I love this book. It is not only very useful, but very ecologically advanced for the time it was written (i.e. you don't need 5 cleaning products for 5 jobs if one will do). I still use the hints, and nobody complains about my house.

Also includes good recipes and menus--simple ones that don't cost too much.

I inherited this book and I had no idea that anyone else had shared my totally insatiable need to read and reread this little treasure. I thought that Peg Bracken was my personal little treasure trove. Although the book was written and published A DECADE before I was born, it has been time honored and continues to be THE HOUSEKEEPING BOOK FOR ALL GENERATIONS.

Finally, some cleaning advice that I can use! Peg Bracken sorts the wheat from the chaff and passes on realistic tips and techniques for those of us who would rather be doing just about ANYTHING but cleaning house. This book is the perfect remedy for anyone who has ever passed out after reading one of those housekeeping books that expect you to jump through 101 hoops in order to keep the house clean. Since it was written 40 years ago, some of Bracken's personal comments may seem a little outdated, but her witty, conversational style more than makes up for this. I have never before laughed out loud while learning the best way to polish silver. This book is a must-have for anybody whose domestic skills could best be classified as "random".

My first (and favorite) mother-in-law gave this to me as a wedding present, twenty years ago. At the time I fancied myself quite the gourmet cook, and was mildly insulted. Finally, out of boredom one day, I read it cover to cover. I fell in love with it. There are several laugh-out-loud phrases in it, and Hilary Knight's illustrations are gems. Then, as I started working longer hours and no longer wanted to do something en croute for my husband for dinner, I turned to the recipes. They are simple, good and fast, and most of them can be crammed down a child's throat without too much fuss. They were written in the days before we knew about cholesterol, but hey, not everything's perfect. Are you tired of presenting Tuna Helper to your family? This will give the effect of a much more home-cooked meal. Good everyday family meals, relatively nutritious.

You should also read Peg Bracken's other books. They're terrific, too.

Peg Bracken's "I Hate to Cook Book" sure has an awful lot of good, simple recipes for a book that purports not to be about cooking. It's fun, fun, fun to read and the recipes truly are simple and good.

The best thing about the book is Bracken's inimitably breezy voice. When she tells you to stir "Company Carrots" until they're well-coated, she writes, " . . . stirring so that all the strips get well acquainted with the sauce." When introducing a recipe for "Rosy Radish Salad," she prefaces the instructions with, "This next one uses up radishes and some of your canned beans." No doubt she's always eager to get beyond dinner because she wants to get out of the kitchen and be seated with her guests, enjoying the conversation! She's a hoot to read, and the recipes work. I love the recipe names: Lamb Shanks Tra-La, Elevator Lady Spice Cookies, Sour Cream Cinch No. 1 and No. 2, Philosopher's Chowder, Breakthrough Salad, Immediate Fudge Cake, Dazzleberry Tart (which begins, "If the dazzleberries aren't ripe yet, use canned cherry pie filling"), and more. Even the chapter names are funny (No. 22 is entitled "Stealing from Knowledgeable People"). Get this book if you enjoy cooking or hate cooking--it doesn't matter--but definitely get it if you like a good laugh and good, plain, simple recipes.

I used this cookbook as a newlywed. It saved many a dinner party. I thought the author was Erma Bombeck.(obviouslt I was wrong) Before I order this book I would like to know if there are afew recipes which I remember. That way I can be sure this is indeed the book I want.

Is there a chicken recipe called Chicken George?
Also is there one called Hamburger Stroganoff?

Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Pat Rahimi

I found this book in a Flea Market(published in 66') and thought it would be funny to read it. I was right. But also, it was amazingly easy to cook with this book! What a nice surprise: the recipes are simple and woderful! It's my cooking bible since -all the other books are past!

Thoughtful, funny, moving, and full of delicious-sounding food, this is the crème de la crème of Bracken's excellent writing. Find it if you can. It's a treasure.

I was dissapointed in the book. I truely hate to cook, and found many of the recipes seem to be for those who actually want to chop onions and green peppers, or spend time hunting for all the right spices. I'd rather buy a prepackaged mix, or something frozen. The author does have a good sence of humor though, and you cant help but chuckle.

