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Deedee Divine's Totally Skewed Guide to Life
"A top notch information packed, roll in the floor, and share with your girlfriends book." -- Reader Views"The guidance is skewed and the humor is . . . wait for it . . . divine!" -- Armchair Interviews"Deedee Divine's Totally Skewed Guide to Life is "delightfully wacky and unexpectedly wise," says Celia Rivenbark, author of You Can't Drink All Day If You Don't Start in the Morning. It’s not always easy to find the fun in life’s frustrations. But as Deedee says, “Family that doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.� Among the favorite essays featured in this second book from the bestselling author of Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road are "Riding in Cars with Kids," "What's DNA Got to Do with It?", and "Why Women Won't Read Maps." Find out why Bubbas build the best burgers, men shouldn’t use the B-word (“budget�), and the term “happy camper� is an oxymoron. From raising daredevil children to her struggles with weight-loss, Estill mines laughter from her many failures. Anyone who's ever been aggravated by postal service, annoyed by excessive psycho-babble, or frustrated by the search for a fool-proof diet will find Estill's takes on such subjects refreshingly honest and entertaining.Winner of the 2010 International Book Award (humor category) and a 2008 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Finalist.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
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December 19, 2011This one is free today 12/19/2011
Amazon review
I was so sold on "Stilettos No More," I ordered nine copies to give as gifts to my friends. Being a middle aged female, I feel like I am part of a special group of women that have learned that we can either choose to laugh or cry ourselves through our adult adventures. Perhaps referring to them as "adult adventures" might bring to mind something a bit more exotic than the subjects covered in these essays, however, they are what they are.
In "Deedee Divine's Totally Skewed Guide to Life," the author writes essays about life events from the perspective of her hysterical alter ego Deedee Divine. She covers just about every topic that there is to cover, including life events involving parenting, grandparenting, being a wife, fitness and health, consumerism and handling the holidays. Through out the humor that is interspersed into her stories, the reader also gets the idea that underneath it all, Deedee is a devoted wife and parent. By learning to laugh at the zanyiness that she has experienced with her family, she is also a much more patient person than most parents are. By sharing her stories with us, she is also someone that brings a lot of light into the world. As I read both of her books, I found that I was not reading them alone. I had to talk to my friends about what she writes about, and a I also shared a few stories of my own with them. These stories came from memories that would pop into my mind as I read her about her experiences. I think that most readers will find themselves doing this. Many will share this book, or gift their friends and families with new copies, others will make phone calls to reminisce about memories that will undoubtably pop up. For example, my next door neighbor is currently laid up with a broken ankle. Not being able to get around easily, she and her mother read exceperts of Ms. Estill's writings to each other. She reported that they found themselves giggling and laughing the whole time.
I highly recommned that you buy this book as a gift, whether it be for yourself or someone else, it will truly be appreciated.
Amazon review
I was so sold on "Stilettos No More," I ordered nine copies to give as gifts to my friends. Being a middle aged female, I feel like I am part of a special group of women that have learned that we can either choose to laugh or cry ourselves through our adult adventures. Perhaps referring to them as "adult adventures" might bring to mind something a bit more exotic than the subjects covered in these essays, however, they are what they are.
In "Deedee Divine's Totally Skewed Guide to Life," the author writes essays about life events from the perspective of her hysterical alter ego Deedee Divine. She covers just about every topic that there is to cover, including life events involving parenting, grandparenting, being a wife, fitness and health, consumerism and handling the holidays. Through out the humor that is interspersed into her stories, the reader also gets the idea that underneath it all, Deedee is a devoted wife and parent. By learning to laugh at the zanyiness that she has experienced with her family, she is also a much more patient person than most parents are. By sharing her stories with us, she is also someone that brings a lot of light into the world. As I read both of her books, I found that I was not reading them alone. I had to talk to my friends about what she writes about, and a I also shared a few stories of my own with them. These stories came from memories that would pop into my mind as I read her about her experiences. I think that most readers will find themselves doing this. Many will share this book, or gift their friends and families with new copies, others will make phone calls to reminisce about memories that will undoubtably pop up. For example, my next door neighbor is currently laid up with a broken ankle. Not being able to get around easily, she and her mother read exceperts of Ms. Estill's writings to each other. She reported that they found themselves giggling and laughing the whole time.
I highly recommned that you buy this book as a gift, whether it be for yourself or someone else, it will truly be appreciated.
January 10, 2013
I grabbed this book in a moment of notalgia for the good time little stories by author Laurie Notaro. Unfortunately this left little to laugh at until the last 17%. Some of the humor seemed spread a little thin and I got the impression that Estill could have used another persons read (and a few edits for random spelling errors) to round out some of the stories that would be otherwise interesting. This is not to say I do not like the author's style and voice, I would definitely read another one of her books and find her sense of humor refreshing, this novel just had a thrown together feel and tends to repeat itself often.
May 10, 2013
Needed a book, grabbed this as a free Kindle read. Found it really predictable, but I read the whole thing, rather than passing. Good for an end of day fun comfort read but don't expect to LOL.
August 1, 2019
I’m a fan of Erma Bombeck and every two years I enter the essay contest in her name. I always think I have the perfect entry but I never win. So when I came across Deedee Divine I thought I’d get some tips. Plus it turns out the author is married to a guy I went to high school with while growing up in the suburbs of Cleveland.
