I Want to Grow Hair, I Want to Grow Up, I Want to Go to Boise (Children Surviving Cancer) [Paperback]

Erma Bombeck (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bombeck met scores of young cancer survivors--aged three through the teens--and their families. Finding that these children had an antic wit equal to her own, she shows how they rely on humor and hope: their personal arsenals in the war against death. "Bombeck soars over her earlier accomplishments with this book," lauded PW. Photos.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins (Mm); mass market edition (August 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061099058
• ISBN-13: 978-0061099052
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,972 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Beloved for her wry yet warm look at family life, Erma Bombeck was America's favorite humorist at the time of her death in 1996. Ten of her 13 books, including Forever, Erma, appeared on the New York Times best-seller list. She claimed her first fiction writing was the weather forecast in the Dayton Herald. Her favorite food was pasta, and her hobby was dust.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Want to Grow Hair Hair, I Want to Grow Up and I Want to Go, May 21, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: I Want to Grow Hair, I Want to Grow Up, I Want to Go to Boise: Children Surviving Cancer (Hardcover)

My son was diagnosed in 1989 at the age of 8 years old with three brain tumors. We were told her would die in surgery and if he did live he would be a vegetable. The doctor was wonderful and he lives and is doing wonderfully! I have been involved deeply with brain tumor suppport now for 11 years. I talk to families at least once a week. This book gives great insight into how the kids feel about their disease and the experience that goes with it. The most important part of this book is the section that the fathter's discuss their feelings. Dads have a very difficult time knowing how to help and "fix" it as they think they must! This chapter is priceless. Good Book, Good Information, Important learning here!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only Erma Bombeck Could Make It Work, April 13, 2001

By 

Steven Fantina (Phillipsburg, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Want to Grow Hair, I Want to Grow Up, I Want to Go to Boise (Children Surviving Cancer) (Paperback)

Erma Bombeck became renowned by highlighting the amusing aspects of the terrene. She did not usually make what are typically called "jokes"-just offbeat observations. Her columns more often initiated a satisfying smile than a hearty belly laugh. But even on the occasions that she was painfully funny she showed respect for her subjects and her audience. It was the proud acknowledgement that she was one of us that allowed us to chuckle at family life, grocery shopping, housework, and all the other quotidian errands that compose the bulk of our lives. Regardless of the subject she found some aspect that was good for a "laugh with" not a "laugh at."

How about the subject of children battling cancer? The thought of jocularly treating such a topic sounds comparable to the depraved entertainment regurgitated by the likes of Howard Stern. Surely, Erma Bombeck-the avatar of wholesomeness-would never approach such a subject. No, but it approached her. She was asked to write this book, and at first the thought of it repulsed her. Momentarily dropping her guard, she allowed herself to be talked in to attempting this work. We should all be thankful that she caved. The result is a reverent; inspiring read that has had a propitiatory impact on many, many children and adults battling cancer---not to mention legions of us who are blessed with good health.

Treading with great veneration for her subject, she produced a book overflowing with warmth, encouragement, and-as unbelievable as it may seem-tasteful mirth. It stands a proud addition to her rich legacy.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A celebration of the spirit of children surviving cancer, August 23, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Hacienda Heights, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Want to Grow Hair, I Want to Grow Up, I Want to Go to Boise (Children Surviving Cancer) (Paperback)

I read this book for the first time while I was in the waiting room of the hospital where my younger brother was undergoing chemotherapy.

Out of all the books that we were reading as a family on the terrible subject of cancer, not one of them touched us as deeply as this book. This book was filled with two key elements that any person who is battling a life threatening disease will need lots of -- hope and humor.

Our whole family, including my terminally ill brother, read this book, and our spirits were lifted by it. We have since passed this book along to those who we feel are special enough to appreciate it.

Thank you, Erma.