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Welcome to my snarky corner of the web. Join me as I discuss everything from wine to chocolate. There may be a few other topics mixed in there too. I talk a bunch about my amazing offspring, 24 and 21. I sometimes go on and on about my secret crush on the amazing Mike Rowe. I talk about things that irritate me or things that make me happy. Sometimes I just talk to hear myself talk. Feedback is always appreciated but please make sure it's respectable. No nudity or profanity. I'm the only one allowed to be profane. But any and all snark is welcome and appreciated!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Minivans, Meltdowns & Merlot: My first book report in years!

I haven't actually done a book report since school. I wasn't all that great with them back then but I'm hoping that I've improved with age, like a fine Merlot. Speaking of Merlot (how's that for a segue?) I have just finished reading the first book by author Carolyn Coppola called Minivans, Meltdowns & Merlot. You know me, if there's wine in the title, how can it be wrong? And I have to say, I was NOT disappointed. Quite the contrary, I was genuinely entertained! Carolyn takes stories from her life and writes them in such a way that you feel you're there with her, sitting around the table with her friends drinking Grey Goose martinis. This is not your average run of the mill series of short blogs by a 'mommy blogger' (God I hate that term, it makes me wanna hurl). No, Carolyn doesn't actually have a blog about her kids or her family. No, instead, she has a blog about her basset hound, Leo. And he's quite the sweetie.

Carolyn had me when I read her chapter The Elephant in My Purse. It's so easy to feel inadequate around your friends when your lives take much different paths, but it all came home when she realized that her path wasn't any less exciting or amazing than that of her friends, it was just as satisfying.

Her son's correct use of the words "Fucka bitch" at such an early age nearly had me peeing in my pants. I love that she doesn't just give you the brief Cliff's Notes version of things, she gives you the back story and the details that other current books lack. She goes for quality of story over brevity for the sake of getting more chapters in. And I loved it.

The chapter called "Fancy Pants" was like reading a page right out of my world with picky children and picking your battles. She's not afraid to be honest, even if it means you get to hear about her three breasts, her breastfeeding bag that she tried to pass off as her daughter's backpack, and her penchant for purchasing shiny silver jewelry that she'll probably never, ever wear. Her style of writing is real and honest and absolutely hilarious. If you're looking for a book that will make you think, make you laugh and make you realize that you are not alone, pick up Minivans, Meltdowns & Merlot.



12 comments:

  1. Thanks for this! I love, love, love to read, so I'll grab a copy!

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  2. Oh, and please don't think I'm a total blogstalker for commenting like the moment you posted. My kids and I are on spring break and yesterday was spent writing, writing, writing, so today I got to reward myself with catching up on my favorite blogs without feeling guilty that I was getting none of my own writing done. It's 10:30 and I'm going to milk this reward day to the last! Haha

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  3. Teri, I knew your review wouldn't disappoint! I absolutely LOVE your write up! I haven't seen any of your school book reports, but it's clear that you must have improved like great wine, because this review is absolutely fabulous! I wish I lived closer, I would love to sit down and share a bottle with you! Thank You so much for writing this wonderful review and Congratulations again on your new book! As you know,I adored it! :)

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    1. We'll have to share a virtual bottle until we can share one in person, Carolyn. I'll buy the first real bottle.

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  4. Great book report- I am a firm believer that wine helps all thoughts flow. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Crap. Now I have ANOTHER awesome book to add to my growing pile of To Reads. :)

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    1. Something to bring to 'nastics next week, Tracy.

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  6. Loved your review! If I can figure out how to get you a free copy of my kindle book, The Best of Wrestling With Retirement, will you review it?

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    1. I'd be happy to but we only have a Nook, not a Kindle. Is there a physical copy I could see?

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  7. So beautiful... and so you! Unique. Love it! :0)

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