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Vacuuming in the Nude: And Other Ways to Get Attention
Peggy Rowe is at it again—this time giving a hilarious inside look at her writing career.
Peggy Rowe has been writing all of her adult life. In fact, she doesn’t know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy’s breakthrough finally came— at the age of eighty!
Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers’ conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations.
From the family’s beloved dog Shim, who thrived on piles of fresh, warm manure from the horse pasture—to vacationing on the sweltering beach with mosquitos the size of dune buggies—to the challenges of aging, Peggy Rowe delivers a hilarious array of stories that reflect her addiction to making people laugh. Even in her cancer support group, she manages to use her humor to affect others for the good.
If Peggy isn’t putting her publisher on hold to finish a game of Mahjongg, she’s at her kitchen table window-on-the-world taking notes for the next story for fans old and new to enjoy.
Peggy Rowe has been writing all of her adult life. In fact, she doesn’t know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy’s breakthrough finally came— at the age of eighty!
Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers’ conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations.
From the family’s beloved dog Shim, who thrived on piles of fresh, warm manure from the horse pasture—to vacationing on the sweltering beach with mosquitos the size of dune buggies—to the challenges of aging, Peggy Rowe delivers a hilarious array of stories that reflect her addiction to making people laugh. Even in her cancer support group, she manages to use her humor to affect others for the good.
If Peggy isn’t putting her publisher on hold to finish a game of Mahjongg, she’s at her kitchen table window-on-the-world taking notes for the next story for fans old and new to enjoy.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published August 16, 2022
495 people are currently reading
1733 people want to read
About the author
Peggy Rowe
5 books170 followersPeggy Rowe lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with John, her husband of sixty-one years. Both educators, they raised three sons. Peggy has been writing for most of her adult life and has two New York Times bestsellers to her credit—both of which were published after the age of eighty. Now eight-four, she is living the good life in a retirement community where material abounds. Peggy continues to write every day of her life—preferably without wearing jewelry or a bra.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
December 31, 2022
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. ~ Albert Schweitzer
In her latest book (her third time being published in her 80's), Peggy Rowe highlights the above quote. After the traumas we have experienced in the pandemic, it is balm for the soul to read her stories. They illuminate her childhood, octogenarian years, and times in between. I found myself smiling at her anecdotes and laughing out loud at times. Rest assured you will find out exactly who was vacuuming in the nude. You will definitely find yourself inspired by Peggy and her indomitable spirit. She will also remind you that we all as human beings have so much to share without causing controversy of division. Proud to say I am now one of her LFBF (Little Facebook Friends).
In her latest book (her third time being published in her 80's), Peggy Rowe highlights the above quote. After the traumas we have experienced in the pandemic, it is balm for the soul to read her stories. They illuminate her childhood, octogenarian years, and times in between. I found myself smiling at her anecdotes and laughing out loud at times. Rest assured you will find out exactly who was vacuuming in the nude. You will definitely find yourself inspired by Peggy and her indomitable spirit. She will also remind you that we all as human beings have so much to share without causing controversy of division. Proud to say I am now one of her LFBF (Little Facebook Friends).
October 18, 2022
Peggy Rowe has been writing her whole life – from poetry to scripts and novels for all ages. But it wasn’t until her 80s that she has had 3 books published and hit the NYT Bestseller list. Teacher, wife, mother, writer, and amateur pianist Peggy Rowe’s only claim to fame is being the mother of Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs and Mike Rowe Works. In fact, her life has been mostly middle class ordinary.
But Peggy shines in the ordinary tales of doctor’s visits, family pets, and achieving your dreams when you’re well past your prime. Her latest collection of short, humorous essays is irreverent, but not obscene, and shies away from anything political or too thought provoking; instead highlighting the humor of an observant and slightly sarcastic old lady observing everything around her.
If you’re looking for a how-to book on publishing or even the answer to how to stay married for 61 years; this isn’t the book for you. But if you want a good laugh about growing older and living in community, definitely check it out.
This is a quick read, but readers may want to check out Rowe’s previous books: About my mother and About your father as they are referenced frequently in this one.
But Peggy shines in the ordinary tales of doctor’s visits, family pets, and achieving your dreams when you’re well past your prime. Her latest collection of short, humorous essays is irreverent, but not obscene, and shies away from anything political or too thought provoking; instead highlighting the humor of an observant and slightly sarcastic old lady observing everything around her.
If you’re looking for a how-to book on publishing or even the answer to how to stay married for 61 years; this isn’t the book for you. But if you want a good laugh about growing older and living in community, definitely check it out.
This is a quick read, but readers may want to check out Rowe’s previous books: About my mother and About your father as they are referenced frequently in this one.
October 3, 2022
I love Peggy Rowe's writing and have been following her and her son for years. Her writing is funny and kind. This particular book was special and different because, while still funny, it highlighted the struggle she has faced over many years trying to get published. It is an amazing story of perserverance and fortitude. She never gave up on her dreams and neither should we!
June 22, 2023
If you start out your book by telling your reader how funny you are…you’re probably not. I didn’t love her writing. I smiled a few times…that’s it.
I remember listening to Mike Rowe read the story about the purse at Walmart and laughing out loud, but I did not find that here. She “told” me she was a humor writer and never “showed” me—ironic considering the book’s subject matter.
If anything, it does give me hope that I can someday publish a book…just gotta have one of my kids become famous first…
I remember listening to Mike Rowe read the story about the purse at Walmart and laughing out loud, but I did not find that here. She “told” me she was a humor writer and never “showed” me—ironic considering the book’s subject matter.
If anything, it does give me hope that I can someday publish a book…just gotta have one of my kids become famous first…
December 7, 2022
Despite the title, nothing remotely racy here. These are sweet, mildly amusing anecdotes of white bread Americana written by an eighty year old woman. Nothing offensive here, but not my speed.
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January 22, 2023This was sold as writing and the writing life. It was snippets of writing with copies of old articles and stories. If you know this person, it would seem like a good compendium. I don’t know her. The part about selling the first story, the husband’s eggplant, and Bruce Willis were the best parts.
Quick read. Not very informative for a new writer, but enjoyable.
Quick read. Not very informative for a new writer, but enjoyable.
September 16, 2022
This book, given to me by a friend, is hilarious! I only give 5 stars to books that are life altering,, so 4 is excellent unless you're the Buddha or Jung.
Especially funny if you're aging or you need a sense of humor about aging parents. Enjoy!
Especially funny if you're aging or you need a sense of humor about aging parents. Enjoy!
October 14, 2022
Another fantastic, funny book by the mother of celebrity Mike Rowe. This emphasis in this book is her years of writing and being rejected but finally publishing her first book in her 60's.
Peggy Rowe has been writing all of her adult life. In fact, she doesn’t know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy’s breakthrough finally came—at the age of eighty!
Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers’ conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations.
From the family’s beloved dog Shim, who thrived on piles of fresh, warm manure from the horse pasture—to vacationing on the sweltering beach with mosquitos the size of dune buggies—to the challenges of aging, Peggy Rowe delivers a hilarious array of stories that reflect her addiction to making people laugh. Even in her cancer support group, she manages to use her humor to affect others for the good.
If Peggy isn’t putting her publisher on hold to finish a game of Mahjongg, she’s at her kitchen table window-on-the-world taking notes for the next story for fans old and new to enjoy.
Peggy Rowe has been writing all of her adult life. In fact, she doesn’t know how not to write—even through those years of constant rejection from publishing houses. But between her tenacity and the encouragement of her family, Peggy’s breakthrough finally came—at the age of eighty!
Vacuuming in the Nude is most likely her funniest prose to date as she shares her journey of attending myriad writers’ conferences and honing her ability to see humor in everyday situations.
From the family’s beloved dog Shim, who thrived on piles of fresh, warm manure from the horse pasture—to vacationing on the sweltering beach with mosquitos the size of dune buggies—to the challenges of aging, Peggy Rowe delivers a hilarious array of stories that reflect her addiction to making people laugh. Even in her cancer support group, she manages to use her humor to affect others for the good.
If Peggy isn’t putting her publisher on hold to finish a game of Mahjongg, she’s at her kitchen table window-on-the-world taking notes for the next story for fans old and new to enjoy.
March 12, 2024
How could one not love America’s grandmother with her hilariously funny observations of normal everyday life? This book was a one-day audiobook experience for us while driving and it made the trip a breeze. So fun! Definitely a high recommendation to anyone taking a look at this book.
April 19, 2023
If you need some inspiration to never give up on a dream and want to read a book that will make you laugh out loud, read this book! It was great!
August 21, 2022
This book is for everyone who loves humor. This senior author draws on her years of life and observations of human and animal nature. I admire her and wish she would write everyday on facebook where I enjoy her short narratives about the world around us. Her latest book tour has been amazing. I'm close in age to Peggy so when she talks about chores on the farm and dressing for church I can relate. Many people are familiar with her son, Mike who is also a humorous author. this is Peggy's third book and I would recommend all three as gifts for any occasion.
December 19, 2022
Loved her other books. This one was a bit too hodgepodgy for me. And the print copy I purchased was so poorly printed that a large number of pages were faded and hard to read. The printer did a really terrible job with it.
October 15, 2022
Cute fun clean read I doubt I'll read another of her books, just not my style. but very light reading. I highly recommend reading one book by Mrs. Rowe, she can be hilarious!
October 10, 2022
This one didn’t hold my attention like her other writing.
October 11, 2022
Peggy Rowe has been writing her whole life – from poetry to scripts and novels for all ages. But it wasn’t until her 80s that she has had 3 books published and hit the NYT Bestseller list. Teacher, wife, mother, writer, and amateur pianist Peggy Rowe’s only claim to fame is being the mother of Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs and Mike Rowe Works. In fact, her life has been mostly middle class ordinary.
But Peggy shines in the ordinary tales of doctor’s visits, family pets, and achieving your dreams when you’re well past your prime. Her latest collection of short, humorous essays is irreverent, but not obscene, and shies away from anything political or too thought provoking; instead highlighting the humor of an observant and slightly sarcastic old lady observing everything around her.
If you’re looking for a how-to book on publishing or even the answer to how to stay married for 61 years; this isn’t the book for you. But if you want a good laugh about growing older and living in community, definitely check it out.
This is a quick read, but readers may want to check out Rowe’s previous books: About my mother and About your father as they are referenced frequently in this one.
But Peggy shines in the ordinary tales of doctor’s visits, family pets, and achieving your dreams when you’re well past your prime. Her latest collection of short, humorous essays is irreverent, but not obscene, and shies away from anything political or too thought provoking; instead highlighting the humor of an observant and slightly sarcastic old lady observing everything around her.
If you’re looking for a how-to book on publishing or even the answer to how to stay married for 61 years; this isn’t the book for you. But if you want a good laugh about growing older and living in community, definitely check it out.
This is a quick read, but readers may want to check out Rowe’s previous books: About my mother and About your father as they are referenced frequently in this one.
September 2, 2022
I have to admit that before I read this book, I had never heard of Peggy Rowe. This book is something of a retrospective; in the different chapters, it presents the circumstances under which certain stories were written, and then it presents the stories themselves. I think that what I see here is a competent writer for an audience that does not include me.
Ms. Rowe certainly has not had an easy time of making a career for herself as a writer. She didn't even get started in earnest until she was past sixty years old. She does offer numerous lively passages about her successes, her failures, her triumphs and her frustrations. That said, whether it was her intention or not, her poignant observations about aging--both her own and that of her husband, whose health dramatically declined as he aged alongside her--provide an even greater impact. Although Ms. Rowe never complains, I found those passages more moving than her short stories. For example, towards the end of the book, she describes numerous lunch gatherings with her group of friends. But eventually, and sadly, the number of friends declines due to deaths and other ravages of age.
Perhaps one of her greatest strengths is the love she so vividly depicts for her family. Some readers will be familiar with her son Mike Rowe, author of The Way I heard It. But she clearly does not love one child over the other just because he is a celebrity. Her tenderness towards her husband John, who has reached his 90s and gone blind, is particularly touching. So this book has strengths, to be sure. It wil resonate more with those who followed the writings of Peggy Rowe before this book was published.
Ms. Rowe certainly has not had an easy time of making a career for herself as a writer. She didn't even get started in earnest until she was past sixty years old. She does offer numerous lively passages about her successes, her failures, her triumphs and her frustrations. That said, whether it was her intention or not, her poignant observations about aging--both her own and that of her husband, whose health dramatically declined as he aged alongside her--provide an even greater impact. Although Ms. Rowe never complains, I found those passages more moving than her short stories. For example, towards the end of the book, she describes numerous lunch gatherings with her group of friends. But eventually, and sadly, the number of friends declines due to deaths and other ravages of age.
Perhaps one of her greatest strengths is the love she so vividly depicts for her family. Some readers will be familiar with her son Mike Rowe, author of The Way I heard It. But she clearly does not love one child over the other just because he is a celebrity. Her tenderness towards her husband John, who has reached his 90s and gone blind, is particularly touching. So this book has strengths, to be sure. It wil resonate more with those who followed the writings of Peggy Rowe before this book was published.
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April 23, 2023I didn’t read the whole thing but I did enjoy her humorous stories. She used her writing talent for years and years to entertain her family and friends. How humble and fun and different in this day and age. She was published several times and did enjoy being published, but it seems that she enjoyed sharing her writing to bring joy to others the most and I found that very admirable.
December 12, 2023
Peggy Rowe is the mother of Mike Rowe host of Dirty Jobs. She is also a talented writer and has written other books. She talks of her life with her family. This was very enjoyable and I look forward to reading her other books.
February 4, 2025
Another entertaining read by Mike Rowe’s mother. Ordinary everyday stories about her family and her life as a writer (writing seriously since she was 66: she’s 83 now) and as an aging woman, discussing all of her ( our) physical frailties in a very honest and amusing way. Would be that I had her skill with the written word! It was a quick easy read, great before sleep reading as I’d go to sleep smiling, which is really quite rare these days!
November 28, 2022
Rick really likes Mike Rowe he thought I would enjoy this. I did she has quick little funny stories to tell. I will listen to her other two books.
October 20, 2023
I love Peggy's voice and she makes me laugh out loud.
January 11, 2023
This was an audio book. I enjoyed the reading by Peggy, telling her own stories.
January 1, 2023
Another wonderful, entertaining compilation of stories by Mrs Rowe. Some are truly LOL funny. Looking forward to her next book.
November 2, 2023
Another excellent collection of anecdotes from Peggy Rowe.
I really enjoy her poetry.
I really enjoy her poetry.
November 10, 2023
I thought this book was so cute and funny. I feel like I’m besties with Mike Rowes mom now 🥺
January 29, 2023
I have mixed feelings on this book. I didn't enjoy that it was several short stories and often felt the book dragged on; however, the stories led to a lot of insightful discussions at my book club.
March 16, 2023
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Peggy Rowe herself on Mike Rowe’s podcast. She’s so sweet and endearing and witty. The book is my least favorite of her 3, but, while there’s nothing mind blowing about her writing, her little stories are funny and relatable. Entertaining, easy lighthearted read.
August 6, 2023
Vacuuming in the Nude
I have read all three of Peggy Rowe’s books, this is another of short essays. It’s not quite as good as the first two, but still is worth reading. I think the funniest to me was Don’t Shoot Your Eye Out! I so could relate to that story 😂😂
I have read all three of Peggy Rowe’s books, this is another of short essays. It’s not quite as good as the first two, but still is worth reading. I think the funniest to me was Don’t Shoot Your Eye Out! I so could relate to that story 😂😂
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August 28, 2022I pre-ordered this one. This is her third and they are all an easy enjoyable read that will make you laugh out loud.
October 13, 2022
A few god chuckles and I’m glad Peggy has achieved her dream of being a writer!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews