Customer Reviews

Mother (Penguin Studio Books)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

While on vacation in Provincetown, Mass., my friends and I laughed our asses off as we stumbled upon this satirically funny photojournal.You must have a mother who is/was a housewife/part-time worker/doormat to truly appreciate this book. The fact that her real mother is the model for all of the shots exemplifies and perpetuates the hysterical and lovable, unappreciated role (but in hindsight; truly appreciated) of the housewife/mother of the 50's and trickled into decades to follow.Thankyou to Judy and Vivian and all others involved, for your talent, insight and sharing of one of life's focalpoints, HUMOR...it makes everything make sense!Dominic ChiangoPhiladelphia, Pa.

I LOVED this book from start to finish. I use it in some of my psychology courses (gender roles, etc.). The pictures are more than interesting and funny. The introduction really helps you to get a lot more out of the book. I envy the relationship Judy and Vivian Olausen have created with each other! I'd love to photograph my mother strapped to the top of a car with antlers!

Any mother with a great sense of humor would enjoy this book

I photographed my mother alot when she was living, and she was usually cooperative, but complained about the results of the candids. I cannot imagine her having been willing to follow the directions that Judy Olausen gave to her mother! (Oh well, she was used to appearing in the charming portraits painted by her father, F.C. Frieseke *, when she was young.) I do hope that Vivian is sharing in the royalties. Her work as model... and mother... is outstanding.

* http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/russell/406/frieseke/bretoncostume.html

This would make a great mother's day gift. It's satirical, but light-hearted. You can't go wrong

Did not find this book at all to "laugh my ass off", as other reviewer wrote.
Found this book rather a sad and disrespectful view/photo commentary on the accomplishment of what a women and in this case a mother must endure and be capable of.

I had seen this book in a used book store but I did not purchase it there. I am glad I waited to check Amazon because this was, even with the shipping costs, less than half the price. The book is in very good condition, and very entertaining. What a unique imagination this photographer has! Brings back the Fifties with a smile.

I first saw this book at work (a women's fitness facility), my boss brought it in to share. I found the book quite enlightening and gave my sister one for her birtday this year. Her comment, " Now, I know why Mom was so crazy, she was not geared for that lifestyle." We both love the book and every woman I know that grew up with these mothers find it enchanting, we all find our Moms in here. The women that lived this era, that I know, don't find it as amusing. I think it is a wonderful commentary on how far we have come!

This book is a hilarious commentary on being a Good Mother in the pre-feminist 50s. Women were expected to juggle kids, laundry, clean everything that wasn't nailed down, make a beautiful dinner, meet the hubby at the door with a cocktail, and dress in heels and pearls for dinner-- all the while with a smile on her face and keeping her mouth shut. My mother was a 50s housewife and mother, and her college's motto was "gracious living". She did it all beautifully but was glad when she didn't have to do it anymore. She absolutely adores this book, and passes it around to all her friends. Please re-publish this book, so I can find more copies to give to my friends!

My friend Erik one day explained to me how his crazy aunt was a photographer, and she had made this book where his grandma was a table. He said she was on Oprah.

Confused, I had him show me the book which I flipped through.

She just gave us a G4 for our room so we can listen to music, so I'd say she's a cool person and deserves a 5. The book is pretty awesome.