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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
The story of the Gilbreth family, who had 12 children. Lots of laughs.
This was a fun read aloud for my own big family. It does have remarks and a couple scenes that are what we would now call racist, and some language, so it was good to edit as I went and not hand it over for kids to read themselves.
This book took me completely by surprise. It was hilarious and touching and adorable. Shamefully, I associated this title with what seemed like a crappy Steve Martin movie and didn't even realize there was a book. Then I stumbled on it at the library one day, and I'm really glad I did. However, beware the randomly tragic ending, though I am glad to know there's a sequel.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Very funny, easy read. I think it is a fun look not only into the dynamic of this particular family, but also an interesting look at the times, and perceptions of the early 20th century family.
great book of stories! if you go the audiobook route, cover the one read by Dana... somebody. i forget her last name, but she's an excellent reader.
I hated this book with a passion - read it for the underground Bookclub
Was Melanie Hoopers choice
Was Melanie Hoopers choice
I always loved this book. I still love it, really. It has some occasional language (appropriate for the time), but the stories are delightful. The Gilbreths aren't perfect, but they love each other and support each other, and it's just very enjoyable to read about. I highly recommend the book for pretty much any age.
In the present day, the most important thing to remember is that this book was written 75 years ago about events that took place 100 years ago. The language reflects the thinking and mindset of that time, for a family of that size, at that socioeconomic level. To own two homes--one in New Jersey and one in Massachusetts--is no cheap thing to do. Where they lived were also even more predominantly white than they are today. These two things play a big role in the perspective of the subjects and the authors since they are one and the same.
Would this book be written today exactly as it is? No. However, it's not that much different than reading a book about the Duggar family (before the Josh Duggar scandals).
If nothing else, it's a peek into what it was like to live in Montclair and Nantucket in the early 1900s as well as what it's like to be a part of this large family back then.
Would this book be written today exactly as it is? No. However, it's not that much different than reading a book about the Duggar family (before the Josh Duggar scandals).
If nothing else, it's a peek into what it was like to live in Montclair and Nantucket in the early 1900s as well as what it's like to be a part of this large family back then.