Life From the Bottom Shelf recent reviews

From Shey Saints Reviews:

Life From the Bottom Shelf by Ellen Gable is a heartfelt and humorous memoir-style collection of true short stories about living as a short-statured woman in a world built for taller people. Blending her own experiences with those of equally petite friends and relatives, Gable recounts moments ranging from lighthearted misunderstandings to frustrating encounters, all with warmth and wit. The book explores childhood memories, awkward mistaken identities, dating stories, travel mishaps, and even the perks of being short. Each chapter captures the unique perspective of life “from the bottom shelf,” offering both relatable laughs for fellow short readers and eye-opening insights for taller ones.

I’d give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It’s charming, easy to read, and genuinely funny without feeling forced. The personal anecdotes flow naturally, and the variety of contributors keeps things fresh. While it’s not a deep, dramatic memoir, that’s not its goal. The book celebrates shared experiences and fosters connection. If you’ve ever had to ask a stranger to reach the top shelf or been mistaken for a child well into adulthood, you’ll find yourself nodding and laughing along.

From Harmonia’s Reviews:

Life From the Bottom Shelf by Ellen Gable is like swapping funny life stories with a good friend over coffee. Through short, engaging anecdotes, Gable and her petite friends share what it’s really like to navigate a world where mirrors are too high, clothes never fit right, and strangers constantly mistake you for a kid. The humor is self-aware and endearing, with just enough heartfelt moments to balance the laughs. I especially enjoyed the stories about mistaken identities. They’re so absurd you almost can’t believe they happened. I give it 5 stars because it kept me smiling from start to finish.

From Bulletproof Girl’s Reviews:

This book offers a gentle but insightful look at the everyday experiences of short women. It’s not just about height. It’s about how people perceive you, how you adapt, and how shared challenges can turn into shared laughter. The stories span childhood, adulthood, and everything in between, making it relatable across generations. I appreciated the mix of contributors, each with their own personality and style, which kept the book engaging. I’m giving it 4/5 stars because while it’s uplifting and relatable, it’s more of a casual read than something deeply introspective. Still, its charm lies in its simplicity.

From Jiminie Mochi’s Reviews:

It was really nice to read this! Just pure joy! The book is a celebration of small stature and big personality, told through funny, sometimes jaw-dropping real-life stories. Ellen Gable’s narrative voice feels like a friend sharing the “you won’t believe what happened” moments that make life memorable. From travel mix-ups to being mistaken for someone’s kid, every story is infused with humor and self-confidence. It’s the kind of book you can pick up, read a few stories, and instantly feel better. I rate it 5/5 stars for making me laugh out loud multiple times. Best of all, it’s wholesome. No vulgarity, no explicit scenes, just real people embracing who they are. If you’ve ever been underestimated because of how you look, you’ll love this.

Life From the Bottom Shelf is available via Amazon.com and other retailers.