The Women's Daily Irony Supplement

Judy Gruen
Creative Minds Press (2007)
ISBN 0974961043
Reviewed by April Sullivan for Reader Views (5/07)

Judy Gruen writes humorous vignettes based on snippets of everyday life. “The Women’s Daily Irony Supplement” is her third book and turns the hum-drum into the hilarious with topics such as designer purses, dieting, taxes, and Tupperware. From her husband to her kids, neighbors and dog, no one is safe from being poked fun at, all in a gentle, motherly fashion.

The book is designed with six sections loosely based on themes. I really liked Gruen’s use of small details to tie one story to the next in a subtle way that made the book flow nicely. She writes with intent and purpose. Mainly to make you laugh, giggle, or smile. Her use of puns is just right, not corny.

Most of Gruen’s topics are based on her everyday life as a housewife. But this book is not just for those of you lying around avoiding the laundry and dishes. There is something for every personality in this book. As I read, I couldn’t decide with whom to share this book first. The camping story “Can I Have S’More Vacation, Please” reminded me of my mom. “When conversation began to lag, I was gobsmacked by a brilliant idea. ‘Hey everybody, let’s sing some camp songs!’ I suggested.”

My sister, a fitness instructor, would really get a kick out of “Back in the Saddle Again,” and “Boy Am I Sore.” “The fitness industry doesn’t want this to get around, but when those torture chambers were discovered in Iraq, they found two dozen recumbent bicycles and a whole slew of CD’s filled with the mindless techno-crap ‘music’ they play in spinning classes.”

And who couldn’t identify with “A Crime of Passion, Featuring Chocolate Truffles” where Judy buys her husband a box of chocolates for this birthday and instead of eating them immediately (while sharing of course), he leaves them sitting around the house unopened. She finally forces him to eat one and… “In the spirit of togetherness, I had the double chocolate raspberry.”

Just thinking about all of the stories again makes me want to look up my favorite lines and share them with someone. I think that is exactly Judy Gruen’s goal in “The Women’s Daily Irony Supplement” -- to make you smile and pass it on.

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