Life From the Bottom Shelf

by Ellen Gable

“Even the smallest person can change the course of history.” Galadriel to Frodo in the movie The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring
Have you ever gone to a public bathroom to find the mirrors so high that you can only see your forehead? Do young children stand beside you and exclaim, "I'm as tall as you!" When you drive, do you still have trouble reaching the pedals even when you've moved the seat all the way forward? If you've never experienced these situations, then it's quite likely you're well over five feet tall.

In her new book, award-winning author Ellen Gable, along with seven other contributors, share the ups and downs of being short-statured in a tall world. Gable, who is four feet, eight and a half inches tall (the average height of a nine- to ten-year-old girl), has always tried to keep a sense of humor about her height. This is a book about embracing one’s size and finding the joy and humor in it.

206 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Ellen Gable (Hrkach) is an award-winning, bestselling author of thirteen books, contributor to numerous others, ghostwriter of five books, and publisher/editor of 60 other books. Her newest book, Life From the Bottom Shelf, is a humorous look at being short. Her novel, Where Angels Pass, was #1 in New Releases on Amazon.ca. for two days and won first place in Religious Fiction in the 2022 CMA Book Awards. Four of her other books have also won literary awards. She and her husband, James Hrkach, are the parents of five adult sons, three beautiful daughters-in-law, and grandparents to four precious and entertaining grandchildren. Her books are available in several languages and on Audible. When not writing, Ellen enjoys watching classic movies, reading, researching her family tree, and playing board games with her family.

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight! I love Ellen Gable. I plan to buy copies for each of my shorty relatives and friends for Christmas!

[Shey Saints · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life From the Bottom Shelf by Ellen Gable is a heartfelt and humorous memoir-style collection of true short stories about living as a short-statured woman in a world built for taller people. Blending her own experiences with those of equally petite friends and relatives, Gable recounts moments ranging from lighthearted misunderstandings to frustrating encounters, all with warmth and wit. The book explores childhood memories, awkward mistaken identities, dating stories, travel mishaps, and even the perks of being short. Each chapter captures the unique perspective of life “from the bottom shelf,” offering both relatable laughs for fellow short readers and eye-opening insights for taller ones.

I’d give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It’s charming, easy to read, and genuinely funny without feeling forced. The personal anecdotes flow naturally, and the variety of contributors keeps things fresh. While it’s not a deep, dramatic memoir, that’s not its goal. The book celebrates shared experiences and fosters connection. If you’ve ever had to ask a stranger to reach the top shelf or been mistaken for a child well into adulthood, you’ll find yourself nodding and laughing along.

[Jiminie Mochi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really nice to read this! Just pure joy! The book is a celebration of small stature and big personality, told through funny, sometimes jaw-dropping real-life stories. Ellen Gable’s narrative voice feels like a friend sharing the “you won’t believe what happened” moments that make life memorable. From travel mix-ups to being mistaken for someone’s kid, every story is infused with humor and self-confidence. It’s the kind of book you can pick up, read a few stories, and instantly feel better. I rate it 5/5 stars for making me laugh out loud multiple times. Best of all, it’s wholesome. No vulgarity, no explicit scenes, just real people embracing who they are. If you’ve ever been underestimated because of how you look, you’ll love this.

[Harmonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life From the Bottom Shelf by Ellen Gable is like swapping funny life stories with a good friend over coffee. Through short, engaging anecdotes, Gable and her petite friends share what it’s really like to navigate a world where mirrors are too high, clothes never fit right, and strangers constantly mistake you for a kid. The humor is self-aware and endearing, with just enough heartfelt moments to balance the laughs. I especially enjoyed the stories about mistaken identities. They’re so absurd you almost can’t believe they happened. I give it 5 stars because it kept me smiling from start to finish.

[Bulletproof Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a gentle but insightful look at the everyday experiences of short women. It’s not just about height. It’s about how people perceive you, how you adapt, and how shared challenges can turn into shared laughter. The stories span childhood, adulthood, and everything in between, making it relatable across generations. I appreciated the mix of contributors, each with their own personality and style, which kept the book engaging. I’m giving it 4/5 stars because while it’s uplifting and relatable, it’s more of a casual read than something deeply introspective. Still, its charm lies in its simplicity.