In the latest laugh-out-loud confessional from A.K. Turner's "Tales of Imperfection" series, the author relates her adventures on the Jersey Shore, at an Idaho drag show with her in-laws, and surviving the perils of an elementary school ice-cream social with equal parts wit and heart. The laughter pairs well with two parts cocktail.
AK Turner is The New York Times bestselling author of the award-winning Vagabonding with Kids series, as well as This Little Piggy Went to the Liquor Store, Mommy Had a Little Flask, and Hair of the Corn Dog. Her works have received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, IPPY Awards in Humor and Travel, Foreword Indies Awards, Independent Press Distinguished Favorite, and inclusion in BookLife’s Top 5 Indie Books of 2014. She is a contributor to the anthologies Leave the Lipstick, Take the Iguana (Traveler’s Tales), Little White Dress (Mill Park Publishing), I Just Want to Be Alone and I Just Want to Be Perfect (Throat_Punch Books) and a coauthor of Drinking with Dead Women Writers and Drinking with Dead Drunks. Her work has been featured online at Scary Mommy, In the Powder Room, The Huffington Post, Nickmom, Felicity Huffman’s What the Flicka?, The Quivering Pen, Multicultural Kid Blogs, and Artocratic, among others, and in the print publications Cloudbank, Idaho Magazine, The Idaho Statesman, Treasure Valley Family Magazine, Boise City Revue, and Folio Literary. She lives in Idaho with her husband and two children, but travels frequently as a part-time digital nomad. Learn more at VagabondingWithKids.com.
while this book was pretty funny I definitely wouldn't call it "laugh out loud" funny. this latest installment by a.k. turner just didn't flow that well with me. sometimes during the chapters, the story would twist off in a different direction that left me scratching my head like, ok how did we get here? the entire first chapter is about a story of a married couple having cab sex as told to her by the cab driver.....hmm wouldn't that be considered someone else's story? anyway, I would recommend it for a.k. turner fans (which I am btw) but I probably wouldn't recommend it to one of my reader friends.
I was reading this on public transport, when a curious fellow passenger, wondering at my smiles and giggles asked what it was about and what the author was like. The only response I could think to make was "It's about everyday life. A K Turner is the Erma Bombeck of the 21st Century."
The guy immediately took a photograph of the cover to show his wife and was planning on spending the evening on browsing Amazon & Book Depository for all the books.
Amanda, if you received a sudden influx of orders from Australia, that's why. :D
I love the wry, self deprecating sense of humour displayed in the books. I mourn the fact they are not directly published in Australia and I have to purchase from overseas. Everyone should have the opportunity to read these books.
If you have a quirky sense of humour, you are going to love A K Turner's writing. So do yourself a favour and track down a copy any way you can.
For the third time, I became ensnared in the lives of the Turners. Just as she did with This Little Piggy Went to the Liquor Storeand Mommy Had a Little Flask, A.K. Turner tells the story of family and parenting with humility, truth and a lot of humor in Hair of the Corn Dog. I started this book on an airplane, no distractions, yet plenty of others having to endure the giggles, guffaws and verbal reactions escaping from me without control. A.K. Turner's ability to tell the truths about what it means to be a parent of young girls and be a member of a dynamic, colorful and uniquely charming family is alluring and addictive. Hair of the Corn Dog is a collection of hilarious excursions and experiences she has lived through with a sense of humor and a critical, deliberate intention to evoke perspective, gratitude and laughter. Read the whole series or read just this book. Either way be ready with some Depends, tissues and a girlfriend to debrief with.
Truth and humor - These are my perfect ingredients for a book. A.K. Turner has a knack for blending those two ingredients to make the perfect recipe. For the third time, she has filled a book with true stories that literally make you laugh out loud. The book is unique because she puts a humorous spin on everyday situations in life, which otherwise might seem boring. Many types of people can relate to her stories - parents, families with that one family member that keeps you all guessing, anyone with in-laws, anyone with pet-peeves. Every time I start one of her books, I read it in one sitting. Hair of the Corn Dog is definitely worth the read...
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hair of the Corn Dog and found myself laughing out loud at AK and her hilarious family. I was highly entertained by how she sees and navigates her way through sometimes sticky parental situations, and love how she tends to portray herself as so uncool that I am compelled to think she is the coolest, most honest person around. I, like AK, don't take myself too seriously and enjoyed her self-effacing humor and candor. The reveal of her "machine gun" flatulence had me rolling off my seat! This is the type of odd-ball family that I want to know and have as friends!! Great read with lots of laughs!!
In the spirit of full disclosure, I was provided with an advanced reader copy of Hair of the Corn Dog for the purposes of review.
I wait for AK Turner's writing the way teenage girls wait for the next vampire YA romance- and she certainly lived up to my expectations again! Her honest, hilarious, and conversational style keeps the reader engaged. Maybe part of the reason I enjoy her writing so much is because her in-laws remind me a bit of mine, but without her talent for writing and great balance of comedy and storytelling it wouldn't be nearly as fantastic of a read.
After laughing out loud at Mommy Had a Little Flask, I couldn't wait for Hair of the Corn Dog. And once again, I literally laughed out loud numerous times. I love her honesty and the hilarious, blunt way she tells a story. She also paints a really funny picture of the people in her life, who add even more hilarity to her story. Definitely a fun read, and I'm looking forward to catching up on all her other books.
Once again, AK Turner did not disappoint. Her ability to story tell is amazing, Just like with her first and second confessional, this one is filled with wonderful stories of family, friends, and even strangers. It doesn't matter what stage of life you are in, you will find joy, laughter and love on every single page. This is a must read for anyone that needs laughter in their life.
This is the first book I have read by A.K. Turner. It's a series of "essays" about life with her husband and two girls, with a humorous twist. Think Jen Lancaster, but she's not as snarky. Funny, laugh out loud easy, quick read.
I want to move in with the Turner family because they make mine seem boring. She can turn ordinary events into humorous casualties of life and come out smelling like a pinot noir. Funny, witty, and slightly edgy. Just as life should be.
This is the 2nd book of hers I have read, and again I find myself actually laughing out loud. It is so relatable to the stage of life I am in now. I am going to go back and read her earlier books as well.
Living in Boise, Idaho, is great (most of the time), particularly because it’s a well-known secret that Boise has a hoppin’ literary scene. Brilliant and world-class writers have converged on this little city, and we love it! One of our talented writers, A.K. Turner, is out with her latest memoir about family life, Hair of the Corn Dog. It’s smart and honest and full of fun, though the writer/main character is not always enjoying herself.
Early on, Turner recounts the first float trip that she takes with her daughters, Emilia aged six and Ivy aged four, down the Boise River. Turner explains that her husband, Mike, paddled the raft while she “spent the entire trip holding both kids, who were firmly secured in lifejackets, in a vice-like grip to allay my fear of them falling out of the boat.
‘Is that comfortable, Amanda?’ Mike asked, knowing it wasn’t. ‘I’m fine,’ I said. ‘But are you having fun? This is supposed to be fun.’ ‘I am having fun.’ ‘You look uncomfortable and miserable.’ ‘This is my fun face.’ Ivy looked up at me and said, ‘You look mean, Mama.’ ‘Yeah, Mom.’ Emilia squirmed. ‘You’re hurting me. Can’t I just touch the water?’ ‘No!’ ”
A self-described stickler for rules of all kinds, Turner sometimes has to balance her propensity toward “bitchiness” with an understanding that the rules occasionally (frequently?) get in the way of experiencing new things and enjoying life as much as possible.
Turner’s skills as a writer make the book a fun and quick read. She has an eye for the weird and a knack for finding humor in ordinary life. Whether she’s walking her daughters to school with mother-in-law in tow or spending a night out at “Humpin’ Hannah’s” with her husband and a friend, Turner (mostly) has a good deal of fun because she knows how to laugh at herself and other people.
There’s been a lot of buzz about a new book by Jennifer Senior titled All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenting. Unlike Senior’s, Turner’s book is not a sociological study on marriage and parenting nor a guide on how to navigate these often tricky projects. However, her vignettes on family life demonstrate an ability to live a joyful and fun-filled life with kids, spouse, and in-laws (living part-time in the basement!). And even though I learned way more about the backseat of one particular Boise taxicab than I ever wanted to know, as a reader, I still felt lucky to go along on that cab ride with Turner and her crew.
I got the request to review this book just as I was starting to scale back my book reviews. I just could not resist after reading the blurb so I signed up for this book tour, and I am so glad I did. I first started this book two days ago and finished it last night (which means the house is now a mess and the kids barely got fed). This was a book that I would have picked on my own, just based on the description. However, a quote from my absolute favorite humorist, Laurie Notaro, on the back cover, sealed the deal. I knew I was in for at least a chuckle.
Well, don’t read this book in public, because I literally laughed out loud many times, making my kids ask what was so funny. I couldn’t share the adult humor but it was rampant. Turner gets being a parent but doesn’t pretend to be perfect. She admits to making her younger daughter about her age so she would appear to be old enough to attend a class. She plies both kids with carnival food. She almost gets into fights at back to school night. I don’t want to ruin what is one of the funniest, if self-deprecating, scenes of the book, but we even read about her nightly flatulence. I swear, this woman has been spying on me and stealing my life to write this book, although her in-laws seem much more fun, if a bit too bent on over-sharing.
I highly recommend this book to fans of Laurie Notaro and Jen Lancaster. Never read either of them? No matter, you’ll like this book. If you enjoy a healthy dose of cursing that it is not cursing for cursing’s sake, then you’ll like this book. I’m going to seek out Turner’s first two books and will be on the lookout for future books so I can continue to feel more secure in my parenting abilities.
I received a copy of this book in order to provide a review. This did not influence my opinion in any way; all thoughts are my own.
This was a unique book. I enjoy getting to take little glimpses into other peoples lives and what better way to do that then by reading a "confessional" book of someones life. As a mom I can relate to so many of her stories about her kids. I laughed so hard I cried at times. I have been in those situations and reacted very similar in many of them. I adored the "almost" art camp, the boating adventures and festivals the most. Mainly because I've been there myself. I find comfort when others freak out with their kids as much as I do. Gives me some sense of normalcy in my own life.
This was just a really nice, upbeat, laugh out loud, enjoyable book from start to finish. Although the writing is a little jumpy moving from thought to thought without really tying up the first one, its real. After all that's how we really talk anyway as women. I can easily recommend this book for anyone with kids, in-laws, or those who just want a good laugh.
I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of Pump Up Your Books Review Crew.
This book was a hilarious read. The author relates her experiences in a true way. Of course, we have to put the in laws in. There's always he in-laws. The book deals with a lot of everyday issues of family, Money, Planned Parenthood and even recent movies. I could tell you about all the crazy, hilarious moments in the book, but that would spoil it for you. Did you ever have a time when your child said something embarrassing in front of one of your friends.? I know, you wanted to crawl in a hole. This is a fun, well written, laughable and filled with so much reality of everyday life. I loved this book, Totally loved this book. There aren't many books these days that can bring out everyday problems and have you laughing your insides out. This author did it. Wonderful. We all need that belly laugh once in a while. W all need to lighten up on reality once in a while. This author allows that.
Grab the book and start laughing and thinking about your own situations that are just like the ones in the book. You won't be sorry.
I was given a complimentary copy of HAIR OF THE CORN DOG by AK Turner from PUYB for y view of the book. No other compensation took place.
Allow me to preface this review with "I want Amanda Turner to be my new best friend".
Now that that is out of the way... This book is the third installment of the "Tales of Imperfection Series", and does not disappoint. Throughout the last 24 hours I found myself laughing out loud, tearing up from trying to not laugh out loud, and possibly peeing myself a little (but only possibly, and definitely just a little). I find myself relating in some way to almost every chapter, from her views on parenting to morning drinking (but probably not her strange fascination with prison... just saying). Any Mom who has a day or five where she feels like she may not be up to snuff, needs to sit down with this book or Mommy Had a Little Flask, or This Little Piggy Went to the Liquor Store, or hell, all three, grab a bottle of wine, run yourself a bubble bath, and feel better, because you are not alone...and you will laugh!
I loved this book. It had me in stitches on at least every third page, most notably during the description of Turner’s daughters’ art camp (where they did almost no art) and as she recalled entertaining encounters with her in-laws. (She and her mother-in-law sneak booze into public events in their coffee mugs and pole dance together. Isn’t that awesome?) And her acknowledgement of farting in bed really had me tooting—er, hooting. Ok, maybe a little of both. (Because you know, we all do it. We just don’t admit it.)
Basically, I absolutely think anyone with a sense of humor should check out this book. I just don’t recommend reading it while trying to create a quiet, soothing environment to coax your baby to sleep in. (My poor guy kept waking up en route to la-la land as my chest heaved repeatedly from trying to suppress my laughter. Attempts to keep this in check made things worse and his naps were crap until I finished the book.)
Five stars from me. And if I’m ever in Boise, I’d love to stop in Humpin’ Hannah’s for a drink with this hilarious woman.
This author writes today's version of Erma Brombeck's books. There were times that I laughed so hard that I cried. She is honest and fast as she relates her experiences with the reader. I would love to have the author live with me for one week so she can tell me her take on my life! I have no doubt that I would be a lot less stressed out afterwards. My favorite part is of course the part about her in-laws. Especially the discussion about getting pets at the Hyde Park Street Fair. There are so many issues mentioned in this book that come with raising a family. Money, Planned Parenthood, and even recent movies. There are so many crazy moments that I could relate too, maybe not in the same exact way, but we have all been there when the kids say something that they are not supposed to! I can not wait to read the rest of this author's books. I hope she never stops writing. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own. ( I am going to look up her other books now)!
I absolutely love this series & the Turner family! After reading this, the 3rd in the series, I had to go back & read the 1st 2 again. They're just so funny & who doesn't need a good laugh?! As a parent of a 4 & 5 year old I find myself able to relate to all the stories she shares! And who doesn't wish they had her in-laws! Amazing, hilarious people! Great, quick read & I was honored to get an early preview! I recommend this to all parents to help them find the humor in this crazy, amazing life!! Or just anyone who needs a laugh! It's always nice to know we're not as alone on this journey as we think we are! And I have in-laws that live in Idaho & can attest to it being a great place to go & was surprisingly shocked at my 1st visit! She even has me considering looking into this vacation/home exchange thing! Wonder if the Turner's would like farm country in the Midwest...probably...not likely...lol
Another funny book from AK Turner. While I'll admit that I didn't howl out loud nearly as much reading Hair of the Corn Dog as I did reading This Little Piggy Went to the Liquor Store or Mommy Had a Little Flask, I still really enjoyed the book, and there are plenty of moments that will have you cracking up. The "4am machine gun" had me snorting, trying not to wake my wife, as I read in bed.
I love Amanda's brutal, sometimes self-deprecating honesty, and love that she says the things that most parents have thought to themselves time and time again. I also love the fact that she is not ashamed to admit that most things go better with a glass (or two)of wine.
Fair warning: Amanda has a potty mouth, and she drinks. If either of these will offend you, move along. Otherwise, kick back and enjoy.
I really don't know how you can go wrong by writing a "confessional" but then again if I were to write a book about my life I'm pretty sure no one would want to buy it. A.K. Turner's newest "confessional" Hair of the Corn Dog, is just as good as her previous books. Anyone who has a pulse will absolutely love this book, and those of you with in-laws and kids will probably enjoy it even more! A.K. Turner tells it how it is, she doesn't hide the facts or worry about saying something offense. I spent almost the entire time reading the book laughing my head off. I even had to get my husband to read portions of the book, even though he isn't a reader (and he told me he now wants to read the book!).
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
A.K. Turner is a great storyteller. She relates stories about her family and life with humor and honesty. This is the third book in the “Tales of Imperfection” series but it’s the first book I’ve read by this author. I plan on going back and reading her other two books in this series because I really enjoyed this one.
I definitely recommend Hair of the Corn Dog to anyone who is looking for a funny, quick read. Just be sure you’re somewhere that you don’t have to be quiet because you may find yourself laughing out loud.
Even if you have grown kids, you'll love A.K. Turner's latest adventures as a modern woman, wife, mother of young girls, and daughter-in-law. From feeling fat on camera to receiving the dreaded phone call from her child's teacher, Turner gracefully shows us how funny, and how poignant,everyday life can be. Reading this book is going to put a great big smile on your face - guaranteed.
In Hair of the Corn Dog, A.K. Turner’s latest book, she finds a way to make you laugh so hard that your ribs hurt. My cheeks still ache from smiling so much while I read Corn Dog. Just when you think it can’t get any funnier, it does. A.K. Turner is seriously one of the funniest writers I have ever read. What a wacky family—and she captures the nuances of them all perfectly.
She just seems real, normal, and honest. If you're looking for a June Cleaver type of mom to tell you some little stories about her every day life...well, you might want to look elsewhere. Her writing is entertaining, and down to Earth. After finishing her first book, I immediately downloaded the next, and the same after that.