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You Can't Iron a Wrinkled Birthday Suit
What if the media comes? What if there are pictures, TV News?"At dawn three women, all AARP-eligible, climb an extension ladder to the second story roof of the defunct McClellan five and dime building; a yellow brick structure scheduled for demolition.Clad in black spandex, her Tide white hair stuffed under an ancient black bathing cap, seventy-something Grace reaches the top of the ladder. Gus, right behind her, hoists herself upward, bemoaning her over-fifty-and-a-few-pounds-too-heavy figure. She resembles an adventurous tortoise wearing a mis-matched black ensemble. Taking up the rear-literally and metaphorically-Hazel shifts her back and fanny packs to support the sling chair on her shoulder, all the while mumbling, "I think I can, I think I can."The women are storming the roof-sixties protest style-to halt the demise of this historic building. At nine a. m. the Lewis and Son Devoted Demolition crew will unleash their wrecking ball!So begins "You Can't Iron a Wrinkled Birthday Suit" and the adventures of these three "Golden" girlfriends with an escapade soon to have disproportionate repercussions.Despite a trial, a younger friend's romantic foibles, the death of a parent, and even a natural disaster, these intrepid women continue to endure with optimism and energy, supported by their shamelessly anthropomorphized pets.Acting as foils, alter-egos, and critics, the sometime Greek Chorus of canine and feline friends help the women live a humorous and uplifting alternative to stereotypic notions of the "Golden Years.
382 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
November 23, 2017
I have read a lot of stupid books in my lifetime and this ranks as one of them. What was with the dogs talking all the time? Didn't get it and didn't like it. I skipped over most of that and maybe I missed out on some of the story. Also the ending was very disappointing. I won't go into details because I don't want to add spoilers here. Frankly I can't believe I finished it. I guess I thought it would get better. It did not!
September 8, 2018
Too Many; Too much!
Did I like this book? Sort of. . . The main storyline was good, but there were just too many characters, doing too much, with too many pets! It was difficult to keep track of whose pet was whose and their various sub-stories, plus trying to keep up with the main characters, which considering the plot seemed to revolve around Hazel and her beau - they seemed to be the main characters.
What I really enjoyed about the book was the women's friendships. They were unusual in that they ranged in age from about 40 to about 80 - not the usual age groups that become close everyday friends. It was a good literary device to exchange wisdom and experience, but not so likely to happen in real life, since each age brings different experiences and focus.
The book just felt to me like the author was trying to cram too much into one book. A good editor could help with that. The author has good potential.
Did I like this book? Sort of. . . The main storyline was good, but there were just too many characters, doing too much, with too many pets! It was difficult to keep track of whose pet was whose and their various sub-stories, plus trying to keep up with the main characters, which considering the plot seemed to revolve around Hazel and her beau - they seemed to be the main characters.
What I really enjoyed about the book was the women's friendships. They were unusual in that they ranged in age from about 40 to about 80 - not the usual age groups that become close everyday friends. It was a good literary device to exchange wisdom and experience, but not so likely to happen in real life, since each age brings different experiences and focus.
The book just felt to me like the author was trying to cram too much into one book. A good editor could help with that. The author has good potential.
August 28, 2021
I had so much trouble getting into this book that I gave up after an hour or so on the audiobook. I wanted to hear about older ladies getting into quirky situations, but the writing style just did not jive with me. And the parts written from the perspective of the dogs really got on my nerves. This book is suited for a different audience than me and it's getting DNFed.
December 15, 2017
Interesting reading about growing old & pets
I'm a Lee Child's, James Patterson reader & decided to go "off the reservation" with this book. Really enjoyed it, lots of funny moments, both human & pet's perspective's on incidents. Glad I finished it! Going to recommend it to my mother in law; she'll get a kick out of it!
I'm a Lee Child's, James Patterson reader & decided to go "off the reservation" with this book. Really enjoyed it, lots of funny moments, both human & pet's perspective's on incidents. Glad I finished it! Going to recommend it to my mother in law; she'll get a kick out of it!
March 25, 2013
Started out with much promise but didn't hold my attention and I didn't finish it.
November 20, 2017
Cleverly written
Written half by the humans and half by the dogs in this story, there is a lot going on and it includes many laughs. Mostly about people who are enjoying old age or dreading it, if you are over 40, you’re bound to feel familiarity with the characters. If your birthday suit is getting wrinkled, you will find a lot to like. Enjoy!
Written half by the humans and half by the dogs in this story, there is a lot going on and it includes many laughs. Mostly about people who are enjoying old age or dreading it, if you are over 40, you’re bound to feel familiarity with the characters. If your birthday suit is getting wrinkled, you will find a lot to like. Enjoy!
October 6, 2018
Original
Definitely kept my interest. I like that the characters are different ages and Good friends. The pet conversations are fun for pet owners to imagine.
Definitely kept my interest. I like that the characters are different ages and Good friends. The pet conversations are fun for pet owners to imagine.
July 10, 2019
You Can't Iron a Wrinkled Birthday Suit was a bit like the curate's egg, "good in parts". there were genuinely funny episodes and one or two touching ones, like when Gus realized she had become her parents' parent. Most of the time there was was just too much going on and the pets did my head in.
November 22, 2017
Kind Of a Strange Book
I feel like the writer was trying too hard in some ways and not hard enough in others. Like another reviewer said, the talking animals were a bit much. Although there was some humor in all of it, it was too over the top. Raunchy humor mixed with serious situations like domestic violence and accusations of child molestation with all the gory details. Nothing was resolved satisfactorily either. Wouldn’t really recommend it to anyone.
I feel like the writer was trying too hard in some ways and not hard enough in others. Like another reviewer said, the talking animals were a bit much. Although there was some humor in all of it, it was too over the top. Raunchy humor mixed with serious situations like domestic violence and accusations of child molestation with all the gory details. Nothing was resolved satisfactorily either. Wouldn’t really recommend it to anyone.
February 6, 2019
I will be sharing this book on my blog, I loved it so much. A unique and wonderful read that I highly recommend!
October 15, 2018
Okay, I admit it! When I first saw the photo, I loved it. It was the photo and the title that got me sold. I selected it to read right away.
Oh, the cover, I'm trying to fine words for the that wonderful enchanting painting of three active elderly women who don't give a hoot dancing in the rain. If that was a snapshat of my friends and me, I'd frame it! There's something whimisical and endearing about this cover.
This book was hilarous. It made me think of The Golden Girls. I love all the characters! I sure hope to have a life like those friends who are loyal and true to each each depsite of their flaws.
I have never laughed so hard in a long time with a book. This book was for a light and feel good reading. The only problem I had was towards the last 1/4 part of the book. It seemed to drag on, less humour and I was NOT happy with the ending.
As for the rest of the book, it was easy to follow along and be part of the friends. LOVE the bantering between the friends.
I love how the author was able to convey that the older we get, we're still spunky, likely to get into trouble, have a life at that age. Life gets much interesting when we get older.
Oh! Oh! How could I forget? As a pet lover myself, there are pets involved, so be sure to tuned into your secret animal language when you read the book!
Because of the way the book was dragging towards the end and how it ended, I'm going to give it a high 3 3/4 stars.
I received this hilarous ARC from Boutique of Quality Books Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. Thanks for the laughs!
June 19, 2019
What a hoot!
The title says it all! A hilarious romp through the perils of aging, this novel follows the trials and tribulations of a group of women, friends, at various stages of life, in Pine Crossing, NC. They begin by "occupying" the roof of an historic building slated for demolition, which leads to more serious charges against one of the women's "significant other," a lawyer for the local Historical Preservation Society. Told from various characters perspectives, as well as the viewpoints of their respective pets, the author includes a myriad of issues one might expect to encounter in the process of aging. How these women choose to deal with life's lemons over the course of one year makes for a very lighthearted, but endearing read. My only complaint is, it ended too abruptly, without revealing the answers to some mysterious, or nefarious dealings at the house next door, at the courthouse, the sheriff's office, and city hall, which were implied, or hinted at throughout the storyline, but never satisfactorily resolved. Nor did the false accusers get their comeuppance! Didn't see anything to indicate this as Book 1 of a series, so I felt as if I was left hanging. So I gave it only four stars. Maybe there will be a sequel?
The title says it all! A hilarious romp through the perils of aging, this novel follows the trials and tribulations of a group of women, friends, at various stages of life, in Pine Crossing, NC. They begin by "occupying" the roof of an historic building slated for demolition, which leads to more serious charges against one of the women's "significant other," a lawyer for the local Historical Preservation Society. Told from various characters perspectives, as well as the viewpoints of their respective pets, the author includes a myriad of issues one might expect to encounter in the process of aging. How these women choose to deal with life's lemons over the course of one year makes for a very lighthearted, but endearing read. My only complaint is, it ended too abruptly, without revealing the answers to some mysterious, or nefarious dealings at the house next door, at the courthouse, the sheriff's office, and city hall, which were implied, or hinted at throughout the storyline, but never satisfactorily resolved. Nor did the false accusers get their comeuppance! Didn't see anything to indicate this as Book 1 of a series, so I felt as if I was left hanging. So I gave it only four stars. Maybe there will be a sequel?
July 27, 2019
This book seems to be the perfect description of modern aging women's lives. Three core friends, two additional friends and a mostly live-in lover go through hilarious, scary, sad, and tense times together. Mostly unwillingly on this journey of life are several dogs and a cat who all have their own ideas about their people and the happenings around them. Grace, Gus and Helen are the core group who lead off with a caper/sit-in to save a historic building. The laugh-out-loud turned belly laugh and giggling came with Bruce's attempts to thank Grace and Gus for helping to save the building. The visuals of his encounter with cat-snake-dog & maybe boobs almost brought tears of laughter. The loving and supportive friendships get Marigold and her dog Daphne through another bad relationship, celebrate Irene's partnership in the sex toy business, and help Gus deal with her mother's death. They all gather around Bruce through a specious and tense legal trial and celebrate seminal birthdays. This was a fun and fulfilling book with likable older characters. The end was abrupt and it was sad to leave these nice people and their pets. Recommended for open-minded middle aged and older readers.
June 21, 2021
Too much happened … but
I really grew attached to the characters and I will probably read this author again so I’m giving this book a 4 even though I think it’s a 3 because of the too much happening. I loved the pet involvement and I am not an animal person; I hated the trial, completely inadequately dealt with, but I’m a lawyer; never really found out what happened to the characters in the opening scene — wtf?? You see how this is a 3. But the women in the book are delightfully real. On the other hand we deal with dating problems, sex, a little religion, sex, body image, aging, self care, death of a parent, political corruption, possible corruption in the legal system, a meth lab, and just life issues all in one book where nothing really gets terribly resolved. Query whether real life isn’t actually more like than than not though. Btw, none of this is hard core anything — almost all of it is alluded to, not certain. This is a book about women and their friends muddling through life and life is messy; imperfect; not everything we hoped for, ever. Just ask your pet.
I really grew attached to the characters and I will probably read this author again so I’m giving this book a 4 even though I think it’s a 3 because of the too much happening. I loved the pet involvement and I am not an animal person; I hated the trial, completely inadequately dealt with, but I’m a lawyer; never really found out what happened to the characters in the opening scene — wtf?? You see how this is a 3. But the women in the book are delightfully real. On the other hand we deal with dating problems, sex, a little religion, sex, body image, aging, self care, death of a parent, political corruption, possible corruption in the legal system, a meth lab, and just life issues all in one book where nothing really gets terribly resolved. Query whether real life isn’t actually more like than than not though. Btw, none of this is hard core anything — almost all of it is alluded to, not certain. This is a book about women and their friends muddling through life and life is messy; imperfect; not everything we hoped for, ever. Just ask your pet.
October 20, 2018
This book is about a group of friends wh have each other's back no matter what. Each one is at a different stage in life, and each one has to face the problems that come with life (being single and nearly forty for one, old-age parents for another). These women can always count on each other, and on their pets!
When, the "boyfriend" of one of them is accused of something he hasn't done, they all try to help as much as they can, doing whatever it takes.
At first, I liked the story, soem troubles seemed "logical", some others were real fiction. The "pets" chapters were funny enough, and they offered some extra information on what was going on. My only problem was that the book suddenly ended, and not in the way I would have wanted.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
When, the "boyfriend" of one of them is accused of something he hasn't done, they all try to help as much as they can, doing whatever it takes.
At first, I liked the story, soem troubles seemed "logical", some others were real fiction. The "pets" chapters were funny enough, and they offered some extra information on what was going on. My only problem was that the book suddenly ended, and not in the way I would have wanted.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
January 15, 2019
Hillarious!
Take some 50-something adventurous ladies who decide to make a stand in order to save a building from demolition .... And then we also have their canines' viewpoints and dialogues telling us what actually happened and you have a story which is worth a million bucks! It is so funny!
And this is just how the story begins...
Sharon Phennah must have the most amazing sense of humor. The way she tells this story is unique and really worth either reading or listening to.
We also have a lively narration by Sandra Murphy which helps lift this book even further into the 'keeping of one's interest glued to it' realm.
I loved it and am sure you will too, so of course you can take this as my firm recommendation!
I requested and listened to a free audiobook version and my review above is voluntary and unbiased.
Take some 50-something adventurous ladies who decide to make a stand in order to save a building from demolition .... And then we also have their canines' viewpoints and dialogues telling us what actually happened and you have a story which is worth a million bucks! It is so funny!
And this is just how the story begins...
Sharon Phennah must have the most amazing sense of humor. The way she tells this story is unique and really worth either reading or listening to.
We also have a lively narration by Sandra Murphy which helps lift this book even further into the 'keeping of one's interest glued to it' realm.
I loved it and am sure you will too, so of course you can take this as my firm recommendation!
I requested and listened to a free audiobook version and my review above is voluntary and unbiased.
March 24, 2022
Based on the title and book description , I was looking forward to laugh-out-loud anecdotes about a group of indomitable senior women friends. The five friends are, indeed, spunky and intelligent, and they help one another deal with issues such as the loss of a beloved parent. Their friendship is admirable. So what’s the problem? The writing is awkward and interfered with my enjoyment. All of the women own dogs that are included in most of the women’s activities. Fine, but these dogs have speaking parts, with conversations that run for several pages. I could have done without that. I read to the end because I was curious how the writer would develop several story lines, not because I was swept along by compelling storytelling or prose.
September 11, 2019
A story you wish were longer
This is a relatively easy read that takes place in a year of the lives of two group of friends. One canine and the other their humans. They are multi-generational friends so the problems run the gamut. Grace, Gus and Hazel are ladies you would dearly love to spend an afternoon with just to listen. Marigold you want to slap to get her attention and then hug to let her know it's going to be ok.
The only problem is the abrupt ending. It didn't seem to resolve the story. I would have liked to see more resolution regarding the hinted graft in the town as well as seeing Bruce get his much deserved justice.
This is a relatively easy read that takes place in a year of the lives of two group of friends. One canine and the other their humans. They are multi-generational friends so the problems run the gamut. Grace, Gus and Hazel are ladies you would dearly love to spend an afternoon with just to listen. Marigold you want to slap to get her attention and then hug to let her know it's going to be ok.
The only problem is the abrupt ending. It didn't seem to resolve the story. I would have liked to see more resolution regarding the hinted graft in the town as well as seeing Bruce get his much deserved justice.
January 28, 2020
Enjoyable although tedious
I am sad to say that I didn't enjoy this story as much as I expected. While the plot sounds interesting, the story seemed to drag on forever. The author does touch on several different life situations, and there were parts of this story I loved. In my opinion there were sections that I thought were unnecessary, and didn't add aid in the progression of the story. I would have enjoyed it more bad those sections been eliminated. The characters are great! There are parts that made me laugh. There are even parts that made me teary eyed a little. I enjoyed most of the story, it was sometimes difficult to keep reading to get to the end though.
I am sad to say that I didn't enjoy this story as much as I expected. While the plot sounds interesting, the story seemed to drag on forever. The author does touch on several different life situations, and there were parts of this story I loved. In my opinion there were sections that I thought were unnecessary, and didn't add aid in the progression of the story. I would have enjoyed it more bad those sections been eliminated. The characters are great! There are parts that made me laugh. There are even parts that made me teary eyed a little. I enjoyed most of the story, it was sometimes difficult to keep reading to get to the end though.
December 16, 2020
The title grabbed my attention. The first chapter promised a geriatric romp, in a small southern town, amongst three close friends and their pets. But, Phennah’s novel lost me when those pets started having conversations. Who knew cats could type? Huh? An alleged sexual assault of a minor was dropped in the middle of the novel. Why? The resolution of the court trial was disappointing. If there was a “glimmer” it was the three friends supporting one another, with a lot of pastries, as they tackled the difficulties of aging. I wish Phennah had developed the character, Irene, who owned a sex shop (she seemed interesting). Oh well, better luck choosing my next read.
April 9, 2020
Started out with promise but it just never developed - Too many characters to keep track of - add in all of the dogs and you needed a spreadsheet to keep everyone straight. What was the main plot here? The ladies friendships? Bruce's legal problem? The kid next door? Nothing developed here - what was the point of their "late night mission" if it didn't go anywhere? And Bruce's legal problem? Written by someone who has no real courtroom experience or someone who even bothered to do any real research. This had a lot of potential but ended up as a dud....
March 5, 2022
Hilarious and Heart Warming
A savory stew of women aging and a family tribe of dogs with a few cats and men thrown in for spice. The story is about a close band of friends who would do almost anything for each other and the people who are special to them. Several ages are included from 40 -80 which gives a nice blend of ideas, experience and philosophies.
The dog tribe is a mix of canines who desperately try to understand human behavior and talk about it whenever the are together.
Wonderful read and so uplifting !
A savory stew of women aging and a family tribe of dogs with a few cats and men thrown in for spice. The story is about a close band of friends who would do almost anything for each other and the people who are special to them. Several ages are included from 40 -80 which gives a nice blend of ideas, experience and philosophies.
The dog tribe is a mix of canines who desperately try to understand human behavior and talk about it whenever the are together.
Wonderful read and so uplifting !
August 26, 2022
While there were sections of this book that I enjoyed (down right laugh out loud hilarious situations that I relate to since I, too, am one of the 'wrinkled birthday suit' persons of this world). However, I'm left with more questions than I had when I started reading the book. It felt like Ms. Phennah had 2 or 3 stories she wanted to develop but couldn't make up her mind which strand to follow so she just threw in all 3. Is it a 'dog's point of view' story? Is it a crime story? Is it friendship/relationship women's story? Or is it all of the above?
May 28, 2018
A fun read, especially for seniors
I saw myself so often as I read this book. The friends in the book are late 30s to eighty, so the aging process is well covered. There aren’t too many books that make me laugh out loud and on remembering days later bring smiles. Being in my late70s I could relate to each adventure the friends have as they meet life’s issues head-on. Great fun, I highly recommend this book.
I saw myself so often as I read this book. The friends in the book are late 30s to eighty, so the aging process is well covered. There aren’t too many books that make me laugh out loud and on remembering days later bring smiles. Being in my late70s I could relate to each adventure the friends have as they meet life’s issues head-on. Great fun, I highly recommend this book.
March 24, 2019
First book I couldn't finish
Sorry, this is the dumbest book ever. Not sure if I bought it thinking it would be funny, or what in the world I was thinking. I don't remember ever not finishing a book once I started it, but I only made it thru chapter eight! And I basically had to force myself to read that much. This was just plain nonsense, and not the least bit humorous. Ugh! Even one star is being generous!
Sorry, this is the dumbest book ever. Not sure if I bought it thinking it would be funny, or what in the world I was thinking. I don't remember ever not finishing a book once I started it, but I only made it thru chapter eight! And I basically had to force myself to read that much. This was just plain nonsense, and not the least bit humorous. Ugh! Even one star is being generous!
June 8, 2019
I have no idea what the point of this book was. A multi-generational group of women friends go through an off year? Nothing really jelled. The humans have dramas that are inexplicable and go unresolved. The animals talk to each other and try to write a book. The best written scene is a couple of geriatric friends trying to become friends with benefits. Rather than funny it was kinda sad and painful.
June 19, 2022
fun!!
What a lovely read about friendship! Appreciate the no nonsense approach to aging and all that it can entail. Reading about all their dining adventures made me hungry. Also interesting how the story pivoted to their pets’ viewpoints and their friendship with each other. I also much appreciated the brutal honesty about the workings of our justice system, and how politically motivated it is and it is a myth that one is innocent until proven guilty. Fun read, uplifting
What a lovely read about friendship! Appreciate the no nonsense approach to aging and all that it can entail. Reading about all their dining adventures made me hungry. Also interesting how the story pivoted to their pets’ viewpoints and their friendship with each other. I also much appreciated the brutal honesty about the workings of our justice system, and how politically motivated it is and it is a myth that one is innocent until proven guilty. Fun read, uplifting
March 4, 2023
What I hoped would be a delightful and whimsical novel left me wondering what the writer was hoping to accomplish in this story of four older age female friends and their pets. What started out with a plot to save a historical building became muddled with many storylines that should have been addressed more seriously. Going from the humans' and the pets' conversations became a contrived format and the ending was abrupt and unsatisfactory.
August 26, 2024
You Cant Iron a Wrinkled Birthday Suit
This book is about older lady friends and there friendships. Some of the ladies get male friends during the story, leading to retirees sexual adventures. The ladies pets are involved in the story too, with conversations among themselves about their owners. There are a couple brushes with the law and a trial for one of the men. The story has some funny parts but lacks the depth of characters and story line that I enjoy.
This book is about older lady friends and there friendships. Some of the ladies get male friends during the story, leading to retirees sexual adventures. The ladies pets are involved in the story too, with conversations among themselves about their owners. There are a couple brushes with the law and a trial for one of the men. The story has some funny parts but lacks the depth of characters and story line that I enjoy.
November 27, 2017
This would have received a 4 if it wasn't for the dogs typing a story on the computer! Loved the characters, enjoyed the dogs, but that section felt like a story that went nowhere.
Really got into it, though, the interaction between the characters was lovely, but I could have done without the outcome of the case being shared by the canines...
Really got into it, though, the interaction between the characters was lovely, but I could have done without the outcome of the case being shared by the canines...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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