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The Amy Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book of Failures: A Funny Memoir of Missteps, Inadequacies and Faux Pas
THE AMY BINEGAR-KIMMES-LYLE BOOK OF FAILURES is a humor memoir. If you have ever failed at love, finances, been fired, not fit in, self-diagnosed yourself with disorders and conditions and/or said "I really need to get my s*** together," this is the book for you.
Delight in Amy Lyle’s 45 years of missteps, inadequacies and faux pas. You may appreciate your own dysfunction a little more as you take a journey through Amy’s debacles including: “I Was Not Talking to You,” where Amy mistakes a handsome man waving at her as a potential suitor but in reality he was only trying to inform her that her belt was dragging on the freeway and “In the Neighborhood,” where members of a cult moving in concurred with a suspicious decline in the cat population.
You will relish the chapters entitled “Calls from Sharon,” where Amy’s best friend rants about her kids not getting a fair shot because public schools are ‘so political,’ as her OB/GYN reported her vagina was ‘too clean’ and how the most eligible bachelor from 1982 married a whore. Enjoy “I’m Going to Kill You,” where Amy compares her lack of sleep from her husband’s snoring to CIA agents extracting secrets from a POW.
Feel 20-32% better about your own life after reading “Getting Divorced Sucks,” where 911 was called after Amy had an adverse reaction from taking Xanax.
THE AMY-BINEGAR-KIMMES-LYLE BOOK OF FAILURES is for anyone who has experienced their own disasters or takes pleasure in the failures of others.
Includes Book Club questions.
Comedy. Women humor. Funny non-fiction. Blended families. Summer read.
Delight in Amy Lyle’s 45 years of missteps, inadequacies and faux pas. You may appreciate your own dysfunction a little more as you take a journey through Amy’s debacles including: “I Was Not Talking to You,” where Amy mistakes a handsome man waving at her as a potential suitor but in reality he was only trying to inform her that her belt was dragging on the freeway and “In the Neighborhood,” where members of a cult moving in concurred with a suspicious decline in the cat population.
You will relish the chapters entitled “Calls from Sharon,” where Amy’s best friend rants about her kids not getting a fair shot because public schools are ‘so political,’ as her OB/GYN reported her vagina was ‘too clean’ and how the most eligible bachelor from 1982 married a whore. Enjoy “I’m Going to Kill You,” where Amy compares her lack of sleep from her husband’s snoring to CIA agents extracting secrets from a POW.
Feel 20-32% better about your own life after reading “Getting Divorced Sucks,” where 911 was called after Amy had an adverse reaction from taking Xanax.
THE AMY-BINEGAR-KIMMES-LYLE BOOK OF FAILURES is for anyone who has experienced their own disasters or takes pleasure in the failures of others.
Includes Book Club questions.
Comedy. Women humor. Funny non-fiction. Blended families. Summer read.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2017
686 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lyle
2 books35 followersAmy Lyle is an author, comedienne/actor and screenwriter that grew up in Marietta, Ohio, which is in the heart of Appalachia, known for a population that is partial to moonshine and prone to acts of violence.
Obsessed with comedians and comedic writers such as Jenny Lawson, Tina Fey, Carrie Fisher, Kristin Wiig, Amy Poehler, Joan Rivers, Ellen DeGeneres, Chelsea Handler, Wendy Williams, Mitch Hedberg, Wanda Sykes, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Will Ferrell, Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball and Roseanne Barr, she developed a writing style that is self-deprecating, hilarious and slightly neurotic.
Amy has self-diagnosed herself with many conditions including: OCD (uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts vacillating from cleaning to running away), misophonia (having intense angry reactions to lip-smacking), Tourette’s Syndrome (yelling out random words), Sedatephobia (finds silence vexing and scary), apraxia (difficulty pronouncing words) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). She’s taking many, many natural, herbal supplements.
Amy and her (second) husband, Peter, are having many issues raising their four teenagers and large dog together in the suburbs just north of Atlanta.
Obsessed with comedians and comedic writers such as Jenny Lawson, Tina Fey, Carrie Fisher, Kristin Wiig, Amy Poehler, Joan Rivers, Ellen DeGeneres, Chelsea Handler, Wendy Williams, Mitch Hedberg, Wanda Sykes, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Will Ferrell, Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball and Roseanne Barr, she developed a writing style that is self-deprecating, hilarious and slightly neurotic.
Amy has self-diagnosed herself with many conditions including: OCD (uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts vacillating from cleaning to running away), misophonia (having intense angry reactions to lip-smacking), Tourette’s Syndrome (yelling out random words), Sedatephobia (finds silence vexing and scary), apraxia (difficulty pronouncing words) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). She’s taking many, many natural, herbal supplements.
Amy and her (second) husband, Peter, are having many issues raising their four teenagers and large dog together in the suburbs just north of Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 8, 2020
Not for me.
November 1, 2017
Dear god, who told this poor woman that she's funny?
September 10, 2017
Not funny. Poorly written.
December 24, 2017
I wanted to like this. I really tried to. The world needs more non-fiction books filled with personal stories from funny ladies. But this is SO BAD! I read the first 13 "stories" or "essays" or whatever you want to call them, and then gave up. Personally, I would call them snippets of her life. I didn't find any of them funny, nor interesting. There was nothing personal about the writing, either. It was very straightforward: here's a page and a half event from my life, and then here are a bunch more. No introspection, no musings, no hindsight, not even one "What was I thinking?". It was just a collection of boring snippets of her life, told in a flat way.
November 16, 2022
Not at all funny. Removed rest of review due to harassment from author and her friends. The author also rated her own book 5 stars ha ha. She is so I likable and ridiculous that of course she rated her own book. She sent me nasty private messages as did her fans. Don’t read this drivel. You’re better off reading the back of a cereal box. Much more entertaining.
October 26, 2017
I found this to be a tedious read. It's a collection of very short anecdotes with no story or character development. There isn't anything compelling that made me want to pick it back up and read more and I only finished because it was my book club's pick.
January 30, 2018
Omg! I disliked this book so much that I regretted buying it at a deep, deep discount! I was fooled by the description of the book, aligning her with Amy Sedaris, Tina Fey, etc. AND claiming she was funny. AS IF!!! If this woman wrote these essays as regular letters to a friend, they'd have been bored. The China trip? Use this 'undercover boast' as a drug free sleep-aid. It includes engaging tidbits about her friend's cheap help and subservient drivers and was life-changing. All of those shopping trips! Wow! Does NatGeo know about her?
This woman does nothing but backhand brag- an entire 'chapter' devoted to her Porsche. I'm so impressed! Then again, she's proof that the rumours about Porsche drivers are true. (Engaging Plot Twist: She didn't really want a Porsche, she wanted a BMW......she's such a trooper, this one!)
She explains her belief in Christianity, the bible in particular (paraphrasing) 'If it wasn't true, wouldn't they have created better lies?' She writes this in a way that leads me to believe she thinks her 'edgy' theory will lead more Christians to the well. In her eyes, it's airtight, complete proof that there's a big guy in the sky pulling all the strings!
The big question is this: Who ever told this woman she was funny? I want names, and I want numbers! Was it the southern belles at her children's tennis and horse lessons? (again- super impressed) Her husband (a devoted "Garden & Gun' reader, a $48,000 kitchen range enthusiast) recalled noticing her before they were introduced because she often walked her dog by his house. His takeaway? Her bad choice in animal breeders, since her retriever's face was 'too pointy- a real retriever's face is boxy!'. Wow. Can you say douche? It's the King and Queen of shallow and judgemental, Atlanta Division.
The 'hilarious' phone calls from her 'funny' friend? The ones where she's literally berating the service people at stores and restaurants? If this person called my phone even once, I'd toss the device into a lake. And that's where it would stay!
I really want to kick myself for giving this woman $1.99. A mere bag of shells, but I'd hate for it to be taken as encouragement. (And shame on whoever wrote the book's description! Fool me once...)
You know how southern women (not ALL of them by a LONGSHOT!) sometime have this weird, overinflated pride about being southern, and use 'Bless your heart' as a stand in for F*** you? (As if EVERYONE isn't proud of their own heritage....it's just that many of us aren't compelled to brag about it, knowing everyone is equally as sentimental) Well, can I finally say what I have felt and wanted to say back to them for my whole life? Thank you, Sweet Universe for sparing me the fate of being a catty, shallow and unfunny southern 'gal' such as this. I kiss the ground of my northern roots!
(No offense to the south as a whole- I like to shy away from blanket statements, but I'm sure you've seen the Pinterest boards...where even as adults these particular women call their fathers 'Daddy' and think it's adorable when 'Daddy' threatens their love interests with shotguns -because evidently they 'own' their daughters! And it's all 'just a southern thing' that delights them to no end. Hilarious!)
This woman does nothing but backhand brag- an entire 'chapter' devoted to her Porsche. I'm so impressed! Then again, she's proof that the rumours about Porsche drivers are true. (Engaging Plot Twist: She didn't really want a Porsche, she wanted a BMW......she's such a trooper, this one!)
She explains her belief in Christianity, the bible in particular (paraphrasing) 'If it wasn't true, wouldn't they have created better lies?' She writes this in a way that leads me to believe she thinks her 'edgy' theory will lead more Christians to the well. In her eyes, it's airtight, complete proof that there's a big guy in the sky pulling all the strings!
The big question is this: Who ever told this woman she was funny? I want names, and I want numbers! Was it the southern belles at her children's tennis and horse lessons? (again- super impressed) Her husband (a devoted "Garden & Gun' reader, a $48,000 kitchen range enthusiast) recalled noticing her before they were introduced because she often walked her dog by his house. His takeaway? Her bad choice in animal breeders, since her retriever's face was 'too pointy- a real retriever's face is boxy!'. Wow. Can you say douche? It's the King and Queen of shallow and judgemental, Atlanta Division.
The 'hilarious' phone calls from her 'funny' friend? The ones where she's literally berating the service people at stores and restaurants? If this person called my phone even once, I'd toss the device into a lake. And that's where it would stay!
I really want to kick myself for giving this woman $1.99. A mere bag of shells, but I'd hate for it to be taken as encouragement. (And shame on whoever wrote the book's description! Fool me once...)
You know how southern women (not ALL of them by a LONGSHOT!) sometime have this weird, overinflated pride about being southern, and use 'Bless your heart' as a stand in for F*** you? (As if EVERYONE isn't proud of their own heritage....it's just that many of us aren't compelled to brag about it, knowing everyone is equally as sentimental) Well, can I finally say what I have felt and wanted to say back to them for my whole life? Thank you, Sweet Universe for sparing me the fate of being a catty, shallow and unfunny southern 'gal' such as this. I kiss the ground of my northern roots!
(No offense to the south as a whole- I like to shy away from blanket statements, but I'm sure you've seen the Pinterest boards...where even as adults these particular women call their fathers 'Daddy' and think it's adorable when 'Daddy' threatens their love interests with shotguns -because evidently they 'own' their daughters! And it's all 'just a southern thing' that delights them to no end. Hilarious!)
October 27, 2017
Just awful.
April 29, 2023
This book is a blast! I laughed and laughed as I read Amy's stories about doing life -- and getting back up to keep doing it even after a flailing and public fall revealed her cheeseburger print panties that screamed "Happy Buns"; even after she lived to tell of a blind date with a loud imitator of Rodney Dangerfield; even after she lost the dog she was volunteer walking for her local animal shelter, and even after a hairdresser mistook her "take an inch off" for "cut my hair one inch all over."
That's just the tip of the iceberg, though, as Amy shares about 100 stories that combine for a memoir we can all connect with in one way or another. Life - the good, the bad, the cringe-worthy, and the crazy. The real stuff of real people, this book will have you laughing and saying "this reminds me of the time I..." When you're finished, though, you realize that none of us are failures; we're survivors of "been there, done that" and that such experiences help make us relatable to each other.
Amy and I both live in the Atlanta area. Learning that, I initially purchased the book because I wanted to support a Georgia author, but I got so much from reading her memoir. Hours of smiles, yes, but also some good insight on relationships, faith, and using our talents to help others. I really, really think Amy should be a blogger or vlogger - I'd follow her just to see what she's gotten into next! I think a lot of people would.
That's just the tip of the iceberg, though, as Amy shares about 100 stories that combine for a memoir we can all connect with in one way or another. Life - the good, the bad, the cringe-worthy, and the crazy. The real stuff of real people, this book will have you laughing and saying "this reminds me of the time I..." When you're finished, though, you realize that none of us are failures; we're survivors of "been there, done that" and that such experiences help make us relatable to each other.
Amy and I both live in the Atlanta area. Learning that, I initially purchased the book because I wanted to support a Georgia author, but I got so much from reading her memoir. Hours of smiles, yes, but also some good insight on relationships, faith, and using our talents to help others. I really, really think Amy should be a blogger or vlogger - I'd follow her just to see what she's gotten into next! I think a lot of people would.
June 1, 2017
I just started reading this book last night and could not put it down! I see myself in some of the author's situations so I can completely relate! Definately a good read.
August 4, 2017
This book is a must read for every female out there making their way through the craziness of life. Witty and real to the core- thank you Amy!
November 26, 2017
Very cute. I get this girl. She is so real and still canny. Looking for round 2.
March 6, 2018
First off, I believe humor is pretty much like anything else, it takes a keen mind to understand and appreciate the higher frequencies. People who struggle to get a good 'A man walks into a bar' joke may not appreciate Amy's style. However, I found Amy's book to be quite refreshing and, more importantly, hilarious.
She reminds me of Lewis Grizzard but just a bit more sass. Her authentic, self-deprecating humor is infectious as she shares with us 'fail' after 'fail'. In a world where some people seem to spend too much time covering up and ignoring their foibles, Amy proudly shares hers with us and I enjoyed every one. Nice work Amy, I would say your Book of Failures is a big success!
She reminds me of Lewis Grizzard but just a bit more sass. Her authentic, self-deprecating humor is infectious as she shares with us 'fail' after 'fail'. In a world where some people seem to spend too much time covering up and ignoring their foibles, Amy proudly shares hers with us and I enjoyed every one. Nice work Amy, I would say your Book of Failures is a big success!
January 30, 2018
Well, all the reviews I read said this author was "Just Like Jenny Lawson!" If that is what you are looking for then you better try some other book. Some cute stories were contained, but more often than not they were just every day life, crap that happens to everyone, and the writer could have done better with the story-telling of them. I didn't like the way she jumped all over the place with her stories either. One minute she's telling you about her second marriage, the next she is back in high school, then she's suddenly talking about raising teenagers! Unlike the Jenny Lawson memoirs I've read, there was no flow from one instance to the next. It was just kind of all over the place. And don't get me started about her phone conversations with her friend Sharon, and the Recipe she shares about halfway through. If I wanted to read a cookbook, I have plenty. I didn't need her best friends recipe for chocolate chip cookies. It was just too random! Also, as I did the Audible version of this story, I was really annoyed with the narrator. It wasn't Lyle's own voice, but that of a voice actor and her timing and inflections were not always spot on, making it a little harder to listen to. It might have been a better "read" if I had read it myself. Luckily, I didn't pay any money for this as I used my Audible credit on it and it was ok background noise while I was doing other things. Although it is 3 hours of my life I will never get back.
December 17, 2017
Amy’s book was hysterical, relatable and touching. I would definitely label it a comedy but there were moments that would break that up, as needed, for serious ones (talking about her sister and niece; her trip to the orphanage in China). I really hope that she writes another. Her writing style is wonderful.
The only thing that I will mention as more of a ‘heads-up’ is that some of the photos didn’t load in the kindle version I purchased. I do have an older kindle fire so maybe that was the issue. I loved the book so much though that I intend on buying a physical copy and contacting Amy to see if she would autograph it for me.
Bottom line: if you love laugh-out-loud, tears rolling down your face books, read this. You will NOT be disappointed. Oh, and be sure to follow her on Twitter as well. She is just as funny on there.
The only thing that I will mention as more of a ‘heads-up’ is that some of the photos didn’t load in the kindle version I purchased. I do have an older kindle fire so maybe that was the issue. I loved the book so much though that I intend on buying a physical copy and contacting Amy to see if she would autograph it for me.
Bottom line: if you love laugh-out-loud, tears rolling down your face books, read this. You will NOT be disappointed. Oh, and be sure to follow her on Twitter as well. She is just as funny on there.
October 15, 2017
With all her trials and tribulations, and believe me, there are many, Amy laughs at herself and her quandaries. Through two marriages, many job misplacements (firings) and 4 children, Amy truly keeps her humor. Her ability to laugh at all her mistakes and to laugh at life is remarkable.
This book reads like a stand up comedy act. It is such a hoot and you can really relate to her troubles. I enjoyed so many areas of this book. However, it does read like a comedy act so it is a little choppy in places. But is is such a joy to read something so refreshing.
Amy has a fabulous outlook on life. I hope she has more books in her future.
I received this book from the author for a honest review.
Amy has a fabulous outlook on life. I hope she has more books in her future.
I received this book from the author for a honest review.
January 9, 2018
I have to admit, I am a bit biased as Amy is my sister-in-law. However, Amy has a gift for humor! I found myself laughing out loud as I read tales of the family (I could certainly see the family members saying and doing what she was recounting AND I believed every word).
This book is for anyone who has ever had a failure and rather than sitting down and crying about it could laugh at themselves and share with others. Good for Amy in sharing with her readers.
This book is for anyone who has ever had a failure and rather than sitting down and crying about it could laugh at themselves and share with others. Good for Amy in sharing with her readers.
March 6, 2018
Hilarious humor relating to her everyday life! Laugh out loud, giggle, spurt your drink! Lots of unashamed comedic moments! A must read to cheer your day and night and everything inbetween!
May 28, 2017
Amy Lyle had me in stitches! Her honest, self depreciating take on some of her missteps in life were not only relatable but validating in that, true to her motto.... We are all not failures, we're just having a little trouble right now. Can't wait for next book!
October 9, 2017
I love memoirs, and I particularly love The Amy Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book of Failures. This book is funny and genuine in a way that made me laugh, warmed my heart, and made me think "Thank God it's not just me."
November 12, 2017
Quick, really too quick of a read. I would like more. Very relatable issues.
The book illicited unexpected moments of feeling uplifted. Especially when times are challenging and a laugh would do you good, this is the perfect book.
The book illicited unexpected moments of feeling uplifted. Especially when times are challenging and a laugh would do you good, this is the perfect book.
December 12, 2017
I loved this audiobook! It’s packed with humorous comments and reflections on marriage, divorce, sex, health and fitness, infidelity, religion, celebrities, friendship and everyday life, that are not only funny, but also very clever! Thanks a lot, Amy! I love your sense of humor!
October 11, 2017
Funny and interestingly relatable.
November 20, 2017
Funny
The book is funny, but not laughing it loud funny. It's a good diversion, and you can read it in about two hours. Enjoy.
The book is funny, but not laughing it loud funny. It's a good diversion, and you can read it in about two hours. Enjoy.
April 5, 2018
WONDERFUL fun
How refreshing to hear funny true stories from a woman who admits how imperfect she is. Warning: there will be some LOL moments. Some, you will have to call a friend and read over the phone.
How refreshing to hear funny true stories from a woman who admits how imperfect she is. Warning: there will be some LOL moments. Some, you will have to call a friend and read over the phone.
March 20, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Light-hearted humor with short chapters full of humorous failures. I could definitely relate to many of them! If you want a light read and want to giggle, you'll love this! I also had the priviledge of hearing the author speak recently and was impressed with her ability to connect with the audience. She is engaging and real.
March 15, 2018
Ever had a book where you can totally relate with the wasn't-humorous-but-now-is mishaps of life? Are you a fan of authors such as Jenny Lawson? If so, read this book! I'd have read it in one sitting f life didn't happen, but it was certainly a book I wanted to keep reading until I realized it was two pages from being completed...I didn't want it to end. I enjoyed the sort of eavesdropping/mind reading perspective I as the reader got to have.
I suck at book reviews but really enjoyed this book and highlighted many funny scenes I can go back to when I need a giggle, or some "me too" sympathy.
I suck at book reviews but really enjoyed this book and highlighted many funny scenes I can go back to when I need a giggle, or some "me too" sympathy.
March 10, 2018
We have all been, are or know someone like Amy.
If you’re a woman around forty years old with a husband, kids, and a few neuroses, you’ll see yourself in the The Amy Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book of Failures.
Amy uses self-depreciative humour and anecdotes to express thinking and feelings many of us women can relate to. The amusing, sometime embarrassing, sometimes serious but always real situations she writes about are expressed with insight into her own failures.
And she loves cleaning.
I particularly enjoyed her openness and honesty. From the Booger Wagon to the repeat calls from her friend Sharon who phones for always-distracted and slightly incoherent one-way conversations; to her visit to China where, from her home back in Atlanta, her husband starts to organise the household for the imminent arrival of an adoptive Chinese baby Amy semi-joked about in a text message while on a trip to China. Reading her stories, I found myself nodding and smiling.
If you are a little bit hopeless or know someone who is, buy or gift this book and start smiling.
If you’re a woman around forty years old with a husband, kids, and a few neuroses, you’ll see yourself in the The Amy Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book of Failures.
Amy uses self-depreciative humour and anecdotes to express thinking and feelings many of us women can relate to. The amusing, sometime embarrassing, sometimes serious but always real situations she writes about are expressed with insight into her own failures.
And she loves cleaning.
I particularly enjoyed her openness and honesty. From the Booger Wagon to the repeat calls from her friend Sharon who phones for always-distracted and slightly incoherent one-way conversations; to her visit to China where, from her home back in Atlanta, her husband starts to organise the household for the imminent arrival of an adoptive Chinese baby Amy semi-joked about in a text message while on a trip to China. Reading her stories, I found myself nodding and smiling.
If you are a little bit hopeless or know someone who is, buy or gift this book and start smiling.
March 6, 2018
It is exceptional read. We have all found ourselves in similar situations. The world is a better place for bringing smiles to our faces and hearts. So glad she shared herself with all of us.
May 20, 2020
I'm still waiting for a punchline.
Let's just say that my trip to the grocery store yesterday was more eventful and funny than all of the stories in this book, combined.
I was 56 pages in when I realized I was just reading a very boring blog, but I kept reading it because I started a book challenge and was already 56 pages in, and it was free in Kindle unlimited.
Fortunately the story her stupid friend (even her friends need to get a life) who shot a squirrel that was already in a removable cage, with a bb gun - to death after 45 minutes of trying, was at the end of the book or I wouldn't have finished and all the waisted time would have been for not.
If you for some reason find yourself forced to read the entire thing, skip paragraphs. The details aren't interesting or important.
Let's just say that my trip to the grocery store yesterday was more eventful and funny than all of the stories in this book, combined.
I was 56 pages in when I realized I was just reading a very boring blog, but I kept reading it because I started a book challenge and was already 56 pages in, and it was free in Kindle unlimited.
Fortunately the story her stupid friend (even her friends need to get a life) who shot a squirrel that was already in a removable cage, with a bb gun - to death after 45 minutes of trying, was at the end of the book or I wouldn't have finished and all the waisted time would have been for not.
If you for some reason find yourself forced to read the entire thing, skip paragraphs. The details aren't interesting or important.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews