Did I Say That Out Loud? Conversations About Life

by Kelly Harman

We've all had it - the "uh-oh" of wishing we could take back the comment that somehow escaped the filter between our brains and our mouths. Did I Say That Out Loud? is the tell-all account of the author's misadventures in the daily experience that is life. Told in the tone of a coffee-klatch gathering with your best girlfriends - you know, the ones you can share anything and everything with - the author holds nothing back as she recounts the trials and tribulations of life as Kelly Harman. Thinking of braving Botox or plastic surgery? Get the real scoop from Kelly, including pre-procedure husband prep. Need help when your cat catches on fire? Ask Kelly how to extinguish the flames without spilling your wine. Survival tips for when a tipsy 300 pound man falls on you? Ask Kelly, who lived to tell the tale. Kelly captures those "you can't make this stuff up" dramas and takes them one step further. She shows us that by reveling in the inevitable mess of the moments we wish we could take back, we may discover that sharing our stories is in fact healing, unifying, and often outrageously funny. Bad for the laugh lines but good for the abs, some of these stories will hit close to home, others will stray far, far from your average woman on the street. But all are unified by the inimitable candor and hilarity that her friends agree is uniquely Kelly. Read 'em and weep.

156 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2013

About the author

Kelly Harman is an author, public speaker, and marketing strategist. She works with technology companies to align their sales and marketing efforts with their business goals.

Kelly is the author of "Did I Say That Out Loud?", a collection of humorous stories about her life and her observations of the world and human behavior.

As a marketing strategist, Kelly has worked with Verizon, Polycom, Panasonic, and SONY as well as many small and midsized companies in the US and Europe.

Kelly is currently working on her next book, a memoir about growing up abroad as the daughter of a (former) CIA agent.

Reviews

[Ruth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that this is of a genre of books that I love to sit down and devour in an afternoon. It is reasonably concise, easy to read, and it will probably make you laugh out loud! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the author's perspective on life. I think that she is able to look at what one would call a "normal" situation and tell it in such a way that the reader can relate to it and realize that maybe it's not the end of the world--or maybe the reader's life isn't so peculiar
after all!

I will warn you. There is some profanity in the book, and she does deal with adult situations. I did not find myself offended at the "sexual" talk. As a matter of fact, there was some really entertaining(yet adult) talk. I could have done without the profanity, but I realize that is probably the way things were really said. I wasn't really bothered about the gay discussion, but I don't plan to go out and seek a gay best friend (sorry, Kelly), but if it happens, oh well!

I could relate to so much that she spoke about. After all, I have been married, I have kids, and we have out own set of unusual family issues. When I told my mom some of the stories, she asked if this was fiction or true? I said that it was certainly true because no one could make this stuff up (almost the title of two of Kelly's chapters).

I would say more about this book, but I recommend you go out and get a copy for yourself. You'll be glad you did!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Dan Verner · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the chapters in this book is entitled "My Cat's Butt." As a cat owner, I was intrigued immediately at the opening sentence: "My cat's butt exploded." As someone who has taken about a score of cats to the vet for a variety of ailments, I was impelled to read on. I was not disappointed. Kelly Harmon writes about her cat and about ordinary events of everyday life with irrepressible and contagious good humor, also striking notes of pathos, compassion affection, and love for her family and friends.

A list of topics gives an idea of the scope and reach of this book. There are vignettes about a do-it-yourself bikini wax kit, potty training, cats on fire (none was harmed in the writing of this book), negotiating airline telephone reservation systems, store coupons, hiring handymen, her long-suffering husband Bob, visits to the ER, workaday events and situations, skin cancer, gay friends, grandchildren, high school reunions, family relations and events, and doctor's office encounters. I'm sure anyone alive today will recognize these dilemmas of modern life and laugh in recognition at some and cry in sympathy at others.

Kelly Harmon writes with great humor, compassion, sensitivity and realism. My favorite in this is one I've heard her read called "What I Would Say If I Were a Flight Attendant." This one piece is worth the price of the book. My advice is to buy it, read it, enjoy it and find out what you've been missing.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review-
You ever have one of those “OMG” moments in your life, where you weren't sure whether to laugh, cry or scream? Ha! This book is it. This book is put together with a number of short stories that relate to everyone.
Let’s face it, we are all human and so we all make our mistakes, have our funny moments, have our good gosh did I just do that moment!? Events that paint our lives and change history within family. This book is about the author’s life, stories of which will leave you laughing and thanking all powers above that it wasn't your family all at the same time. Face it we’re all “that” family anyways.
Life just simply wouldn't be without those , fun awkward and seriously funny moments and Kelly McDermott Harman has put it to words.
Did I Say That Out Loud, had me laughing and snorting out loud . It is so funny! It’s a heartwarming quick read that dives into her relationships with family and friends. You follow her through crazy situations, tied up with moments that will have you burst out laughing and even relating too! That is by far the best thing of this book. Being able to relate to it. You read a book and are carried away with a fantasy but Kelly managed to snag and relate to me . I like it – and I can laugh about it!
I was busting out laughing with some of the things in this book, exploding rear ends ( nope, not joking, and frankly let’s face it it happens!) Cat’s suddenly catching on fire ( flash back to National Lampoons Christmas Vacation !!- that’s not how it happens but I laughed my butt off none the less)
Kelly really created a humor throughout her writing, the events and things that happen along her journey relate to us all. Our pit falls, our fall backs, she took daily life and threw in wit, humor which makes you simply turn some of our life’s most rocky little moments into laughable moments. I love it. Truly a quick easy read that catches you off guard.
Did I Say That Out Loud is a must read, I’m telling you now you will enjoy the all-around wonderfully charming sense of humor as Kelly dives. Sure screw ups happen, it’s what makes our lives interesting!

I can’t wait to read more from Kelly and her all around great writing. She’s captured wit , humor and made a connection with everyday life! Grab it, read it, enjoy it!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted by this book because it was so raw and real. I felt like all the short stories were something that I could relate to in my own life. I started this book of real life laugh out louds yesterday and was finished within a couple of hours. I could not put it down even when going to the bus stop to wait for my son to get off school. I was standing there at the stop sign where he gets dropped off with Kindle in hand. People must have thought that I was crazy that I could not even put my Kindle down for the ten minutes that it took me to walk there, wait, and walk him home.
I liked that the author did not keep the book strictly PG. We have all had those moments where we were like "Did that really just happen?" or "Did they just say that?". The book was raw and it drew me in because I could relate to almost all the moments that the author supplied. She talks about everything from her grandchildren, her siblings, her husband, and even the quest for the best gay friend that you need in your life. I do not have one but by the sounds of things I may need to acquire one. Any takers? She describes that they listen and are not as judgmental as women and they get right to the point of making you feel better. Sounds awesome to me!

After finishing the book in an afternoon my hubs promptly came home and asked what I had done with my afternoon. I just held up my Kindle and told him that I had read some of the funniest stuff that I have read in a while. He smiled and said he didn't want to know. Thank you Kelly for a dose of humor and reality that life has it's moments and we should laugh about them. Everyone should pick up a copy of this book because if I could go higher than FIVE STARS, I certainly would!

I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion and review.

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Tuesday night, I laid down to bed with hubby. I was in a bad mood, something was said between us and the next thing you know, sentimental, emotional me is crying.

In short, in a few minutes hubby rolls over to go to sleep and I grab my Kindle to read Did I Say That Out Loud. (I had to start it so I could finish it in time to post this review!)

Timing could not be better to read this book!

I was fearful I would wake up hubby sleeping next to me and Lil Miss who was in her crib sleeping on the other side of me! I couldn’t contain my laughter!

No joke – in the middle of reading, I stopped what I was doing, hunted the author down on Google, subscribed to her blog (I want daily emails of this stuff) and then stalked her on Twitter!

Needless to say, by the time I put the book down a little later, I as already over half way finished.

This was a light read in more ways than one.

It didn’t take me long to finish at all (which is great because we all know with a busy schedule, we don’t always have time for long books) and it was such a mood lightener!

I know I rave about books and how much I love them, but seriously – if you don’t have time to pick up a book and read, allow yourself a few minutes every day to read one or two of the stories in Did I Say That Out Loud just to help boost your mood (and your day).

This book is a must-have!

Disclosure: I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Looking for a fun, quick, afternoon read that will have you on the floor laughing? This is it.
Did I Say That Out Loud by Kelly McDermott Harman had me crying, not because it was sad, but because it was hilarious. I started hyperventilating at one point because it was so funny. Once you read the story about the lobsters, you'll understand.

This book is a collection of short "stories" about her life with family, friends, and a good-looking doctor. Read about her trip to the vet with her cat, conversations with her husband (priceless), and a concussion or two. This quick read will keep you entertained, laughing, snorting, and realizing that your life may be a little less chaotic than Kelly's.

Did I Say That Out Loud is funny, but it is also heartwarming to see her relationships with her family and friends. You follow Kelly through some serious situations, intertwined with moments that physically make you laugh out loud. It had me thinking, she did NOT really just say that!

Oh, and be careful not to drink anything while you're reading or you may choke when it goes down the wrong way. You never know what Kelly is going to say next. This is definitely a must-read book that you don't want to miss.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will have to say that I have never read such a funny laugh out loud book in my life. This book was an easy read with short chapters which made the reading flow easier. I absolutely loved this book. I found myself thinking as I was reading, this woman sounds a lot like me. Sometimes I write things I shouldn’t just to get them out in the open and then I get a little embarrassed about writing it. Or I look back and start laughing about what I have written. I will have to say this book had me thoroughly entertained. I love the story about when her granddaughter was playing with her grandpa’s golf balls before going to the store. Kelly said that they had to go to the store but when they got back she could play with them again. Upon leaving the store, her little granddaughter shouts, “yea I can go home and play with Grandpa’s balls.” LOL Yes folks it is little gems like that will leave you rolling on the floor. Kelly is also the mom of boys, something I know nothing about but those little gems that she put in there about her sons were hilarious as well. So if you are looking for a great book that will leave you in a uplifted mood than this is the book for you. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a laugh. I mean there is not one chapter in this book that someone could not relate to in someway or another.

[Sharon Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as you start to read this book you are taken into a world of smiles and laughter. For me this started with the very first story of the 'dreaded hair wax' situation, I seriously laughed out loud with the images created, just the very thought of it. Other favourites include reading about the author's entrepreneurial brother Dan, tips on how to annoy hubbie while watching football and the coupon queen of shopping at Walmart, which when you read it, it is something I think most of us would have liked to do but wouldn't have dared!

The enjoyment continues as the author writes about her everyday life and family situations and some not 'everyday' in a fun, light and honest way, she has a knack of telling the tale with fondness in such a witty way, the odd naughty word is used but is easily diluted in the humour.

The short stories, split into different categories of family and life, are easily read and will have you hooked as you cannot help yourself but want to read more from the author's world. I read the book in two nights but my advice would be to read a couple of the stories a night to keep this treasure of a book for longer. This is a great book to be shared around the family and a reminder of what really matters in life.

With so much pressure in everyday life this is a perfect escape and a great way to have a good chuckle.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was not disappointed by what I received.

Kelly Harman tackles ordinary life events with candid honesty and good natured humor. Her one shots allow readers to peer into her interactions with family members, friends, and colleagues.

My favorite sections include "Home Improvement," where one project quickly develops into another with the assistance of a helpful Hispanic family, and "My Cat's Butt," where Kelly and her cat have to visit the vet. Even without any flying experience I laughed out loud at "What I Would Say If I Were a Flight Attendant," and I'm sure frequent flyers will enjoy it even more.

Other misadventures include waxing during an online webinar, a relationship with a wrong number, and babysitting grandchildren.

With only 151 pages it's a quick read that will provide readers with enough laughter to brighten the worst day. It's an easy sell as a humorous getaway, but what puts it over the top is the moments where Harman digs into the love between herself and those she values. There's really no excuse to not read "Did I Say That Out Loud?"

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously LOVED this book. In it, the author shares snippets of her life, like complaining about running out of trash bags and laundry detergent, causing her to a) continue stuffing trash into the overflowing can and b) wearing the same clothes for three days.

This is the humor you can expect…whether it’s about her cat catching on fire or having an exploding rear end (you have to read it to understand)…as well as a grandchild with an exploding rear end, while they’re in the pool locker room. That’s no fun for anyone. But somehow Harman makes it entertaining.

This book had me giggling like an idiot. There were portions of the book that had me snorting away (luckily at home!), reading about her husband’s visit to the E.R., the time Harman had “some” home improvements done while her husband was out of town, and the time she backed up into a truck because her brain had “shut down” from sofa shopping.

This book is really a wonderful collection of short stories and a captivating wit. I couldn’t be happier with this book…it would be great for anyone who needs some laughter and joy in their lives.

[Jillian Rummo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Are you looking for a light read? Something comical, and angst free? If so, this is the book for you. Its full of short stories about Kelly and her husband Bob, as well as other comical stories about her co-workers and other random events in her life.

She has a knack to turn an argument with her husband (that would have most of us wives arrested for murder) into a comical event! It is refreshing to hear that other marriages have many of the same arguments as mine…she just has a great outlook on them. (Who knows if she was really as calm in the moment though!)

This is a very quick read, and I would recommend reading a few stories at a time in between other books or on your downtime (like in a waiting room). This way you can prolong the chuckles and it will give you just the amount of light-heartedness you need after that angsty romance novel that made you weep and scream at the same time.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first segment I was hooked on this absolutely hysterical book. There were sooo many laugh out loud moments that I woke up my husband who had been sleeping next to me more than once! The author Kelly McDermott Harmon reminds me of a mix of Lisa Landry and the Domestic Godmess from Facebook. Her quality to not only create such entertaining situations like the infamous bikini wax (very first story) and the "You Can't Make This Sh*t Up" Sections 1 & 2 you will be laughing the entire time.

A couple of highlights you need to remember to read about: Fun with Football's 5 things you can do to mess with your husband, the Hispanic home improvement saga, the time the cat's butt exploded, the new and soooo much improved Flight Attendant Speech, and it will be an amazing read "right up until the cat caught on fire"!! I hope you enjoy this book even a fraction of the amount that I did! If you do I assure you it will be the most hysterical book you have ever read!! Enjoy!!!

