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Dan W. (Fort Myers, FL)
Captivating!
From the start of reading this book I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride. A story would slowly start off and then gradually pick up speed before one story ended and the next one began! I enjoyed the book, although as a male, senior citizen, I might be the targeted audience. The humor in the stories were infectious! If my local library book discussion group selected this book, I would gladly participate in the discussion.
Susan W., Michigan
Moms Need a Good Laugh, too!
If ever I needed to read a book that would make me laugh, now was the time. Admittedly, it might not have been fair to begin reading in this mindset. In fact, I wasn't completely sold in the first 100 pages. I felt like I was reading the author's stand-up material, and maybe I was. The problem was that I wanted more; each chapter felt too short to me. But then I fell into the rhythm of the writing. I laughed at the situation or stopped to remember a similar time in my life.
It was somewhat confusing to sort out the many relationships. There's a lot of material covered here, and it led me to compare Loh's writing
…more to David Sedaris'. I think she easily has enough material here for a second book, if some of the early chapters were expanded. Simplicity goes a long way. My other thing to think about is the title; I'm not sure it does the material justice.
Anyway, long before the last page, Loh turned me into a fan of her humor. As a mother, 60 survivor of the last century, recently anointed Grandmother, and an American born Chinese retiree, I enjoyed this book on many levels. (less)
Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
The Madwoman and the Roomba
This book was funny and quite a good read. I'm of an age that much of what the author said was totally relatable. However, I think mothers of any age will be taken by this book.
She is very clever, and has a humorous way of looking at situations we can all relate to. While the book on the whole is a fun read, it is also touching and a bit sad in places. It presents the perfect combination of feelings that leads to a thoroughly enjoyable book. I recommend it highly.
Lorraine D. (Lacey, WA)
The Madwoman and The Roomba - Comical Relief
If you need a light, easy read, an uplift in spirit, or just a good laugh, then this book is the thing for you. It is a fast-paced unweaving of one mom's stories as her life seemingly unravels through the year, conveniently knit across seasons and the calendar. You certainly may see some of your own family's quirks and situations as her year unravels. Each short chapter is fast paced and presents a modern-day story with many references to events, names, and the like that will likely jog some memories from your own life story. From quirky relatives, to rebelling teens, to society in general, The Madwoman and the
…more Roomba reads as if it were a stand-up comedy routine. A welcomed reprieve from the challenges or routine of everyday life. SandraTsing Loh has provided a book that is a truly fun read and, while it can be enjoyed by any aged adult reader, it would likely appeal more to those who are in their 30's or 40's who would relate in a current experiential timing sense. (less)I enjoyed this book. Several of the essays were very funny and relatable. Although I have a very different background than the author, most of the essays were interesting and entertaining to read. The essays were arranged by seasons. Overall, the book was a quick read. My favorite essays were C Plus Tiger Mom, 101 Arguments Against Summer Fun, and Let's Commence. Some of the essays rambled; overall most made me laugh.
Susan S. (Springdale, AR)
The Madwoman and the Roomba
Snort, chuckle, guffaw…these and more await you as you delve into this book. I think every possible nook and cranny of the author's life has been exposed and made fun of. No skeletons remain hidden in her family closets much to the delight of the reader. Her tales are completely relate-able which make them oh so much more hilarious. She's not afraid to poke fun at herself and everyone around her. Life is never taken too seriously in the Loh household. There's never a dull moment. I really didn't want this book to end.
Jane N. (Little Egg Harbor, NJ)
So So, not Funny
When I started reading this book I actually laughed out loud at the situations that she was describing ! My goodness these were things that happened to me and my friends, and here I though was an author who was capable of capturing these life moments. However that first impression changes about half way through the book. I started to read her stories of going through the year a month at a time not as humorous recollections but as rants and at times anger. The episode of the monks and the tax problem was where this became clear and I found that I really didn't see the humor in any of it ! I finished the book with
…more the same feeling, it was more rant than humorous. I think that all women have a combination of anger and humor when they describe their lives and the events in them, but in this book the anger overcame the humor. (less)The Mad Woman and the Roomba has a few memorable stories. I particularly like the story about Sally, her daughter, and her daughter's friend JJ. I also enjoyed the story about the Hindu monks' visit. But it took me a while to get into the book and I had a hard time relating to other stories. There were a few quotes I enjoyed including "The kitchenware of weddings is very beautiful!" It got me thinking and she's right. I'm not sure who I would recommend this book. Is it because I'm much older than the author, have never been divorced, or I live on the East Coast?
