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Lost in Suburbia: a Momoir: How I Got Pregnant, Lost Myself, and Got My Cool Back in the New Jersey Suburbs
It’s a suburban jungle out there
When syndicated columnist Tracy Beckerman trades in her TV job and cool NYC existence for the New Jersey suburbs, she doesn’t expect to also trade in her entire identity. But her new life as a stay-at-home mom knocks her for a loop in more ways than one. From the embarrassment of being ticketed while driving in her bathrobe to the challenge of making friends in the land of big hair and minivans, Beckerman shares her struggles with self-deprecating humor as she endeavors to reclaim her cool.
Beckerman reveals the universal trials, tribulations, and triumphs of every mom who has to figure out how to stay sane while fishing Barbie heads out of the toilet; how to laugh when your kid asks the fat cop at the doughnut shop if he’s having a baby; and how to look good when your post-baby butt is so big you want to hang a “ Wide Load” sign behind you.
At once irreverent, hilarious, and keenly observed, Lost in Suburbia is about what you give up to become a mother—and what you get back.
When syndicated columnist Tracy Beckerman trades in her TV job and cool NYC existence for the New Jersey suburbs, she doesn’t expect to also trade in her entire identity. But her new life as a stay-at-home mom knocks her for a loop in more ways than one. From the embarrassment of being ticketed while driving in her bathrobe to the challenge of making friends in the land of big hair and minivans, Beckerman shares her struggles with self-deprecating humor as she endeavors to reclaim her cool.
Beckerman reveals the universal trials, tribulations, and triumphs of every mom who has to figure out how to stay sane while fishing Barbie heads out of the toilet; how to laugh when your kid asks the fat cop at the doughnut shop if he’s having a baby; and how to look good when your post-baby butt is so big you want to hang a “ Wide Load” sign behind you.
At once irreverent, hilarious, and keenly observed, Lost in Suburbia is about what you give up to become a mother—and what you get back.
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2013
6 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Beckerman
5 books37 followersTracy Beckerman is an award-winning author, speaker, and syndicated humor columnist who has appeared on numerous TV shows, including NBC’s Today Show, CBS This Morning, and CBS Sunday Morning with Mo Rocca. Her honors for writing include the prestigious Writer’s Guild of America award, a CLIO, an International Film and Television award, and a New York Emmy®. She has been voted “America’s Top Blogger” by The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television, has won a National Society of Newspaper Columnists award for humor writing, and was the Global Humor Award Winner of the coveted Erma Bombeck Writing Competition.
Tracy is married to a very understanding guy who frequently appears in her column, whether he likes it or not. They have two children but have recently become Empty Nesters, so they focus all their attention on their dog, who also appears frequently in her columns, whether he likes it or not.
Tracy is married to a very understanding guy who frequently appears in her column, whether he likes it or not. They have two children but have recently become Empty Nesters, so they focus all their attention on their dog, who also appears frequently in her columns, whether he likes it or not.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 15, 2013
Ok, so I didn't realize that this book was a "momoir" when I picked it up. I'm from NJ, so I thought it might be vaguely interesting, and a decent light read. Unfortunately, the book goes more like this: Oh no, I'm pregnant and fat! But I live in NY and work in television and I'm cool! My husband's from Brooklyn, which is not really NYC, but that's ok. But we have too much stuff to fit in our apartment! Oh no we're moving to NJ! I grew up in Westchester, but it's not NJ. I used to be cool, but now I have food all over my clothes now. And I'm still fat! And there are lots of Stepford wives here but I found a few friends. And I got a new haircut and a tattoo - I'm still cool! But now I have to go bathing suit shopping!
And that's where I stopped. First, because it wasn't very original, or that well written. Second, because I really don't need to hear some woman whining about her weight. You know what? I've been heavy my whole life. Hearing that you took a picture of a fat women in a bikini to they gym with you to inspire you is not something that impresses or amuses me.
That said, there are some amusing stories of the author's interactions with some of the local Stepford wives, so it wasn't all bad, but still not worth finishing.
And that's where I stopped. First, because it wasn't very original, or that well written. Second, because I really don't need to hear some woman whining about her weight. You know what? I've been heavy my whole life. Hearing that you took a picture of a fat women in a bikini to they gym with you to inspire you is not something that impresses or amuses me.
That said, there are some amusing stories of the author's interactions with some of the local Stepford wives, so it wasn't all bad, but still not worth finishing.
October 30, 2021
As a mom who struggled with essentially losing my identity after the first baby, this book was funny only because it was relatable to some degree. But, some stories felt a bit over the top... yes I think Tracy wrote this book, partially, in an attempt to gain more attention and for people to think she's cool.
Regardless, I had a couple of laughs at some relatable scenarios and I think that the book delivers a great message for any mom considering quitting work to become a stay-at-home mom. Although most of us will learn these lessons in our own time if we choose to stay home with our children for any length of time. Maybe reading about it will help us get through those tough times a bit sooner.
Regardless, I had a couple of laughs at some relatable scenarios and I think that the book delivers a great message for any mom considering quitting work to become a stay-at-home mom. Although most of us will learn these lessons in our own time if we choose to stay home with our children for any length of time. Maybe reading about it will help us get through those tough times a bit sooner.
August 2, 2021
Truth be told…
This is life when you become a mom. Easy read when you’re not laughing because it hit too close to home.
This is life when you become a mom. Easy read when you’re not laughing because it hit too close to home.
March 22, 2013
A 5 star rating for "Lost in Suburbia" by Tracy Beckerman
It’s a suburban jungle out there! When syndicated columnist Tracy Beckerman trades in her TV job and cool NYC existence for the New Jersey suburbs, she doesn't expect to also trade in her entire identity. But her new life as a stay-at-home mom knocks her for a loop in more ways than one. From the embarrassment of being ticketed while driving in her bathrobe to the challenge of making friends in the land of big hair and minivans, Beckerman shares her struggles with self-deprecating humor as she endeavors to reclaim her cool.
At once irreverent, hilarious, and keenly observed, "Lost in Suburbia" is about what you give up to become a mother—and what you get back.
Dear Readers: Tracy Beckerman's writing is clever, funny and always relatable. You'll read this book and wish she lived next door! "Lost in Suburbia" offers witty solace to every woman who has swapped high heels for high chairs and wondered if she'd ever get her mojo back?!
It’s a suburban jungle out there! When syndicated columnist Tracy Beckerman trades in her TV job and cool NYC existence for the New Jersey suburbs, she doesn't expect to also trade in her entire identity. But her new life as a stay-at-home mom knocks her for a loop in more ways than one. From the embarrassment of being ticketed while driving in her bathrobe to the challenge of making friends in the land of big hair and minivans, Beckerman shares her struggles with self-deprecating humor as she endeavors to reclaim her cool.
At once irreverent, hilarious, and keenly observed, "Lost in Suburbia" is about what you give up to become a mother—and what you get back.
Dear Readers: Tracy Beckerman's writing is clever, funny and always relatable. You'll read this book and wish she lived next door! "Lost in Suburbia" offers witty solace to every woman who has swapped high heels for high chairs and wondered if she'd ever get her mojo back?!
June 3, 2013
When I first started reading it, I honestly wasn't sure I'd finish this book. The author seemed a bit whiny and ridiculous. However, since I was reading it as a part of a new book club group I recently joined I decided to make myself finish.
I'm so glad I did.
While I definitely didn't like the 'poor me' attitude, I can identify with the author about the journey toward rediscovering who you are after children. My dreams growing up did not include the husband, 2.5 kids, a dog and white picket fence. I struggled with the same feelings of guilt for not being blissfully happy as a SAHM just as the author did. I've also worked through all that, albeit without the shrink and meds and all that, but I have 'found' myself.
Overall, I think that the intelligent moms out there who actually have more than cotton stuffing for brains will identify with the author and in the end really enjoy the book. I did.
I'm so glad I did.
While I definitely didn't like the 'poor me' attitude, I can identify with the author about the journey toward rediscovering who you are after children. My dreams growing up did not include the husband, 2.5 kids, a dog and white picket fence. I struggled with the same feelings of guilt for not being blissfully happy as a SAHM just as the author did. I've also worked through all that, albeit without the shrink and meds and all that, but I have 'found' myself.
Overall, I think that the intelligent moms out there who actually have more than cotton stuffing for brains will identify with the author and in the end really enjoy the book. I did.
July 19, 2013
Tracy is the kind of humorist I want to be if/when I grow up. It's no wonder she is a nationally syndicated columnist and Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop presenter! I started reading Lost in Suburbia two days ago, fully expecting it to be just another "blogger Momoir" and truly could not put it down. I'll be chuckling about "Frankenbaby," "Szechuan Taco," the Laurel & Hardy-esque Jenny Craig "Anytime bars" routine, and faux-peanut-allergy-tennis-assassin-Cheryl for a long time! For me, the thing that makes Tracy's writing so outstanding and relatable is her ability to tell a good story with just the right amount of wit and heart, and even a touch of slapstick now and then. And how she does it without foul language or scale drawings of her nether regions is a mystery. Any woman who has ever struggled with life changes, making new friends, or getting a tankini bottom to properly cover her postpartum posterior will love this book!
March 29, 2013
I won this book in the Goodreads First Reads program.
The cover of this book announces, "UNCORRECTED PROOF" and boy, they weren't kidding about that. Typos everywhere! There were so many typos that it made me resolve that, should I ever be so lucky as to have a book published, I will ask my publisher if they can take my digital copy of the text and use that to make the galley and printed books.
This book was just okay. There is very little dialogue, so I felt as though I was just inside someone else's head for a very long time. I never felt as though I really got to know the author, and I had a vague sense that I was supposed to be laughing more, but instead I mostly felt like I was doing homework.
The daughter in this book has the funniest lines. Kind of wish she showed up more.
The cover of this book announces, "UNCORRECTED PROOF" and boy, they weren't kidding about that. Typos everywhere! There were so many typos that it made me resolve that, should I ever be so lucky as to have a book published, I will ask my publisher if they can take my digital copy of the text and use that to make the galley and printed books.
This book was just okay. There is very little dialogue, so I felt as though I was just inside someone else's head for a very long time. I never felt as though I really got to know the author, and I had a vague sense that I was supposed to be laughing more, but instead I mostly felt like I was doing homework.
The daughter in this book has the funniest lines. Kind of wish she showed up more.
March 14, 2013
I came about this book through a goodreads giveaway. When I began reading it, I must admit that I was ready to find all faults with the plot line and the comedic interludes of the suburban mom Tracy and her coolness factor. I am not a mom and have not been to Jersey so I felt that I could not relate to this book at all. However, I found that I could not put it down. It took me a few days to read it cover to cover. I had to know what shenanigans Tracy was going to get into next after being pulled over while wearing her ducky bathrobe. While she embellished and over exaggerated in some scenarios, I found myself laughing at the things she would say and her farfetched reasoning in explaining her actions. Definitely a coming of age story for mothers.
March 19, 2013
I recieved this book for free in a First Readers Giveaway. This book is hilarious. I even found myself laughing out loud on the bus while reading. I would definitely reccomend this book to anyone that needs a good laugh. Through this book she whines and complains but it never got old. Definitely a fun book to read. I do not have any kids myself but i could still relate myself to her in the story.
June 25, 2013
Although her idea of cool is extremely different than mine - and I agree with some of the other reviewers about talking about being fat a not too much - I definitely. had some empathy for the identity crisis she went through after leaving the working world and becoming a stay at home mom. Yeah, I finished this book in the minivan - and I felt like my last bit of cool crumpled away the day we bought; sure was practical & comfortable on this trip though. That about sums it up.
August 25, 2013
Funny and touching. While it is another story about a young Mom and how hard it is, blah, blah, blah, it is really well done.
The author is really clear about needing to maintain her identity as a person, not just as a Mom.
A bit of a rebel, what makes her interesting, is that she is stronger than she thinks and spends very little time going down the path of trying to fit in with the other suburban mommies.
A like able woman with a cool husband.
The author is really clear about needing to maintain her identity as a person, not just as a Mom.
A bit of a rebel, what makes her interesting, is that she is stronger than she thinks and spends very little time going down the path of trying to fit in with the other suburban mommies.
A like able woman with a cool husband.
May 30, 2013
If, right about the time your youngest finally started sleeping through the night, the haze of those early days of parenting lifted juuust enough for you to look around and ask “Is THIS my beautiful life?,” then Tracy Beckerman’s lighthearted journey from drool to cool will resonate with you, too. Funny, familiar, and ultimately moving (but I'm not getting a tattoo).
August 22, 2017
** I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book through the Goodreads giveaways to review ***
I finished this book in basically one afternoon - not every chapter is as strong as every other, but I laughed out loud enough times that it's worth the four stars. :)
I finished this book in basically one afternoon - not every chapter is as strong as every other, but I laughed out loud enough times that it's worth the four stars. :)
March 23, 2013
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.
It was a quick read. I like Beckerman's ability to reach all readers - I am not a mother, nor do I understand the atrocity of moving to the suburbs, but I still really enjoyed this book! Her witty repartee had me laughing from beginning to end.
It was a quick read. I like Beckerman's ability to reach all readers - I am not a mother, nor do I understand the atrocity of moving to the suburbs, but I still really enjoyed this book! Her witty repartee had me laughing from beginning to end.
March 31, 2015
Ok read....moments of giggles and it was a fast read. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I read it when my boys were younger . Better ending that probably make it worth more stars. At the end she got to a pretty solid meaning of life as a mom.
July 8, 2015
This book was a quick and easy read that made me chuckle. I did connect with what she articulated as a sense of "is this all there is?" -- which I think most stay at home moms (and probably most moms) experience at some point. Would have liked to give it 3.5 stars.
July 3, 2013
Tracy yet again tells us her truths with honesty, humor and words that leave us nodding our heads in agreement.
April 9, 2013
I really, really enjoyed this book. More thoughts over on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/RQO7BA00...
April 16, 2013
Tracy is hysterical and an amazing writer. A great read. If you're a mom, this one is a DON'T MISS.
July 2, 2013
insanely funny. must read for all suburban moms.
June 28, 2015
Made me literally laugh out loud in many parts.
August 30, 2013
Love LOVE LOVVE! Being a new parent i caught myself giggling and reminiscing my pregnancy. A must read for the mommas. I actually won a signed copy from Tracy at a twitter party, happy I did.
March 8, 2015
Many friends with kids will get this book. Funny at times, but whiny and occasionally desperate at others.
August 10, 2015
Very fun read. I laughed aloud quite a bit. I didn't necessarily relate to her mission to get her cool back, but being that I have children, this was relatable.
October 18, 2015
Amusing at times but became incredibly redundant at the end. Just hammering the same idea over and over.
March 30, 2014
Better than I expected from a "Momoir".
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews