The true story of... A gypsy mother who refused to wear a bra and a father who refused to leave his first wife. A brother who slept under the coffee table and a sister who was kidnapped. A cheating minister, a missing uncle and a feisty red-headed grandmother who was longing to leave it all.
I always knew my family was unusual, but I was lucky enough to have escaped that gene. Or was I? In a nursing home, seated next to my dying grandmother, I looked around at my family and it occurred to me that I fit right in. No bra, dirty sneakers and two ex husbands. Maybe it really is genetic - maybe I never had a chance. With the help of my siblings, I began a journey of self discovery as we recalled stories of our youth including juicy family secrets, inappropriate practical jokes and betrayal. On a journey to find normal, I found myself instead.
Buffi Lynn Neal is a free-spirited mother of two currently living in a small town in Central New Jersey. She earned her Masters of Computer Science from Lehigh University. She also holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in both Mathematics and Physics.
Although Buffi spent twenty years working in the field of Computer Science she longed for the day that she could use her passion for writing to tell the unusual stories of her life.
Writing and editing this memoir was the most difficult journey of my life. People often ask me if this is a true story. The answer is most absolutely yes. All of the stories are 100% true. I hope it makes you laugh or cry or maybe just feel inspired. After reading, I would be honored if you would review this memoir on Amazon. Thank you for reading! Buffi
I could not put this book down! This captured my attention,emotion and I felt as if I was there!!! I absolutely LOVED the characters in this book and will recommend this book to my fiends
This story has turned my life upside down, the brutal honesty of the author is incredible and anyone who is lost or looking for hope should read this book.
The author has to visit her ailing grandma in a nursing home, after each visit memories are remembered and a picture of how she spent her youth and grew up are portrayed. This book will question your relations with your family and close friends and is your family really dysfunctional or are they just normal. The truth and honesty of the author in the way she feels and the emotion you feel coming through is first rate. Also the thought and dedication of the author shines through.
Reading this book will make you realise that your family traits and eccentrics are the same in any other family apart from the way that there are perceived. The other message that comes through is through adversity the family unit pulls together and is there when you really need them.
An excellent read and very emotional charged, with a very open and frank account of the authors life, her relationship with her family and the fact that who you have around you should be treasured because once they have gone you cannot replace or have that time with them again.
The Book Wonderfully Dysfunctional Wonderfully Dysfunctional: It Must be Genetic (Volume 1) is a heartwarming story of a woman's journey to find "normal". This story takes you through Buffi's exciting life filled with childhood pranks, poverty, friendships, loss and most importantly, self-discovery. This book is a great pick for book clubs and gives the reader plenty of topics for discussion/reflection. This author has a way of bringing you through the chapters smoothly. I could not put it down once I started and was sad to finish. The author tackles many sensitive issues with humor and the raw innocence of a woman trying to find her way in the world. I was affected on a personal level by this book and would highly recommend it.
This was one of the most heartwarming, honest, relatable books I have ever read. It is relatable to everyone in onw way or another. Nobody has the perfect family, but we relate to them like no one else in our lives. This book makes you realize that. Knowing how successful Buffi has been in her life, also proves we can all overcome our crazy families. the book puts you through every emotion, because it is so relatable. I loved it so much, and it gave me a new appreciation for my family.
Loved this book! It made me laugh and it made me cry. I could relate to many of the feelings and events that Buffi wrote about. Truly thought provoking and definitely a "good read"!
What a wonderful, funny and touching story that will have you laughing and comparing your family to the author's family. Buffi Neal has this quirky sense of self in her writing that draws the reader in. While her story deals with difficult issues, she talks about them with such frankness and with amusing ancedotes that you are left with a feeling of acceptance and the joy of knowing anything can be overcome.
Buffi, like so many others of us, has always craved a "normal" life/family, and hasn't always embraced her "wonderfully dysfunctional" family. Personally, I feel that there is no such thing as a normal family. We all have a least a little bit of dysfunction in our families, some just have more dysfunction than others. Her sister, Randi, says it perfectly, "To be dysfunctional, you have to not function as a family. We function great as a family."
This book just resonated with me. It reminded me of so many aspects of my family and my husband's family. I lost my grandmother not that long ago and her final days were spent in a nursing home. My grandmother was not like Buffi's but she was a strong woman that grew up in the depression. I regret that I didn't have anything of hers, no physical momento from her life. With this book I've realized again like Buffi that "I don't need things to prove my grandmother's love."
I just really connected with this book on so many levels. She, Buffi Neal, lives on her own terms and is learning that's ok. She is that quirky lady that will leave you laughing and crying. It doesn't so much read as an autobiography as it does a novel.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone and everyone. It is sure to put a smile on your face. I give this one 5 stars. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
If you come from a “nice” and “normal” family – if you feel uncomfortable around people who are a “little off kilter” – if you are looking for a sweet memoir with a sappy ending – then be forewarned:
Wonderfully Dysfunctional – It Must Be Genetic by Buffi Neal may not be the book for you.
On the other hand:
If your family has more skeletons in their closet than clothes – if putting the “fun” back in dysfunctional sounds oddly appealing – if reading the memoir of a woman who might just make your life feel a little more normal sounds like a godsend – then Wonderfully Dysfunctional – It Must Be Genetic might just be your cup of tea!
Wonderfully Dysfunctional – It Must Be Genetic is the story of a woman who dares to dig through the recesses of her childhood – and her family’s dark history – as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that is prompted by the prolonged passing of Mopsie – her grandmother – the family matriarch.
If you are anticipating a book filled with colorful anecdotes and larger-than-life characters – Buffi does not disappoint. The thing is – if you look closely enough – and if you are honest enough – you might find some of these characters lurking in your own family tree.
Wonderfully Dysfunctional – It Must Be Genetic demonstrates Buffi’s ability to write with great irreverence and a wicked sense of humor – but also, with great sensitivity and insight.
If you're ready to embrace your own wonderful dysfunctions – then you will enjoy this book!
To read this review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
uch a great story! Buffi Neal is a natural storyteller and brings you into her life. Is it a dysfunctional family is is just how all families are? I actually had a few moments there that I was thinking my family was normal (for once).
Follow Buffi as she gives us glimpses in the lives of four generations of women in her family. From Mopsie, all the way to her daughter, Amanda. There are some funny stories that had me smiling and even laughing, but there are serious moments about growing up with a family that was constantly moving and never had money.
The heartbreaking moments are offset by the heartwarming moments of Buffi with her siblings. She has a quirky sense of humor that I can absolutely relate to and has a way of making us a part of the family.
Looking for a story that will make you laugh, wince, cry, and make you thank heaven that your life is somewhat normal? This is it. Wonderfully Dysfunctional is a story that will have you wanting to follow your heart and become a little more free. How she made it through her life with her sense of humor still in tact is beyond me, but her honesty is truly refreshing.
I absolutely LOVED this book and cannot wait for more in this series. I find myself wanting to find out more about her life and what else happened to make her the way she is today.
I first encountered Buffi Neal in SheWrite, a web based group where burgeoning writers find a space to grow and belong. I was drawn to her profile by some commonalities and by her voice - the way she expressed herself. When I saw Wonderfully Dysfunctional published, I was immediately sure I had to read it. I found in the memoir style writing the same voice that first drew me. Neal is telling her life story with passion and bravado and humility, while at the same time allowing the reader to develop empathy and courage for each character. By the time you can come to a conclusion, you can also come to a determination of justice or compassion for each character, and you want it so badly for them.
The thing about reading memoirs is that there is no bandaid ending. The end of the story just is what it is, and the author cannot tweak it to make it prettier for the readier. I want so much more from the end result of this book, much more closure for the main characters, that is offered. But its reality based, and the lives of the persons involved just carry on, the way real life does.
Neal has revealed some delicate issues and events in her history and that of her family to write this story,and the power in that runs through the pages of this book. It’s a life changing read.
This was a book about strong family connections and the need to be your own person. Buffi's family is truly dysfunctional. Each member has their own idiosyncrasy. Buffi thinks that they make her and her family weird and outcasts. All her life she wanted to be normal, just like everyone else. What she doesn't realize is that her strange relatives is what makes her like so many other people. I laughed when Buffi was deciding whether or not to wear a bra. It made me think of all the bra conversations I have had with my mom, and sisters. That is what I liked about this book. It was honest and true to life. I have family members with some of the same idiosyncrasies. Even I have had my own idiosyncrasy moments. The end was great, and I can relate to Mopsie's chair. I look at inanimate objects and think of my dad. Bufi definitely thinks differently about some family members by the end of the book. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own. - See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
Wonderfully Dysfunctional by Buffi Neal is exceptional even in its generality. What I mean is the memoirs are like reading the stories of numerous families living segments of Buffi Neal’s life but when reading it; all became unique. At times, I kept asking myself “what will happen next?” while in other circumstances; I just knew that reality had set in. Divorce, laughter, tears and many crazy moments had a way to stir up my emotions.
Wanting a “normal” life? When reading Wonderfully Dysfunctional the answer came to me… What is and who is living this “normal” life? Without prejudice but was I sort of mocking the writer when I laughed at some her descriptive moments about the whole thing being genetic? Couldn’t help myself but it is a real page-turner no matter how many times I raised my eyebrows at certain scenes and how much I sort of smirked at others.
I do recommend it as a gift to yourself or even to someone on your gift-giving list. It’s the genre of all genres that many readers will want to read this year. The cover photo does tell a thousand words – read it and find out.
This is a really funny story about a quirky family who isn't really unlike so many out there, we just don't admit it to a lot of people. I have some really interesting characters in my family tree so I can relate to this story.
The author has made this a really interesting and fun book to read and you will laugh thru most of it. Buffi really does seem to have some family members that do push the mental envelope, but they are basically kind people who just know how to have fun and not be mean about it. Yes, they laugh at funerals, but I have heard worse and actually have seen how awful family can treat each other at one funeral in particular so if this had been a funeral I had attended, I would rather hear someone laugh about a fond memory instead of making the funeral a mockery.
You will definitely get a chuckle out of reading parts in this book and very well written. I haven't laughed this much in a long time when reading a great book! I almost wish I had some of Buffi's family in mine!
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was so easy for me to relate to the author because of her down to earth writing style. The way that she writes is so similar to the way that the voice in my head speaks that it really impressed me. In many ways, I don't have much in common with Buffi - I'm 21, not married, no kids, and have been in a relationship for 5 years. But, I also have a fairly dysfunctional family. In fact, I think way more people have dysfunctional or weird families than have "normal" ones. Despite the differences in our ages and parts in life, I sometimes feel like I am currently struggling with what buffi struggles with in this book - the desire to find a balance between trying to be "normal" and being comfortable with being the way that you naturally are. Parts of this book are rather sad, and other parts had me laughing out loud. I really recommend this book and I look forward to reading other books that Buffi comes out with in the future.
Reading Wonderfully Dysfunctional was a lot like looking back at my own dysfunctional childhood, and gives me a LOT of insight about how my own children might look back on theirs! I read through it quickly the first time, kind of like a starving woman presented with a banquet. After I'd had a bit of time to digest it all, I went back through it slowly, savoring each bit and was just as disappointed to finish it the second time, as I was the first time around.
To tell the truth, I am completely enamored with this book and the characters found within it's pages. The author's family is utterly endearing, in a quirky off balanced sort of way. They're are surely not your average family, so it's not your average memoir. It's better!
The author's writing style coupled with her honesty and candor make this a must read! Give it to someone you love for the holidays. They will sure ly thank you!
Coming from a wonderfully dysfunctional family of my own, It Must Be Genetic was an endearing and funny look at what makes every family unique, special and absolutely dysfunctional. As Buffi let each story unfold, I was drawn into this family and their trials and tribulations, wanting to know more about what shaped them and made them so wacky and so well adjusted, all at the same time. From the inappropriate laughing 'round Mopsie's death bed to the recounting of all the old family stories, each story proves this family is 100% genuine and real. Everyone will see shades and nuances of their own family in these colourful stories and personalities. It's easy to identify with Buffi's inner turmoil and her struggle to find her way will speak to anyone who has ever felt lost.
Told with humour and the rose coloured glasses that can only come out of a genuine love for your crazy family, Buffi's memoir is engaging, endearing and well worth the read.
"If the majority of us are dysfunctional, wouldn't that be normal?" I am from a dysfunctional family. To be honest, I sometimes think that it is my family that has helped me be more functional at times. However as Buffi points out, we are not able to avoid the inevitable. From our challenges, we learn. Within our challenges, we grow to support each other for better or for worse. "I'm convinced that my goal in this lifetime is not to judge others because the moment that I say "I would never do that," fate puts me in a situation where I do just that. I'm humbled by my own actions." The above quote is what seals the book for me! Despite it all Buffi still is able to relate to the world and accept the world for what it is. There is no excuses for being cruel to others. She is not necessarily a victim. She is just Buffi who is Wonderfully Dysfunctional!
I loved this book. I loved this book. and ummmm did I mention I love this book?
I loved the way I no longer feel as if my family is not normal after reading books like this one. Hearing about the pranks and the braless (seriously people why did anyone force this contraption on us?) women made me feel right at home. Buffi Neal has an amazing way of being both hysterical and matter-of-fact that I really respect. She didn't try to sugar coat the good or the bad and she definitely didn't sugar coat the ugly. I laughed and then I cried and then I cried because I was laughing. Talk about a rollercoaster! I absolutely love it when books allow me to escape the crazy that is my life and I love it even more when I am escaping into someone elses's crazy life!
It is so awesome to know I am not alone in having a dysfunctional family! Buffi Neals account is clear and honest storytelling at it's best. As she shares the connections that made her who she is today, I found myself acknowledging the many ways (both sad and happy) that made me who I am today. I was captivated by her stories of life within her family sphere, and Mopsie... well you need to read about her yourself. We are born into this world to experience and learn, but no matter how the history mixes, we will become a unique person with growth and understanding of those who came before us. The author has a wonderful style and made it intriguing to follow her story. Each page brought new expectations and realizations.
I definitely could not put this book down. I felt as though I was there seeing everything as it happened. Buffi is very talented and is an author you won't want to pass up the opportunity to read about. With the majority of the book centered around the possible death of a grandmother it is still so much more going on. The quirkiness of this family made me want to be more like them! Not worrying so much about what others think but doing what I need to do for me and live my life. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who doesn't read memoirs. This was my first one and I have no regrets.Great Read!
Reading Wonderfully Dysfunctional was a lot like looking back at my own dysfunctional childhood, and I think that made the book even more enjoyable for me. I was even disappointed when I finished it, wishing it would never end.
Her writing style is so unique, you feel like your right there with her and feeling the emotions like she was. At one time I was so angry my husband thought I was crazy. But that’s okay, it was worth every tear and scowl that crossed my face, because this book was truly a well-written journey that I will read again and again.
Ever had a friend that had riveting stories that pulled you in every time you were together? You would laugh along with them but in the back of your mind wonder, "Should I be laughing at this?" This is what reading Wonderfully Dysfunctional: It Must Be Genetic was like. The memories and experiences shared within this book draw you in - especially when you remember you are reading actual experiences. Anyone with a family that has quirks (and who doesn't NOT have quirks these days?) can relate to these stories and appreciate the uniqueness of their own families dysfunctions.
This book brought out a myriad of emotions in me ranging from full out crying to laughter. I had several "aha moments" while reading this book, yet I felt like I am not alone in the wonderful crazy world I grew up in. Buffi portrays the patch work quilt of people in her life in a way that you can't help but love all them because of their quirks! Wonderful read that elicits the wide spectrum of emotions while helping you understand that the difficulties she faced made Buffi the strong, amazing woman she is today!
I come from a bit of a dysfunctional family myself… okay, a lot more than a bit dysfunctional, lol!! This book felt a lot like coming home. I alternated between tears and giggles throughout the book…and even that reminded me of a typical day MY wonderfully dysfunctional family. Buffi found a way to thrive in her dysfunction, and that ultimately is the message of the book. If you have a less than picture perfect family that you love more than life, you must read this book!!
I absolutely enjoyed this book! I love when an author does not hold back and lets it all out. It was right up my alley. It keeps you on your toes and wondering what she will do next. I think I related to the book because I am a lot like Buffi. She keeps you in tune with what is going on and there is something surprising on every page. I love that about this book. It kept me hooked and I was able to finish it really fast. Definitely one of the best books I have read!
Buffi's family is truly dysfunctional but in a comical and endearing way. Buffi is a natural at weaving a quirky story that draws us not only into her family but also brings us reflection on our own family stories. Her style of writing is fluid and bare bones honest. I found Wonderfully Dysfunctional to be a fantastically weaved tapestry and I cannot wait to read more of Buffi’s writing!!
wonderful! I'm so glad this author found her way to write this book. Hopefully, it will not be her last. It's so well written and I found myself laughing and crying and laughing while crying! I related to her on so many levels and she made me realize how my families dysfunction is not quite as unbelievably alone in its craziness.
This was an interesting and entertaining memoir. I hope there will be more books coming out by this author as I'd like to read more of the story about Buffi's life.