[Jayedee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seldom laugh out loud when sitting in a room by myself, but laugh out loud is what I did as I read Kelly Harmon's Did I Say That Out Loud? In fact, once I laughed so hard and long that the cats left the room and the dog looked at me like I was quite insane!

This book is now my 'go to' bridal shower, birthday or plain old 'pick me up' gift. Everyone will find something to relate to and get a nice chuckle from within it's pages as it reminds us to seek the humor in every situation.

Made up of a number of short stories, this book is a quick read, easily finished in a single evening. It will take you to sleep with a smile on your face and if you're anything like me, keep your spirits high for the next few days too!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed a good laugh! There were moments where I laughed until I cried. Kelly Harman, I was laughing with you not at you with every turn of the page! Our lives get so hectic that we can't always appreciate the craziness that comes along with life. As I sat down to read Did I Say That Out Loud, I was mesmerized by the fact that this is totally about me! Not the exact specifics yet the general idea that crazy things happen that don't always seem quite so funny at the time. However, if an outsider was looking in they would definitely see the humor in the way my husband and I react to the ordinary and not so ordinary moments of life. I loved the brutally honest about each of the moments. (Please note: I received this book for a review with no additional compensation for my honest opinion.)

[Michelle Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally had me laughing out loud at moments. It was an easy, light read. I’ve kept it in my purse to pull out when I needed a pick-me-up or while waiting for appointments or meetings.

The author provides a humorous outlook on all things life – marriage, children, grandchildren, work, travel, the list could go on. Everyone will find something to relate to and get a nice chuckle from within these pages.

It’s a great reminder that laughter truly is the best medicine – finding humor in our daily lives is easy to do. Recognizing and embracing those moments is the key – and will probably keep most of us from going absolutely batty.

[Nick Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly McDermott Harman's compilation of stories is a marathon of laugh out loud moments. Broken into sections about Work, Family and her marriage, among other things, Kelly's sarcasm rich storytelling is entertaining to couples, parents, pet owners, even football lovers. I attended a book reading where she shared her story, "What I Would Say if I Were the Flight Attendant", which brought back a dozen miserable business flights from my own experience. The book is a very quick read, and can be digested in chunks if a reader wants to save some for later. Kelly's sense of humor shines in this (mostly) real-life compilation.

[K.E. Nowinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked about Kelly's writing is that when you read it you feel that you are reading her perceptions within these events. She was able to take those great moments in our lives and share them in a way that we are able to relate to. I have been around children my entire life, the incident with her granddaughter in the changing room, I could relate to. My cat is nearly 19 now, I can relate to her cat adventures. I think most woman would not find any difficulties in relating to the various stories within the book.
To read the full review http://kenowinsky.blogspot.com/2013/0...

[Algene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves a five-star rating. It is definitely worth my time! I'm a busy person so I don't get to read books regularly but to keep myself sane, I get only the best books. Well, it was a good thing that I ended up having Kelly's Did I Say That Out Loud.

It's the book the I really need. It made me smile all through out the day while I was reading it. I felt happy as I read various stories about the daily misadventures of the author. It amazes me how she was able to keep track of the different happenings in her life and share it to her readers. Most importantly, she did a good job in sharing how each of us can make it through the day!

A must-read!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little different from what I was expecting given the information provided in the synopsis, but I liked it. The author tells many humorous tales, and isn't afraid to poke fun at herself. I really enjoyed reading it, actually laughing out loud at some stories, and at least giggling at most others. I also shared quite a few with my husband who also found them quite funny. It's a great book to have for when you're only able to read in short spurts because it's broken down into stories of a few pages each.

[Rosemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this small book (it is only 65 pages from first to last) of absolutely barmy but heart-warming stories of family meals, celebrations and minor disasters told with wry humour and self-awareness. Kelly Harman can laugh at herself and the reader laughs with her, because we have all been there. Who hasn’t been to a potentially disastrous family party or had a silly argument with a loved one – though I don’t know anyone who ever hog-tied their little sister and hid her under a bed for several hours. And I never want to hear about exploding cat anus again.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a GREAT book! I love to laugh and this book definitely produced! I could assimilate with some of Kelly's anecdotes; and some of them were just downright hysterical! I enjoyed how she wrote - straight from the hip. If you are looking for a more lighthearted and fun read, I recommend "Did I Say That Out Loud?" for sure! This book was given to me for the review, but the opinions are 100% my own!

[Margaret Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes......

4.5 stars from me for this sweet and charming book. Only deducting .5 stars as written with Canadian/American market in mind and the slang is slightly off-putting for European reader.
Read full and fair review below

http://bleachhouselibrary.blogspot.ie...

[Kari Eggerling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely funny, Laugh out Loud.
Enjoyed and would highly recommend.
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