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Rats, Mice, And Other Things You Can't Take to The Bank
Part memoir, part essay collection, Rats, Mice, and Other Things You Can’t Take to the Bank is written with both wit and charm. It will take you on a ride from finding a mouse in the house to the mortgage crisis, from a smile to a chuckle and from a few tears to the feeling of being wrapped in a blanket sipping a warm cup of cocoa on a cold winter's day. Handler offers a rich, touching, heartfelt and reflective read that will leave the reader with an indelible uplifting spirit.
- GenresNonfictionMemoirHumor
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2018
13 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Handler
2 books5 followersLeslie is a Society of Newspaper Columnists award winner. She’s an international syndicated columnist with Senior Wire News Service and a frequent contributor to WHYY and CityWide Stories. She freelances for The Philadelphia Inquirer, ZestNow, and Boomercafe, as well as blogs for HuffPost. Her book, Rats, Mice, and Other Things You Can’t Take to the Bank, is available on Amazon and where other fine books are sold. Leslie currently lives smack dab between Philadelphia and New York City with husband Marty, dogs Maggie, Hazel, and Ginger, a collection of fish, said husband's cockatoo who she's been trying to roast for dinner for the last 33 years, and a few occasional uninvited guests. You may follow her blog and read previously published essays at: LeslieGoesBoom.com.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 12, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Life Happens! Leslie Handler shares life as it happens to her and those she loves with this collection of essays. Some are quite funny. Others bring memories of my own life, good and bad.
What I liked about this book is that I could pick it up and read a few stories, put it down and come back another time. I started reading it from the beginning but then found myself skipping around depending on the mood I was in.
Over the course of the book, you get to know the author very well. She is truthful about the ups and downs of marriage, the “joys” of getting older, and her general musings on life. She covers a wide range of topics and while I didn’t always agree with her assessment I found the essays to be very entertaining. She has clearly led a different life than I have so some of her stories didn’t resonate with me as much as others, but I do know this – we both have had our struggles in life and we both greatly love our husbands and our husbands greatly love us even with all our faults.
One thing that I noted that we share is we both need to manage our anger. Sometimes silly things just make us mad, but sometimes important things really set us off. Her motto like mine is “Just Breathe”. I feel I learned Lamaze breathing not to just help me get through the rigors to give birth to my children but to get through the rigors of life that would follow after the birth of my children. Sometimes it works, sometimes I still blow, but heck I am human and sometimes breathing in and out takes a little explosion to get me started down the calmer path.
Leslie Handler shares her poignant, mostly amusing, truthful stories of life as she sees it and I found them to be very enjoyable to read.
Life Happens! Leslie Handler shares life as it happens to her and those she loves with this collection of essays. Some are quite funny. Others bring memories of my own life, good and bad.
What I liked about this book is that I could pick it up and read a few stories, put it down and come back another time. I started reading it from the beginning but then found myself skipping around depending on the mood I was in.
Over the course of the book, you get to know the author very well. She is truthful about the ups and downs of marriage, the “joys” of getting older, and her general musings on life. She covers a wide range of topics and while I didn’t always agree with her assessment I found the essays to be very entertaining. She has clearly led a different life than I have so some of her stories didn’t resonate with me as much as others, but I do know this – we both have had our struggles in life and we both greatly love our husbands and our husbands greatly love us even with all our faults.
One thing that I noted that we share is we both need to manage our anger. Sometimes silly things just make us mad, but sometimes important things really set us off. Her motto like mine is “Just Breathe”. I feel I learned Lamaze breathing not to just help me get through the rigors to give birth to my children but to get through the rigors of life that would follow after the birth of my children. Sometimes it works, sometimes I still blow, but heck I am human and sometimes breathing in and out takes a little explosion to get me started down the calmer path.
Leslie Handler shares her poignant, mostly amusing, truthful stories of life as she sees it and I found them to be very enjoyable to read.
November 20, 2018
A memoir of Handler's life expressed in a standalone collection of essays from her perspective, a first person protagonist point-of-view, if you will.
This ARC was sent to me by the author for an honest review.
My Take
Oh, honey, if you can't relate to something in this collection, you ain't right.
In a series of essays that veer from the glass is half-empty to the glass is overflowing (and does she ever remind me of Erma Bombeck!), Handler starts with her first dates to meeting the one, family pets, a memory of childhood summer and one of punishment that segues into reading and games with her daughters, the joys and trials of marriage with all the support, love, and blowups that come with it.
There's the mistook care package which is both horrible and funny. Urk. The homophonic mishaps. Handler's love of children and the lessons they experience to Jane Elliott's experiment in racism in the classroom. Her deep love for her husband comes through despite the frustrations of living with him, lol — she's been a very lucky lady.
