Who Stole My Spandex?

by Marcia Kester Doyle

Take a ride on the wild side in the nuthouse that Marcia Kester Doyle calls home. From couples' colonoscopies to nightmare holidays to disappearing spandex, no topic—no matter how crazy or unimaginable—is off-limits. Who Stole My Spandex? Midlife Musings from a Middle-Aged MILF is a witty selection of stories from the author's madcap world of menopausal pitfalls, wardrobe malfunctions, and a family full of pranksters. This clever compilation includes laugh-out-loud pieces like "Queen of Klutz,” "One Size Fits None," and "Hands off my Egg Roll!" With a heavy dose of self-deprecating humor, and just a dash of sentiment, this marvelous collection of anecdotes will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt the call of nature at exactly the wrong time. This is rogue humor at its finest!

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Marcia Kester Doyle is the author of the humorous book, "Who Stole My Spandex? Life In The Hot Flash Lane" and the voice being the midlife blog, Menopausal Mother, where she muses on the good, the bad and the ugly side of menopausal mayhem. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Country Living, The Huffington Post, and Scary Mommy, among numerous others. She lives in sunny south Florida with her husband, four children, one feisty granddaughter and two chunky pugs. You can find Marcia's author page at: http://www.marciakesterdoyle.com and her blog at: http://www.menopausalmom.com

Reviews

[Teri Biebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book and am SO glad I did! I loved reading about Marcia's crazy and amazing family. You can tell from her writing just how much she loves them and how close they are and the fact that she shares their fun adventures with her readers is fantastic.

Her description of menopause really hit home for me. So good to know I'm NOT the only one dealing with hot flashes from hell, mood swings and memory loss.

Definitely would recommend this book as a great holiday gift!!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are seeking mommy melodrama – I’d suggest avoiding this book at all costs… because this gem of a book is smack dab filled with in your face reality. If you have ever wondered what it means to be the ‘observer’ or the ‘fly on the wall’ look no further than Ms. Doyle’s daily life interpretations of engaging, hilarious, and heart- warming stories.

Vivid to the point of unforgettable, Marcia manages to strike the nail head dead on with her poignant and in your face honesty in “Who Stole My Spandex…” I couldn’t decide if I wanted to laugh, cry, or cry AND laugh while ingesting my sneak peak at this pre-review copy I was honored with.

Being a MILF is a tough job…but somebody’s got to do it… you will find yourself grateful that some of this insanities happen in her world instead of yours! Marcia Keyster Doyle is doing it and doing it and doing it well – and making even LL Cool J proud with this installation – I will be looking forward to the next contribution this author makes to the literary realm.

Note: This review is from Stephanie L. Lucas, and I did receive a PRC of this novel.

[Laura Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This frank and fiery book will keep you laughing from beginning to end. As a wife and mother, Marcia, opens up her heart and home to you with an authentic hilarious realness rarely seen. She writes in a slightly risqué Irma Bombeck /Dave Barry style, with a unique ability to laugh at the mundane and crazy wonderful things life dishes out at her. Even in the hard times her positive attitude and overcoming spirit comes through encouraging us that even life’s difficult times make you stronger and a better person. Marcia is able to paint a picture with her words so that you are actually seeing and feeling her experiences with her. Maybe it’s because in a similar way we have all experienced some of the same things. I’m totally one with the movie theater extra butter popcorn/Snow Caps thing! This book should definitely be required reading for men to understand the” joys” of womanhood! I was able to review this after being privileged to receive an Advanced Review Copy (ARC).

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia Kester Doyle is a gifted writer who has opened the doors and windows to her life and lets readers in through a hilarious point of view. The stories Marcia shares in her book Who Stole My Spandex are relatable, hilarious and all too familiar to anyone who has reached "that certain age" or even if you're not quite there yet! Also, as a very important public service Marcia will help you determine if you are, in fact, a MILF yourself!

If you love to laugh then this book is for you, not one page will leave you without a smile on your face! Marcia's gift with a pen is matched only by her ability to laugh at herself (and those she loves!). You will not regret purchasing this book, in fact you may only regret trying to read it in public because you'll be laughing out loud until people stare at you!

Also makes an amazing gift for the holidays!

I received a sample ARC of several chapters of this book in order to provide this review, it has not affected my opinion of the book!

[Linda Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a family as funny, rowdy and full of love and hi-jinx as Marcia's, get ready to laugh and just plain smile as you revel in the delightful fly on the wall experience that is this book. Marcia shares her hilarious experiences and insights as a wife and mother laughing and loving her way through mid-life with the kind of humor and spirit that is so purely her own, in the same unmistakable, hilarious voice of her popular award winning blog Menopausal Mother. This is your humor on Bombeck with a couple of margaritas for good measure. Any questions? I had the great pleasure of receiving an advanced copy for review (ARC) that I couldn't put down. You don't have to be a mid-life housewife to enjoy this book. If you want to feel like you're a part of a big fun family with a couple of fun loving pugs, you've found the right place. Pull up a chair at Marcia's table and feel like you're part of the family!

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my review... but that did not sway my opinion. I enjoyed this book! Marcia has captured some of the funniest stories that have happened in her life - about motherhood, raising snarky teen girls and silly teen boys, and all things that come along with growing older gracefully. This book is hilarious and relate-able, and I found myself laughing out loud at many of the stories. I could totally relate to her story "One Size Fits None" - about shopping for clothes after our bodies have been re-arranged from having babies.

There is also a lot of heart and some serious moments in the book, including her mention of her few moments with her infant son before he passed away. Marcia's got some great stories to share, and I really enjoyed laughing along as she recounts some of her craziest memories and observations.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the funniest books I have read! I won an ebook copy of this title from Library Thing in exchange for an honest review. The book is a series of vignettes told from the perspective of a post menopausal woman. As a women in that age bracket I found I could relate to just about everything the author talked about. There were also some very poignant moments in the book. Even if you have not reached this particular stage in you life I highly recommend reading this book. It will make you roar with laughter and even shed a few tears. Marcia Kester Doyle has presented herself as an everyday woman we can all relate to.

[Stephanie Jankowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia's corner of the "Mom Blogger" market is brimming with something those of us who are still new to the parenting game have yet to acquire: experience. Marcia has seen it, done it, said it, and is now generously sharing ALL of it with us! I'm talking MILFs, "rotten vaginas," food babies, and other hilarious snippets of her life as a mom and woman. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of her book, which made for great read-alouds during Thanksgiving dinner. Who Stole My Spandex is going in my mom's stocking this Christmas, and that's not a euphemism. Or is it...

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read an advanced review copy (ARC), too and have actually known the author for some time now, as an avid reader and fan of her blog (too) and was so excited to get to read her book, which truly was a laugh out loud pleasure. I was actually laughing so much, I was in tears. So trust me you won't be disappointed in the least.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a hoot, not unlike my personal hero, Erma Bombeck. She tells it like it is, hot flashes and all and gave me a laugh or two.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glad to receive this book in the goodreads giveaway, because this is the kind of book I rarely pick up at the bookstore. Which, it turns out, is a big mistake on my part because even though it is not about the topics I usually read about, it still has a lot to offer in other areas.

The books is composed of small little snippets from the life of the writer. Some are funny, others sad, but all written in such an endearing tone that you feel you are listening to someone you've known your entire life and you are just chatting over a cup of coffee.

Because I am still new to being an adult, and have no experience in raising children, there are some things I never really think about. This book has brought some of those things to my attention in a most charming way and made me ponder over them.

What I enjoyed greatly is the openness to talk about some topics people seldom talk about, or at least not so freely. It was refreshing to see things said out so clearly, and some things even turned out to be educational.

I would recommend this book to anyone, it's a good companion for an evening of chit-chat, or to chase away the boredom of daily commute, and in the end you find that you are now the richer with new experiences real enough to make you see some things in a different light :)

[Susan Swiderski · Rating 4 out of 5]

What did I think? That I'd have to give this book four and a half very satisfied stars. The wonderfully-named essay-like chapters are short, which makes this book an ideal choice for people who like to nibble books at their leisure, one chapter now and another later. It also works well for piggies like me, who prefer to gorge themselves on a book in a single sitting.

With her unique and irreverent sense of humor, (my kinda gal!) the author makes light of everything from marriage and children... to furry pets and pet peeves... to foul bathrooms and flatulence... to men and menopause. But it isn't all about the chuckles; there are some serious notes about love and loss, too. Without being maudlin, she writes matter-of-factly about the deaths of her father, her sister, and her baby boy in a way that is sure to touch your heart.

If you're already familiar with her dynamite blog, you'll love this book, because it reads very much like a compilation of some of the author's best posts. If you aren't familiar with her blog, you're in for a treat, because this gal has a real way with words, both humorous and touching.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful compilation of short tales of life in q middle class family and a woman who is smack dab in the middle of menopause. I loved reading the stories about her children and her husband, especially when her husband was giving his take on a situation. I could see myself so many times that I had to laugh at the antics. Being pretty much in the same situation, the stories about zumba class, hot flashes and trying on clothes could have been taken directly from my life. The book was not all laughs, there were a few very serious pieces in there that again, made for a realistic look at life, but showed that there are more positives than negatives. This was a realistic retelling and would be a wonderful Holiday Gift for women and I definitely recommend it.

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

[Abigail Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
Wow! I couldn't put this book down. Marcia is an exceptional writer. She gives you an honest look at family life, that is so funny it will have you laughing out loud. As a mother of two young girls, there were times when I thought "do I have this to look forward to?" especially whilst shopping with her daughter.
The inner workings of her family are hilarious. Although whilst funny there were sad moments. It is obvious how much Marcia adores her family.
If your looking for a book that will have you laughing out loud then this book is for you. I don't normally read these sorts of books, but after reading this one I will definitely read more. If you haven't bought this book then I highly recommend that you do.

[Soccergypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. **
What a compilation of musings and anecdotes! I laughed out loud so often my colleagues began reading over my shoulder. (Hey it's Friday...the "powers that be" are lucky I showed up in the office at all. HA) At one point I laughed so hard I snorted and subsequently almost swallowed my tongue. Funny, witty, and a book I'll be referring to many.

[Valerie Vitale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing from cover to cover. What a great collection of stories that all adults can enjoy!

[Rena Mcdaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious and a must*read for any middle age, menopausal, mom who loves to drink wine and laugh until your DEPENDS are full! I received an advanced copy and I loved it!

[Wendy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be absolutely hysterical!! I love Marcia's blog-style of writing and can totally relate to the subject matter. I look forward to checking out some of her other books :)

[John Shore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I'm not the target audience but hear me out. My girlfriend recommended I read this book with her.
"It will be fun," she says.
"You'll understand what us women have to go through," she says.
"You won't cringe too much," she says.
Well, all three were accomplished on my end.
I think it was done in payback to me reading Tim Allen's Don't stand too close to a Naked Man to her for the luls. However, this book was written with good taste (unlike Allen's memoir which spent full chapters of him talking about his genitals) and this book had a great sense of fun and the idiosyncrasies of everyday life in the woman's world. And I will not lie, I laughed out loud in certain areas. Not something I would want to read more than once, but a good experience nonetheless.
4/5
I gave this book a 5/5 rating because I think my girlfriend will be on the lookout for my ratings. Got to keep her happy you know.>/spoiler>

[Tabitha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book in an attempt to cure my Jenny Lawson withdrawal but it paled in comparison. All her anecdotes are covered in a very brief way and I didn't feel like I got to know Marcia very well. I think the content fits much better on her blog which is definitely worth reading.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I swear she was describing my husband in one chapter and me in at least three other chapters. Every older woman should read this book.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about Marcia Kester Doyle's life and the problems of a middle-aged woman. It's told in short stories like blog posts.

After reading the blurb, I expected a humorous book about being a middle-aged woman. While there are some funny things in this book, it's basically about an older woman's life that is pretty sad. She clearly loves her family and finds her children's antics funny. I just thought I would never have let my children behave the way her's did. I didn't think some of the things they said and did were funny - just rude.

I'm in the same position in life as she is and have raised 4 children as well. While I look back on my life and find it mostly good but some not so much, I don't imagine that the events that mean so much to me would be of interest to anyone else. That's how I felt about some of the situations Marcia wrote about.

After reading the acknowledgements at the end of the book I felt bad that I couldn't give a better review because it was clear that Marcia has loved her life and the people in it.

Please note I received a complementary copy from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Chilli Dog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of heartwarming and hilarious vignettes chronicling the adventures of Marcia and her family. I enjoyed the sharp, witty way that she has written the pieces, so much so that when she included a few of the serious aspects of her life and the tragedies she has encountered, it made them all the more poignant in their delivery. Her family sounds like an absolute hoot and by interspersing her point of view with that of her husband, I felt each piece was very easy to relate to. Marcia does a very good job conveying the feelings that family life situations will conjure up in you and I lost count of the number of times that I was laughing at her antics with food, wine, clothes, animals, Nutella, random thoughts in the shower and much more. Pour yourself a glass of something (preferably fruity and alcoholic) and then binge on these stories, you'll have a great time and get funnier as they go along. Highly recommended.

[Crystal Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Marcia's use of hyperbole made me laugh out loud. I am also now terrified of the upcoming monster, menopause. My kids are in high school, and I related to a lot of her stories about families that are close and the antics they can get up to. I recommend this for any mom, young or old.

[Barb Jaszai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A laugh out loud must read for us girls that are heading for or going through "the change"
A no holds barred hilarious look at the emotional and physical turmoil of our menopausal years. Loved it!