Are We Normal? Funny True Stories from an Everyday Family

by Christina Scalise

Do all moms really have X-ray vision and eyes in the back of their heads?
Author Christina Scalise’s kids think so. And the New York author isn’t above using her maternal superpowers to deal with the challenges of childrearing.
How else could she accomplish such seemingly impossible feats as getting three kids to try brussels sprouts for the first time?
Scalise may not actually be more powerful than a locomotive, but she’s able to get her family to hang the toilet paper in the “over” position—most of the time, anyway.
And she may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but if her kids accidentally leave their dirty clothes on the floor, they know their wayward apparel could likely end up dangling from the nearby treetops, faster than a speeding bullet.
“Life is way too short,” says Scalise, “so try to enjoy every minute of it with a sense of humor!
With that kind of outlook on life’s crazy moments, Scalise and her family have often been left asking themselves one recurring question, which became the title of her new book: “Are We Normal?”
Scalise shares some key parenting lessons learned the hard way, such as what happens when a when a preschooler finds himself alone with a VCR, a broomstick, and a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich.
“I originally started writing this book as a journal of stories for my kids to read when they were older and had children of their own—a few funny stories they could tell our future grandchildren about,” she says. “Then it grew from there, with one story after another.
After a while I figured, ‘Why not share our stories with the rest of the world? I’m sure most people can relate to at least one or more of these stories. And if not—well, I hope readers at least get a good laugh out of them.’”

Genres: Parenting

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2014

About the author

Best Selling Author, Certified Reiki Master & Teacher, Professional Organizer (retired), wife and mother of 3.

Books are available for purchase on... Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Smashwords.com and more.

Websites.....
www.AuthorChristinaScalise.com
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www.LightSourceWithin.com

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Reviews

[Gina Briganti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed the first time I sat down to enjoy my morning non-fiction read with “Are We Normal: Funny, True Stories from an Everyday Family”, which is a great sign when the book has funny in the title. It’s a big claim, and I don’t believe it until I’ve laughed a few times.

If the title included all the adjectives I would give to it, it would read, “Are We Normal: Funny, True, Touching, Wise, Loving Stories from a Humble Everyday Family”. Growing up in their house sounds like something most of us would sign up for.

A favorite story for me is “The Ten-Year Plan for Vehicles”. The punch line was so funny I had to read the story out loud. I also loved “Apples”, “Toilet Paper”, and the pet stories. Bobber, one of their beloved pet cats, was a riot. We can all empathize for what it feels like when we’ve lost a family member, as they did with Bobber.

I sincerely hope that Christine Scalise writes more humor stories. I’m waiting.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book. This is a real family unafraid and without excuse being themselves. What struck me is that all of these stories are real. You can tell that they are not written 'up' for comedic value and they are not put on stage hoping for a larger audience. They are exactly as the title promises: True Stories from an Everyday Family.

When I first bought the book I was half expecting stories told in the Sedaris voice because that's what I'm accustomed to when I'm reading about families. I was happily shocked to discover this is not at all like that. This family is living the way most normal families live- with the freedom to squirt the kids with a water bottle to get them moving in the morning- with the kids threatening to call CPS.

The banter reveals what is genuine and obvious love for the kids and in chapter two or three there are even letters written to the older children to guide them in life that are candid and poignant.

This book was an absolute pleasure, I'm grateful to have read it.

[Alia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone thinks their family is crazy; at least this book lays it out in a humorous way. As aggravating and annoying daily things like laundry and even holidays can be, I love hearing it from someone else’s perspective. Family life can be filled with drama, sometimes you just have to take a step back and laugh about it all. Christina Scalise jokes about all the things everyone is thinking but doesn’t want to say. I would recommend this book to any one, it’s an easy read and you’ll really enjoy it.

[Janel]

I found Christina Scalise’s “Are We Normal?” to be both delightful and humorous. The title is the first thing that really peaked my interest in this book. I have often found myself wonder the same thing, Are we normal? About my own family, the things that happen, and the things we do. These everyday stories are something that having a family I could really relate to and found great humor in. The book is well written and the author’s sense of humor is spot on and shines through the entire book. I found myself laughing aloud to many of the stories and thinking I can relate to that. It really did answer that question in my head about whether or not we are normal as a family, I would have to say based on the stories from this author that we most definitely are. If you have a family or have been a part of one I think there is definitely something you will relate with, I think people with children will really see what I am talking about, once you read the book

[Jessyca Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are We Normal? Funny, True Stories from an Everyday Family by Christina Scalise is a quick, humorous read. Not only is this book funny but you can learn from it as well. My own mother also used to tell me "Do not eat yellow snow". This advice I plan to tell my own child as well.

When I started "Are We Normal?: Funny, True Stories From an Everyday Family", it seemed like it is was a bunch of random stories from a diary that had been thrown together. You must pay attention because there are chapters and they do have titles that group the stories together. The stories towards the end of the book seem to fit together better as chapters than the ones in the first couple of chapters. I also would of liked to see pictures, especially of the animals.

Christina Scalise's "Are We Normal?: Funny, True Stories From an Everyday Family" asks a simple question. Are we normal? Every parent has wondered if their children are normal or just a little weird. After reading this book, I can say my child and I am normal. Not only have I experienced some of the same things Scalise has wrote about, but I have my own stories to add if Scalise ever decides to write another book. Scalise's book has also given me new ideas on how to discipline my child. My personal favorite form of discipline in the book was when Scalise threw her son's clothes in a tree. I would recommend giving this book to any parents, especially new parents. That way they can compare stories and prepare for the years ahead.

* I received this book for free in return for a review

[Riya Bhandvalkar]

i thougth this book was a crazy family and had know idea what to do but this turned out good and i loved it. it was a good book to read you enjoy parts. when i am reading i will have to do something to my mum and clean up stuff for my brother but infact this a good book to read thanks by riya bhandvalkar

[Dennis Dupuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that takes the mundane and infuses it with fun & humor. Christina and her family meet life head on, mostly without helmets,and their pets make me want to get another dog even though I swore I never would when I buried the last one. Filled with short blips from everyday life that're guaranteed to make you perform world-class eye rolls.

[Mariana Farcas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody has a crazy family but what is the "normal" crazy. Read this book if you feel like you have bad kids and you will feel better. I learn a lot. Fun read. I love it.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book that feels like telling stories with my own family. It was funny and enjoyable. I received a copy through Good Reads First Reads.