This book was a joy to read. I used to wake up my husband laughing and when he'd ask what I was reading and I'd say "a cook book", he'd doubt my sanity. I remember especially "slug-a-bed stew". It's great fun for all cooks, and most of all - lazy ones - like me!

This is cook book that is worth having. It's easy to follow, and FUN to read. The recipies use products that are easy to understand, and they taste good! An excellent recipe is the "Chilly night Chili" which is easy and fast. I especially enjoy this book as I am not a person who enjoys spending a lot of time in the kitchen unless there is a party there. This book is helpful in all cooking situations: parties, everyday meals even leftovers. It's also very funny!

As a long-time fan of the "I Hate To...." books, I was really pleased to see a new book from Ms. Bracken! It's a little shorter than her earlier ones but her wry eye is trained on the ironies of life and her gift for just the right word is right in your face. Anyone that has read "I Didn't Come Here to Argue" or "A Window Over the Sink" should (1) reread them and (2) read this.

Peg Bracken (Mrs. John Ohman of Portland, Oregon), renowned author of THE I HATE TO COOK BOOK and ten other equally worthwhile published works, is now past age 80, and like Frank Lloyd Wright, still working full time at what she does best, satiric essay writing with a homespun yet bitingly witty edge. Ms. Bracken is a 1940 graduate of Ohio's famous Antioch College, one of the world's most important and individualistic higher education centers. Peg Bracken is certainly a daughter of Antioch, individualistic, outspoken, charming, and intelligent in ways disarming, yet very easy to relate to and admire.

The subject of her latest book is Old Age, and she writes about her subject in her well known humorous way in almost a journalistic style. Her writing about her personal experiences as an "Older Person" is what the American Association For Retired Persons magazine should offer, but, sadly, never does. It is relevant, poignant, and filled with important observations skillfully cradled in diplomatic and humane style, always self-deprecating and fraught with wit and humor created by a person obviously born with a gift in those areas.

Peg Bracken really covers her subject in almost all areas one could wish and does so in only 125 pages, happily presented in readable, larger than average typeface, ideal for comfortable reading and reflecting.

I read the first chapter of ON GETTING OLD FOR THE FIRST TIME in a Cockeysville, Maryland (suburban Baltimore) public library, and found myself laughing out loud so noisily that the usually tolerant librarians on duty were forced to make several visits to my reading location, and ask me to quiet down. I really did try to accommodate them, but Peg Bracken's wit is so astonishing and infectious, I finally realized that, for me, her book would only be readable in a non-public location. It's too funny for public library located consumption.

This said, it should be noted her subject matter is very serious, and the implied conclusions raised by her intelligent writing constitute the best food for thought I've ever read by any author, ancient or modern, on the subject of Old Age.

Get this book and read it. Buy it. Keep it at home, and re-read it again and again over the years. Encourage your local public library system, nursing homes, retirement communities, and booksellers to stock multiple copies at all times, and to publicize it continuously. This modest little book is a classic, and though the self-effacing Ms. Bracken would likely be the first to deny it, a true work of genious. In today's world, we need all the genious and wisdom we can get, especially on the subject of Old Age.

Typical of Bracken's charm and wit, this book is a good read. After the first perusal, though, it's one that's stayed on my shelf untouched. Compared to her "I Hate to Cook Book" or "I Hate to Houseclean," which I've enjoyed several times, this one just isn't as engaging for me. If you're new to Bracken, start with the cook book, instead.

I checked this book out from my local public library. It's the first time I've read any of Peg Bracken's books and it was delightful. I enjoy cooking, but the title intrigued me so much that I had to check it out. Ms. Bracken has a great sense of humor. Thanks for a great read!

I can't believe this is out of print - I so badly want a copy! The book provides a full year's worth of recipes, humor, cooking tips, and comments, and it's funny and engrossing enough to read straight through. Even as a vegetarian, I found many recipes I wanted to make...but this is a library copy. Sooner or later, they're going to want it back.

Excellent book, great gift idea, lots of fun...just out of print. Darn.