Her death date approach cracked me up and made perfect sense. If only... Then Handler comes along with "stuff". All our stuff that we accumulate, and I can appreciate her view that we are only "renting" our stuff. I'm guilty of that one. I have a lot of stuff. And I love my stuff and all the memories they stimulate.
It's about diet and a wonderful mother-in-law, about walking in another person's shoes and the many pairs she's gone through herself. Having friends and the drama of letting another one in. And I completely agree with her take on the pitfalls of naming one's children. What is with parents?!? Don't they think!?? There are more thoughts of queuing up in lines only to be cut out. The horrors of growing old — it's that eyebrow plucking! Clothing and shoes — socks and granny panties, egads!
Towards the end, Handler muses on life in general. Senior moments that are not always an age thing, although technology is. Fortunately her smartphone and TV knows what she likes. As for doctors today, she's right. Any doctor who looks like a kid to me has got to be a fake.
Her confessions regarding Murphy's Law, and now we know who to blame! That perfect diet plan. I know, I know, Handler would hate my using that word, "perfect". But that's the plan. It's the best way I know to lose weight.
The lost art of grammar due to texting, the word crisis, and the jingle of past commercials versus the emotional guilt of today's. Her thoughts on why she shouldn't run for president in 2020...then she realizes she should, but I'm not sure what the Secret Service would think of her Boob One and Boob Two plan.
And my favorite essay is the one about practicing kindness, moderation, and passion, keeping regrets small and success abundant.
It's a life that finds that glass at varying levels from bone dry to overflowing.
And thank god for the little things.
The Cover and Title
The cover is too cute with its icy blue-on-blue background and tan linoleum floor just in front of that mouse hole with the happy mouse focused on that wedge of cheese. All the text is black from the title that descends in size in the top half to the author's name below the cheese with a testimonial below that.
The title cracks me up — Rats, Mice and Other Things You Can't Take to the Bank — and Handler explains it in the prologue, for rodents are survivors...and so is Handler.
This ARC was sent to me by the author for an honest review.
My Take
Oh, honey, if you can't relate to something in this collection, you ain't right.
In a series of essays that veer from the glass is half-empty to the glass is overflowing (and does she ever remind me of Erma Bombeck!), Handler starts with her first dates to meeting the one, family pets, a memory of childhood summer and one of punishment that segues into reading and games with her daughters, the joys and trials of marriage with all the support, love, and blowups that come with it.
"When we took our vows, it was part of the deal. I had to love, honor, cherish, and relinquish all rights to the TV flipper."The good and the bad that ranges from Uncle Seymour leading the raid at Stonewall and a brother's secret, the necessary fairies that keep a house running, and the running act of squeezing in the middle that can apply to so many items and people.
There's the mistook care package which is both horrible and funny. Urk. The homophonic mishaps. Handler's love of children and the lessons they experience to Jane Elliott's experiment in racism in the classroom. Her deep love for her husband comes through despite the frustrations of living with him, lol — she's been a very lucky lady.
Her death date approach cracked me up and made perfect sense. If only... Then Handler comes along with "stuff". All our stuff that we accumulate, and I can appreciate her view that we are only "renting" our stuff. I'm guilty of that one. I have a lot of stuff. And I love my stuff and all the memories they stimulate.
It's about diet and a wonderful mother-in-law, about walking in another person's shoes and the many pairs she's gone through herself. Having friends and the drama of letting another one in. And I completely agree with her take on the pitfalls of naming one's children. What is with parents?!? Don't they think!?? There are more thoughts of queuing up in lines only to be cut out. The horrors of growing old — it's that eyebrow plucking! Clothing and shoes — socks and granny panties, egads!
Towards the end, Handler muses on life in general. Senior moments that are not always an age thing, although technology is. Fortunately her smartphone and TV knows what she likes. As for doctors today, she's right. Any doctor who looks like a kid to me has got to be a fake.
Her confessions regarding Murphy's Law, and now we know who to blame! That perfect diet plan. I know, I know, Handler would hate my using that word, "perfect". But that's the plan. It's the best way I know to lose weight.
The lost art of grammar due to texting, the word crisis, and the jingle of past commercials versus the emotional guilt of today's. Her thoughts on why she shouldn't run for president in 2020...then she realizes she should, but I'm not sure what the Secret Service would think of her Boob One and Boob Two plan.
And my favorite essay is the one about practicing kindness, moderation, and passion, keeping regrets small and success abundant.
It's a life that finds that glass at varying levels from bone dry to overflowing.
