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Snarky in the suburbs #1

Snarky in the Suburbs: Back to School

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The Spring Creek Elementary School PTA Board, a coven of Mean Moms dressed in Uggs, yoga pants, and dermal filler, is up to no good, and Wynn Butler (middle-aged, uncool and not bringing sexy back) is determined to find out what’s going on. With help from her two kids, a Roomba vacuum turned mobile surveillance drone, and a few close friends, Wynn launches a covert investigation that leads to the mother of all revenge capers at the school’s annual Fall Festival.

If you’ve ever fantasized about smoke bombing the idiot parent who has yet to master the fine art of the school drop-off lane or standing up and shouting “Liar, liar Botox on fire!" during a PTA meeting, then this delicious tale of payback is for you.

Based on the popular blog, Snarky In the Suburbs that was recently optioned by ABC for film and television rights.

177 pages, ebook

First published December 9, 2012

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About the author

Sherry Kuehl

5 books49 followers
Sherry Kuehl writes the popular blog Snarky in the Suburbs (www.snarkyinthesuburbs.com) that was optioned by ABC for film and television.

She’s the author of three books: Empty, Snarky in the Suburbs Back to School and Snarky in the Suburbs Trouble in Texas.

Sherry (aka Snarky) can also be seen on morning television dispensing “21st century advice with an attitude” with her “Dear Snarky” segments and she has a weekly column in the Kansas City Star that features her unique take on life.

Sherry’s background is in broadcast journalism. She’s an award-winning producer, journalist and author having worked for various television stations in Texas, CNN, The Wall Street Journal Report, Public Television and other news media outlets.


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5 stars
180 (43%)
4 stars
121 (29%)
3 stars
82 (19%)
2 stars
29 (6%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Megan Lieb.
248 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2024
Definitely loved the hilarity of this book and laughed out loud quite a few times. Quick read, but a little hard to get in to at first. Can’t wait to read the next!
Profile Image for Peyton Price.
Author 18 books25 followers
December 18, 2012
This book lovingly skewers the people of the suburbs—my people. Yoga pant mom, croc-wearing mom, churchy mom, perfect mom, competitive parents, yard maintenance crazies, coasting-to-retirement teachers—all here in perfectly painted portraits. This delicious book is a clever tale of intrigue, revenge, and sex (with a leaf blower) told in Snarky’s irresistible “Who, me?” voice. For the ultimate suburban experience, I recommend reading it in the back of a PTA meeting or, as I did, in a pedicure chair with a rolling massager. Whether you love the suburbs or are plotting your escape, you’ll find this book as satisfying as a Diet Coke with the *perfect* beverage-to-ice ratio and a twist of lime.
Profile Image for Msgypsy.
113 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2024
Such fun!

I enjoy Kush lbs TikTok persona. Her hero in the book is a thinly disguised version of that person (likely a variation on Kuehl herself.) The story here is about how the "mean girl" queens of the PTA are brought down by the other mothers who the queens have been bullying. It's funny, over the top, and glorious. I loved every moment of it. I just really wish I could have inserted commas where needed. Hopefully in subsequent books the grammar checker improved, because I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Kim.
307 reviews
May 12, 2014
I wanted to like this far more than I did. The author has an oftentimes hilarious skill at observing and describing some of the particularly funny and bizarre rituals of suburban culture and some of the archetypical characters that populate in suburbia. However, besides needing serious proof reading, this book lacked the heart that I hoped would be paired with keen eye. It is part black comedy and part farce, but the characters end up flat for the reader, despite her occasionally awesome descriptions and captures of some aspects of life in the adult version of high school known as the suburbs. In the end, it feels as mean or meaner (not just snarky) than the villainous characters it describes. It got the second star because I could see flashes of what a story it could have been.... But as it is, I can't recommend it.
Profile Image for Kristen.
303 reviews
June 1, 2013
Seemed like the author was trying a little too hard for laughs although there were some funny moments. Needs a proofreader badly.
459 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2026
Great book

After watching Sherry in her Snarky in the Suburbs videos on Instagram for about a year I decided to check out her books that are seen on the desk during the videos. I have to say that I love this first book and I admit that I see some of the moms who were part of the PTA at my daughters first school, part of the reason we switched schools. I honestly laughed at the comparisons between the two. I can't wait to read the rest of the books. Not my typical genre but great read for sure. On to the next one.
6 reviews
September 3, 2026
Big isn't always better

Wynn and her Justice League are out to settle the score with the mean Moms in a big way. They like it BIG! If you like it fast moving over the top absurd revenge plans(you know the ones that go through your brain before you either chicken out or reason sets in) and a touch snarky this the book not to miss. This will touch your funny bone and kindly remind you to be respectful of others(mean girls I'm talking to you)
Profile Image for Jessica.
251 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2026
I love listening to Sherry's Snarky in the Suburbs Podcast, and I knew going in this book would make me giggle. It is not a serious or super long read, but it was perfect for getting me over a reading slump. The beginning was a tad slow, but once I got in it, it was a super quick read. I laughed out loud several times. She is hilarious!
494 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2024
This book is a funny book, whose title tells you the way in which it is written-snarky. This story is told in first person by Wynn Butler, who sees herself as a professional pot-stirrer. The PTA is run by her arch-nemesis Jacardia Monroe and her posse. A fun, quick read!
Profile Image for Kelli Dasilva.
59 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2024
Got kids?

Thai was SO much fun to read, especially if you have or have hd kids! Evil PTA moms and a crusading mom with a special gift for meting out justice makes me miss the elementary school days!
36 reviews
July 20, 2024
Back to School

Great characters, many laugh out loud moments. Ms. Kuehl has such an active imagination that is easily transferred to the book. I especially enjoy her kids' involvement in her schemes.
Profile Image for Missi Pittman.
4 reviews
January 4, 2025
Snarky-Back to School

If you’re looking for a quick, no-brainer, funny read, this will suffice😁. Elementary school moms getting the ultimate revenge on some snooty, self-absorbed PTA moms.
1 review1 follower
July 12, 2026
Super Fun Read!

After watching Sherry on Instagram, I knew I had to read her books. She did not disappoint. This book is full of humor, and of course, the people who have been wronged get revenge, but only in the best ways!
Profile Image for Leann Sebring.
4 reviews
October 8, 2026
Fun read

Fast fun read and a good wins in the end kind of book. Would recommend to someone looking for a light hearted jab against the better than thou crowd social hierarchy at the local school.
4 reviews
October 20, 2026
Loved this book! Laughed out loud numerous times! I follow Snarky in the Suburbs on Instagram and love her sense of humor. So I had to dive into her books and start reading. I was not disappointed. I’m moving on to the next one now.
1,067 reviews
March 22, 2023
Amusing. Do parents really walk their 4th graders to class? And take their pictures?
Profile Image for Susan Clancy.
10 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2023
laugh out loud funny!

Loved this story, all mom’s know the crazy PTA Moms, unless you are one. This book is just fun to read, seeing these perfect Moms get what they deserve.
Profile Image for Fly.
358 reviews12 followers
December 14, 2023
It could have used some professional editing, but I enjoyed it nonetheless! My kids are older, but I remember those days of the PTA from suburban hell :)
Profile Image for Beth Agejew.
107 reviews5 followers
March 5, 2024
Quite amusing and eerily accurate. A guaranteed good laugh.
Profile Image for Tracey.
329 reviews
June 22, 2025
4.25⭐️ light, funny and a very easy read. Will read the rest in the series.
Profile Image for Mary.
12 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2025
This book reminds me of the show American Housewife with Katy Mixon. The book was funny and a quick read.
2 reviews
January 18, 2026
This book is hilarious! Being a 90s mom or a today mom, you can so identify with the characters. It is a fun read that will make you laugh throughout the book.
30 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2026
What a ride

This book was a hoot!!! Don't ever underestimate a Mom or several with revenge on their minds. A must read.
1 review
June 5, 2026
Loved it!

I actually laughed out loud. If my mother were still alive, she would love it ,too. Can't wait to read the next one. Thanks Snarky
1 review1 follower
July 14, 2026
Very Funny

This was an enjoyable read. The characters were believable, even if a little over the top. Looking forward to trying another book by this author.
Profile Image for Kathy.
20 reviews
July 27, 2026
Laugh out loud funny. I was able to read this on a three hour plane ride. Very enjoyable. Looking forward to reading the other 3 books!
Profile Image for Kathy Bond.
18 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2026
Hilarious!!

A good, easy, fun book by non other than Snarky! If you have ever wanted to see the “Mean Girl (Women) take down… here’s your chance!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews