Uh-Oh: Some Observations from Both Sides of the Refrigerator Door

by Robert Fulghum

"Uh-oh is not in any dictionary or thesaurus, and is seldom seen in written form. Yet most of us utter that sound every day. And have used it all our lives...Uh-oh is way up near the top of a list of small syllables with large meanings...

Uh-oh...is a frame of mind. A philosophy. It says to expect the unexpected., and also expect to be able to deal with it as it happens most of the time. Uh-oh people seem not only to expect surprise, but they count on it, as if surprise were a dimension of vitality."

These words from the opening of Uh-oh describe a special vitality that, in fact, infuses the writings of Robert Fulghum with the incomparable joie de vivre and sense of wonder that have made his books, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten and It Was on Fire When I Lay Down on It, modern classic, translated into twenty-five languages.

In this third volume, Fulghum explores a variety of subjects from both sides of the refrigerator door—from meatloaf to the Salvation Army Band, from fireflies to funerals, from hiccups to a watch without hands. One again, Fulghum celebrates everyday life in all its richness, subtly weaving a theme of balance throughout, balance between the mundane and the holy, between humor and grief, and between what is and what might be.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Essays, Philosophy, Inspirational, Short Stories, Memoir

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 12, 1991

About the author

Robert Fulghum is an American author, primarily of short essays.

Reviews

[Comicstrip]

This book is currently on my sisters shelf. Every time i walk in I want to her room, i see it and remember "Oh yeah! I want to read that!"
My sister highly recomends all Robert Fulghum books. I was there when she was first reading this book, and there was many times where she burst out laughing or stopped me to share a passage. Every passage she shared was amazing and witty and all together moving...Robert Fulghum. I want to get to know this man more...

[Sheila Jungco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fellowship of the refrigerator.

We should read more positive books that share ordinary experiences. This is a wonderful miditation book in disguise.

[Illyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of the boko Fulghum wrote that he was inspired by a French essayist who wrote indiscriminately, from the mundane to the profound, without any conscious effort to sound lofty or academic. And so in this book we found essays on late night snacking back to back with another on peacekeeping diplomat, which in turn is followed by an essay on how the loss of a cigar resulted in a thrilling escapade, which is followed by the ruckus raised by the addition of a dog in the neighborhood, and so on and so forth. But aside from the versatility and humor, what works for me in this book is how it resonates with some of my own ideas, how often I nodded as I went through it, finding affirmation, encouragement and inspiration.

[Nomanisan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Robert Fulghum. Like Everything I Needed to Know...> and It was on Fire When I Lay Down on It>, Fulghum's gentle, insightful, humorous observations about life fill the pages of this book. His perspectives and descriptions always bring smiles--and even laughter while I read, frequently at 2 a.m., alone in my room. How many authors can do that to you? He writes in vignettes and snapshots, and he has a knack for very quickly bringing the reader into his experiences. It's such a great escape from the harshness of life to which we are far too accustomed.

[Mary K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably liked this book when I first read it 30- something years ago. There are a few really good essays, several really good lines, but about 2/3 of the book is pretty mediocre. He’s not a great writer and some of the essays are downright silly. Maybe it’s too dated.

[Tristan · Rating 5 out of 5]

His writing style is unique. I feel like I'm listening to a grandpa tell random life stories. This book, like Fulghum's other books, makes you laugh and cry but above all, it makes you think.

[luciesenemyje · Rating 4 out of 5]

Na předešlou knihu od Fulghuma jsem se naladila o něco líp, některé příběhy z téhle mě zas tak nezasáhly. Každopádně i přes to musím ocenit jeho styl psaní a celkově uvažování nad životem. Je to milé a člověk se až zadiví, kolik se toho dá napsat o všedních věcech, aniž by to bylo rozbředlé. A dva momenty skvěle vystihly a podpořily to, nad čím jsem poslední dobou dost uvažovala:

„Mužská pýcha je pořádné břímě.“

„Tak Fulčume. Je to problém nebo nepohodlí?“

No, aspoň ten příběh s Fulčumem by si měl každý přečíst. Fulghum do každé rodiny!

[Phoebe Scarborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome as always. My favorite author

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very satisfying collection of random thoughts that inspire thought. Mr. Fulghum sees life from a very interesting point of view.

[Joey Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let me say that I read this book in 3 days, which is supposed to be read in just 1 hour fitted a feat in itself with my short attention span. And when I was finished, I honestly felt sad that it was over. Second, I'm one to take the time to review books online, and this is one that is worthy of all the praise I am supposed to give it sooner. An excuse to myself for less guilty =)
This book is fantastic. It's one of the best books I've read in a long while in perceiving type. One moment, Fulghum is making you ponder some very deep subjects, and the next, he's got you laughing those really good, healthy belly laughs that are so few and far between. His insight on so many ordinary subjects is astounding. You will find yourself relating to some of the stories and touched or delighted by the others. Get this book. It's really worth the read.

[Andreina Garban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a book by Robert Fulghum is just like hanging out with a fun pal that will get you laughing, or crying, smiling... it will make you thoughtful and will bring you more humanity to every single and regular day. I really love his story telling of the most awkward or simple facts, occasions, people, animals, and refrigerators. Just for our own sanity, a Robert Fulghum's book should be kept always in the house, in a backpack, in the car because in our worst days, he will manage to make us smile and recall us how wonderful life is when we are aware of the tiny moments and their magic.

[Ef Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prokousala jsem se prvními patnácti stranami a dala Fulghumovi druhou šanci. Jsem ráda za ty útržky a věty, které mě nutily přemýšlet a dělat si pořádky, ale jako celek hodnotím průměrně. Každopádně bych sáhla v budoucnu ještě po něčem jiném, abych mohla srovnat fragmenty.

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a re-read and re-visit with a book I had read several years ago by an author I knew I already appreciated. And I must say, re-reading it was a joy for many reasons. One of those was I had forgotten some of the nuances that were nice to recall as I flipped through the pages. In particular, I enjoyed revisiting how including children with ideas that differ from the mainstream, recognizing the difference between an inconvenience and a problem, and the story of what's arguably America's most optimistic, most well-known song all really matter in this difficult and beautiful thing we all call life. Highly recommend.

[Cole Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I very much enjoyed Fulghum’s “All I Really…” but this one was even better. Every year I find a book I really like to give as a gift, this is it this year even though it was written in 1991! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[ThanhPT · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting!

[Kevin Roones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I much prefer reading novels and don't really like this genre; maybe Fulghum used up all of his good stories writing his first two books, but I really struggled to get through this and almost quit on it a few times. Let's just say it wasn't my cup of tea.

[Edward Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book while "antiquing" in Snohomish with a friend last weekend and although it was close to the original price I decided to buy it. I had not read Fulghum in over 20 years but loved his first three books that I keep on my spiritual-philosophy book shelf. What a joy! He is like the Mark Twain or Roy Rogers of our generation and upon doing research found out he is still alive and kicking although not in Washington State where he taught but in Moab, Utah. His work makes me laugh out loud like David Sedaris' writing and is the perfect thing to read before nodding off to sleep at night. He writes in small self contained anecdotes about all aspects of life much like the wonderful Erma Bombeck. Cannot recommend this enough to everyone. OH, and the book was signed by him. Didn't even realize it until I finished reading it.
I recommend all his books. I enjoyed reading them in order because of his stories reflect his age and this one was written while in his 50s. Not a Good Read....A Great Read!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many good things to say about this book -- I found a TON of cute things in this book, only some of which I noted in my update statuses. This book has no purpose, and it didn't have a beginning or an ending -- you could have jumped in anywhere. Each little vignette had it's own tale to tell, some of them intertwined, but each one was complete in an of itself.

I don't remember if I have read All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, though I have seen bits from it -- and I know I haven't read any of Mr. Fulghum's other books -- but they have all been added to my wishlist. His writing style is just enjoyable to read.

[Kin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time to read Fulghum and it's kind of off because this is his third book. -_- I always grab a book that is a part of a series on book sales without knowing it. Anyways, it made me laugh somehow. But I was really confused on the last part where he mentioned Emily Phipps... because simply, I didn't read his other books. Anyways, I will gladly hunt All I Really Need to Know.. and It was on fire..
All in all, a good read. Yay!

[Amberly Crowford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this author, who also wrote "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten." I think he has a lot of great insight, but I'm quickly learning that not many people in the book club I'm in liked it at all.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fulghum gives me a warm fuzzy feeling, like I need my own guru, and he could fit the bill. This gets 3 stars only because I'm comparing it to his other works, and it is not as great as they are. Still, this is comfort reading, every time.

[Greg Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like his other books, Uh-oh gives homey advice in short anecdotes. It's an easy read and a feel-good treat. On the other hand, there's not a lot of depth or complexity. If you enjoyed "All I need to know, I Learned in Kindergarten" , you will enjoy this.

[Mitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong as 'Fire,' but still a fun compilation of yarns.

[barbara anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections and stories that illustrate grace and redemption.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the best of his books. I laughed, I cried, it moved me =0)

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

More brilliant ponderings from Fulghum.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Robert Fulgham's books are hilarious! His stories are well told and easy to read and follow.

[Lizzi Clobes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fulghum delivers a delightful read in the pages of 'Uh-Oh'. A perfect pick-me-up collection of anecdotes and amusing life lessons. He delves into life, pondering with a curious sentimentality and mildly enthusiastic participation. He fills the pages with thoughtful and witty essays. One could jump anywhere with the collection of humorous observations and conversations, drawing out a smile as the reader relates, even compares in the chapters. Certainly, an easy and comfortable read, complimentary to the commode, left between the seats of your vehicle, or abandoned on a counter's edge, stacked with the mail. Fulghum draws you into his frame of mind, combined with a philosophical view of the everyday occurrences and our often-unrecognized utterances, the expression, 'Uh-Oh'. He leads the reader expectedly and unexpectedly into surprise and wonder, as he writes with his speaking voice, you hear in your head while following the visual imagery of his train of thoughts, from one interesting thing to another, connected obscurely, but connected nonetheless. An experience in youth, “hum a little something for me” leads into a high school memory of how his head is tuned to B-flat, which is the same hum as the refrigerator, the central part of a home, with its front covered in a plethora of things, housing a freezer, loaded with even more curiosities of preserved foods and other items, all observed and pondered during a midnight snacking and song making. Meatloaf musings he might say. And as you travel along, the wonderings and trail of this and that and who else has joined in the shenanigans, you find yourself smiling at the absurdity, yet relating in its similarity to your own happenings. You find you can relate and relax in his storytelling wanderings.

Each chapter, adventures, labors in life, love, family, and friendships. Fulghums' wit, optimism, and humbling ability in awkward or silly situations are ever present in his chronicles. Like believing God’s name was Howard and his ability to describe this poetically without offense to another’s belief system. His stories of work and travels, like night desk clerk and horse wrangler right out of college with a Swiss Army knife in Colorado. Or the people he meets, like the storage space guy he rented a space next to also emulate and have quality time in their rented storage spaces, which turned into makeshift living rooms. All choices he made were from curiosity and necessity. Anyone having read his work will attest to ‘Uh-Oh’ being a most beloved and inspirational book, a tool in one’s toolbox for getting through life. You cannot close the book now having viewed ordinary things and others' lives in connecting and meaningful ways. That it brings whimsy and giggles to a life now more easily well-lived; like falling in love and cigars, hiccups, and the only way out is in. But most of all, because “maybe the fireflies are onto something.”

[Kanchana Bandara-Coore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and final book of a trio I purchased from a Church jumble sale on a visit to Canada last year. I think this is probably the best one of the lot. I enjoyed all three of Fulghum's books. His humour is a great accompaniment for the nuggets of wisdom on life, love, the universe and everything else that are covered in his short stories. It is as if he is telling just you the story. The tale of the great neighbourhood egging incident was hilarious. The story of the dog that was allowed to live in a no dogs community on a trial basis, and won her way into everyone's hearts was a tear jerker. The tale of how he was told by a Nazi war camp survivor that he needed to learn the difference between "a problem" and "an inconvenience" was a lesson in perspective. The simplicity of his writing and the ease of reading belie the depth and universality of the truths he speaks to. An entertaining, inspiring and thought provoking book.

[David Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As in his first two collections, he comes up with some gems, including good stories on himself. He tells a delightful tale about officiating over the scattering of a man's ashes out of a plane (during his earliest days as a Unitarian minister), and about the bride who had the hiccups during her wedding.

Two other stories -- one about a dog named Gyda who created a bond within Mr. Fulghum's community, and another wise one about children and egg-throwing and their ultimate connections
to violence -- are touching and memorable.
For me the most useful tidbit is the Wollman Test of Realit where one is to identify the seriousness of a problem: "A lump in the oatmeal, a lump in the throat, and a lump in the breast are not the same lump; one should learn the difference."