico and Russia (the nation-to-visit-before-I-die on my bucket list).Erma's wit shines through each and every chapter in the book. Sample her thoughts on flying: "After the attendants have given them the evacuation procedures in the event of loss of air pressure and demonstrated how to use the life jackets in the event they ditch over water, they're free to relax." Doesn't each one of us feel this way whenever we fly? I wish I was half as able to express it as beautifully as she has.On her visit to Russia, she says, "The religion, the ideology, and the government may be different, but the dreams are all the same."Erma is quite vocal about her love for shopping and for wishing to get back souvenirs for friends & family back home. At the same time, her husband is shown to be quite passionate about actually wanting to see historial sites and knowing about their history!!!If you are a travel-addict (like moi), read this book. It describes all that we actually experience on our travels but never reveal. Even if you aren't a travel-addict, read this book - it will help you better explain to your fellowmen why you don't travel :)This review first appeared on my blog: pallosworld.blogspot.com.
This book is so full of humor, I found myself reading parts of it out loud to my husband, because I just HAD to share some of the more hilarious moments. Many of these were moments we could both relate to -- questioning why you never meet a white taxi driver, the irony of all of the fees we pay and the discomforts we put up with to get packed like sardines into a big tube with windows that travels at great speeds 30,000 feet in the air, etc. I also got a neat taste of the world through this book, seeing countries I know little about through Erma's lens. Perhaps most importantly, I learned a bit more about how to write like Erma Bombeck. I am learning, largely with her help, that humor is everywhere. All you have to do is look for it.
What do You think about When You Look Like Your Passport Photo, It's Time To Go Home (1993)?
My all-time favorite Erma Bombeck book and one I refer back to tima and time again when I'm about to embark on a journey or when I get a yen to travel. I think my favorite chapter is the one where she goes to Russia and the women, both Soviets and Capitalists sit down and chat about how things would be better everywhere if women ran the world. Her story about the young men in Italy who helped her and her husband out when they were lost is also a great reminder of the many benefits of traveling including the ability to restore your faith in humanity. A briliant and humorous travel guide.
—Molly
Let's just say that Erma and I would not be good traveling buddies. I think I would have sent her packing for just her whining alone. I found myself more akin to her husband. There were some laughing and chuckling moments for me, however. Having traveled around foreign soil quite a bit myself, I found the bathroom monologue extremely funny and it brought back some of my own "interesting" memories of privies in France, Eastern Germany, Mexico, and extreme outhouse adventures in salt flats of Utah and northern Wisconsin. LOL!Note: This was a book that I received from a member atBookcrossing.com
—Deb
I have just re-read this wonderful guide to motherhood and it was like welcoming an old friend. many of the stories have become part of my life, "In time she turned quarrelsome, irritable and downright hostile toward Ethel. She announced to anyone who would listen that Ethel was stealing her blind." Somehow knowing that Erma Bombeck knew what I was going through, made it easier on me. and the universal language of "Motherese',reading about it made it sound sooooo... intelligent.This is a wonderful book, read it, laugh and give your children a hug, they have made you resourceful and resilient!
—Minnie
