Title: Family – The Ties That Bind…And Gag!
Author: Erma Bombeck
First published January 1, 1987
267 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780449215296 (ISBN10: 0449215296)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
Join Erma Bombeck in this side-splitting memoir as she recounts the joys and struggles of being a part of a family. From the chaotic family reunions to the everyday adventures of raising a family, Erma shares her witty insights and relatable anecdotes.
With her signature humor and sharp observations, Erma explores the complexities of the ties that bind and gag. You won’t be able to put down this hilarious and heartwarming tribute to the family unit.
After all, as Erma says, you can’t live with them, but you certainly can’t live without them!
About the Author
Erma Louise Bombeck was a beloved American humorist who captured the hilarity of suburban life through her newspaper columns during the latter half of the 20th century.
Over the course of 31 years, beginning in 1965, Bombeck wrote and published a remarkable 4,000 newspaper articles. Her clever columns were read twice weekly by an astounding 30 million readers across 900 newspapers in the United States and Canada during the 1970s.
In addition, the majority of her 15 books quickly became bestsellers.
Editoral Review
Erma Bombeck’s “Family – The Ties That Bind…And Gag!” is a humorously poignant reflection on the complexities of family life. Bombeck, known for her witty humor and relatable anecdotes, published this book in 1987, further cementing her reputation as a beloved commentator on the American middle-class experience.
The book, written in Bombeck’s distinctive conversational style, is a collection of short essays about family life, covering topics such as marriage, in-laws, sibling rivalry, parenting, and growing old. The tone of the book is light, at times even hilarious, but it also holds a deep emotional resonance that captures the joys and frustrations of familial relationships.
Bombeck’s stories are populated by a range of relatable characters, including her own family members and fictionalized versions of her readers. She evokes the suburban setting of the 1980s with precision, bringing to life the complexities of daily life in a humorous, empathetic manner.
The book tackles universal themes of family life, making it both a timeless and timely read. Despite being over thirty years old, the struggles of familial relationships that Bombeck explores still ring true today.
Bombeck’s sharp observations on family dynamics and societal expectations make “Family – The Ties That Bind…And Gag!” an important cultural artifact, documenting the middle-class suburban experience of the late 20th century. Bombeck’s writing is a masterclass in comedic timing, delivering punchlines with impeccable precision.
Her humor always comes from a place of empathy, never relying on cruelty or meanness. Her insights into the human condition, especially when it comes to family life, are sharp and incisive.
However, the essays in “Family – The Ties That Bind…And Gag!” can sometimes feel disjointed, lacking a cohesive narrative structure. It’s clear that the book was compiled from essays Bombeck had previously written for newspapers and magazines, and while each piece stands on its own, as a complete work, the book can feel fragmented.
Overall, “Family – The Ties That Bind…And Gag!” is a delightful collection of essays that will make readers laugh, cry, and nod in recognition. It’s a book that will appeal to anyone who has experienced the joys and frustrations of family life.
While it may not be a literary masterpiece, Bombeck’s unique voice and insight into the human experience make this book worth a read. I would give “Family – The Ties That Bind…And Gag!” a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
While it’s not without its flaws, the book’s humor, relatability, and cultural significance make it a must-read for anyone interested in the American middle-class experience.
