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Amy's Answering Machine: Messages from Mom
Based on her hit CD, the author presents a hilarious compilation of answering-machine messages from her overprotective mother, accompanied by anecdotes about the messages, emails from fans that share their own extreme maternal messages, and zany tips on how to deal maternal concern.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 27, 2019
Read Harder 2019: 4. A humor book.
This book was a random find at the used section in a book store when I was really homesick and was picking up anything that would remotely remind me of home. The description of this sounded too much like my Mom's nagging voice reminding me to eat greens and fruit so it shouldn't come as a surprise at all that I'm sitting now, writing a review for this.
This short book was equal parts comedy as it was a commentary about all things mom. It did not have pointless humour, it was more themed and relatable and elicited a knowing smile and a shake of head while I remembered my overprotective mother and her version of the same message the writer had written about. The illustrations were really cool and complemented the hilarious stories. The structure of the book increased the readability of the book with the author giving a small nugget of thought then her mom's voice message followed by the author's hilarious analysis of it.
Overall, a succinct, relatable and hilarious read!
This book was a random find at the used section in a book store when I was really homesick and was picking up anything that would remotely remind me of home. The description of this sounded too much like my Mom's nagging voice reminding me to eat greens and fruit so it shouldn't come as a surprise at all that I'm sitting now, writing a review for this.
This short book was equal parts comedy as it was a commentary about all things mom. It did not have pointless humour, it was more themed and relatable and elicited a knowing smile and a shake of head while I remembered my overprotective mother and her version of the same message the writer had written about. The illustrations were really cool and complemented the hilarious stories. The structure of the book increased the readability of the book with the author giving a small nugget of thought then her mom's voice message followed by the author's hilarious analysis of it.
Overall, a succinct, relatable and hilarious read!
December 8, 2016
Loved it, because it was about me.
Just a short book, compiled, I believe from the author's NPR segments about the goofy messages her mom leaves on her answering machine. I smiled all the way through, because I totally understand Amy's mom.
The messages were silly when you read them as an outsider, e.g. not to wear crepe-soled shoes on a plane (crepe sticks if there's an accident and you must exit down a slide) or not to get a red bathrobe (because red is a gang color and someone might see her getting the mail and shoot her...) -- but I totally understand how a crazy mom can worry about these things and feel compelled to warn her daughter! (Ask my daughter about a text regarding exploding suntan lotion and tampons).
Just a short book, compiled, I believe from the author's NPR segments about the goofy messages her mom leaves on her answering machine. I smiled all the way through, because I totally understand Amy's mom.
The messages were silly when you read them as an outsider, e.g. not to wear crepe-soled shoes on a plane (crepe sticks if there's an accident and you must exit down a slide) or not to get a red bathrobe (because red is a gang color and someone might see her getting the mail and shoot her...) -- but I totally understand how a crazy mom can worry about these things and feel compelled to warn her daughter! (Ask my daughter about a text regarding exploding suntan lotion and tampons).
April 2, 2014
I loved this book and it made me laugh all the way through. Some people may not like it but I loved it! It's an easy read and perfect for delving into after a hard day! :-)
June 5, 2013
Funny and charming! These are the real life answering machine messages left by Amy's very overprotective mother who frets constantly about her daughter's health, love life, and well-being. The messages are comical. For example, Mom warns Amy about wearing certain colors while she's walking down the hallway to throw her trash in the trash chute because she could be mistaken for a gangster. She tries valiantly to make sure Amy is aware of every possible danger out there in the world no matter how remote the possibility that said danger would affect her daughter.
February 12, 2021
A long time ago I heard a segment on NPR with Amy B0rkowsky, and they played one of the messages Amy's mother had left on her answering machine. It was so funny that I tracked down this book.
The messages Amy's mom leaves are hilarious. Amy's mom is over protective, but also very loving. It seems that every last little thing she sees or hears makes her think of her daughter, so she calls Amy and instructs her on the most random things. Amy is both aggravated and amused by it. The messages, transcribed for the book, are interspersed with Amy's commentary on these messages. You can feel her aggravation, but also her affection for her mother.
This book was published in 2001 and is a snapshot of technology from a different time. "Tape" is referred to more than once--the tape in an old answering machine that could fill up if you had enough messages and didn't change it.
The messages Amy's mom leaves are hilarious. Amy's mom is over protective, but also very loving. It seems that every last little thing she sees or hears makes her think of her daughter, so she calls Amy and instructs her on the most random things. Amy is both aggravated and amused by it. The messages, transcribed for the book, are interspersed with Amy's commentary on these messages. You can feel her aggravation, but also her affection for her mother.
This book was published in 2001 and is a snapshot of technology from a different time. "Tape" is referred to more than once--the tape in an old answering machine that could fill up if you had enough messages and didn't change it.
March 17, 2020
This is a great concept and has some wry moments but it isn’t really funny – in some ways it is too tragic to be really funny.
Amy has been saving her answering machine messages for over 10 years – many of the messages are from her Mom, dispensing advice and giving Amy really important information for a 37 year old independent women - such as when you go to renew your licence at the DMV go to the toilet first, as the lines will be long.
Amy also includes her thoughts on the messages explaining why her mother’s “wisdom” in the messages is mostly redundant and ridiculous, this sometimes adds to the humour in the message and sometimes interferes with it.
its not much of a time investment and there is probably a little something to make it worthwhile for most.
Amy has been saving her answering machine messages for over 10 years – many of the messages are from her Mom, dispensing advice and giving Amy really important information for a 37 year old independent women - such as when you go to renew your licence at the DMV go to the toilet first, as the lines will be long.
Amy also includes her thoughts on the messages explaining why her mother’s “wisdom” in the messages is mostly redundant and ridiculous, this sometimes adds to the humour in the message and sometimes interferes with it.
its not much of a time investment and there is probably a little something to make it worthwhile for most.
July 31, 2017
But there's a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin.
January 18, 2019
This would have been funnier if I could have consistently "heard" the New York, Jewish mother accent in my head!
March 24, 2024
This was one of those books that I’ve looked at the cover a thousand times in my gran’s house but never opened till now. Cute little book that makes me miss the early 2000s and landlines.
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April 8, 20252025: WFCA State Finalist
October 11, 2025
Answering machines…remember them?!
A short book with a special and comical way to honor your mother. Favorite memories with a combination of love and jest. What an interesting concept.
A short book with a special and comical way to honor your mother. Favorite memories with a combination of love and jest. What an interesting concept.
September 6, 2007
This book you can read in about 30 minutes. It's really short and cute with lots of comic drawings. I could relate to some of the things that Amy and her mom dealt with but sometimes I felt like it was way exaggerated. No one's mom would tell them not to wear their red bathrobe because they might be mistaken as part of a gang. Cute, easy read. Would recommend it if you have 30 minutes to laugh a little.
January 17, 2008
Ok, I could have done without this one. I read the first few pages and then relisted it on PBS. I heard about this book years ago, and actually listened to the author on a talk show once. She is VERY funny, and so is her subject matter. But I got the book to give to my mom for Christmas and it is NOT a good mom-gift book. Although it is very funny there’s too much ‘mom-slamming’ for me. Hopefully someone else will enjoy it more.
September 26, 2007
This is just a really short funny book about the crazy messages her mother leaves on her answering machine. I could relate to some of it (though my mom prefers face to face). It's more of a novelty book than an actual story. Just something you can pick up from time to time and get a quick chuckle.
August 24, 2007
This is so short I read it while in the bookstore. It's a funny book and worth reading. I have to admit, the older I get the more I sound like Amy's mom...sorry Erika! :-) It's just that I love you and you're SO far away.
February 20, 2008
I actually listened to the audiobook after hearing one of the stories on NPR. HYSTERICAL! The CD has the actual machine messages from her mom. What makes them so incredibly funny is not only her mom's messages, but the earnestness/seriousness in which her mom speaks.
April 28, 2009
The author shares messages left on her answering machine by her over-protective mother. You'll find yourself laughing out loud as her mother gives advice on dating, staying out late, and much more! Quick and light read.
August 18, 2012
Sometimes you just need a chance to laugh--and I do at this book!! Even more, I enjoy actually listening to the recordings which you can listen to as well. I can laugh at the good, if not divine, intentions I understand now as a mother. For whatever reason, this book tickled my funny bone.....
May 21, 2017
Oh so quick & funny! My only disappointment was it was over too fast! I heard about this book years ago on the radio & have been meaning to find it ever since. My mother is neurotic as well, so I could identify & commiserate. Buy this & laugh out loud!!
November 18, 2014
Amy's mother loves her very much and leaves her funny messages. This book is short, enjoyable, and light. This isn't as good as Sh*t My Dad Says, but few people are as eminently quotable as Justin Halpern's dad.
February 1, 2008
I thought this was SO funny.....I also listened to it on tape and it was even funnier hearing the mother!!!!!
August 2, 2008
This book was ok. I couldn't really relate as I don't have such an overbearing mother like the one in the book. Wasn't as funny as I thought it would be. Still a decent read and really quick.
March 27, 2008
I laughed so hard water came out my nose. Hysterically funny.
September 23, 2008
Some messages are more funny than others. But it didn't have the same kick as hearing it. It was worth the dollar.
December 27, 2008
Given to me because of my name. I heard the author on NPR and the bit was funny. Less funny when there's a whole bit of Jewish mother schtick.
July 5, 2009
Pretty funny. Amy's mother leaves really funny messages, although I'm sure she doesn't think they are funny. I got quite a few chuckles.
September 2, 2009
At a reviewer's suggestion I listened to the book. It was fun.
December 12, 2009
My mom lives four houses away from me and calls me all the time. I thought this would be good. This book was lame. It could have been better without the author's input on the messages.
January 5, 2017
This is hilarious.
July 19, 2010
I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. Worth every minute - get the audio books so you can actully hear Amy's mother's voice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews