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Bertha Size Your Life
Bertha-Size Your Life! Is a book of personal transformation that reads like a series of entertaining and humorous stories. Bertha, a zany redhead, mysteriously appears in the narrator's life during a walk in the park. Quicker than a man can hand off a baby with a dirty diaper, she has moved into the narrator's empty nest and the fun begins.
You never know what Bertha will think up next from flying a hot air balloon to singing to her begonia, she's always up to something. Bertha delights in standing on her soapbox while dispensing down-home wisdom and perky advice, explaining The Law of Attraction in a refreshing, humor-filled, practical way that has the reader going aha! instead of humph!
Throw in a conniving nemesis, an antagonistic cat, lime green spandex and high-heels and you've got a book that's sure to tickle your funny bone and leave you wearing your thinking cap as you read and reread each vignette.
You never know what Bertha will think up next from flying a hot air balloon to singing to her begonia, she's always up to something. Bertha delights in standing on her soapbox while dispensing down-home wisdom and perky advice, explaining The Law of Attraction in a refreshing, humor-filled, practical way that has the reader going aha! instead of humph!
Throw in a conniving nemesis, an antagonistic cat, lime green spandex and high-heels and you've got a book that's sure to tickle your funny bone and leave you wearing your thinking cap as you read and reread each vignette.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2005
26 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 24, 2012
Bertha-Size Your Life by Jane Carroll is a fun speed read, although you will need to pace yourself to absorb its insights. Do not expect a realistic novel. Instead, this is an imaginative and somewhat formulaic book—but that is part of the fun. Each zippy chapter is a Law of Attraction lesson, applicable to anyone—although this book is geared toward women readers. The more I read, the more I saw Bertha as a metaphor for the inspirational life coach we all need at times. Better yet, Bertha is lovably flawed. She doesn’t always get the lessons right and has to be cheer-led by her pupil, the narrator. Even if you are very familiar with the Laws of Attraction, the nuggets of wisdom are uniquely Bertha-sized. This is even one of those books that can be read more than once. In fact, I recommend it. The next time around, you might be at another level of mastery and just the right chapter will jump out at you.
Looking forward to the next installment!
Looking forward to the next installment!
June 26, 2012
I finished the book and it was a great read!
I even wrote a book review to explain my thoughts. In particular, I like the way I can laugh one moment and then say "Aha!" the next moment.
Book Review of Bertha-Size Your Life!, By Jane Carroll:
http://christywrites.hubpages.com/hub...
I even wrote a book review to explain my thoughts. In particular, I like the way I can laugh one moment and then say "Aha!" the next moment.
Book Review of Bertha-Size Your Life!, By Jane Carroll:
http://christywrites.hubpages.com/hub...
July 17, 2012
Far beyond a collection of entertaining and humorous vignettes, Bertha-Size Your Life! is an artfully cloaked call to action that crept up on me and kicked my “Ostrich” rear-end (see chapter). This book is far more than one would expect. Settle in for an uplifting read, and “Get the Pom-Poms!”
June 13, 2012
This is the most uplifting book that I have ever read. Bertha is enchanting even on her worse day. Thank you Jane for bringing Bertha to life for us all to experience Bertha's quick wit. I have yet to read a book that has quite so many costume changes. Why it seems poor Bertha has barely time left to change before the next chapter. Bertha brings us up! Bertha is unique! Bertha is fun! I loved when Bertha paraded around in her purple bikini for all the neighbors to see, hey she got a trip to Miami out of the deal. Smart girl and I love smart girls. If you are having a bad day read this book, even one chapter will do, and it will inspire you to face the day with a positive attitude. What would Bertha do is constantly at play here and that one question that comes up everyday, "What are you doing Bertha?" What a great and refreshing idea. Kudos to author Jane Carroll for bringing forth a book that breaks the genre barrier. I can't for the life of me think what and where this book would fit except carried around like the bible. We should all carry this book with us everywhere we go and the next time somebody gets all negative about something, read a chapter out loud straight from the book, and I'm betting you'd get a smile. Bertha Rocks!
September 25, 2012
Feeling old, frumpy, and generally down? Then you need a Bertha overhaul.
Just when a depressed empty-nester sees her life as headed into a blah, gray, ditch, she meets Bertha, a one-woman dynamo who changes her life.
Bertha is a flashy dresser, flamboyant liver, and everything our protangist is not. She is just what a demoralized woman needs in her life: a good friend to kick her butt into jump-start, and lead her astray (in a good way).
This book is a great read, and a primer for anyone who might be feeling blue and needs a lift.
