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Ketchup Is a Vegetable: And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves
If you don’t have anything nice to say about motherhood, then… read this book. Robin O’Bryant offers a no holds barred look at the day to day life of being a mother to three, running a household and the everyday monotony of parenting.
It’s not always pretty but it’s real. Whether she's stuffing cabbage in her bra… dealing with defiant yet determined daughters… yelling at the F.B.I... or explaining the birds and the bees to her preschooler… you’re sure to find dozens of humorous and relatable situations.
From the creator of Robin's Chicks, one of the South’s most popular blogs on motherhood, misunderstandings and musings, comes a collection of essays that will not only make you laugh and cry, but realize that you’re not alone in your journey.
Sit back and relax, pour yourself some “mommy juice,” throw a fresh diaper on your baby and deadbolt the bedroom door to keep your kids out… because once you start reading you'll be too busy wiping away tears of laughter to wipe anybody's butt.
It’s not always pretty but it’s real. Whether she's stuffing cabbage in her bra… dealing with defiant yet determined daughters… yelling at the F.B.I... or explaining the birds and the bees to her preschooler… you’re sure to find dozens of humorous and relatable situations.
From the creator of Robin's Chicks, one of the South’s most popular blogs on motherhood, misunderstandings and musings, comes a collection of essays that will not only make you laugh and cry, but realize that you’re not alone in your journey.
Sit back and relax, pour yourself some “mommy juice,” throw a fresh diaper on your baby and deadbolt the bedroom door to keep your kids out… because once you start reading you'll be too busy wiping away tears of laughter to wipe anybody's butt.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2011
69 people are currently reading
1988 people want to read
About the author
Robin O'Bryant
3 books185 followersRobin O'Bryant is the NYTs best-selling author of "Ketchup is a Vegetable & Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves" and award winning humor columnist. She had 3 babies in four years then she finally figured out where babies come from and got herself under control. Robin survives the hilarity of motherhood by making fun of herself in her self-syndicated humor column, Robin's Chicks and on her blog by the same name.
Robin currently embraces her love of all things books by working as a Bookseller at her beloved Auburn Oil Co Booksellers and on her FB and IG bookclubs: Robin Reads: Book Nerds Unite.
Robin currently embraces her love of all things books by working as a Bookseller at her beloved Auburn Oil Co Booksellers and on her FB and IG bookclubs: Robin Reads: Book Nerds Unite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
January 6, 2014
wait, what? HOW does this book have such a high rating here? the author must have a million friends on the internet that gave it an inflated score, because in NO WORLD is this a four-star-average book. i was actually going to give it two stars, because kudos for writing any book at all when you have three kids, but i felt duty-bound to mark it down to try to balance the over-inflation a little.
this is supposed to be funny essays about motherhood. just the kind of thing i like. i read good reviews, promising laughs. i usually take that stuff with a grain of salt because it takes a lot for a book to make me laugh, but i still enjoy the "humorous essay" genre.
this book is not funny.
this author straight up can barely write.
this is one of those books where the author thanks one of her friends in the acknowledgements for their help copy editing & proofreading & i just want to crawl into a hole on behalf of everyone because this book is a complete mess. words are misspelled, grammar is nothing but a vague concept, homonyms are abused...in the very first essay, the author refers to her "daughter, who is two-years-old." yes, she hyphenates it like that. look, maybe you can slog through 200 pages of this kind of brutal assault to the eyeballs & walk away focusing on the content, but i cannot. particularly when the content is also so boring & not funny.
she calls her boobs "the big berthas" & her vagina her "britney". YOU'VE BEEN FOREWARNED. if this is something you find tolerable, you are made of sterner stuff than i. the first time she mentioned her "britney," i was like, "oh, wow. there's a 'joke' that didn't land. surely that won't happen again." BUT IT DID. SO MANY TIMES. it was painful. at a certain point, i realized that i was continuing to read just because i was morbidly curious about how much worse it could get. i truly don't understand how this book got published. i looked at the author's blog, where she wrote, "st. martin's press signed me to a two-book deal. can you believe it?!" no. i literally cannot. put down the crack pipe, st. martin's. you are going to need your crack money on hand to hire the ARMY of copy editors that will be required to turn this author's prose into something quasi-readable.
this is supposed to be funny essays about motherhood. just the kind of thing i like. i read good reviews, promising laughs. i usually take that stuff with a grain of salt because it takes a lot for a book to make me laugh, but i still enjoy the "humorous essay" genre.
this book is not funny.
this author straight up can barely write.
this is one of those books where the author thanks one of her friends in the acknowledgements for their help copy editing & proofreading & i just want to crawl into a hole on behalf of everyone because this book is a complete mess. words are misspelled, grammar is nothing but a vague concept, homonyms are abused...in the very first essay, the author refers to her "daughter, who is two-years-old." yes, she hyphenates it like that. look, maybe you can slog through 200 pages of this kind of brutal assault to the eyeballs & walk away focusing on the content, but i cannot. particularly when the content is also so boring & not funny.
she calls her boobs "the big berthas" & her vagina her "britney". YOU'VE BEEN FOREWARNED. if this is something you find tolerable, you are made of sterner stuff than i. the first time she mentioned her "britney," i was like, "oh, wow. there's a 'joke' that didn't land. surely that won't happen again." BUT IT DID. SO MANY TIMES. it was painful. at a certain point, i realized that i was continuing to read just because i was morbidly curious about how much worse it could get. i truly don't understand how this book got published. i looked at the author's blog, where she wrote, "st. martin's press signed me to a two-book deal. can you believe it?!" no. i literally cannot. put down the crack pipe, st. martin's. you are going to need your crack money on hand to hire the ARMY of copy editors that will be required to turn this author's prose into something quasi-readable.
January 12, 2012
Have you ever read a book and literally laughed out loud so hard that you started crying? From page one this book had me laughing and crying and the boy starring at me strangely! Although I am not a mom and this is most definitely a mom book filled with stories from birds and bees talk to horrible road trips with infants and toddlers, I found the humor through knowing a bunch of moms and how life can be out of control.
This book starts with a perfect prologue to set up "the characters" and help the reader start out the book with full knowledge of who the author is and the family that she will be sharing about throughout the entire book. Then through a collection of short stories, each with a theme or topic, you are taken through all of the hazards that moms encounter while trying to raise a family. A perfect book for moms because each chapter is contained within itself, so you can start chapter one and finish the last chapter 3 years later!
I immediately forwarded this title to all my friends and family who are moms and maybe even a few that aren't starting a family just yet. I can't wait to hear how the can commiserate with her stories of life as a mom.
This book starts with a perfect prologue to set up "the characters" and help the reader start out the book with full knowledge of who the author is and the family that she will be sharing about throughout the entire book. Then through a collection of short stories, each with a theme or topic, you are taken through all of the hazards that moms encounter while trying to raise a family. A perfect book for moms because each chapter is contained within itself, so you can start chapter one and finish the last chapter 3 years later!
I immediately forwarded this title to all my friends and family who are moms and maybe even a few that aren't starting a family just yet. I can't wait to hear how the can commiserate with her stories of life as a mom.
July 26, 2022
Mommyhood is hard. You have ideas of what it means to be a Mom while pregnant but those are often quickly dashed by the time you give birth. As you maneuver your way through the first year, you learn the ropes, gain confidence, and start to feel as though you know what you're doing. In our house, months 10 through 15 were favorites, ultimate kiddo cuteness abound.
And then, like many, you decide to change the ballgame, make things more interesting and have a second. Thus negating all said learned wisdom and wiping the slate clean. Two equals a whole different world. There were many days were I thought my ONE was impossible, yet something in me told me to have another. Yes, thank that crazy Mommyhood brain and logic.
Now, three years into my parenting career of two, I can honestly say I am glad we took the chance. The boys now have each other to lean on when they are older and bond over discussions about my parenting flaws. I realize that a sibling is a gift that isn't always immediately realized and I can only hope they value each other just as much one day. Mostly, I realize I wouldn't have been able to survive this journey with my sanity in tact had it not been for my amazing group of Mommy friends and family. And a sense of humor.
There are a handful of Moms who are not willing to break it down and keep it real. They are unable to peel off the layers and reveal the truth: Mommyhood is not all fun. In fact, there are days where it just plain sucks. Kids are born with the ability to push every single drive-you-crazy button in your body. Multiple times. Relentlessly. BUT, if you're lucky, you have a group of peeps you can share this with, complain with, wine with...
Robin O'Bryant writes like I am sitting with her at a Mommy's Night Out and we're talking about our little cherubs, heh. Though she is a mom of three girls, she has learned the role temperament plays in one's parenting game. It doesn't matter if it's a boy or a girl, spiciness doesn't discriminate. I nearly cried laughing so hard while reading her chapter on traveling with kids. Her chapter about sending her oldest to kindergarten made me cry tears of sadness realizing how quickly time flies and realizing that I, too, will be breaking up the boys for a couple years.
I absolutely loved this book. The honesty and humor spoke to me. A free download for Kindle, my first electronic read, LOVED LOVED LOVED!!
And then, like many, you decide to change the ballgame, make things more interesting and have a second. Thus negating all said learned wisdom and wiping the slate clean. Two equals a whole different world. There were many days were I thought my ONE was impossible, yet something in me told me to have another. Yes, thank that crazy Mommyhood brain and logic.
Now, three years into my parenting career of two, I can honestly say I am glad we took the chance. The boys now have each other to lean on when they are older and bond over discussions about my parenting flaws. I realize that a sibling is a gift that isn't always immediately realized and I can only hope they value each other just as much one day. Mostly, I realize I wouldn't have been able to survive this journey with my sanity in tact had it not been for my amazing group of Mommy friends and family. And a sense of humor.
There are a handful of Moms who are not willing to break it down and keep it real. They are unable to peel off the layers and reveal the truth: Mommyhood is not all fun. In fact, there are days where it just plain sucks. Kids are born with the ability to push every single drive-you-crazy button in your body. Multiple times. Relentlessly. BUT, if you're lucky, you have a group of peeps you can share this with, complain with, wine with...
Robin O'Bryant writes like I am sitting with her at a Mommy's Night Out and we're talking about our little cherubs, heh. Though she is a mom of three girls, she has learned the role temperament plays in one's parenting game. It doesn't matter if it's a boy or a girl, spiciness doesn't discriminate. I nearly cried laughing so hard while reading her chapter on traveling with kids. Her chapter about sending her oldest to kindergarten made me cry tears of sadness realizing how quickly time flies and realizing that I, too, will be breaking up the boys for a couple years.
I absolutely loved this book. The honesty and humor spoke to me. A free download for Kindle, my first electronic read, LOVED LOVED LOVED!!
September 26, 2013
I waited 3 years for this book to become available at the library. I had high hopes - friends, strangers, and Goodreads told me I would love it. "It's a must read for parents! She's so funny," they all said.
Except she isn't. At. All.
Look, I've been through the whole pregnancy and infant/toddler thing twice. I'm certainly no expert. However, not once have I had the inclination to devote half of a book (or even more than a passing comment in a conversation) about being a parent to my chest, another woman's chest, or anyone's "Britney" as she calls it. I was so bored by the teenage boy humor that I wanted to cry. I can appreciate a good inappropriate joke as much as the next person, but what I cannot handle is even a whiff of desperation and trying too hard.
Being a mom is funny. Everyday is worthy of lots of laughs and often war stories appreciated only by those who have been there about diapers, nursing, bedtimes, things kids say at inappropriate times, and missing using the bathroom without someone standing outside it banging on the door. I don't understand why O'Bryant had to spend far too much of the book writing about boobs and her "Britney" (it pains me to even write that).
I'm bummed I didn't like it, and after reading it I doubt I will ever read O'Bryant's blog. There are far more humorous books for moms out there like Out of the Spin Cycle: Devotions to Lighten Your Mother Load which while technically a devotional is probably the funniest parenting book I have ever read.
Don't bother with this. I know O'Bryant has a newer book too, and I assure you I'm not going near it.
Except she isn't. At. All.
Look, I've been through the whole pregnancy and infant/toddler thing twice. I'm certainly no expert. However, not once have I had the inclination to devote half of a book (or even more than a passing comment in a conversation) about being a parent to my chest, another woman's chest, or anyone's "Britney" as she calls it. I was so bored by the teenage boy humor that I wanted to cry. I can appreciate a good inappropriate joke as much as the next person, but what I cannot handle is even a whiff of desperation and trying too hard.
Being a mom is funny. Everyday is worthy of lots of laughs and often war stories appreciated only by those who have been there about diapers, nursing, bedtimes, things kids say at inappropriate times, and missing using the bathroom without someone standing outside it banging on the door. I don't understand why O'Bryant had to spend far too much of the book writing about boobs and her "Britney" (it pains me to even write that).
I'm bummed I didn't like it, and after reading it I doubt I will ever read O'Bryant's blog. There are far more humorous books for moms out there like Out of the Spin Cycle: Devotions to Lighten Your Mother Load which while technically a devotional is probably the funniest parenting book I have ever read.
Don't bother with this. I know O'Bryant has a newer book too, and I assure you I'm not going near it.
February 23, 2012
I don't get it. Every review gives this a 4 or 5 and claims it is laugh-out-loud funny. I didn't have high expectations and just wanted something light to read; it was free on my Kindle. I read the first 8 essays and couldn't continue. It is very poorly written, not at all clever, and I didn't even think about smiling. I am frankly shocked that anyone chose to publish these blog posts with so many better examples of the genre available.
December 4, 2012
The last chapter had to be said. The last chapter is a short story unto itself. The last chapter threw the whole LOL business of the rest if the book down the river. Read ALL but the last chapter. Enjoy the funny parts. Let is soak in. THEN. After a few days read the last chapter and let it soak in. And yes I know they were all separate little stories but they had a 'theme' and the last chapter just made me say 'oh'. Maybe read the last chapter first?
June 10, 2015
I received this book through a Goodreads First-reads Giveaway.
I want to preface this review by saying that I have a high level of respect and appreciation for anyone that is willing to share their parenting stories. Parenting is a touchy subject; everyone does it differently, and everyone has an opinion. Even people who dont have kids have opinions on how they should be raised. So, like I said, I have a lot of respect for someone who is brave enough to share their most intimate family stories because it also makes them a target for judgment.
There are many situations referred to in the book that I think many people can relate to, appreciate, and laugh along with. Its a relief to know that other parents are going through the same crazy problems that you are and even some crazy problems you thankfully never experienced.
That being said, my first impression upon starting Ketchup is a Vegetable is that this book is utterly honest, disgustingly hilarious, and beautifully reassuring. Ketchup is a Vegetable is the nitty-gritty motherhood crash course. From the first page, you are immediately thrust into the roughest everyday realities of being a parent. The first few chapters had me laughing and nodding my head in absolute recognition and agreement.
As I continued reading however, some of the things I enjoyed in the beginning began to annoy. There is an overall defensive attitude or an "I dont care what you think" attitude that comes across very strongly which I completely understand. Like I said, parenting is a touchy subject, but it just starts to set a negative tone, in stead of a funny, enjoyable, relatable one. Along with this, the author makes a lot of opinionated statements. So there is this whole, dont judge me, but I am going to judge others, sort of thing going on. Many times she starts off with a, don't be offended or get your panties in a wad sort of way, but when you start out with that, you know what you are about to say is probably negative or offensive and will probably ruffle someone's feathers and do really want to isolate/pass judgment on your audience? Although reading some of these pieces that I didn't quite agree with was unpleasant, I get it. These are the authors real life stories and opinions. Be prepared for it when you start reading.
Overall this book was enjoyable and I laughed a lot. There were a lot of moments that I could relate to and many others that I thankfully could not. Some things I dont agree with and some that I do, regardless of opinions this story paints a very real picture of life in all of its beautifully raw very awkward moments. The author adds to the stories with her creativity and imagination.
I would definitely recommend this book to other parents and also to other young adults who think they know what parenting is all about because no matter what you think you know about parenting, you are probably wrong. Something the author expressed that I definitely agree with is that, you never understand or realize the level of torture you have put your parents through, until you are a parent. You can plan the way you want to parent your children all day long before you have kids, but once you have kids, you better be extremely patient and ready to put or shut up when your kids are screaming bloody murder in public over the most ridiculous asinine things. If you think you know, you have no idea!
I also want to share one of my favorite relatable moments. I think it sums up all the wonderful things that I like about this book:
"Because taking a toddler to a gas station bathroom is the fifth circle of hell. It doesn't matter how many times you try to explain proper bathroom etiquette to a preschooler. They are physically incapable of keeping their hands to themselves, and while you're busy having a panic attack they are working as hard as they can to discover a new disease to keep the scientists at the CDC busy for the next ten years.
It usually goes something like this: 'DON'T TOUCH THAT! SQUAT, BABY, SQUAT... NOOOOO, DON'T SIT ON IT! Aubrey, QUIT touching the little trash can!!! That's for grown-ups! I know it's just your size, but it's not for you! Nooo! Stop, stop, stop! Emma, get off the floor. Don't flush with your hand, use your foot! STOP!!!!'
Then you get to do the public restroom squat and try not to pee all over yourself while you continue to try to keep the kids out of the 'little trash can.' In the meantime, your thighs are shaking and burning because you haven't been to the gym since your second kid was born, and this is the best workout you are going to get for months. Finally, you get to wash one kid's hands while trying to keep the other one from touching even more disgusting stuff. It's a vicious cycle."
If you enjoyed or can relate to that little moment in any way, then you will definitely enjoy Ketchup is a Vegetable!
I want to preface this review by saying that I have a high level of respect and appreciation for anyone that is willing to share their parenting stories. Parenting is a touchy subject; everyone does it differently, and everyone has an opinion. Even people who dont have kids have opinions on how they should be raised. So, like I said, I have a lot of respect for someone who is brave enough to share their most intimate family stories because it also makes them a target for judgment.
There are many situations referred to in the book that I think many people can relate to, appreciate, and laugh along with. Its a relief to know that other parents are going through the same crazy problems that you are and even some crazy problems you thankfully never experienced.
That being said, my first impression upon starting Ketchup is a Vegetable is that this book is utterly honest, disgustingly hilarious, and beautifully reassuring. Ketchup is a Vegetable is the nitty-gritty motherhood crash course. From the first page, you are immediately thrust into the roughest everyday realities of being a parent. The first few chapters had me laughing and nodding my head in absolute recognition and agreement.
As I continued reading however, some of the things I enjoyed in the beginning began to annoy. There is an overall defensive attitude or an "I dont care what you think" attitude that comes across very strongly which I completely understand. Like I said, parenting is a touchy subject, but it just starts to set a negative tone, in stead of a funny, enjoyable, relatable one. Along with this, the author makes a lot of opinionated statements. So there is this whole, dont judge me, but I am going to judge others, sort of thing going on. Many times she starts off with a, don't be offended or get your panties in a wad sort of way, but when you start out with that, you know what you are about to say is probably negative or offensive and will probably ruffle someone's feathers and do really want to isolate/pass judgment on your audience? Although reading some of these pieces that I didn't quite agree with was unpleasant, I get it. These are the authors real life stories and opinions. Be prepared for it when you start reading.
Overall this book was enjoyable and I laughed a lot. There were a lot of moments that I could relate to and many others that I thankfully could not. Some things I dont agree with and some that I do, regardless of opinions this story paints a very real picture of life in all of its beautifully raw very awkward moments. The author adds to the stories with her creativity and imagination.
I would definitely recommend this book to other parents and also to other young adults who think they know what parenting is all about because no matter what you think you know about parenting, you are probably wrong. Something the author expressed that I definitely agree with is that, you never understand or realize the level of torture you have put your parents through, until you are a parent. You can plan the way you want to parent your children all day long before you have kids, but once you have kids, you better be extremely patient and ready to put or shut up when your kids are screaming bloody murder in public over the most ridiculous asinine things. If you think you know, you have no idea!
I also want to share one of my favorite relatable moments. I think it sums up all the wonderful things that I like about this book:
"Because taking a toddler to a gas station bathroom is the fifth circle of hell. It doesn't matter how many times you try to explain proper bathroom etiquette to a preschooler. They are physically incapable of keeping their hands to themselves, and while you're busy having a panic attack they are working as hard as they can to discover a new disease to keep the scientists at the CDC busy for the next ten years.
It usually goes something like this: 'DON'T TOUCH THAT! SQUAT, BABY, SQUAT... NOOOOO, DON'T SIT ON IT! Aubrey, QUIT touching the little trash can!!! That's for grown-ups! I know it's just your size, but it's not for you! Nooo! Stop, stop, stop! Emma, get off the floor. Don't flush with your hand, use your foot! STOP!!!!'
Then you get to do the public restroom squat and try not to pee all over yourself while you continue to try to keep the kids out of the 'little trash can.' In the meantime, your thighs are shaking and burning because you haven't been to the gym since your second kid was born, and this is the best workout you are going to get for months. Finally, you get to wash one kid's hands while trying to keep the other one from touching even more disgusting stuff. It's a vicious cycle."
If you enjoyed or can relate to that little moment in any way, then you will definitely enjoy Ketchup is a Vegetable!
May 27, 2012
Stumbled upon this book and it was a great accident! I have read and re-read this book because it is the real deal about parenting! No it isn't about what to feed your baby, how to get them to sleep, or how to discipline. It is better- it makes you feel okay that your own child has only eaten chicken nuggets for 6 straights days or that sometimes we act a fool to keep your own child awake so they will sleep all night or that sometimes when we should discipline our children... All we can do it laugh because dumping juice on a sibling because they called them some name is just funny!!!! A bonus of the book is that the author also has a blog that is worth the read as well!
January 1, 2014
A tough choice between 2 & 3 stars.
This book started out so strong. I was laughing every other paragraph.
Then started the endless boob, poop & puke stories....and I was really about ready to just stop reading. (And I have to *really* dislike something to not finish.)
I decided to give it 'one more chapter' and the bodily fluid details stopped, so I kept going. It ended really sweetly and I completely agree with every word written in her last paragraph. So I'm glad I finished it.
Still though, I don't understand all the 5 stars for it.
This book started out so strong. I was laughing every other paragraph.
Then started the endless boob, poop & puke stories....and I was really about ready to just stop reading. (And I have to *really* dislike something to not finish.)
I decided to give it 'one more chapter' and the bodily fluid details stopped, so I kept going. It ended really sweetly and I completely agree with every word written in her last paragraph. So I'm glad I finished it.
Still though, I don't understand all the 5 stars for it.
January 26, 2012
I rarely give 5 star reviews, but this book really deserves it. A laugh out loud read from beginning to end (OK...maybe the last essay was more of a tearjerker than funny).
As a mom of 3, I can totally relate to every single thing in this book. Heck, I've lived through some of these (have the roadtrip tshirt, cleaned up the vomit).
As a mom of 3, I can totally relate to every single thing in this book. Heck, I've lived through some of these (have the roadtrip tshirt, cleaned up the vomit).
September 11, 2016
Ketchup is a Vegetable: And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves is a snort laugh, milk-out-the-nose great read. I found myself nodding at all her misadventures in Mommyhood, with a "I have so been there" nod. I strongly encourage all 1st time Mommies to read this, not only will it give you a head's up on what's to come, but it'll make you feel right at home in your own misadventures.
December 11, 2011
I picked this up after being threatened by a friend, and I'm glad I did.
This collection of humorous essays about the author and her three young kids is both touching and hilarious in equal measure. I'd recommend it to anyone, and not just new mums.
That said, I'm never having children.
5 stars.
This collection of humorous essays about the author and her three young kids is both touching and hilarious in equal measure. I'd recommend it to anyone, and not just new mums.
That said, I'm never having children.
5 stars.
June 13, 2016
This book is hilarious! I was able to identify with her on so many levels because I have either experienced the same situations or have thought the same thoughts! This is a laugh out loud book!
June 13, 2013
Great book to give to a mom, not so much my type of book, still O'Bryant is hilarious and there's lots of laugh out loud moments.
January 17, 2018
I just loved this book! If you are a mom and need a light read that will make you smile at the end of the day, this is the book! I could identify with many things she wrote about with her family life. She has a great sense of humor to go along with it too. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
October 6, 2014
Yay, free book online about some of my worst nightmares!
This is a memoir about the misery and joy about being a parent for three children. Once I read the introduction that this lady had three children all while trying to move, discipline, and work, I can only give her a round of applause for her courage.
Anyway, I haven't even gone through the marriage phrase yet, so many parts of the book I cannot relate to. I am only a curious individual who is always baffled by the amount of people who want children despite all the challenge that comes along with it, although I feel that being a parent is the sort of thing you have to experience to understand it completely (ie, who am I to judge whether having a child is a blessing or a curse?) Therefore my views on the book will be based on how much it entertained / amused me, rather than how much it resonated with me.
This book is divided into chapters about phases she spent with her children. Each chapter reads like a blog post. It has a few wisdom and reflections here and there, but mostly documentation of her mischievous children and more often just ramblings. Sometimes her content will sway away from the focus of the chapter, which made it feels like she is just conversing with you over coffee, but also feels very disorganized. A few chapters I finished with a feeling that "oh, I guess she just want to complain," and I am not sure if it's her objective. The last chapter is touches on spiritual aspect of being a parent and was more heavy compared to the earlier chapters. Perhaps I was not ready for a spiritual discussion after pages and pages of amusement and thus that chapter felt a bit out of place to me, but I did enjoy her reflection on it.
This book does shed a new light to parenting and children. I mean, I knew sleep-deprived and sacrifices are things comes with parenting, but I've always underestimated the challenge inside it. After reading this book, I will have more sympathy to the poor parent whose offspring is being a monster in a mall. Also, now that I know this piece of truth , I will be more inclined to roll my eyes if a romance novel ends with the couple blessed with many children.
Just saying.
PS - Goodreads - I am very confused by your recommendation of Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader: North Korea and the Kim Dynasty base on this book. Is it because they are both non-fiction? I have a feeling that this recommended book will not be very humorous... (perhaps dark humor? Oh dear.)
This is a memoir about the misery and joy about being a parent for three children. Once I read the introduction that this lady had three children all while trying to move, discipline, and work, I can only give her a round of applause for her courage.
Anyway, I haven't even gone through the marriage phrase yet, so many parts of the book I cannot relate to. I am only a curious individual who is always baffled by the amount of people who want children despite all the challenge that comes along with it, although I feel that being a parent is the sort of thing you have to experience to understand it completely (ie, who am I to judge whether having a child is a blessing or a curse?) Therefore my views on the book will be based on how much it entertained / amused me, rather than how much it resonated with me.
This book is divided into chapters about phases she spent with her children. Each chapter reads like a blog post. It has a few wisdom and reflections here and there, but mostly documentation of her mischievous children and more often just ramblings. Sometimes her content will sway away from the focus of the chapter, which made it feels like she is just conversing with you over coffee, but also feels very disorganized. A few chapters I finished with a feeling that "oh, I guess she just want to complain," and I am not sure if it's her objective. The last chapter is touches on spiritual aspect of being a parent and was more heavy compared to the earlier chapters. Perhaps I was not ready for a spiritual discussion after pages and pages of amusement and thus that chapter felt a bit out of place to me, but I did enjoy her reflection on it.
This book does shed a new light to parenting and children. I mean, I knew sleep-deprived and sacrifices are things comes with parenting, but I've always underestimated the challenge inside it. After reading this book, I will have more sympathy to the poor parent whose offspring is being a monster in a mall. Also, now that I know this piece of truth , I will be more inclined to roll my eyes if a romance novel ends with the couple blessed with many children.
Just saying.
PS - Goodreads - I am very confused by your recommendation of Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader: North Korea and the Kim Dynasty base on this book. Is it because they are both non-fiction? I have a feeling that this recommended book will not be very humorous... (perhaps dark humor? Oh dear.)
February 16, 2015
Oh my goodness, let me tell you first. I have never read a memoir before this book, so when it arrived on my doorsteps I did not know how I was going to enjoy it.
I was so glad I dove right into it, because I felt it was worth every page.
Robin is a mother of three girls, and Ketchup Is a Vegetable is her memoir, story compilation on parenthood. Especially what it means being a mother to her. I think I enjoy and loved every single second of this book since the very first chapter.
Robin tells it like it is and she doesn't sugar coat things. Her stories are told with humor and a lot of heart underlining her experience as a mother to three very precious little girls.
After I was done reading this I immediately contacted my sister who is a mother to a little girl as well and told her this was a book she just had to read. We discussed some of the stories in this one and giggled the entire way as she nodded her head and "yupped" to most of the chapters.
Funny, entertaining, and light-hearted. I really enjoy Robin's humor as well as her writing and I applaud her for writing it all down and allowing us readers to experience her experience through words. I feel like most if not almost all of the stories in the book itself is something most of the mothers can relate too. Either have thought about it, or actually experienced it themselves. If not, perhaps this helps shed some light on some situations that we cannot relate and make us thinks about what's really happening behind the scenes.
I am looking forward to more of Robin's wonderful and sweet writing.
I know the last chapter was said to be very different from the rest of the book and in a way it is. It's much more deeper and personal and I like how it does tie everything together so well.
Amazing read that I recommend to all the parents out there.
I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
I was so glad I dove right into it, because I felt it was worth every page.
Robin is a mother of three girls, and Ketchup Is a Vegetable is her memoir, story compilation on parenthood. Especially what it means being a mother to her. I think I enjoy and loved every single second of this book since the very first chapter.
Robin tells it like it is and she doesn't sugar coat things. Her stories are told with humor and a lot of heart underlining her experience as a mother to three very precious little girls.
After I was done reading this I immediately contacted my sister who is a mother to a little girl as well and told her this was a book she just had to read. We discussed some of the stories in this one and giggled the entire way as she nodded her head and "yupped" to most of the chapters.
Funny, entertaining, and light-hearted. I really enjoy Robin's humor as well as her writing and I applaud her for writing it all down and allowing us readers to experience her experience through words. I feel like most if not almost all of the stories in the book itself is something most of the mothers can relate too. Either have thought about it, or actually experienced it themselves. If not, perhaps this helps shed some light on some situations that we cannot relate and make us thinks about what's really happening behind the scenes.
I am looking forward to more of Robin's wonderful and sweet writing.
I know the last chapter was said to be very different from the rest of the book and in a way it is. It's much more deeper and personal and I like how it does tie everything together so well.
Amazing read that I recommend to all the parents out there.
I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
February 6, 2012
I don't think I have laughed so much while reading a book in a long time. Ketchup is a Vegetable: and Other Lies Mom Tell Themselves is full of tales and anecdotes from the author who is the mother of 3 small children. She discusses everything from breast feeding to talking about sex with your young child. I think most mothers will find this book very amusing and will find themselves nodding their head over and over. I know I did! Her honesty and frankness about subjects from the sacred nap time (I hated when that ended!) to wanting to find peace in the bathroom were so refreshing. I felt like I was having a conversation with a close friend.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the conversation the author has with her child about child birth. I thought back to the uncomfortableness that I felt when my oldest (who was 4 at the time) asked how her brother came out of my belly. As I was reading her story, I was thinking back to my situation and just found myself rolling with laughter. I definitely recommend this one to any mother who needs a good laugh. I challenge you to find something in here that you can't relate to...I know I will win.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the conversation the author has with her child about child birth. I thought back to the uncomfortableness that I felt when my oldest (who was 4 at the time) asked how her brother came out of my belly. As I was reading her story, I was thinking back to my situation and just found myself rolling with laughter. I definitely recommend this one to any mother who needs a good laugh. I challenge you to find something in here that you can't relate to...I know I will win.
June 18, 2015
It took me about 2 hours to read this on a plane. I didn't hear the babies crying, the unidentified smells wafting through the circulated air didn't bother me, even my airline assigned friend didn't try talking with me. All because I was nose deep in these pages, giggling and cringing through the author's early motherhood saga.
Reading these short stories was like reliving my own early motherhood tribulations. I could relate to them all, and laugh about them, knowing that like the author, we survived with three beautiful kids. The stories felt intimate, like a good friend was sharing.
This book has a big heart!
This would be the perfect read during pregnancy book! Forget the "what to expect" books. This gives the straight truth, no sugar coating touting the utter bull about the beauty of motherhood. Being a mom is messy and hard and there are tears...mostly yours.
If you are a mom, you should read this. If know someone about to become a mom, you should share this. If you want to scare someone from having children, yeah...
Reading these short stories was like reliving my own early motherhood tribulations. I could relate to them all, and laugh about them, knowing that like the author, we survived with three beautiful kids. The stories felt intimate, like a good friend was sharing.
This book has a big heart!
This would be the perfect read during pregnancy book! Forget the "what to expect" books. This gives the straight truth, no sugar coating touting the utter bull about the beauty of motherhood. Being a mom is messy and hard and there are tears...mostly yours.
If you are a mom, you should read this. If know someone about to become a mom, you should share this. If you want to scare someone from having children, yeah...
June 13, 2012
I gave this one 5 stars because I enjoyed every word of it. Robin O'Bryant's style is reminiscent of Anne Lamott and Celia Rivenbark because she is brutally honest about her life as a wife and mother. Forget the magazine articles that tell you how to be a "perfect mother". No such creature exists, and I don't like the ones who pretend to be. Raising 3 children under the age of 7 is a daily struggle, even with a supportive husband and family. Finding the humor in that struggle is her forte, and she does it well. It's impossible to read these essays without laughing out loud, and in the process feeling better about your own parenting skills. She's also inspiring for those of us who have "finished" (HA) and can relate to her humor because we've been there, done that, and don't want to do it again. NOT for perfect parents of perfect children. I hope she's still writing when her kids are teen-agers.
February 17, 2012
I loved it. There was so many times when reading this book that I thought, "oh my gosh, that is my life!" It was absolutely hilarious. I cried from laughing at a few parts. It might not be as funny if you aren't a parent. The public bathrooms with kids scene has happened a lot in our family. Mommy juice sounds like a great idea...
(there is a bit of language)
(there is a bit of language)
July 9, 2017
This book is fun for moms with young children. Robin O'Bryant isn't afraid to put herself out there; nothing is off-limits in her self-deprecating storytelling about the cute --and the downright miserable -- sides of family life with babies and young kids. A bit silly for my taste, but I see it is quite popular with many young mothers.
March 3, 2025
Loved it! Kind of like if the Girlfriends' Guide series author Vicki Iovine met Anne Lamott and they had a couple of drinks and sat around dishing about being a mom.
My favorite kind of humor--absolute honesty mixed with laugh-at-yourself wit.
My favorite kind of humor--absolute honesty mixed with laugh-at-yourself wit.
June 27, 2012
Robin O'Bryant is officially on my FAVORITE author list...I just started reading "Ketchup is a Vegetable: And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves" and it is hilarious!! I have literally laughed out loud on several occasions. If you are a mommy....trust me when I say this is a must read!!!
May 1, 2013
Robin has an amazing talent for being able to tell the cold, hard truths of motherhood (the things you would rather not think about!) but making you laugh so hard in the process, you'll be begging for Poise pads. Fantastic treat!
December 7, 2011
Love this book! Hands down one of the funniest out there. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone... mother, sister, best friend, neighbor, etc.
July 1, 2012
Truly one of the funniest books I've read in awhile! So refreshing to hear from a mom who sees the humor in everyday situations and can share the laughs without disparaging her role or her family.
December 8, 2012
What a great read!!! Women with children can relate to this whether they admit it or not. These girls are hysterical & Robin is a genius in the way she documents their stories.
September 19, 2013
Very funny & real! Totally relatable.
August 2, 2017
I'm a mom, so of course a book directed at moms with humor mixed into truths was certainly appealing to me. I had this finished in a few hours on a road trip, so it's a quick read, and I snickered and shook my head in agreement a few times, because girl, SAME! The true downside is that had I not been stuck in a vehicle with my in-laws for 18 hours straight with nothing else to do, I probably would never have finished this book. Right from the start she starts calling her female parts Big Burthas and Brittany, which becomes annoying real quick. Especially when farther in the book she actually demonstrates that she is capable of using the words vagina and boobs/breasts. I'm not even entirely sure why she chooses to call her vagina a Brittany, but it must be some inside joke that few would understand. Is it named ofter crazy mental breakdown Brittany who shaved her head? I have no idea. I don't want to know, either, to be honest.
She speaks of her husband as he's a clueless, worthless dolt most of the time. I mean, I get it. Men truly can be clueless creatures when it comes to women and children sometimes, but about 80% of the time, she sounds like she is constantly annoyed by his mere existence.
Overall, it was good for a chuckle or two in sheer agreement, but other than that, it isn't worth the time to read it, unless of course you are stuck in a closed in space with your in-laws and need something, ANYTHING, to distract you.
She speaks of her husband as he's a clueless, worthless dolt most of the time. I mean, I get it. Men truly can be clueless creatures when it comes to women and children sometimes, but about 80% of the time, she sounds like she is constantly annoyed by his mere existence.
Overall, it was good for a chuckle or two in sheer agreement, but other than that, it isn't worth the time to read it, unless of course you are stuck in a closed in space with your in-laws and need something, ANYTHING, to distract you.
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