Trailer Trash, With a Girl's Name

by Stacey Roberts

When the author was born, his mother did the unthinkable. She gave him a girl's name-Stacey.

But Stacey's name was just the first hurdle he'd face in his uphill climb from birth to manhood. He also had to deal with an entitled older brother, the hodgepodge of different men his mother was involved with, and the nomadic lifestyle he was forced to endure for five years. And to top it all off, his mother couldn't cook a decent meal to save her life.

"Trailer Trash, With a Girl's Name" is Stacey Roberts' lighthearted, often hilarious account of growing up in an unstable household during the 1980s. Full of humor, history, and hope, it follows Stacey from the hospital room where he was born to the Winnebago that carried him across the country, filling in the gaps with a wit and humor that anyone with a dysfunctional family can appreciate.

So go ahead and start reading. Once you hop aboard the Winnebago with Stacey and his quirky family, you'll find that you're in for the ride or your life, where what you learn along the way is not only entertaining, but also enormously enriching.

Genres: Memoir, Humor, Nonfiction, Biography

214 pages, Paperback

First published February 7, 2014

About the author

Stacey Roberts was born in a smoky hospital in New Jersey in 1971. Nine years later, he and his family moved into a Winnebago and traveled across the country. After several near-death experiences, they settled first in California and then Florida.

He attended college at Florida State University and University of Miami, where he received his B.A. in English Literature instead of Finance, which was a great disappointment to his mother.

He went on to get a Master’s degree in Early Modern European History at the University of Cincinnati, to which his mother said, “SSSStace. History? What do you need that for? What is wrong with you?”

His mother was right. He didn’t need it for anything, except to make arcane references about the Roman Empire or Henry VIII that no one else understands.

He founded a computer consulting firm outside of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1994, and resides in Northern Kentucky with his two brilliant daughters and their less than brilliant yellow dog Sophie.

Reviews

[Donna Cavanagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough how much I loved this book. It is so funny and so warm and so filled with real life moments that I truly felt I was going through life with Stacey. This is a must read in my view. After you put this book down, you will appreciate your family and all their foibles and missteps. This is one of those books that readers will just keep passing around and around.

[Maura Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo to Stacey Roberts, creator of the funniest book I ever read! Trailer Trash is one of those rare books that you can read repeatedly and still find new sections to chuckle over. I made the mistake of reading my copy during a two-hour bus journey to Manhattan, something I don’t recommend to anyone who enjoys laugh out loud novels. At the end of the first half hour of this trip, the bus driver made an announcement: “To the woman shrieking in laughter at the back of the bus, if you want to stay on the bus, whatever you’re doing, STOP IT!”

Other places not to read Trailer Trash: The N train downtown (uptown they don’t care as you’re squished like a sardine and most people during rush hour are a little frazzled and close to crazy), the women's bathroom on Macy’s 2nd floor, any Starbucks (the suits, yuppies and hipsters tend to look askance at anyone who smiles let alone laughs, except for the baristas) and Trader Vic’s (you’re supposed to SHOP, not READ!).

There’s no need to describe the book, characters or plot - the other reviewers did a fine job. Instead, I just want to let any potential reader know that this is one book you MUST read!

Case closed.

[Sameer Ketkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trailer Trash, With a Girl's Name is the debut book of author Stacey Roberts. But it sure doesn't feel like a debut! Filled with delightfully hilarious prose and observations on what it's like to grow up as trailer trash with a girl's name, Roberts both pokes fun at his own situation and shows the strength to get through it. There are dozens of hilarious and offbeat and tragic anecdotes in this book about the topics of life, love, failure, not being the favorite child, bad luck, and the desire for something greater. This is a thoroughly enjoyable, witty read where the author really bares himself to the world -- with hilarious and heartfelt results.

[Cinta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Since the beginning of the story, which is based on true facts, I knew that I was going to like this book. The style is fresh, the telling is entertaining, the situations are humorous and at the same time dramatic, and the characters are amazing. If I have to find something bad about this book, it would be that it is too short and I would have loved to go on reading about the different characters that appear in this bittersweet account of the author's life as a child. I know that the author is working on more books with more stories like the ones in this book, so... please, hurry up and publish them soon.

Growing up with a mother who gives you a girl's name and openly admits that her other son is the favourite one is not easy. Add to that a string of boyfriends and husbands, a mobile home, bikes, cars that stop working when you need them the most, and other hilarious situations, and you have a successful book in your hands.

I have seen people say that this book deserves to be turned into a sit-com. I totally agree. That would be hilarious to watch. I can also imagine the author doing stand-up comedy while telling the stories included in this book. Any way or the other, read this book. I promise the smile won't ever leave your face, even while you read the most gruesome things. And one last thing: you will never look at red onions in the same way after reading this book. Anytime I see a red onion, I burst out laughing.

[Mary Paddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to grow up as the kid who isn't the favorite. But in the tradition of many comedy writers, Stacey Roberts has turned his painful non-favorite status into a fall-down funny chronicle of working out how to be okay anyway. As we laugh, we are wincing, half-hoping the story he's telling us is not all true for his sake, and half-hoping it is because something that funny should be.

If someone put a gun to my head and demanded that I pick a favorite story from this book, I would be hard-pressed to do so (guns to heads do this to people). However, if they took the gun away and gave me a minute to relax, I'd probably pick the one in which Stacey's car decides to die while he and his friend Rob are on their way home from college and he has to depend on his brother, Layne the Favorite, to pick him up. You will not fully appreciate this story if you haven't read the rest of the book, and I will not spoil it by retelling it here. However when he finally gets his mother on the phone and tells her that his car has broken down and she replies, "No, it didn't", both that statement and his response left me physically unable to tell my husband what was "so funny".

This book is a gem. This author is a keeper. You want his book. You want to subscribe to his Facebook page and his Twitter feed, and keep an eye out for more work for him here. Did you have anything else planned for today?

No, you didn't.

[Regina Puckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing I loved most about this book is how Mr. Robert made me laugh and cringe at the same time.

In one scene an old lady hits Stacey with her car. After a patrolman arrives, Stacey has to translate what the old lady is saying because the officer can't understand her. I thought I was going to pee my pants, because I was laughing so hard. I would try to stop laughing but the next sentence would be even funnier than the one before it.

This has to be the funniest book I have ever read. I really have no idea how Stacey lived through his childhood. My guess is he came into this world with a grim determination to live and discovered along the way that he might as well make the best of an ugly situation.

I can't wait for the movie to come out (There'll be one of that I have no doubt).

Just one more thing-I many never eat another onion.

[Erica H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know the author is trying to be funny but his childhood sounds unnaturally harsh. It makes you want to go back in time, give him a hug, and take him to the doctor's.

[Barbara Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some time back, I met the author of Trailer Trash online through the great, mysterious reaches of Twitterverse. I stumbled upon Stacey Roberts’ blog one day and started reading. I was supposed to be leaving the house for some reason or other, but instead I sat glued to the screen, tears running down my face, practically choking to death from laughter. My husband was watching television in the next room and I kept yelling out, trying to share my mirth in a garbled, hysterical way that I’m pretty sure he didn’t understand a word of. Before I had finished reading that blog post, I was hooked.
I had no idea these short stories would result in a book, but I was excited when I heard they had, knowing the hilarious exploits of a young boy, his onion-loving Jewish mother and his older brother (Layne, the favorite) would give me hours more entertainment and laughter.
Trailer Trash is a book you just have to share. Stacey’s stories of childhood and beyond are filled with crazy characters, bizarre circumstances, near-death experiences, and inedible food that could have killed a lesser person but instead gave him a totally new perspective… the perspective of a humor author.
I’m just glad his lungs were “cooked” enough that he survived being a preemie baby and lived to tell his tale. You’ll have to read the book to understand that. I suggest you get started. Life is too short not to laugh your way through it. Trailer Trash will start you on your way.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trailer Trash With. Girls Name by Stacy Roberts
I normally don't read this kind of genre, he said she said, play like writing. I am so happy I did, this was one hilarious book. This author tells us all about his up bringing as a Jewish boy with a mom who basically didn't care as much for him as she did for his brother. The author made it out to be funny instead of depressing. He lived in his bothers shadow, hand me downs and all. I have much respect for the way "he" lived his life. In those days it was the way things were. Today a child would be depressed and mad as heck to be treated the way he was. You can't help but shake your head at his mom and brother. I like the little post his mom added to. Great read! I won this book in a contest. Download yours and enjoy.

[Gina Clabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never laughed so hard and just on the first page at one in the morning...crying laughing through this book. You know how you can imagine someone's voice sounding and the way Stacey describes it in the book it will make you laugh out loud.. I'm not laughing at the treatment but I do understand. I'm about the same age as Stacey and how parents were then was crazy. (Example parents sent you outside seeing that you are playing with a snake thinking how cute until it bites you and then figures oh better see what kind of snake that was before taking you to hospital.) True story there..Stacey thank you for your laughs and your mother she was one of a kind.....Recommend to anyone who wants to look back on their life and laugh...Gina Clabo

[Ben Ditmars · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something distinctly American about Stacey Robert's story; the open road and self-discovery along the way; a single mother with two kids, and several husbands, all unique in their ability to bring laughter at the expense of the author. I laughed out loud and cringed at moments. It could have been his mother's cooking (flush with red onions); or even an electrified trailer (how is it possible?); but I connected strongly with the themes from this book as a middle-child who struggled finding my identity. From the cover to the afterword Trailer Trash with a Girl's Name hits every mark, and leaves you wanting more. Highly recommended.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey Roberts is an amazing writer. He has taken a horrifying childhood and made it a funny adventure. Stacey has transformed a dysfunctional family into one we love to follow. Indeed, he has performed an immense public service. Stacey’s hilarious descriptions of his mother’s red-onion-and-ginger meals pushed the memory of eating lutefisk out of my mind. Well, almost. This book was so good it got the coveted “I’m reading it while in the bathtub” status.

[Kathy Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had its moments

But they were few and between. It's about a boy who had kind of a Jewish Joe Dirt upbringing, except less interesting. He repeats much of the same stuff over and over....like his moms terrible cooking and how his brother was favorite for example. For 5 years they lived and traveled in an RV. It was never really clear how they had money to live on but as I said, it did have the occasional funny paragraph or two.

[Mark Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few books I would describe as hilarious to read. In fact there are none. Except one. This one. Trailer Trash is so damn funny you'll bust a gut, maybe three. After reading it, I have but a single question. What the hell, Stacey's mom?

[Jason McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey Roberts’ 'Trailer Trash, With a Girl’s Name' did something most books do not. It made me laugh out loud. Not ‘LOL’, as the kids say these days, on the screens and the keypads of their new-fangled technology. If anything, what I did while reading Roberts’ humour bio was ‘LLOL’. I *literally* laughed out loud. And, if you know me, you know that this is not something I do. (I try not to kvetch much, either, but that is another story.) No, what I don’t often do is wail with laughter at something I read. It just doesn’t happen. On more than one occasion—occasions which I will not spoil by listing them here, though I really do like a good list, who doesn’t?—I laughed in an audible way while reading this book. That is to say, others could *hear* my laughter. I didn’t just think something was funny and type ‘LOL’ to a friend on a phone. I actually and *literally* laughed…out loud. And, often, these strange outbursts would be in the presence of my loving but wary wife. When reading Roberts’ book and doing this ridiculous, out-of-character thing of laughing loudly and audibly, my wife would ask, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?” to which I would tearily, smilingly, respond: “Onions!” and then I would break down into peals of further laughter. Or, whilst reading in the presence of my young children, I would do this strange thing that they do not often hear from their father, this laughing so that others are aware that I am having a good time. And my children, they would ask, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?” to which I would respond, half-bawling, half heaving with the hiccupping sobs of my deep guffaws, “A serial killer’s mattresses!” Needless to say, I do not often buy or even enjoy quasi-non-fiction-y humour books. But I liked this one. I’m glad I found it. And I can’t wait for its sequel—so I can LLOL a whole bunch more.

[Girl with her Head in a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who can forget Johnny Cash's world-weary ode to poor name choices by parents? I remember singing it to a former colleague who hailed from Bulgaria. She listened politely and then asked, "But where is the melody?" In a similar way, Stacey Roberts' memoir is a discordant collection of memories that are recounted in disorder but both Mr Cash and Mr Roberts bring things together in a kind of joyful cacophony. I read this over a weekend, giggling away on my friend's sofa. It really reminded me of Let's Pretend This Never Happened, another memoir concerning the horror of childhood and adolescence.

Stacey Roberts was born 'a preemie' which may or may not have have something to do with his mother's cigarette habit although she flatly denied it. She named him after what she thought the nurse at the hospital might have been called. Younger brother to Layne The Favourite and generally far too similar to his father ("that son of a b****"), being lumbered with a girl's name on top of everything seemed like a step too far. In the grand tradition of comedians everywhere, Roberts has spun what sounds like a truly horrifying childhood into utter hilarity. Arsenic poisoning has never prompted so many laughs.

For my full review:
http://girlwithherheadinabook.blogspo...

[Linda Guest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book in a Goodreads giveaway and what a great find it is! Stacey Roberts has an easy-to-read writing style and a wicked sense of humour that really appeals to me. I found that once I had started this biographical account of Stacey’s early life I couldn’t put it down, it’s a one sitting read. The characterization of Stacey’s mother as slightly odd single mother whose failed relationships with some really strange men had me in stitches and Stacey’s rather strained relationship with his brother, ‘Layne the Favourite’ added some deliciously funny moments. ‘Trailer Trash’ is a bittersweet book, just as I am starting to feel horrified that a child had to live like this something happens that makes me laugh out loud. It’s hard to say what part of this hilarious read made me laugh the most but I rather liked the moment when Ted the Light Bulb Salesman managed to set fire to himself and part of Texas while trying to start the Winnebago. Stacey seems to have had a very alternative childhood and there are moments when I am surprised that he has actually managed to reach adulthood but I’m very glad that he did. I can’t wait for book number 2!

[Anton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I take these humourous memoirs with a pinch of salt. Even David Sedaris, king of the funny autobiographical epistles, I don't believe has memorised every little line of dialogue he has ever spouted. And the same is probably true here. The situation in each chapter is relayed and embellished. I think it's quite interesting too that the author calls this is first novel, where I was always under the impression that a novel was a work of fiction.
In saying that, these vignettes are too commonplace to be made up. They happened, and like a game of Chinese whispers, they've most likely been added to to make them funnier. Stacey Roberts is a likeable guy though, and while I didn't find anything here laugh out loud funny, like I do with Sedaris or Allie Brosh, it was entertaining and enjoyable and real, and a pleasant way to spend a few of my evenings.
I wish there hadn't been quite so much padding (humungous gaps between paragraphs and lines of dialogue; the constant spelling out of every single character's nickname), but I had a pretty good time. I'm mostly surprised that Mr Roberts didn't leave home at the age of 10, growing up with a mother and brother like that though!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I got into this book a little bit, it was actually a pretty funny book. The mother was crazy and no one I would want to mess with. The older (favorite) brother seemed lazy and would probably live with the mother for the rest of his life. It seemed the writer of the book and youngest brother was the only one with any sense. The poor kid, it's a wonder he grew up with any sense. Ha!

This book was definitely classic and full of laughs. I actually think the mother knew what she was doing. Especially when she would invite herself to all these dinners when Stacey thought he was going to have a good meal. I can't believe she would come and sabotage all the good food. Yeah, she wasn't exactly dumb.

Thanks to Sons of Joy for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

[M.E. Lorde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so funny it will make your stomach hurt when it's all said and done. It's hysterical and I found it impossible to be offended by anything within it's pages. Even as a former law enforcement officer, one event he described (that was less than legal) had me in stitches. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut book that read like a seasoned author wrote it as it took me on a journey from childhood into young adulthood. I loved the descriptive names used throughout and had a hard time putting it down to do anything else. There were very few chapters that did not have me laughing out loud and snickering enough that my daughter kept asking me what was so funny. I haven't read a book this full of humor in a very long time. I highly recommend it!

[Lisa Gerardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

went to high school with Stacey Roberts, but I never really knew him. I wish I could go back in time and hang out at his house for a bit, but I would not stay for dinner. I hate onions, Carol. Are you reading this? :)

Seriously, what a page turner. I was wishing I was unemployed so I could keep reading this book. When I finished it, I was so grateful that Stacey thought to include the first chapter of the next book. I wanted to know MORE.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a slice of reality with a side of humor. There are no vampires or werewolves, but there is a dog killer armed with a hatchet. Consider yourselves warned.

Buy this book now. I promise you will not be able to put it down.

[Justin Bog · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I am remiss in writing reviews of books I've read completely (blame the slow reader/writer genes), I love pointing out books to be cherished. The writing in Trailer Trash, with a Girl's Name is catchy and enhances the poignantly comical real-life situations. Humor is often difficult to convey. Trailer Trash gets to the heart of a childhood filled with bumps as years pass to adulthood. What may be funny to one reader may not resonate with the next. Comic timing is key, and the author uses this key to unlock so many brilliant and hilarious moments. I'm happy he chose to share them with an audience. Can't wait for the next book.

[Amanda Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way this author has turned his life into a parody in order to elicit laughs from readers, and probably in order to just be able to deal with it himself, is simply wonderful. From a mother whose cooking is atrocious most of the time, to a brother who is seemingly useless even though he's mom's favorite, to a series of loser men his mother lives with, the author can turn any situation into a laughable one. The only problem I had with this book is the redundancy of the details that frustrate the author, however it's that redundancy that adds to the overall humor, I suppose. I won this book via First Reads, and would like to see more stories from this author in the future.

[Gentle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of Trailer Trash, with a Girl's Name from Goodreads. The title alone had me wondering what the heck this book would be about. As soon as I started reading the book I was drawn in to the story of Stacey, the boy with a girl's name. The family and friends described in the book, and his interactions with them were at times funny, and at other times sad. Some of the stories made me want to run to his defense or just hug the kid who was treated like leftovers no one really wanted to be bothered with at the time. The book was an easy read and the formatting was easy on the eyes. Stacey Roberts had a peculiar series of events happen in his life that made for good stories.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trailer Trash, onions...American Pie? This book is not about the American Dream. It is more like survival of the least favorite child. Stacey Roberts has taken childhood pain and spun it into comedy. I must admit there were times I felt guilty about laughing about what must have been an unbearable situation, but I couldn't help it. In his family's alphabet soup, Stacey was the one who came closest to spelling normal. His mother's constant, "SSSSSSStace...What's wrong with you?" cracked me up. It was more than evident who were the scrambled eggs in the family nest. Laughter helps a soul to cope and Stacey serves it up big in his book. It's a great read!

[Cassie_Reads_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really fun read, but I did not like how it just seemed to stop. I might have to look into any other books from this author.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

QUIRKY, QUIRKY! THIS BOOK WAS A QUIRKY "WONDER YEARS", FUNNY AND KINDA SAD AT TIMES. IT AMAZES ME HOW SO MANY PEOPLE SURVIVE CHILDHOOD, CONSIDERING THE PARENTS THAT RAISE THEM. THANK GOODNESS FOR THE ENCOUNTERS OF THE JIMMIES IN THEIR WORLD. BEING A PARENT AND A MOTHER MYSELF, THE MOTHER IN THIS BOOK LET ME KNOW THAT SOME OF US SHOULD NEVER REPRODUCE. I FELT SO SORRY FOR SSSSSSTACE BUT AT THE SAME TIME I WAS SO TICKLED I COULDN'T STOP LAUGHING. HISSSS ENTIRE LIFE WAS FILLED WITH MISFORTUNE, ONE AFTER THE OTHER, HIS FIRST BEING BORN TO THIS HORRIBLE WOMAN. O.M.G.!! ;>

[Monica Porta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trailer Trash, with A Girl’s Name is an original memoir that makes you laugh out loud, and at the same time feel for this smart boy who endures a difficult life without losing his sense of humor. Mr. Roberts’s witty comicalness and neat prose make this book impossible to put down. I read it in one session and went back and forth between chapters to highlight some of the most hilarious sentences I’ve read in quite some time. Looking forward to the second installation in this series.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

I'm still trying to figure out how a book can be so hilarious and so sad all at the same time. A lot of the stories included are heartbreaking, but thanks to the author's style and take on them, you can't help but laugh. I know for sure I'll never look at red onions the same ever again!

A great story of overcoming your childhood, not dwelling on the bad things, and turning it into something positive.

[Renelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an autographed copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!

A wonderfully entertaining book by a first time author. I don't want to give too much away....you just have to read it to see!! I almost read the whole thing in one sitting, the only thing that stop me was I had to get up early the next morning.

Take my advice. Just read it!