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When Life Gives You Lemons... At Least You Won't Get Scurvy!
A very funny collection of anecdotal essays on dealing with common adult life struggles that fall just short of FEMA intervention but are bigger than a duct tape and coat hanger fix. This stuff wasn’t supposed to happen to Madge, she’s college educated and comes from a good white collar Irish Catholic family. But she made it through an abusive marriage, co-parenting with her alcoholic ex who subsequently vanished, joblessness, homelessness, food stamps, dating, and raising three kids single handedly. Somehow she maintained her dignity and fabulousness and produced three very smart, well adjusted, successful children. These are life lesson stories filled with humor, common sense and snark. “This book is very nice dear but I still think you should become a dental hygienist. They make good money you know. People always need their teeth cleaned.” – Madelyn Madigan, Madge’s Mother “Funny and cleavage, a winning combination!” – A creepy guy that reads my blog
- GenresHumor
126 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Madge Madigan
3 books22 followersMadge Madigan is a fabulous and somewhat irritable single mother of three teenage children who resides in Rochester, NY. When not busy cultivating a master race of well-adjusted successful children, she is an well-known blogger, freelance writer, speaker, and the village sarcastic broad.
Madge's books tell of her tales of raising children on her own and fending off poverty while trying to maintain a facade of sanity, professionalism, and comedian. All while trying to pretend she was dateable.
Madge's books tell of her tales of raising children on her own and fending off poverty while trying to maintain a facade of sanity, professionalism, and comedian. All while trying to pretend she was dateable.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 13, 2013
It's taken me ages to getting around to writing this review, mainly because I didn't know how to frame it. I'm going with Facebook status "It's complicated" for this review.
I first "met" Madge Madigan on Twitter, after hearing some local buzz about When Life Gives You Lemons... At Least You Won't Get Scurvy and naturally, I wanted to read anything by a local writer.
It took a little bit, but then she retweeted her daughter and I realized she had to be the ex-wife of a cousin I haven't seen in years. And I'd never met her.
So with that frame of reference, I have to state that it's just a little bit odd reading about things that happened involving a cousin you knew since birth but haven't seen in probably 15 or 20 years. And obviously, it makes it just a little awkward reviewing the book.
Madigan takes a brutally honest yet humorous look at life -- specifically hers as a single mother of three teens. As those of us who've been down that road know quite well, the whole Carol Brady routine doesn't exactly work out that way in real life. We're often doing the bulk of -- or in Madigan's case, all of -- the parenting, have to field questions we never thought we'd have to answer (boy things), and do all of that on what's probably a severely reduced income.
Madigan's voice is likeable and very easy to read, and the essays she includes in the book are quick reads, yet make it easy to put the book down and come right back to where you were. I read it over a couple of days in small chunks, and once I got past the inherent awkwardness in knowing a lot of the players as she described her married life, found it both poignant and humorous. I relate all too well to many of her stories.
If I have one quibble, I'd like to have seen more flow through the book tying the essays together. Most of them are reprinted blog posts, and while they have introductions, I'd love to see more of a continuous flow. Unlike most humor books, this one is about the reality that is a divorced single mom's life, and I found myself wanting to have more information, especially as it related to the timeline of events.
That's a small quibble however, and I'd recommend this book for anyone, not just those of us who are single moms, although I think we're the ones who'll "get it" more.
I first "met" Madge Madigan on Twitter, after hearing some local buzz about When Life Gives You Lemons... At Least You Won't Get Scurvy and naturally, I wanted to read anything by a local writer.
It took a little bit, but then she retweeted her daughter and I realized she had to be the ex-wife of a cousin I haven't seen in years. And I'd never met her.
So with that frame of reference, I have to state that it's just a little bit odd reading about things that happened involving a cousin you knew since birth but haven't seen in probably 15 or 20 years. And obviously, it makes it just a little awkward reviewing the book.
Madigan takes a brutally honest yet humorous look at life -- specifically hers as a single mother of three teens. As those of us who've been down that road know quite well, the whole Carol Brady routine doesn't exactly work out that way in real life. We're often doing the bulk of -- or in Madigan's case, all of -- the parenting, have to field questions we never thought we'd have to answer (boy things), and do all of that on what's probably a severely reduced income.
Madigan's voice is likeable and very easy to read, and the essays she includes in the book are quick reads, yet make it easy to put the book down and come right back to where you were. I read it over a couple of days in small chunks, and once I got past the inherent awkwardness in knowing a lot of the players as she described her married life, found it both poignant and humorous. I relate all too well to many of her stories.
If I have one quibble, I'd like to have seen more flow through the book tying the essays together. Most of them are reprinted blog posts, and while they have introductions, I'd love to see more of a continuous flow. Unlike most humor books, this one is about the reality that is a divorced single mom's life, and I found myself wanting to have more information, especially as it related to the timeline of events.
That's a small quibble however, and I'd recommend this book for anyone, not just those of us who are single moms, although I think we're the ones who'll "get it" more.
May 27, 2013
What a great writing voice! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Hilarious at times, incredibly insightful at others... sometimes both at the same time! Madge tells stories of awful things that happened but she is never a victim, she's just eager to share what she learned and to let others know they aren't alone. Lessons include such gems as "How to Keep Your Daughter Off the Pole" and "I Love Your New Prada Bag but I'm Sorry to Hear Your Losing Your House". Just a really really funny book with lots of clever wit, obscure pop culture references, and uniquely placed profanity.
May 10, 2013
IF YOU LIKE LAURIE NOTARO, YOU'LL LOVE MADGE MADIGAN! May 6, 2013
By Wendy Corsi Staub
Sassy, opinionated, and hilarious, Madge Madigan won me over as a blogger by always managing to say (well, write) what I probably would have been thinking in any given situation she describes. Now she turns her razor-sharp wit to book-length nonfiction and blazes a fresh path through familiar domestic territory like single motherhood, dating, finances, unemployment--and well beyond.
Some essays are built on helpful advice, Madge-style. Sample titles: How Not to Have Your Obituary Read: "She Was a Pain in the Ass'" and How to Keep Your Daughter Off the Pole.
Some essays are purely satirical (I hope!), such as her illustrated campaign to land a reality television show for her "rack"
My favorite passages reflect her typically creative, no holds-barred assessment of the world as we know it. Madge on Fifty Shades: "The girl is everything that's wrong with women, and he's a controlling douchecopter." Item number three on Madge's list of dreaded Facebook cliches: "The health overshare: `I just got home from the doctor, still can't figure out what is wrong. Still have purple ooze coming from my rectum. But doc said my mologium levels are normal. Will test my saliva tomorrow.'"
The bottom line: Buy this book. Read it. You will laugh.
By Wendy Corsi Staub
Sassy, opinionated, and hilarious, Madge Madigan won me over as a blogger by always managing to say (well, write) what I probably would have been thinking in any given situation she describes. Now she turns her razor-sharp wit to book-length nonfiction and blazes a fresh path through familiar domestic territory like single motherhood, dating, finances, unemployment--and well beyond.
Some essays are built on helpful advice, Madge-style. Sample titles: How Not to Have Your Obituary Read: "She Was a Pain in the Ass'" and How to Keep Your Daughter Off the Pole.
Some essays are purely satirical (I hope!), such as her illustrated campaign to land a reality television show for her "rack"
My favorite passages reflect her typically creative, no holds-barred assessment of the world as we know it. Madge on Fifty Shades: "The girl is everything that's wrong with women, and he's a controlling douchecopter." Item number three on Madge's list of dreaded Facebook cliches: "The health overshare: `I just got home from the doctor, still can't figure out what is wrong. Still have purple ooze coming from my rectum. But doc said my mologium levels are normal. Will test my saliva tomorrow.'"
The bottom line: Buy this book. Read it. You will laugh.
June 9, 2013
Thanks to Making Connections and the author for a chance to read and review this book.
This book isn't what I was expecting. When I read it, I thought it would be comedy, and it isn't, quite.
The author is clearly writing with the intention of humor, but she has a purpose that trumps that goal and is very up front about it. This isn't humor for the sake of humor - it's humor with a point.
Madge Madigan writes about her life and the humor she finds in dark situations and hardship. This is a "humor" book, but in a way it is also self-help and how-to as well. She wants to touch other people with her experiences and share the lessons she has learned, but she wants to do so in a way that is less preachy and more jubilant - thus humor.
Laughing is great medicine for life's ills, but there is also camaraderie in what Madge has written. An "I've made it through, and so can you, AND you can even laugh about it." She deals with some intense issues, but she does so with style.
This book isn't what I was expecting. When I read it, I thought it would be comedy, and it isn't, quite.
The author is clearly writing with the intention of humor, but she has a purpose that trumps that goal and is very up front about it. This isn't humor for the sake of humor - it's humor with a point.
Madge Madigan writes about her life and the humor she finds in dark situations and hardship. This is a "humor" book, but in a way it is also self-help and how-to as well. She wants to touch other people with her experiences and share the lessons she has learned, but she wants to do so in a way that is less preachy and more jubilant - thus humor.
Laughing is great medicine for life's ills, but there is also camaraderie in what Madge has written. An "I've made it through, and so can you, AND you can even laugh about it." She deals with some intense issues, but she does so with style.
July 8, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the author through Goodreads First Reads.
I LOVED this book. I think Madge is my long-lost sister, because I have been through many of the same things and feel the same way about so much (in particular, men). She is honest and real, without being overly offensive (she actually uses the F-bomb way less than I do). I actually think she is funnier than Chelsea Handler, whose books I could not get into, no matter how hard I tried. I look forward to reading more from her, and feel comforted knowing there are other women out there who have been just as cynical as I have been, although I am trying to get past it. This will be my "go-to" book in the future when I am in a slump or the dumps, because as cliched as it might sound, "I know I'm not alone." This is a reminder of strength, friendship, but mostly faith in yourself to do what you need to do for your children.
I LOVED this book. I think Madge is my long-lost sister, because I have been through many of the same things and feel the same way about so much (in particular, men). She is honest and real, without being overly offensive (she actually uses the F-bomb way less than I do). I actually think she is funnier than Chelsea Handler, whose books I could not get into, no matter how hard I tried. I look forward to reading more from her, and feel comforted knowing there are other women out there who have been just as cynical as I have been, although I am trying to get past it. This will be my "go-to" book in the future when I am in a slump or the dumps, because as cliched as it might sound, "I know I'm not alone." This is a reminder of strength, friendship, but mostly faith in yourself to do what you need to do for your children.
June 10, 2013
At first I was going to call Madge Madigan the new Erma Bombeck. But, this ain't 1979. Then I was going to equate Madge to the Madge in the dishing washing liquid commercial, where the customer is soaking her nails in dishing washing liquid. But, this ain't 1979. Let's face it, Madge had me with granny adjusting her pantyhose in the ladies room. She tells it like it is. Funny, poignant, sharp, feisty, opinionated... and did I mention funny? Life lesson stories about survival and remaining true to yourself. She does. Two things I walked away with ... 1. I want to read more and 2. I will never ever ever ever ever again give unsolicited advice to anyone with children. Never. Ever.
June 19, 2013
This book literally made me LOL at times. I enjoyed the author's straight forward, tell-it-like-it-is attitude and sense of humor. The book felt more like a conversation with someone which made it quite easy to get through.
The book was full of anecdotes which were quite amusing. Some were not quite as relatable for me not having kids, but were still humorous. It was also quite apparent the author was not at all happy with the ex husband who left her and the children high and dry.
Overall a quick, humorous read! I enjoyed it.
The book was full of anecdotes which were quite amusing. Some were not quite as relatable for me not having kids, but were still humorous. It was also quite apparent the author was not at all happy with the ex husband who left her and the children high and dry.
Overall a quick, humorous read! I enjoyed it.
August 31, 2016
I received this book for free from the author in return for an honest review.
When LIfe Gives You Lemons....At Least You Won't Get Scurvy is the story of Madge Madigan as she goes from married to divorced and back into the dating scene. This is written strictly from her point of view. As the book progresses, so does Madge and her style of writing. The book includes not just her point of view on various matters that she experienced but also her advice on these matters. She is very candid and honest throughout the book. I found the book to be enjoyable and easy to relate to.
When LIfe Gives You Lemons....At Least You Won't Get Scurvy is the story of Madge Madigan as she goes from married to divorced and back into the dating scene. This is written strictly from her point of view. As the book progresses, so does Madge and her style of writing. The book includes not just her point of view on various matters that she experienced but also her advice on these matters. She is very candid and honest throughout the book. I found the book to be enjoyable and easy to relate to.
March 20, 2014
it took me a while to finish this book, as I wanted to keep Madge's voice in my head as long as possible. Inspirational, pragmatic and funny are all great descriptive for this book.
This is a fun book written by a fighter and survivor. instead of wallowing in self-pity, she's made the best of what she's got. Her kids have a great role model.
Despite her fears, I believe she'll be able to avoid fetish films, as her tenacity will continue to push her forward as a writer and social commentator. I look forward to more from Madge.
This is a fun book written by a fighter and survivor. instead of wallowing in self-pity, she's made the best of what she's got. Her kids have a great role model.
Despite her fears, I believe she'll be able to avoid fetish films, as her tenacity will continue to push her forward as a writer and social commentator. I look forward to more from Madge.
August 27, 2013
This book is funny, touching and oh so true. Life and all its ups in downs written wonderfully. Its like she is talking to you, I mean it. Everything Madge says really hit home for me, all the struggles we go through as Moms, and all the humor you can find in it. Sometimes you just have to laugh at life's flaws and our own. Funny, witty , a good quick read. If you want to smile or even laugh, pick up this book. You will love it.
June 21, 2013
Very good book that had me laughing at many of life’s little absurdities’. Madge tackles life’s ups and downs with a sense of humor, an irreverent attitude and common sense. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone needing a good laugh and feeling of “hey if she can get through it all so can I”. Will definitely keep an eye out for any future books b y this author.
June 24, 2013
Received this book free
This book reminded me of my girlfriends and I sitting around and drinking wine while ranting and raving about our husbands, our kids and our lives.
While parts of it were pretty funny, there were times when I just felt the author was a little redundant.
All in all, it was funny and I read it pretty quickly.
This book reminded me of my girlfriends and I sitting around and drinking wine while ranting and raving about our husbands, our kids and our lives.
While parts of it were pretty funny, there were times when I just felt the author was a little redundant.
All in all, it was funny and I read it pretty quickly.
September 23, 2013
Madge has a great sense of humor, with a tinch of naughty thrown in. Short stories made this a quick, easy, light read. That being said it was just that-light...not a lot of depth to it. Not that we always need that. A great book to bring on the airplane, or beach and leave behind for someone else to read.
July 6, 2013
An honest and funny look at life as we know it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews