A biography of Erma Bombeck, tracing her life from her early childhood in Dayton, Ohio, through her current life as one of America's best-known humorists and columnists.
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From Kirkus Reviews
Raised in a somewhat atypical blue-collar family in Dayton, Ohio (her stepfather was just 13 years older than Erma), Bombeck wrote for a school paper in junior high, worked for a local newspaper during high school, and had her biggest setback on the way to her destined career when a college teacher decreed that she lacked talent. Her first column, in the 60's, took a novel humorous approach to her own experiences as mother and homemaker; publishers worried about taking these sacred roles lightly, but readers recognized their own feelings in her comical observations and the column was promptly, and widely, syndicated. Best-selling books, speaking engagements, and a long-running TV engagement soon followed. Colwell, who's written extensively for Reader's Digest, Family Circle, etc., makes a smooth presentation well sprinkled with anecdotes, especially from Bombeck's early years. She also includes good summaries of related topics--syndication, book publishing, the changes in women's lives and self-perception that buoyed Bombeck's popularity. The focus here is on the public figure and the writer; the family is offstage, and even Bombeck herself remains essentially private--though what evidence Colwell offers confirms her picture of a sensible, conscientious person who is a compulsive, dedicated writer. Chronology; index. Many photos (not seen). No sources, but Colwell did interview Bombeck. (Biography. 11+) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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3.0 out of 5 stars
The kid's review,
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Erma Bombeck: Writer and Humorist (Contemporary Women Series) (Library Binding)
In the 1950's there were a lot of women breaking free of the "housewife" reputation. Erma Bombeck was one of them. When Erma was a kid, she wanted to be a writer. She worked hard all through school to accomplish her goals. During this time she was a copygirl for a local newspaper. When she got to the point of college, she struggled to get in because she didn't have enough money. When she got in, she struggled to stay in. During her college experience, she advanced her writing. Erma strongly disagreed to `housewife' name give to women. She fought this title in the later years of her life. Erma was a writer and a humorist. This is a great book that gets inside the head of a woman for equal rights.
Erma Bombeck fulfilled her goals and dreams. She preserved all through high school and worked at a local newspaper as a copygirl. She did a great job balancing them. She struggled to get into college but when she did, she worked her butt off to stay in. She faced the challenges of college and surpassed them. Erma fought the image which men gave the world, that said all a woman was supposed to do was clean, garden, and take care of kids. The author didn't make her actions seem good or bad. When she fought for women's rights, the author kept a clear head and didn't state whether she agreed or opposed the issue. Lynn Colwell didn't set the mood or environment to seem like Erma was a saint or demon. Lynn told the truth about every event in Erma's life. It talks about a woman who accomplished a lot but wouldn't be recognized. She wrote many books including If Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries, Why am I in the Pits? Erma had a show series out called Maggie on ABC. She guest starred on many shows like The Cosby Show and Good Morning America. In conclusion, Erma lived a good, full life. Lynn Hutner Colwell portrayed Erma Bombeck in a way which you can make your own opinions about her. Erma Bombeck is a great person to do a biography on because no one else would have noticed her even though she had and impact on how women are treated. A.Elliott
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