And thank god for the little things.
The Cover and Title
The cover is too cute with its icy blue-on-blue background and tan linoleum floor just in front of that mouse hole with the happy mouse focused on that wedge of cheese. All the text is black from the title that descends in size in the top half to the author's name below the cheese with a testimonial below that.
The title cracks me up — Rats, Mice and Other Things You Can't Take to the Bank — and Handler explains it in the prologue, for rodents are survivors...and so is Handler.
Read
October 12, 2018I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
You know the drill, for more reviews and bookish discussions, click here
What you are about to read are my thoughts on the said book. This will not be a review and neither will I rate this book. For more details, please refer to the policy page.
This book was a journey. A refreshing, entertaining, insightful journey. This essay collection is one of the best things I have read in a while. There were essays that would make me laugh, then there were others which would push me into the deep well of thoughts and then there were some which would make me want to well up. This collection has the power to arouse a plethora of emotions! When you laugh and cry at the same time, you know that what you have read is exceptional and this was indeed one of those extraordinary reads for me.
I am amazed by Handler’s ability to present matters of great importance and significance as well as regular everyday events with the brilliant humor of a stand-up comedian! She describes her struggles with obesity and cancer in such a light and playful way that you almost fail to grasp the pain she must have felt.
There are a wide variety of topics covered in this book and Handler successfully manages to weave those topics into her life and present them to us. What would otherwise seem trivial incidences, seem to be part of a bigger picture. Whether it be the author’s struggle with technology or with her weight, she triumphantly puts forth her thoughts in an extremely relabtable manner, while also making general comments and noting down her observations. I can definitely feel that she has great observation skills.
While Handler mainly focuses on incidences that have happened with her, she also manages to impart wisdom to the readers in more ways than one. She didn’t once allow herself to sound patronizing but managed to maintain the friendly tone she has used throughout the book. She preached what she taught.
And this quote which perfectly sums up our present condition.
On the topic of naming babies, here is what she has to say:
And my personal favourite
I hope I have convinced you enough to pick this up!
You know the drill, for more reviews and bookish discussions, click here
What you are about to read are my thoughts on the said book. This will not be a review and neither will I rate this book. For more details, please refer to the policy page.
When you are good to yourself, you are happy, which makes you confident and strong enough to spread kindness to others.
This book was a journey. A refreshing, entertaining, insightful journey. This essay collection is one of the best things I have read in a while. There were essays that would make me laugh, then there were others which would push me into the deep well of thoughts and then there were some which would make me want to well up. This collection has the power to arouse a plethora of emotions! When you laugh and cry at the same time, you know that what you have read is exceptional and this was indeed one of those extraordinary reads for me.
I am amazed by Handler’s ability to present matters of great importance and significance as well as regular everyday events with the brilliant humor of a stand-up comedian! She describes her struggles with obesity and cancer in such a light and playful way that you almost fail to grasp the pain she must have felt.
Poor Marty [her husband] rolling over at night to see a whale lying next to him with an elephant trunk coming out of a breathing apparatus.
There are a wide variety of topics covered in this book and Handler successfully manages to weave those topics into her life and present them to us. What would otherwise seem trivial incidences, seem to be part of a bigger picture. Whether it be the author’s struggle with technology or with her weight, she triumphantly puts forth her thoughts in an extremely relabtable manner, while also making general comments and noting down her observations. I can definitely feel that she has great observation skills.
While Handler mainly focuses on incidences that have happened with her, she also manages to impart wisdom to the readers in more ways than one. She didn’t once allow herself to sound patronizing but managed to maintain the friendly tone she has used throughout the book. She preached what she taught.
Because once that glass is empty, there’s just nowhere else to go but to fill it back up.
And this quote which perfectly sums up our present condition.
I have yet to meet another human being who agrees with me on every topic, on every level, in every aspect of my life. Does this mean I can’t have a discussion with someone, disagree, and then go share a drink and a laugh together?
On the topic of naming babies, here is what she has to say:
Maybe that’s why some famous people don’t even have last names. Maybe Cher’s last name is Raid, maybe Bono’s last name is Fide, and maybe Prince’s last name was Charming. Who knows? They’re too embarrassed to tell us.
And my personal favourite
Ask North West about her name in a few years.
I hope I have convinced you enough to pick this up!
March 15, 2018
When I begin to think of others with whom I want to share a book, even start ordering copies for them before I’ve finished reading it, I've found a book that serves the heart.
Leslie Handler's warm, transparent -- sometimes fearless -- perspective clears out inner cobwebs like a rush of springtime air. Her writing strikes a welcome balance between humorously forthcoming and gently poignant. I've previously enjoyed essays she publishes as syndicated columns. This collection shines a lovely light on life’s true wealth, the willingness to develop and apply the healing capacities of compassion, fair-mindedness, and kindness, along with fortitude, forbearance, and faith. Faith in grace, in others, and in life itself.
The author has experienced a pretty large serving of difficulties along her path. Her response is, for me, one of the gifts of this book as it reminds of the freedom, and power, of reaching for appreciation, humor, and joy together with honesty that’s not afraid to face life fully. Her willingness, at times, to write from deep vulnerability helps this reader feel a lot better, and hopefully kinder, about being human. There's much sweet wisdom woven in with the observant wit here.
Leslie Handler's warm, transparent -- sometimes fearless -- perspective clears out inner cobwebs like a rush of springtime air. Her writing strikes a welcome balance between humorously forthcoming and gently poignant. I've previously enjoyed essays she publishes as syndicated columns. This collection shines a lovely light on life’s true wealth, the willingness to develop and apply the healing capacities of compassion, fair-mindedness, and kindness, along with fortitude, forbearance, and faith. Faith in grace, in others, and in life itself.
The author has experienced a pretty large serving of difficulties along her path. Her response is, for me, one of the gifts of this book as it reminds of the freedom, and power, of reaching for appreciation, humor, and joy together with honesty that’s not afraid to face life fully. Her willingness, at times, to write from deep vulnerability helps this reader feel a lot better, and hopefully kinder, about being human. There's much sweet wisdom woven in with the observant wit here.
October 6, 2018
What a great collection of essays about life!!!!
Handler has written a book that is part memoir and a collection of essays. She grabbed not only my mind but my heart in her introduction. Life is full of ups and downs as she illustrates in her writings. Some of those she shared made me laugh, and some of them made me cry. She wrote of marriage, parenthood, dating, family, motherhood, and life in general.
Her enduring love story with her husband was inspirational. She made it clear that her marriage isn’t perfect, but their commitment to each other is what got them through their hard times, such as 9/11, Super Storm Sandy, and cancer.
She is honest in her commentary about life...one of my favorites, “Stupid Things,” and aging. However, my favorite was “To Young People.” It’s great advice for not only younger people but older people as well. As she says, we should all practice kindness, moderation, and passion in life. “Whatever your choices are, if you practice these three things, your regrets will be small and your successes will not only be abundant, but they will come from your heart.” Thank you, Leslie Handler, for giving your readers a wonderful, thought-provoking, and emotional read!
Handler has written a book that is part memoir and a collection of essays. She grabbed not only my mind but my heart in her introduction. Life is full of ups and downs as she illustrates in her writings. Some of those she shared made me laugh, and some of them made me cry. She wrote of marriage, parenthood, dating, family, motherhood, and life in general.
Her enduring love story with her husband was inspirational. She made it clear that her marriage isn’t perfect, but their commitment to each other is what got them through their hard times, such as 9/11, Super Storm Sandy, and cancer.
She is honest in her commentary about life...one of my favorites, “Stupid Things,” and aging. However, my favorite was “To Young People.” It’s great advice for not only younger people but older people as well. As she says, we should all practice kindness, moderation, and passion in life. “Whatever your choices are, if you practice these three things, your regrets will be small and your successes will not only be abundant, but they will come from your heart.” Thank you, Leslie Handler, for giving your readers a wonderful, thought-provoking, and emotional read!
May 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Reading this book was like sitting down with a good friend and chatting about life while having a coffee. It reminded me of the nice warm evenings spent in playing games and spending time with family.
Leslie speaks about her life and all the things she has encountered such as battling cancer, raising a family (more than just children, lots of pets), how she met the love of her life and how to cope with trends and technology among other things. All of her writing is very humorous and I found myself laughing a lot. She has a lot of good advice and it comes at you with a comforting motherly tone.
I would recommend this book to give yourself a boost in your mood. It will have you smiling in no time as you relate to more than one funny instance that we have all dealt with just like Leslie.
Leslie speaks about her life and all the things she has encountered such as battling cancer, raising a family (more than just children, lots of pets), how she met the love of her life and how to cope with trends and technology among other things. All of her writing is very humorous and I found myself laughing a lot. She has a lot of good advice and it comes at you with a comforting motherly tone.
I would recommend this book to give yourself a boost in your mood. It will have you smiling in no time as you relate to more than one funny instance that we have all dealt with just like Leslie.
March 13, 2018
I loved this book. It was poignant and funny and so easy to relate to. So many people can see themselves in her shoes at some point in their lives. Just an inspirational read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews