Customer Reviews

Forever, Erma: Best-Loved Writing from America's Favorite

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After Erma Bombeck's death, editors Donna Martin and Alan McDermott created this collection of best Bombeck stories. It blends her life experiences and philosophies, and those of others close to her by weaving the former news articles and stories with her unique thread of humor and poignancy. The reader can enjoy watching the pitfalls and highlights of a growing family and the author growing both as a woman and an a writer. Pick it up on your next trip to the bookstore or library. You'll laugh, cry, and be totally delighted.

I loved Erma Bombeck from the beginning. Her ability to make you laugh without being mean or crude, to see the humor in any situation, to be dignified and tolerant without being forceful about it. These make her a unique person.

This is a collection of some of her best columns. She knew the world could be mean, cruel, bitter, and unfair, yet she never was any of these things. She was a great writer and a great person.

I love the tribute section of this book, though the story from her husband made me cry. It was April 22, 1996 and the ride was over.

I am not a Mother, I do enjoy a good humorist though, and Erma delivered. This is the first Erma book I've read, and I am saddened that she won't be around to write more! However I am happy to know that she left plenty of books to keep me busy!! I especially appreciated her commentary on the socks that go in the drier as a pair and don't come out as a pair! Good argument for never having to wear socks!! I also appreciated her ability to speak freely about the Catholic church, and what Catholicism has meant for her. She didn't "force" her religion on others, yet gently stood firm in her belief, and in no uncertain terms, documented her strong faith in the Catholic church and in God. I am sad to see her go. If God only knew how funny Erma was, he probably would have taken her long ago! Thanks for giving us one last chance to laugh! Read it for the laughs, and remember, life is temporary, no one gets out alive! Erma lived life to the fullest, in this book, Erma promises each one of us, that we can do the

When it comes to humour, there is no one who could pack a more powerful punch than Erma Bombeck. In this collection of essays, Erma tackles children, motherhood, fatherhood, neighbours, family gatherings and then finds the humour in life's most ordinary events. Five days before her passing, Erma wrote her final message and still, she faced life with amazing courage and wit.

As the years pass by, we still miss Erma deeply. She became a part of our own family and mothers could read her words of wisdom and come to the conclusion, "It puts my mind as ease to know that I am not the only one who fells this way about...."

Erma was a lady ahead of her time and a primary lesson we learn from her is "don't fret the small stuff; look at each day as a new experience and enjoy it to the fullest. Soon, our children will leave the nest; we will grow older and develop wrinkles but become more tolerant and accepting of ourselves. Even in her last days, she managed to find the beauty and humour in life...what better legacy could she leave us? The book, like Erma, is deserving of a thousand twinkling stars. No wonder the Heavens shine so brightly.

I have loved Erma since the early years of motherhood. I was so saddened by her death. This book, however, has allowed me to remember how much I could identify with her writings. I could relate to the early years since the date of each of the entries was listed. I recommend this book to anyone who loved and enjoyed Erma.

Why we loved Erma and miss her is right here. She made you feel good about your mistakes. Suddenly being a fallen human made you feel superior to those who were too perfect to admit it!

This is a book that will have you laughing out loud starting on the first page....do not read it on an airplane or in a crowded room as you will not be able to stop from bursting out in laughter! Makes a perfect gift, but you must have one yourself.

Nancy Whittingham

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Erma Bombeck was a genius. I'm sure she was far too modest to admit it, but she was one of the greatest humorists of the 20th century. And her words still resonate here in the 21st.

Most people think she wrote only for housewives, or women in general, but as a guy (and a humor columnist myself), I can say that she wrote for anyone who has ever had or been part of a family, which means everyone.

This book is, in my opinion, her best because it is undiluted Erma. Humor works better over the short haul, and these columns, grouped thematically and filled with her warm, self-deprecating, gently subversive wit, are the finest and most lasting representation of her work. Even though the pieces were written between 1965 and 1996, they still hold up. They are, in fact, timeless.

Hence, the title, "Forever, Erma." I told you she was a genius.

We ordered this to be given as a Christmas Gift to our Daughter-in-law who lives in Amsterdam. it arrived in great condition and we are very happy with our purchase. Thanks Amazon for your perfect service to your customers!
Terry & Kitty

Erma Bombeck can say so much ... without actually having to "say it". Her hilarious stories are lessons in life, without preaching. The humor she finds in everyday events that would horrify many people is inspirational. This book is a wonderful tribute that, even all these years later, can still make me laugh out loud when sitting by myself. And I think that was her goal. She created smiles all her life - and this book continues to do it now that we've lost her.