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Pants Optional
In her first autobiography, Pants Optional, Carol Steingreaber offers a hilarious, unrestricted insight into her life thus far in Iowa, USA. The reader is a privileged passenger on the journey, invited to buckle up for the ride as Carol shares her stories from the sibling squabbles of childhood, to cringeworthy dating moments, marriage and various stages of motherhood. Her witty, "tell-it-straight" writing style conjures up images you can't help but laugh at, often accompanied by photos that speak a thousand (usually comical) words.
Carol provides the reader with "UNconventional tips" on a whole range of themes such as housework and hospitals, illness and injury, Nerf guns and nudity, safety concerns and sex, friendship, faith and a great many more. Moments of eternal embarrassment are interspersed with flashes of comic/parenting genius, and every reader will find a nugget or three (or twenty!) to inspire them. A cracking read, and highly recommended.
Carol provides the reader with "UNconventional tips" on a whole range of themes such as housework and hospitals, illness and injury, Nerf guns and nudity, safety concerns and sex, friendship, faith and a great many more. Moments of eternal embarrassment are interspersed with flashes of comic/parenting genius, and every reader will find a nugget or three (or twenty!) to inspire them. A cracking read, and highly recommended.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 20, 2017
This book should be rated a 10⭐️ ! I haven't laughed out loud reading a book as I did this one. Loved that her family grew up in the small rural town I live in . Definitely recommend this to my friends and family.
July 18, 2017
I love the title, its written by a local Cedar Rapids, Iowa gal AND I cannot count the number of times throughout life where I have paused and thought....If I had only been keeping a journal of the crazy, funny things that I have said, thought about and heard from my kids, it would make a great book! This is exactly what Carol has done and it made me LOL at her, with her and sometimes at myself for some of the same things!
Carol did have a problem keeping her pants on which takes the reader on several hilarious jaunts. No spoiler alerts here, but her 1st mammogram IS an experience not to be forgotten!
I never heard the saying: her parents knew how to stretch a dollar like a new egg of Silly Putty. Although we often used "playing in the bathtub as a reward", I wish I had thought of Swim Din, or especially Backwards Swim Din with dessert first.
Takeaways:
- people with a sense of humor tend to be less egocentric and more realistic in their views. True!
- the yearly Christmas letter can be a bulleted list of highlights. I plan to try it and my own family, friends and loyal followers will have to tell me how they think it comes across this year!
- new meanings were learned for threading the needle and burying the bone
- my gal pals are amazing, eclectic friends, each in their own special way. I am reminded how fortunate I am to have and continue cultivating such treasured relationships!
- at a reading club meeting it is acceptable to indicate you WOULD HAVE liked the book, had it been written by someone else and about something completely different. Ha! Ha!
Carol did have a problem keeping her pants on which takes the reader on several hilarious jaunts. No spoiler alerts here, but her 1st mammogram IS an experience not to be forgotten!
I never heard the saying: her parents knew how to stretch a dollar like a new egg of Silly Putty. Although we often used "playing in the bathtub as a reward", I wish I had thought of Swim Din, or especially Backwards Swim Din with dessert first.
Takeaways:
- people with a sense of humor tend to be less egocentric and more realistic in their views. True!
- the yearly Christmas letter can be a bulleted list of highlights. I plan to try it and my own family, friends and loyal followers will have to tell me how they think it comes across this year!
- new meanings were learned for threading the needle and burying the bone
- my gal pals are amazing, eclectic friends, each in their own special way. I am reminded how fortunate I am to have and continue cultivating such treasured relationships!
- at a reading club meeting it is acceptable to indicate you WOULD HAVE liked the book, had it been written by someone else and about something completely different. Ha! Ha!
June 2, 2018
Absolutely loved this. Recommend to everybody and anybody to read it. Laughed, cried and loved Carol's absolute honesty. Things other women want to say which highly amused me. Such a talented lady. American author and Scottish reader - what we have in common is womanhood - loved every page.
July 15, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. What a wonderful way with words the Author has. I read this on our flight from NZ to Houston, with many laugh out loud moments!! I’m sure a few fellow travelers wondered what I was reading. Carol’s life has been so interesting... i cannot recommend it enough!!!
August 26, 2017
Would rate this 4.5 stars. I so needed this book right now. Haven't laughed like this in ages while reading!
July 12, 2017
Here's a review from Reader's Favorites for Pants Optional!
Book Review
Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite
Pants Optional by Carol Steingreaber is a humorous memoir about life, motherhood, and the comical situations that develop when living in a large family. Carol is the youngest in a family of eight, until her little sister is born. Her little sister is not only a surprise baby, but she is also the one who seizes Carol's role as Queen of the Family. This book follows Carol as she finds her place in her family, and years later, as a mother of her own children. Each story has a beautiful and underlying theme; it is imperative in life to keep a keen sense of humor! As suggested by the title, Carol has found herself in laugh-out-loud ridiculous situations that take a special person to see just how absurd life can be. This book will speak to any mother out there that, like Carol, sometimes struggles to fit within the norm, and doesn't mind it one bit when she doesn't!
Pants Optional by Carol Steingreaber is a comical look on life, highlighting motherhood's more humorous moments. I loved reading this book! I couldn't stop laughing! Having come from a slightly smaller family than Carol's, I felt her sibling angst. As she related her motherhood experiences, I laughed myself to tears! It felt great to know that I wasn't the only "kooky" mother out there that may have taken things to extremes as a new parent. I loved her recollections of family moments. Her Unconventional Tips truly do have their merits. I believe that my favorite story was her first mammogram. It was so hilarious; I had to share it with my mom. This book is perfect for any mother, young or old, new or experienced; everyone will find something entertaining within its pages!
Book Review
Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite
Pants Optional by Carol Steingreaber is a humorous memoir about life, motherhood, and the comical situations that develop when living in a large family. Carol is the youngest in a family of eight, until her little sister is born. Her little sister is not only a surprise baby, but she is also the one who seizes Carol's role as Queen of the Family. This book follows Carol as she finds her place in her family, and years later, as a mother of her own children. Each story has a beautiful and underlying theme; it is imperative in life to keep a keen sense of humor! As suggested by the title, Carol has found herself in laugh-out-loud ridiculous situations that take a special person to see just how absurd life can be. This book will speak to any mother out there that, like Carol, sometimes struggles to fit within the norm, and doesn't mind it one bit when she doesn't!
Pants Optional by Carol Steingreaber is a comical look on life, highlighting motherhood's more humorous moments. I loved reading this book! I couldn't stop laughing! Having come from a slightly smaller family than Carol's, I felt her sibling angst. As she related her motherhood experiences, I laughed myself to tears! It felt great to know that I wasn't the only "kooky" mother out there that may have taken things to extremes as a new parent. I loved her recollections of family moments. Her Unconventional Tips truly do have their merits. I believe that my favorite story was her first mammogram. It was so hilarious; I had to share it with my mom. This book is perfect for any mother, young or old, new or experienced; everyone will find something entertaining within its pages!
October 19, 2025
I finished Carol's book in an afternoon. Having grown up on the same street, attending the same school, and coming from a good Catholic family, I could relate to much of her upbringing. I remember her parents very well. Carol's writing style is so easy-going and her stories so humorous. This book took me back to my own childhood. Thank you, Carol, for sharing some very important life lessons in such a humorous way. Can't wait for your next book!
February 7, 2017
Laugh out loud funny at times, this book took a lighthearted look at some potentially rough times. Steingreaber has a great outlook on life and a wonderful sense of humor.
November 14, 2017
This was a fun book, I enjoyed it and have already recommended to someone else.
September 12, 2018
Love this book. It's a perfect book you don't have to read it all at once. You can pick up and read in snippets. Very light and entertaining.
February 3, 2017
Loved this book from start to finish!
May 9, 2016
This book will remind all of us moms that life isn't perfect and laughter is the best way to get through all those crazy stages of motherhood!
Steingreaber worried that people who didn't know her while growing up in her large family of nine or as the parent of two children wouldn't think her stories were funny. But, when people who read her manuscript and told her it was funny and relatable, she thought she might actually have a great book. She asked those early readers to indicate their five favorite chapters, thinking that they would all pick the same five. What shocked her was most of them liked completely different chapters based on their current stages in life. Young moms connected to the chapters on parenting toddlers and others related to growing up in large families or being in the stage of life where they are now parenting their parents. Steingreaber's book has stories that women and men (Yes! Men!) can relate to and I guarantee at least one of the stories will make you laugh out loud.
Carol Steingreaber was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and wrote this series of stories from her childhood as well as married life and parenting. She wrote this book in honor of her mom who died suddenly in December 2012. Even though her mom wasn't able to read her book, she believes she was guiding her along the way as she started writing in January of 2013. By forcing herself to write every Thursday and Friday, the stories began to flow and soon she had the beginnings of PANTS OPTIONAL.
In each chapter, Steingreaber offers a "UNconventional Tip" to help with parenting and getting through life. The main tip that resonates throughout the whole book is to laugh, have fun with life and not take things too seriously. Each of her tips includes a story where Carol learned from her mom, her siblings, her husband, and even her own children, how to laugh at herself. She also shares photos from many of the scenes described in the book which gives us an even more personal look into her stories.
In "UNconventional Tip #5, I learned some interesting facts about Steingreaber's family in Benton County that may have made me blush a bit. I related to her tip "Avoid FCS" and expect all new moms could benefit from her advice. FCS stands for First Child Syndrome and I had it bad. Steingreaber's example of FCS and Iowa winters reminded me that the amount of time it took to bundle up the kids took longer than the length of time they actually wanted to be outside.
When the tip that shares the title of the book comes along, be prepared for hoots of laughter as the author gets her first mammogram. I, like the author, find joy in embarrassing our children and she shares this tip in UNconventional Tip #22, which I'm pretty sure she accomplished by telling us quite the hilarious story in UNconventional Tip #21. She tells me that her children, ages 18 and 20 when they first read this story, handled it with a great sense of humor. That's no surprise, but they did decide a few of their mom's stories needed to stay just between the family. Not all of her tips will make you laugh, however. Her final UNconventional Tip will leave you emotional and speechless.
In my conversations with Steingreaber over the past couple weeks, I realized that she is someone I could relate to. I found we have a lot in common and commiserated on how crazy life can be when you have teenagers. This is exactly how her book makes you feel. While reading it, you'll realize your family isn't the only one that lives to embarrass you and definitely isn't the only one that knows how to laugh. Reading this book is like sitting around at your friends' house sharing stories of life. Carol Steingreaber teaches all of us that a life well-lived is one with laughter.
Readers who enjoy laughing along with stories by Erma Bombeck, Tim Allen, Jeff Foxworthy, and Dave Berry will find the personal stories of Carol Steingreaber just as enjoyable. Maybe she should consider a stand-up comedy night as well!
To see photos from the book, check out my online review at http://www.sincerelystacie.com/2016/0...
Steingreaber worried that people who didn't know her while growing up in her large family of nine or as the parent of two children wouldn't think her stories were funny. But, when people who read her manuscript and told her it was funny and relatable, she thought she might actually have a great book. She asked those early readers to indicate their five favorite chapters, thinking that they would all pick the same five. What shocked her was most of them liked completely different chapters based on their current stages in life. Young moms connected to the chapters on parenting toddlers and others related to growing up in large families or being in the stage of life where they are now parenting their parents. Steingreaber's book has stories that women and men (Yes! Men!) can relate to and I guarantee at least one of the stories will make you laugh out loud.
Carol Steingreaber was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and wrote this series of stories from her childhood as well as married life and parenting. She wrote this book in honor of her mom who died suddenly in December 2012. Even though her mom wasn't able to read her book, she believes she was guiding her along the way as she started writing in January of 2013. By forcing herself to write every Thursday and Friday, the stories began to flow and soon she had the beginnings of PANTS OPTIONAL.
In each chapter, Steingreaber offers a "UNconventional Tip" to help with parenting and getting through life. The main tip that resonates throughout the whole book is to laugh, have fun with life and not take things too seriously. Each of her tips includes a story where Carol learned from her mom, her siblings, her husband, and even her own children, how to laugh at herself. She also shares photos from many of the scenes described in the book which gives us an even more personal look into her stories.
In "UNconventional Tip #5, I learned some interesting facts about Steingreaber's family in Benton County that may have made me blush a bit. I related to her tip "Avoid FCS" and expect all new moms could benefit from her advice. FCS stands for First Child Syndrome and I had it bad. Steingreaber's example of FCS and Iowa winters reminded me that the amount of time it took to bundle up the kids took longer than the length of time they actually wanted to be outside.
When the tip that shares the title of the book comes along, be prepared for hoots of laughter as the author gets her first mammogram. I, like the author, find joy in embarrassing our children and she shares this tip in UNconventional Tip #22, which I'm pretty sure she accomplished by telling us quite the hilarious story in UNconventional Tip #21. She tells me that her children, ages 18 and 20 when they first read this story, handled it with a great sense of humor. That's no surprise, but they did decide a few of their mom's stories needed to stay just between the family. Not all of her tips will make you laugh, however. Her final UNconventional Tip will leave you emotional and speechless.
In my conversations with Steingreaber over the past couple weeks, I realized that she is someone I could relate to. I found we have a lot in common and commiserated on how crazy life can be when you have teenagers. This is exactly how her book makes you feel. While reading it, you'll realize your family isn't the only one that lives to embarrass you and definitely isn't the only one that knows how to laugh. Reading this book is like sitting around at your friends' house sharing stories of life. Carol Steingreaber teaches all of us that a life well-lived is one with laughter.
Readers who enjoy laughing along with stories by Erma Bombeck, Tim Allen, Jeff Foxworthy, and Dave Berry will find the personal stories of Carol Steingreaber just as enjoyable. Maybe she should consider a stand-up comedy night as well!
To see photos from the book, check out my online review at http://www.sincerelystacie.com/2016/0...
April 12, 2016
Pants Optional.....OMG.... Totally hilarious! As a mother and a Nana, I can totally relate to many of the situations in this book. I only wish I had her quick wit.
Carol gives the reader snippets of her life from childhood to raising her own kids. Her life in Iowa seems like it was full of laughs and love. I can't imagine anyone reading Pants Optional and not being able to relate some something in the book. Personally, I don't think I will every be able to have another mammogram again and be able to keep a straight face. Mooning her son..... brilliant.
I actually own not only the physical book but also the e-book version. This is my 2nd time reading it and laughed as much this time as I did the 1st time. This will be a great book to read when you just need a good laugh to lift the spirits. The style of writing, the wit and humor reminds me of Erma Bombeck. I am old enough to have read and loved her writing.
I can't wait until I get to met Carol at a book signing later this month. I feel like I know her from her book and from her sister, Brenda.
Sit back, read and enjoy the laughter.
Carol gives the reader snippets of her life from childhood to raising her own kids. Her life in Iowa seems like it was full of laughs and love. I can't imagine anyone reading Pants Optional and not being able to relate some something in the book. Personally, I don't think I will every be able to have another mammogram again and be able to keep a straight face. Mooning her son..... brilliant.
I actually own not only the physical book but also the e-book version. This is my 2nd time reading it and laughed as much this time as I did the 1st time. This will be a great book to read when you just need a good laugh to lift the spirits. The style of writing, the wit and humor reminds me of Erma Bombeck. I am old enough to have read and loved her writing.
I can't wait until I get to met Carol at a book signing later this month. I feel like I know her from her book and from her sister, Brenda.
Sit back, read and enjoy the laughter.
February 13, 2017
It was great!
November 8, 2016
Wonderfully warm and hilarious read about parenting and family. Loved Steingreaber's sense of humor and her storytelling style was very homey. She wasn't afraid to laugh at herself...one of the funniest chapters was about getting her first mammogram. Normally a mammogram is one of those dreaded tests we have to undergo as we get older, but what Steingreaber does during the test is a hoot.
The last chapter of the book is rather bittersweet and a perfect cap to the humor.
The last chapter of the book is rather bittersweet and a perfect cap to the humor.
September 16, 2016
Loved it! Carol is very funny and I enjoyed her Unconventional Tips. I highly recommend this book for a fun, easy read. Disclaimer: I know Carol and many of the members of her book club, so I may be a little biased :)
April 24, 2016
3.5 stars. Local author & my mom was mentioned in the book:) Quick, fun read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews