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I'd Rather Wear Pajamas
“Even though a butterfly could beat me up, I am strong and powerful in my own way. We are all capable of being strong. Sometimes, we’re just conditioning for it in the wrong way.”
Everybody has the awesome opportunity to find their own strength and path through life. Some come about their self-discoveries through studying and working hard. Others (Chelsea) spend their time nearly burning down kitchens and driving around the country with a car full of hangers.
Chelsea grew up wanting to be “strong.” She thought arguing her way through childhood and becoming a world-class attorney would get her there. But, through a series of humorous, and only slightly embarrassing events, Chelsea comes to realize that maybe her strength is meant to shine in different ways.
Spoiler alert: This book is secretly going to brainwash you into home birthing your children. No, I’m not kidding.
Alternate possible titles for this book:
- How to Keep Your Pride Intact When Butterflies Attack
- When Life Hands You Lemons, Just Eat Them Straight Up to Watch Your Popularity at Parties Sky Rocket
- 17 Reasons Why I’m Cooler than My Mom
- 19 Reasons Why My Mom is Cooler Than Me
- I Always (Start With the Best Intentions to) Follow Directions
Everybody has the awesome opportunity to find their own strength and path through life. Some come about their self-discoveries through studying and working hard. Others (Chelsea) spend their time nearly burning down kitchens and driving around the country with a car full of hangers.
Chelsea grew up wanting to be “strong.” She thought arguing her way through childhood and becoming a world-class attorney would get her there. But, through a series of humorous, and only slightly embarrassing events, Chelsea comes to realize that maybe her strength is meant to shine in different ways.
Spoiler alert: This book is secretly going to brainwash you into home birthing your children. No, I’m not kidding.
Alternate possible titles for this book:
- How to Keep Your Pride Intact When Butterflies Attack
- When Life Hands You Lemons, Just Eat Them Straight Up to Watch Your Popularity at Parties Sky Rocket
- 17 Reasons Why I’m Cooler than My Mom
- 19 Reasons Why My Mom is Cooler Than Me
- I Always (Start With the Best Intentions to) Follow Directions
214 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
51 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Walker Flagg
3 books185 followersChelsea was once obsessed with cats, longed to live in a big city, didn’t think she would ever have children, and aspired to be an attorney. She now lives in Boulder, Colorado as a stay-at-home mom with her husband and three daughters. She has no current plans to own a cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 26, 2016
Light is usually not a word to describe memoirs. Neither is funny. Whimsical is also rare. So it's refreshing to read one that makes you laugh-out-loud and lighten up yourself! For our stress-filled lives, what a welcome to cast our eyes on a tale that focuses on the fun of life!
I really enjoyed Chelsea Walker Flagg's memoir about a woman's journey into motherhood and domestic life while along the way discovering her true self and the meaning of the word strength. Flagg ultimately gives up her career aspirations to stay at home with her three daughters and chronicles this journey. Her pages remind me of the memoirists, Anne Lamott, who is known for her dry humor, Elizabeth Gilbert, whose quest for the true path knows no limits, and Kelly Corrigan, who writes so poignantly about domestic life.
Flagg begins with Joseph Campbell, “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” She then divulges her own sage advice for finding one’s true path, “Regardless of which path you take, if it’s truly your path, you’ll find your super powers there.” Super powers! It made me think of Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes’s own funny memoir Year of Yes where she encourages women to go arms akimbo, Wonder Woman-power style when they need a surge of strength.
Flagg doesn't take herself too seriously and is laugh-out-loud funny. She takes the lighthearted approach in her quest for discovering her own strength. We follow her own path to finding the right career, man, house and ultimately her right self. In the end, she discovers the meaning of strength after giving natural childbirth to her daughter Quincy (all women who deliver drug-free in their homes should be crowned “Strong!”). Along the way she also learns how to battle bats, rabies, and kitchen sinks. She even sews, quilts and bakes rhubarb pies from the rhubarb grown in her own vegetable garden. It’s all great fun and Flagg’s take on domestic life makes me think of the playful quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The earth laughs in flowers.” It’s refreshing to enter the world of an author who sees the world in such an enchanting way!
I really enjoyed Chelsea Walker Flagg's memoir about a woman's journey into motherhood and domestic life while along the way discovering her true self and the meaning of the word strength. Flagg ultimately gives up her career aspirations to stay at home with her three daughters and chronicles this journey. Her pages remind me of the memoirists, Anne Lamott, who is known for her dry humor, Elizabeth Gilbert, whose quest for the true path knows no limits, and Kelly Corrigan, who writes so poignantly about domestic life.
Flagg begins with Joseph Campbell, “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” She then divulges her own sage advice for finding one’s true path, “Regardless of which path you take, if it’s truly your path, you’ll find your super powers there.” Super powers! It made me think of Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes’s own funny memoir Year of Yes where she encourages women to go arms akimbo, Wonder Woman-power style when they need a surge of strength.
Flagg doesn't take herself too seriously and is laugh-out-loud funny. She takes the lighthearted approach in her quest for discovering her own strength. We follow her own path to finding the right career, man, house and ultimately her right self. In the end, she discovers the meaning of strength after giving natural childbirth to her daughter Quincy (all women who deliver drug-free in their homes should be crowned “Strong!”). Along the way she also learns how to battle bats, rabies, and kitchen sinks. She even sews, quilts and bakes rhubarb pies from the rhubarb grown in her own vegetable garden. It’s all great fun and Flagg’s take on domestic life makes me think of the playful quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The earth laughs in flowers.” It’s refreshing to enter the world of an author who sees the world in such an enchanting way!
December 19, 2015
It was funny. But sometimes the author tries a bit too hard to be funny, which makes it a bit boring at times.
December 31, 2015
Yes, I wrote this book, so I feel an obligation to give it five stars. But seriously, I would have given it five stars even if somebody else had written it because it's just that awesome. (Pats her own back)
Plus: Bonus for anyone crunched for time - you can read it from cover to cover in just under two hours. Trust me, I did it a dozen times during the editing stages.
And, even after all those read-throughs, I'm still giving it five stars. It's solid.
Plus: Bonus for anyone crunched for time - you can read it from cover to cover in just under two hours. Trust me, I did it a dozen times during the editing stages.
And, even after all those read-throughs, I'm still giving it five stars. It's solid.
December 22, 2023
What a fun whimsical book! And a great reminder that half the fun in life is wandering through it discovering what really makes us happy.
January 22, 2016
This book was a pleasure to read. The situations are relatable and the author's straightforwardness very appealing. I just wanted to keep reading. I'm glad I picked it up!
January 23, 2016
A humorous memoir on womanhood (I'd Rather Wear Pajamas)
I know I said I will read more fiction books (over non-fiction ones) this year but the inviting cover of this humurous memoir on womanhood and all other adventures and misadventures in finding the real meaning of the phrase "strong woman" nudged me to go ahead and pick this one as my next chill read.
Reading one book at a time has never been my habit. So while I was reading another non-fiction book - A Fifty-Year Silence by Miranda Richmond Mouillot - I was also basking in the hilarious storytelling in I'd Rather Wear Pajamas that was written and brought to existence by Chelsea Walker Flagg.
Flagg wrote this memoir in a casual, personal tone reminiscent of the way you talk to your dearest of friends. She is real, funny, and honest in this book and I can't help but relate to her journey of considering 'lawyering' as the absolute way of defining the phrase strong woman.
Flagg takes us with her as she began her story telling readers about how her life moved from being a single woman, who moved from one state to the next to figure out what the universe has in store for her, to being wife and mother of three, who have accepted her flaws and weakness and learned to embrace them with loads of laughter and lots of love.
She has a way of making her stories come alive from the pages of the book and then lets you become part of the story because her words and the experiences she shared are very realistic. She did not mask her inability to cook, her initial failures at gardening and sewing, and the battle she fought within her.
The last chapters of this book talked about how she cruised through pregnancy to birth and realizing that motherhood has made her a strong woman. She finally found the meaning that she was looking for for so long.
I found this book as a breather in between reading two rather serious memoirs and autobiographies. This is the kind of book you want to read when you're in the restroom because, trust me, it won't give you cerebral constipation. It's a light, chill, relaxing read that you won't even notice that you already reached the end of the book.
I would also give credit to Kelly Angelovic, who made the eye catching cover of this nook, whic made me choose this over other books in Story Cartel's long list.
In the field of memoirs and autobiographies, I will give this one eight out of 10 stars. There were chapters that I found boring and unnecessary but overall this book is the kind that will you to turn off your brain and just go with the humurous writing of its author.
***
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Story Cartel for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write positive reviews. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
I know I said I will read more fiction books (over non-fiction ones) this year but the inviting cover of this humurous memoir on womanhood and all other adventures and misadventures in finding the real meaning of the phrase "strong woman" nudged me to go ahead and pick this one as my next chill read.
Reading one book at a time has never been my habit. So while I was reading another non-fiction book - A Fifty-Year Silence by Miranda Richmond Mouillot - I was also basking in the hilarious storytelling in I'd Rather Wear Pajamas that was written and brought to existence by Chelsea Walker Flagg.
Flagg wrote this memoir in a casual, personal tone reminiscent of the way you talk to your dearest of friends. She is real, funny, and honest in this book and I can't help but relate to her journey of considering 'lawyering' as the absolute way of defining the phrase strong woman.
Flagg takes us with her as she began her story telling readers about how her life moved from being a single woman, who moved from one state to the next to figure out what the universe has in store for her, to being wife and mother of three, who have accepted her flaws and weakness and learned to embrace them with loads of laughter and lots of love.
She has a way of making her stories come alive from the pages of the book and then lets you become part of the story because her words and the experiences she shared are very realistic. She did not mask her inability to cook, her initial failures at gardening and sewing, and the battle she fought within her.
The last chapters of this book talked about how she cruised through pregnancy to birth and realizing that motherhood has made her a strong woman. She finally found the meaning that she was looking for for so long.
I found this book as a breather in between reading two rather serious memoirs and autobiographies. This is the kind of book you want to read when you're in the restroom because, trust me, it won't give you cerebral constipation. It's a light, chill, relaxing read that you won't even notice that you already reached the end of the book.
I would also give credit to Kelly Angelovic, who made the eye catching cover of this nook, whic made me choose this over other books in Story Cartel's long list.
In the field of memoirs and autobiographies, I will give this one eight out of 10 stars. There were chapters that I found boring and unnecessary but overall this book is the kind that will you to turn off your brain and just go with the humurous writing of its author.
***
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Story Cartel for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write positive reviews. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
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November 4, 2023Funny, compassionate and real, I’d Rather Wear Pajamas is a woman’s journey to find her “strong”. Chelsea Flagg bares her heart and soul in this memoir as she takes the reader through her life in her search of what it means to be strong and how she ultimately finds her strong. We are taken on a journey through the author’s childhood, her teens and ultimately to her present. We are introduced to her perfect family, her supporting siblings, her fairytale end. The purpose of the book though remains the focus of the author’s journey. Chelsea Flagg’s book is an easy read and flows beautifully from sister, daughter, wife and mother and ultimately finding her own person. The book left me laughing, crying and wanting to actually finish the book.
The book unfortunately further propagates the false notion of feminism. The author constantly states that she’s not a feminist because she chose her own path in life by ultimately deciding to be a stay at home mom. That was the only part of the book that really pinched me, as a feminist, because feminism actually believes in equal opportunity of choice, whatever that choice may look like for you. So though I thought Chelsea Flagg was actually quite the feminist who stuck up for herself and followed life as she intended to, the author didn’t think so. The book is let down for those who love to mingle with the gray shades of a character and leaves no room for imagination. The characters are too simplistic and perfect and are portrayed with minimal depth.
In all, it was easy, happy read that didn’t frustrate or leave you hanging. I downloaded the book from StoryCartel for a free and unbiased review.
The book unfortunately further propagates the false notion of feminism. The author constantly states that she’s not a feminist because she chose her own path in life by ultimately deciding to be a stay at home mom. That was the only part of the book that really pinched me, as a feminist, because feminism actually believes in equal opportunity of choice, whatever that choice may look like for you. So though I thought Chelsea Flagg was actually quite the feminist who stuck up for herself and followed life as she intended to, the author didn’t think so. The book is let down for those who love to mingle with the gray shades of a character and leaves no room for imagination. The characters are too simplistic and perfect and are portrayed with minimal depth.
In all, it was easy, happy read that didn’t frustrate or leave you hanging. I downloaded the book from StoryCartel for a free and unbiased review.
January 28, 2016
I'd Rather Wear Pajamas by Chelsea Walker Flagg, reviewed by Mary E. Latela, 1/28/2016
It's very clear that Chelsea Walker Flagg's memoir, I'd Rather Wear Pajamas, is a light-hearted account of her personal quest to find out what she is doing here. And she does discover this, after some detours: listening to the wrong people; trying to please everyone else, particularly family members who wish to arrange your life; whimsical and impulsive decisions, such as moving to Seattle after viewing Sleepless in Seattle.
The problem is that a writer has to be careful, when being amusing, to avoid sarcasm, and to avoid stereotypes. Flagg mentions: "People who choose to be homeless," "people who talk with themselves while walking down the street"; feminists "spending [...] days fighting for amazing causes, burning ...bras, etc." She likens her cat's fertility to a case for Planned Parenthood.
I am glad that Chelsea Flagg has found her place and her way. She does not discuss communication, which I think is essential in any solid relationship. However, this book is a powerful start and I look forward to reading more of her work.
It's very clear that Chelsea Walker Flagg's memoir, I'd Rather Wear Pajamas, is a light-hearted account of her personal quest to find out what she is doing here. And she does discover this, after some detours: listening to the wrong people; trying to please everyone else, particularly family members who wish to arrange your life; whimsical and impulsive decisions, such as moving to Seattle after viewing Sleepless in Seattle.
The problem is that a writer has to be careful, when being amusing, to avoid sarcasm, and to avoid stereotypes. Flagg mentions: "People who choose to be homeless," "people who talk with themselves while walking down the street"; feminists "spending [...] days fighting for amazing causes, burning ...bras, etc." She likens her cat's fertility to a case for Planned Parenthood.
I am glad that Chelsea Flagg has found her place and her way. She does not discuss communication, which I think is essential in any solid relationship. However, this book is a powerful start and I look forward to reading more of her work.
March 14, 2016
I received a free copy of this book through Amazon and I suppose, had it not been free, I wouldn't have bought it. When I read the blurb I thought it might be an interesting read however, I didn't realise it was in the memoir (and a little self help) genre and didn't realise the Chelsea mentioned was actually the author. Even still I pushed on and didn't feel overly impressed. I came away from this book feeling like the author was quite selfish in her decisions (I feel sorry for her sister in those earlier parts of the book) and her husband must have the patience of a saint. Obviously, we only see little parts of her life but the parts she chose to show made me feel like she was finding 'her strong' by pushing others down.
Overall, I considered not finishing it but as it's quite short I kept going. I didn't like the idea raised that she couldn't be a feminist because she decided to have kids and stay home. Or that the entire book seemed to be about having that 'perfect' life.
Ok, but definitely not for me.
Overall, I considered not finishing it but as it's quite short I kept going. I didn't like the idea raised that she couldn't be a feminist because she decided to have kids and stay home. Or that the entire book seemed to be about having that 'perfect' life.
Ok, but definitely not for me.
December 8, 2015
I received a free e-copy of this book from StoryCartel.com in exchange for an honest and timely review, but I have to say that I actually really enjoyed reading this book. Written in the format of a casually humorous memoir, I'd Rather Wear Pajamas made me laugh, made me think, and gave me a lasting impression of hope and contentment with myself as a woman and how sometimes differ from other women. Like the author, I have learned to recognize that while I may not be everything I always planned to become, I am exactly what I should be. And like Ms. Flagg, I'm okay with that.
This was a great carefree read with lots of sweet stories and more than a few downright inspirational moments. And it didn't hurt that I read it all in my pajamas.
This was a great carefree read with lots of sweet stories and more than a few downright inspirational moments. And it didn't hurt that I read it all in my pajamas.
March 16, 2016
I read it free on kindle.
Short cute memoir on finding your own path in life, even if it takes you on various routes to get to an end you never expected. I liked the author's sense of humor. Liked that she was an animal lover. Liked how she portrayed her movement from career woman to completely devoted wife and mother. Nothing totally life changing unless you've never thought that you are the one who chooses what you're going to do in life. Although, speaking from experience, not all of us get to be a totally devoted stay-at-home wife and mother even if that's what we want, but reading Chelsea's experiences was entertaining and I felt happy for her even though I don't know her. Girl power!
Short cute memoir on finding your own path in life, even if it takes you on various routes to get to an end you never expected. I liked the author's sense of humor. Liked that she was an animal lover. Liked how she portrayed her movement from career woman to completely devoted wife and mother. Nothing totally life changing unless you've never thought that you are the one who chooses what you're going to do in life. Although, speaking from experience, not all of us get to be a totally devoted stay-at-home wife and mother even if that's what we want, but reading Chelsea's experiences was entertaining and I felt happy for her even though I don't know her. Girl power!
February 12, 2016
**SPOILER FREE**
Not really sure how to put into words a review for this book! The story telling behind this cover comes with a huge warning.... YOU WILL LAUGH... More than likely in places not so appropriate. That's what happens when you're somewhere and you've escaped into reading this book. Not sure how many times the nurse called my name before I realized it. This is a great book to have or share with someone who hasn't read it. The smooth flow makes it easy to follow. The author has talent in writing and gives you a book that keep you interested once you've been pulled in from page one!
*Received for an honest review*
Not really sure how to put into words a review for this book! The story telling behind this cover comes with a huge warning.... YOU WILL LAUGH... More than likely in places not so appropriate. That's what happens when you're somewhere and you've escaped into reading this book. Not sure how many times the nurse called my name before I realized it. This is a great book to have or share with someone who hasn't read it. The smooth flow makes it easy to follow. The author has talent in writing and gives you a book that keep you interested once you've been pulled in from page one!
*Received for an honest review*
December 5, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.
I laughed until I cried. This is honest, hilarious, and real. I can't say that I agree with every observation, but the story is not told as if I should agree with it. She does talk about motherhood, but it is not the focus of the story. The focus is her going from young girl to confident adult woman. There are so many stories that all women can relate to. I am so glad I read this book! You will be glad to read it as well.
I laughed until I cried. This is honest, hilarious, and real. I can't say that I agree with every observation, but the story is not told as if I should agree with it. She does talk about motherhood, but it is not the focus of the story. The focus is her going from young girl to confident adult woman. There are so many stories that all women can relate to. I am so glad I read this book! You will be glad to read it as well.
November 2, 2015
This is a heartwarming, funny memoir about a truly genuine woman who is not afraid to share her path of self-discovery in life. You will meet few women more at home in their own skin. Her writing casts the ordinary occurrences of life into a new light as though you were seeing them for the first time through special eyes. I would give her memoir ten stars if I could. Chelsea’s writing is right up there with Erma Bombeck and Tina Fey.
April 13, 2016
This is just a sweet and funny story of how Chelsea learned her own strength. I would recommend it to any girl or woman (especially a mom) who needs a little confidence (don't we all?). Though the voice can sound a little over the top, such as several sudden silly off topic thoughts, there are true laugh out loud moments. Also, not knowing Chelsea, but knowing her sister, Meghan, the writing is true to personality. Definitely a feel good book and enjoyable to read.
March 23, 2016
Cute and funny memoir, very relatable. Parts were a bit "preachy" about being a strong woman, but they were few. And the parts that made me giggle or that I could relate to much too closely were a lot more common. Flagg is a funny, relatable writer who really found her own path in life (after a few tries). I'm going to pass this one on in our neighborhood Little Library for another reader to enjoy.
Thanks to Goodreads for a copy of the book, in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Goodreads for a copy of the book, in return for an honest review.
January 7, 2016
Adquirí este libro en formato pdf en la página Storycartel, gratuitamente se podía adquirir si, como pago, le hacías una reseña.
Este libro es simplemente increíble: su narración es sencilla y sin florituras, aunque nunca puedes dejar de leer. Trama bien llevada y personajes entrañables.
Una gran lectura: altamente recomendable.
Este libro es simplemente increíble: su narración es sencilla y sin florituras, aunque nunca puedes dejar de leer. Trama bien llevada y personajes entrañables.
Una gran lectura: altamente recomendable.
March 25, 2016
not the best written book I have received as I won goodreads giveaways. the first 40 % of the book had some interesting and funny parts, then she meets a guy gets married and gets a big house, etc. Like many stories it was monotonous which are boring. Some incidents seemed they would be funny in the second part if she didn't try too hard to make them funny. only the first 40 % of the I enjoyed.
October 12, 2015
I loved this book! It was the right level of personal, while being both funny and touching. I highly recommend it - especially for parents of young kids. It reminded me of my journey to find my own way as a mom and professional.
November 3, 2015
Read this book! It will make you smile, laugh out loud, enjoy romance, and help you realize that we all have our own unique version of strong to share with the world. Enjoy life's journey - it's rarely what you planned for!
December 24, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from Story Cartel in exchange for my honest review.
The story starts as a "fairy tale", but it clearly touches you. Whether you are a mother or not, you will find things to relate. In my opinion it is worth reading and will give you food for thought.
The story starts as a "fairy tale", but it clearly touches you. Whether you are a mother or not, you will find things to relate. In my opinion it is worth reading and will give you food for thought.
January 28, 2016
It is hilarious! I loved reading it! It is well written and will make you laugh with every page. This is a great book for every woman, no matter her age. I will be gifting this to a few young ladies in my life who are also on track to self-discovery and independence.
January 29, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from StoryCartel in exchange for an honest review.
This is a highly entertaining and humorous book about a woman finding her inner strength. I smiled the entire time I read it! Highly relatable (and fun) to read.
This is a highly entertaining and humorous book about a woman finding her inner strength. I smiled the entire time I read it! Highly relatable (and fun) to read.
April 24, 2016
I loved this book. I will now and for the rest of my future own my own strong. Thank you for sharing your life and family with the world. You have inspired me to find my own path, and sometimes you just have to laugh at life.
Thank You,
Annie
Thank You,
Annie
March 4, 2016
Such a cute and fun book. I related to her in so many ways, and hope I will relate once I am married and have children too. A great reminder that "strong" can mean so many things and at the end of the day the best choice is the one you make for yourself versus the one you make to appease others.
February 24, 2016
I felt like she was talking to me, telling me about her life. She has a great sense of humor. This is a very enjoyable book. It is an easy read.
April 14, 2016
I'm going to find my "strong".... An entertaining and mildly inspiring read....
Want to read
March 2, 2016free on March 1, 2016
http://www.amazon.com/Rather-Wear-Paj...
March 3, 2016
Honest and funny
A woman looking for her strength finds it in her flexibility to know what her strengths are and more so what they are not. Funny, sweet and real!
A woman looking for her strength finds it in her flexibility to know what her strengths are and more so what they are not. Funny, sweet and real!
March 24, 2016
This is a thoroughly delightful book. It was hard for me to even put down--but life does get in ones way.
I strongly recommend it to people of all ages. My dear friend will be getting it tonight.
I strongly recommend it to people of all ages. My dear friend will be getting it tonight.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews