Barb Taub is one of the funniest writers I am privileged to read. I invariably snort some coffee if I happen to be drinking it while reading one of her posts. Barb has a new book out Thursday, February 1st, and this time she’s written about something so many of us can relate to. And if you can’t, you will soon – living with children, parenting, and what happens after the kids leave home…and maybe the dog dies.
Here is the blurb:
Chapter 1. Once upon a time a California girl named Barb met her prince of a guy, He was tall, dark and handsome. (Actually he was a Republican. But he was definitely tall.
Chapter 2. They fell in love and got married. He brought her to his castle in England and they lived happily ever after. THE END.
Luckily, 35+ years of living happened between Chapters 1 and 2, giving Barb plenty of material for this collection (no particular chronological order) for her newspaper columns, articles, blog posts and that time she killed Mom.
And that’s before Chapter 3 even starts.
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Here is an excerpt from Chapter 13, as a teaser:
I went to a socially-impaired university. It was a time of revolution and experimentation with sex, drugs, music among kids: in other words, it was just like today. But the University of Chicago’s claim to “The Life of the Mind” reassured parents. Fathers of teenage daughters thought the mind was a lot safer place to live than where they remembered spending their college years, “The Life of the Party”.
We had friends from other colleges who had social lives and arrest records, so we knew what we were missing. And it wasn’t as though we didn’t try. We’d stay up all night or even close out the college’s only bar, Jimmy’s, discussing the eternal questions. Is there a God?
- How do you get rid of roaches?
- Who’s got the $10 for the muggers on the way home?
- How can I make the world more fair?
- Why am I here?
I was lucky. I didn’t get mugged (that often); the stitches didn’t scar (much); I did graduate (eventually). And, after all these years, I’ve answered all the questions:
- There is a God and She has a sense of humor. It’s the only possible explanation for Chicago politics and for two-year-olds.
- The only way to get rid of roaches is to move out. Or get a divorce.
- You still need $10 for the trip home because the child who has refused to eat for the whole trip will announce that she is going to die from hunger if you don’t stop at Chez Mac’s.
- I don’t care if it’s not fair: I’m the mother and I say so.
- I am here to embarrass and torture my children.
Amateur parents may be concerned about this last requirement. How could you ever embarrass your children? Don’t worry. Not only will you discover just how much fun it is to mess with their little heads, but you won’t have to actually do a thing to achieve it. As soon as your child turns ten, there will be a few things about you which they will find embarrassing, such as your car, your appearance, your clothes, your habit of speaking to them in public, your very existence…
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I personally have read a couple of her Null City series books (great, great), but had a chance to review one of her others, also humorous: Do Not Wash Hands in Plates: Elephant Frenzy, Parathas, Temples. Palaces, Monkets and the Kindness of Indian Strangers. See https://saylingaway.wordpress.com/2016/02/26/book-review-do-n…tes-by-barb-taub/
My smile muscles hurt by the time I finished it. Another blogging friend of mine, Sue Vincent, also has trouble with coffee and what Barb writes:
“I have learned to put down the coffee and place breakable objects at a safe distance when a post from Barb Taub comes up. It is very hard to drink coffee and laugh at the same time without redecorating the desk…”—author Sue Vincent
I should take her advice, but I’d rather wipe up the redecoration than have a coffee nasal lavage!
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About the author:
In halcyon days BC (before children), Barb Taub wrote a humor column for several Midwest newspapers. With the arrival of Child #4, she veered toward the dark side (an HR career). Following a daring daytime escape to England, she’s lived in a medieval castle , a hobbit house, and a Scottish isle with her prince-of-a-guy and the World’s Most Spoiled Aussie Dog. Considering all her days are now Saturdays, Barb is amazed that this is her sixth book.
I’ve preordered her book, and if you are in need of a smile, a chuckle or just an out loud guffaw, you should, too.
You can find the book on Amazon and Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Begins-When-Kids-Leave-ebook/dp/B079428DNQ
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Begins-When-Kids-Leave-ebook/dp/B079428DNQ
and you can find Barb herself in lots of different places:
Her blog: http://barbtaub.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NullCityNovel
Twitter: @barbtaub
Linked in: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/barbtaub
And Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38102265-life-begins-when-the-kids-leave-home-and-the-dog-dies
Good luck, Barb, on your newest outing!
A lovely extract, so funny! Looking forward to this book.
Barb is a hoot!
Thanks a million for this lovely shoutout! I really appreciate it!
No problem, Barb. Hope it gets you lots of readers!
I had to do actual housework after reading Barb’s latest with a coffee in my hands this morning… 😉
Brave woman!
A blip in common sense 😉
I think you’ve just introduced me to a new friend…
Great! Check out her blog – always really funny! How’s Dylan?
It sounds like a fun! 😊
Well worth the read!
Sounds fun. The title and smile certainly forecast a funny read. Thanks, Noelle.
You’re welcome, Sylvia – I recommend her books. Barb has a unique sense of humor!
Oh what fun! I must add one of Barb’s books to my TBR. 🙂
Or your bookcase – always fun to read stuff out to your friends!
Barb is an amazing woman, and I’ll just bet this book is just as amazing!
It rivals her travel docudramas!
Sounds hilarious! Though I’m still wrestling with the idea of someone having a castle in England being a Republican 🙂
I have to admit, the castle threw me!
Nearly finished, love it, review soon!!!
I’m looking forward to it!