This book is so moving, so painfully touching. I read it over a weekend and could hardly put it down. As I read it, I kept on thinking of friends that I wanted to lend it to afterwards, but the more I read, the more I thought, This book's not leaving my sight; I'll tell my friends they have to buy their OWN copies. Jo Ann Beard is so poetic; she doesn't so much tell stories as offer brilliant vignettes of critical times in her life. She talks to the reader like he or she's a second self; she makes herself extremely vulnerable in this book. Her memories of childhood are so acute and observed so perfectly through a child's eyes--like being at an open-casket funeral and only being able to see the nose and glasses of the deceased from where she sits. I nearly caused a scene on the bus reading the "Dirty Barbies" story, because I was laughing so loud. Being a male, I have never been given so much insight into what it's like to grow up female as I was given in this book. It's a brilliant collection of stories--evocative, faithful in the tiniest but most telling of details. I couldn't stop thinking about it when I had finished it. It's a wonder.

her stories are entertaining. She writes the narratives, weaving in and out, trapping the reader. wonderful.

Just finished this book and thought it was excellent. Really enjoyed the writing style which was new and refreshing. Made me belly laugh in several places and cry in others. Brought back so many memories from my own youth. Had to order it for my best friend and got another friend to order it as well. Will be keeping my own copy to give myself a laugh every now and then. Look forward to seeing more by Jo Ann Beard.