There are some editing problems, which cost the book a star, but don't let that stop you from getting a great read.
Just when a depressed empty-nester sees her life as headed into a blah, gray, ditch, she meets Bertha, a one-woman dynamo who changes her life.
Bertha is a flashy dresser, flamboyant liver, and everything our protangist is not. She is just what a demoralized woman needs in her life: a good friend to kick her butt into jump-start, and lead her astray (in a good way).
This book is a great read, and a primer for anyone who might be feeling blue and needs a lift.
There are some editing problems, which cost the book a star, but don't let that stop you from getting a great read.
September 12, 2012
I just finished reading this delightful little book ... or should I say I've just been `Bertha-Sized'? The positive approach to life isn't always easy to understand and live but after reading BERTHA-SIZE YOUR LIFE by Author Jane Carroll, it just became a lot easier, and renewed my lessons of life and the power I have of managing my own life. Thank you, author Jane Carroll, and thank your unique, delightful, zany, friend, Bertha, for setting me back on the right track. Cynthia Dendy's illustration gives us a picture of Bertha that we won't forget.
July 19, 2012
I LOVE this book, if you have ever studied the law of attraction then you have to read this book! Jane Carroll writes with humor and likeability that you cannot put it down! However I must say once you have read the entire book through, take time and go back and read a short story every day as sort of a journal. You will be amazed at things you missed before...great teaching tool, laughs all the way around.
February 9, 2013
A light-hearted, whimsical, practical application of "The Secret." A fun read, yet thought-provoking at times.
August 5, 2025
Bk 1, Bertha Series, EBK-M, Kindle, @ 2014, Read 8/4/2025, Fiction, Humor, A study in attitude adjustment.
A quirky, off-the-wall story that hints at how controlling your attitude can and does affect different aspects of your life. First I laughed at Bertha's outrageous clothing combinations and situations, then I thought she may be into something!
I know from personal experience that positive attitude, self-intentions, and humor go a long way in shaping your life.
3☆'s = Good. It's nice to remind yourself, on occasion, that certain thoughts can help or hinder your goals.
A quirky, off-the-wall story that hints at how controlling your attitude can and does affect different aspects of your life. First I laughed at Bertha's outrageous clothing combinations and situations, then I thought she may be into something!
I know from personal experience that positive attitude, self-intentions, and humor go a long way in shaping your life.
3☆'s = Good. It's nice to remind yourself, on occasion, that certain thoughts can help or hinder your goals.
March 16, 2013
Reading Bertha-Size Your Life was almost as important as when I was a kid and read The Little Train That Could. The same message is there: Change your way of thinking and change will come. It is a much needed reminder to think positive and to wipe those unkind messages out of our minds. I am often guilty of spending too much time with the negative voices in my head. It is a learned trait and is something I have molded and perfected throughout the years.
This book deals with a woman going through an empty nest syndrome but it could apply to all of us. We all need to step outside ourselves to find a way to make our lives better.
I am so glad this book was written because it makes you STOP and THINK about how much those voices are weighing us down. This was a very sweet book and an enjoyable read.
This book deals with a woman going through an empty nest syndrome but it could apply to all of us. We all need to step outside ourselves to find a way to make our lives better.
I am so glad this book was written because it makes you STOP and THINK about how much those voices are weighing us down. This was a very sweet book and an enjoyable read.
October 2, 2012
We all need a “Bertha” sitting on our shoulders, guiding us through the troubled times and giving us a good laugh! I can’t express how much I enjoyed reading this book. The way the author set the whole scenario up really surprised me at the end and then I couldn’t help but smile. I love the way Bertha gets up on her soapbox and tells it like it is. She isn’t preachy – she’s just an honest, southern “woman” who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.
I must admit that after reading this book, I couldn’t help but question my own life and my certain way of seeing things. I learned a lot from Bertha and I know I’ll try to be more positive in the future. Whenever I get down or something doesn’t feel just right to me, I’ll ask myself, “What would Bertha do?”
I must admit that after reading this book, I couldn’t help but question my own life and my certain way of seeing things. I learned a lot from Bertha and I know I’ll try to be more positive in the future. Whenever I get down or something doesn’t feel just right to me, I’ll ask myself, “What would Bertha do?”
September 28, 2012
This isn't your ordinary read. It's fast paced and laced with humor. Bertha is every empty nesters dream. The story is inspirational , quirky and uplifting. Every woman could relate at one point or another in their life with this story. That's what the author was after. She nailed that but I wish her narrator had a name, hence the four stars. You can find this book on Amazon.com. Thank you Carroll for sharing your skill with us.
November 24, 2014
Excellent book. I really think you'll enjoy Bertha's quirkiness and the wisdom she bestows. Read my review of Bertha-Size Your Life by Jane Carroll here: http://tainiwrites.wordpress.com/2014...
August 23, 2012
Wonderfully entertaining and rewarding book! I want to invite Bertha to come live with me!
December 21, 2017
A cute magazine article, not a book.
January 5, 2018
I can see myself
This book has inspired me to start having fun again in my life. You have taught me to see things in a better light. This was a great read. Thank you.
This book has inspired me to start having fun again in my life. You have taught me to see things in a better light. This was a great read. Thank you.
August 7, 2012
Bertha Size Your Life (free Kindle version) by Jane Carroll. This book is very difficult for me to describe. It's a collection of stories about the main character (I don't even recall if she has a name) who is an empty-nester and her new zany, larger-than-life roommate, Bertha. Basically, each chapter is a lesson in positivity and the law of attraction. The premise was okay, but it was not at all what I expected. However, I did like that the "lessons" were presented in story-format rather than "lecture" format as I feel more people can relate. For whatever reason, I kept picturing the children's literary character, Amelia Bedelia, as Bertha. I must admit I soon became weary of the descriptions of Bertha's wardrobe and nail polish and of her constantly pulling out what seemed to be an actual soap box. The relationship between Bertha and the cat was also annoying. There were some punctuation, grammar, usage errors, and general typos (omission or addition of words), but they weren't excessive. I think I would have liked this book more if I had known exactly what I was getting; perhaps next time I should better read the description.
May 5, 2017
BERTHA SIZE YOUR LIFE written by Jane Carroll and Cynthia Dendy was an incredible read. It is funny, amusing, serious and yet educational. It reminded me of Erma Bombechk and her witty view of the world except with Bertha Size Your Life is more witty wisdom. Bertha has a keen little soap box she stands on when she wants to teach you something sound which you the reader should know but seem to be unaware of in your daily life of living. Bertha as a great heart, quirky clothes and wonderful ideas that aren't new but are new to the reader in the way Bertha tells them.
I think everybody needs to have a Bertha in their home. There is a sequel to this book and I have no doubt there will be more. The author Jane Carroll defined how she created Berth and you need to read Jane's story to find out. Bertha will always have space on my shelf so whenever I get stuck in simply living I can grab her and see how to perk it up. Wisdom and witty, quite a combination!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-rev...
I think everybody needs to have a Bertha in their home. There is a sequel to this book and I have no doubt there will be more. The author Jane Carroll defined how she created Berth and you need to read Jane's story to find out. Bertha will always have space on my shelf so whenever I get stuck in simply living I can grab her and see how to perk it up. Wisdom and witty, quite a combination!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-rev...
March 16, 2013
Reading Bertha-Size Your Life was almost as important as when I was a kid and read The Little Train That Could. The same message is there: Change your way of thinking and change will come. It is a much needed reminder to think positive and to wipe those unkind messages out of our minds. I am often guilty of spending too much time with the negative voices in my head. It is a learned trait and is something I have molded and perfected throughout the years.
This book deals with a woman going through an empty nest syndrome but it could apply to all of us. We all need to step outside ourselves to find a way to make our lives better.
I am so glad this book was written because it makes you STOP and THINK about how much those voices are weighing us down. This was a very sweet book and an enjoyable read.
This book deals with a woman going through an empty nest syndrome but it could apply to all of us. We all need to step outside ourselves to find a way to make our lives better.
I am so glad this book was written because it makes you STOP and THINK about how much those voices are weighing us down. This was a very sweet book and an enjoyable read.
April 1, 2013
Life itself can sometimes transport people on journeys which they never expect, and this book deftly illustrates one example.
The story's main character is feeling a little disheartened with life, as her family has left home, and she is on her own for the first time. Now an empty-nester, she invites a friend named Bertha to stay with her, and, as the saying goes, life is never the same for her, but, in the best possible way!
This is an entertaining and stimulating read, with life lessons and other advice on how to live a more fulfilling, and satisfying life presented with humor and style. Never preachy, but didactic in a breezy but stimulating manner, BERTHA SIZE YOUR LIFE is a fun, easy read book. The main character's new status as an empty-nester, though, lends the story an identifiable pathos to which many readers could relate, and adds a layer of poignancy to the story.
The story's main character is feeling a little disheartened with life, as her family has left home, and she is on her own for the first time. Now an empty-nester, she invites a friend named Bertha to stay with her, and, as the saying goes, life is never the same for her, but, in the best possible way!
This is an entertaining and stimulating read, with life lessons and other advice on how to live a more fulfilling, and satisfying life presented with humor and style. Never preachy, but didactic in a breezy but stimulating manner, BERTHA SIZE YOUR LIFE is a fun, easy read book. The main character's new status as an empty-nester, though, lends the story an identifiable pathos to which many readers could relate, and adds a layer of poignancy to the story.
November 29, 2012
I really enjoyed this well written and interesting work. It tells the story of a woman who uses her alter ego to deal with "empty-nest-syndrome". The author cleverly finds a way to make the alter ego appear as a real person with her own unique personality. I can't see how anyone who reads this book can quickly forget the memorable character she calls Bertha. This was a story that was interesting in its premise and told with humor and a good sense of fun! Bertha offers helpful advice and always seems to have a soapbox available no matter where she finds herself in the house and, of course, an outlandish outfit befitting her lesson. The only way to really appreciate Bertha and get her permanently stuck in your head, is to take the time to read this delightful short novel!
February 20, 2013
This is a light-hearted read through one woman's life as she tries to deal with the empty-nest syndrome as well as her doubts and fears that tag along with it. Laced with humor throughout, I quickly realized Bertha was her alter-ego pushing herself to see beyond her self-ascribed limitations. In the end she realizes her horizons are endless so why not enjoy it while she can. Filled with metaphors and humor, it is a quick read or it can be savored a little at a time with advice for all women in how to deal with their life. Both inspirational and funny at the same time, enjoy this don't-take-yourself-seriously read and take it for what it is: a fun and positive way to deal with emotional and mental obstacles that might stop you from enjoying life.
October 30, 2012
Life lessons with a humourous twist!
What a terrific book by Jane Carroll and her larger-than-life alter-ego, Bertha. Each chapter gives a unique take and cheerful solution regarding a slew of challenges the majority of us will end up facing at some point during our lives.
I especially like the Author’s Note at the end providing readers with a peak into where the characters in the book originated.
Whether you are experiencing an ‘empty nest’ or need insight into how to handle women’s issues, you will find Bertha Size Your Life a true inspiration. Thank you Bertha, for your fresh and zany yet eminently wise words.
What a terrific book by Jane Carroll and her larger-than-life alter-ego, Bertha. Each chapter gives a unique take and cheerful solution regarding a slew of challenges the majority of us will end up facing at some point during our lives.
I especially like the Author’s Note at the end providing readers with a peak into where the characters in the book originated.
Whether you are experiencing an ‘empty nest’ or need insight into how to handle women’s issues, you will find Bertha Size Your Life a true inspiration. Thank you Bertha, for your fresh and zany yet eminently wise words.
August 30, 2014
I love this little book, it's one you can go back to again and again. Everyone should listen to their inner Bertha! This is the little voice that says "Go For It! You Can Do It!" Bertha dismisses unnecessary rules, wears what makes her happy, does what she wants to do, and says No! to requests which she does not want to comply with. In short, she is her own woman - something we mere mortals need help to achieve. 5 Stars for Bertha Hip Hip Hooray!
February 17, 2015
Witty and wise, Bertha is the alter ego, the voice of optimism which helps us to see situations in life which can be challenging with a glass half-full attitude. Bertha's anecdotes of positivity and her outlandish apparel bring to mind a 'Maxine' type of character, only with positive messages instead of humorous cynicism. A delightful read for anyone but particularly geared toward women.
October 11, 2012
Utterly enjoyed this book and the author's off-the -wall humor!Would love to read more of this exotic person. A real character as we say in Ireland. You'll get a lot of goggles out of it and it will improve your mood and view of life.Instantly, I promise.
June 22, 2013
This was an interesting, thought provoking, read. If you have only negative feelings and thoughts, this is the book for you. It can give you insight on how to change your thoughts from negative to positive.
January 9, 2015
Boring
There were several punctuation, sentence structure, and continuity errors. It seemed a few chapters were out of sequence. I just didn't like it. I mistakenly purchased all 3 books. My bad.
There were several punctuation, sentence structure, and continuity errors. It seemed a few chapters were out of sequence. I just didn't like it. I mistakenly purchased all 3 books. My bad.
November 29, 2014
this is written in journal style to me. there is no running storyline, just alot of advise or opinions of the outrageous Bertha. She is pretty funny and at times hard to take but it is a very quick and uplifting book to read.
November 14, 2012
cute and easy read. Delivers lots of positive thoughts
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews