Cooking With Hot Flashes: And Other Ways to Make Middle Age Profitable

by Martha Bolton

Martha Bolton's observations about life and growing older nail what everyone feels but can’t express. "Who Put All This Sand in My Hourglass Figure," "When I Am Old I Shall Be Purple," and "Allow Me to Repeat Myself…Again" are just a few of the topics her fans--both new and old--will be laughing at as they nod in agreement. To complete her memorable recipe, Martha mixes in an ample sampling of poignant, touching stories, reminding readers what life is about and what is truly important.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Bob Hope's first female staff writer, working for the legendary comedian in the 1980s and 1990s. She has received nominations for an Emmy, a Dove, and a WGA Award. The author of 88 books, including her newest, Dear Bob... Bob Hope's Wartime Correspondence with the GIs of WW2, which was awarded the Christian Market Book of the Year and the AWSA Memoir of the Year at the Golden Scrolls 2021. She was also named AWSA Member of the Year for 2021. Martha is also a prolific playwright with shows playing in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Two of the musicals are based on her novels, Josiah for President and The Home Game. Martha has also written for Phyllis Diller and numerous other comedians.

Reviews

[Sally906 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very funny look at middle to old age - never a truer word spoken in jest!

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha Bolton's hilarious look at middle age and beyond is well worth reading regardless of your age. If you are in the midst of those years, as I am, you simply read and nod your head in agreement! But, hidden among the puns and side-splitting observations are some real gems of wisdom. She truly makes you stop and take a closer look at your life, your priorities and your goals. I highly recommend this book!

[Dawn Dishman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased this on my Kindle years ago and just now got around to reading it.

All I could think was if a good comedian was actually delivering these jokes to an audience then I would be enjoying it more. But as it was, I found the jokes tiresome.

Mixed in with comedy were some very thoughtful observations of aging and how our culture doesn’t really value the wisdom that comes with age. The seriousness of this didn’t mesh well with all the jokes about wrinkles and hot flashes.

[JustV · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny and true!

[Deserthomemaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable 3.5 stars, so I’m rounding up.

[Courtney Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is NOT a cookbook! Lol based on the title, that’s the reason why I chose this book, but it turns out that it’s a comical view on menopause!!! loved every word of it

[Jackie P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so many hilarious moments and some moments of needed inspiration. It will make you laugh until you cry.
Loved it and will share it with family and friends.

[Douglas Lord · Rating 2 out of 5]

With the average age of Americans slowly rising, the book world responds. Bolton used to write jokes for comedic greats Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller; her riffs on life for seniors wouldn't be out of place in the Catskills. Though packed with funny quips and one-liners (e.g., use menopausal hot flashes as an energy source), her book mainly consists of monologs, the last couple of which grow mawkish. On the whole, however, this favorably recalls Erma Bombeck's irreverence.

Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha Bolton provides some food for thought in this book. Many people dread middle and old age. Most of us will have to survive middle age if we hope to make it to old age so start reading and have a few good laughs on making it through middle age. Although she has shared some things worth pondering, the book is mostly written for the laughs and is not intended to be taken that seriously. But, after all, middle age should not be taken too seriously. Life is more enjoyable, or to use her word – profitable, when you take time to laugh. As a male, I’m not concerned about the hot flashes but she has an interesting take on a lot of different topics. I recommend this book if you are looking for some light reading.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cooking With Hot Flashes: And Other Ways to Make Middle Age Profitable
Without even looking at what this book was about I assumed it was really a cookbook. It's not that at all but something better.
For the aging group of us as we get older there are things that all we can do is laugh about and that's what this book is about.
The things we have no control over but we used to be able to control them then we got older...
So many funny stories in this book, poems, movies you should see now that you're older, new song titles etc. What a laugh this book is!
True comedy!

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and I am 40 soon to be 41 and I could relate with so much of what the author was saying. Martha Bolton is funny about life issues as we get older. I know some younger people may not get what this book is really about but with me working with the elderly almost all my life and with me getting older it was such a great funny read. I am looking forward to reading the other ebooks I have by this author.

[Cheryl Swenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ha ha ha! My favorite quote was from Miss Piggy: (this may not be the exact wording) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Of course, occasionally a misinformed or stupid beholder may have to be given a black eye.

[Cindy Wyatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I completely agree with the author's premise that there ought to be a way to capture energy produced by hot flashes and put it "on the grid". After that this book degenerates into typical menopausal "humor".

[Terri Palermo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty funny and gave me some ideas of what's to come. Not sure the young'uns will get it or enjoy it as much as I did.

[Kaylyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a long time to finish it because it did not hold my attention.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice easy read. Cute but not as humorous as I had thought. Can relate to some things in the book. I would recommend to read.

[Mary Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting more. The title led me to believe it would be funny. But I wasn't laughing I was looking for the end.

[Pattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilariously funny, and enjoyable book.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the laughs. The short stories were perfect for quick pick-me-ups. I defenitely related to a quite a few of the stories.

[Janet Moulton]

Funny, silly, I read this very quickly and had many chuckles. It makes light of some dreary mid-life realities.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny. So true, so true. Some very good advice for any age person(s).

[Camilla Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious ode to aging, this book has made me laugh and cry (sometimes out of relief, or grief, or amusement). I greatly appreciate this positive, light perspective on what could otherwise be quite burdening in the lives of women. This book goes on my "encourage yourself daily" bookshelf, to be read on hard days.