Deedee Divine is a woman I can relate to. She’s sixty something, in a long term marriage, facing retirement and above all, finds life flat out funny. Deedee’s husband goes out of town on business and she’s lost in a grocery store searching for her dinner. So many options, it’s overwhelming. What I wouldn’t give to be able to eat something gooey and fattening that I bought for myself with no one looking over my shoulder. If that ever happened, I’d find the grocery store overwhelming too.
Every married couple can understand the farting scene. Deedee’s was over the top hysterical. You’ll have to read it yourself, I’m not going to spill the beans. LOL!
But there’s one thing that Deedee needs to learn. She’s from Texas and may not be versed in the same winter sports as those of us from Cleveland. Your husband is correct when it comes to ice skating because all of us who grew up in Cleveland definitely know how to ice skate. We all had our very own pair of skates and learned to glide on a frozen pond, no fancy indoor rink. And as far as I can remember, no one fell through the ice. (You’ll have to read the book to understand this joke!)
Deedee is funny, in the style of Erma Bombeck but she’s hip and current. If Deedee has a skewed view of life then I do too. It’s a laugh a minute!
Deedee Divine is a woman I can relate to. She’s sixty something, in a long term marriage, facing retirement and above all, finds life flat out funny. Deedee’s husband goes out of town on business and she’s lost in a grocery store searching for her dinner. So many options, it’s overwhelming. What I wouldn’t give to be able to eat something gooey and fattening that I bought for myself with no one looking over my shoulder. If that ever happened, I’d find the grocery store overwhelming too.
Every married couple can understand the farting scene. Deedee’s was over the top hysterical. You’ll have to read it yourself, I’m not going to spill the beans. LOL!
But there’s one thing that Deedee needs to learn. She’s from Texas and may not be versed in the same winter sports as those of us from Cleveland. Your husband is correct when it comes to ice skating because all of us who grew up in Cleveland definitely know how to ice skate. We all had our very own pair of skates and learned to glide on a frozen pond, no fancy indoor rink. And as far as I can remember, no one fell through the ice. (You’ll have to read the book to understand this joke!)
Deedee is funny, in the style of Erma Bombeck but she’s hip and current. If Deedee has a skewed view of life then I do too. It’s a laugh a minute!
February 8, 2019
I loved this one! Very reminiscent of my Mom's favorite author, Erma Bombeck, who by the way is the first author that Diana thanks for inspiring her in the acknowledgments. For you youngsters, Erma Bombeck was a humor writer who chronicled her family life in the '60s and '70s. The only problem with this book is that now I feel a compulsion to not only read the rest of Diana Estill's books but to also reread Erma Bombeck. I definitely need to take a speed-reading course!
January 6, 2025
A View of Life.
Not hilarious but amusing! A few instances are obviously Nth American, outside our experience. And no, we don't want an inflatable cast of Desparate Housewives for Xmas decos especially without a mute function!
Her linking of topics and recorded thought processes are funny. Her imaginary conversations are amusing and when they begin to sound ridiculous, we begin to hear our own play backs!
An entertaining and easy read!
Not hilarious but amusing! A few instances are obviously Nth American, outside our experience. And no, we don't want an inflatable cast of Desparate Housewives for Xmas decos especially without a mute function!
Her linking of topics and recorded thought processes are funny. Her imaginary conversations are amusing and when they begin to sound ridiculous, we begin to hear our own play backs!
An entertaining and easy read!
January 25, 2022
It’s a quick fun popcorn read. Nothing earth shattering, but I always get a few chuckles, even if it’s occasionally a bit dated. Couldn’t tell you when I first got this book, but it’s fun to re-read.
May 31, 2018
Always a fun read
Always a fun read. The perspective is very different and often is one the reader just didn't know how to express.
Always a fun read. The perspective is very different and often is one the reader just didn't know how to express.
August 20, 2021
Book review
Very funny and a quick read. We all can relate and laugh at the situations she laments about and experiences.
Very funny and a quick read. We all can relate and laugh at the situations she laments about and experiences.
April 26, 2021
Funny
This was very amusing in places, not so in others. But I did love her honesty, and that she hit a lot of things on the head with their accuracy. Good read
This was very amusing in places, not so in others. But I did love her honesty, and that she hit a lot of things on the head with their accuracy. Good read
September 16, 2021
It was ok. I laughed out loud in a few places but for the most part it was predictable and somewhat lame humor. It will not stand the test of time because in ten years most people won't understand the names she's uses in here.
May 28, 2016
Description: This book is a series of essays each about Deedee Divine's life experiences or just general opinions on things. The topics are things most adult women can relate to; family, food, travel, holidays, dieting, health concerns, shopping, IBS, car seats and so on. Reading this book is much like reading a humorous blog with each entry being short, concise and entertaining. Although this book seems clean enough for most ages I think adult women would be the best audience for relating to the content.
In Short: Deedee Divine is definitely someone I would like to hang out with. She has a ton of funny stories, a knack for getting herself into situations, and a great sense of humor that is sarcastic at times. For example she comically describes alternative meanings to road signs. This quote about a road sign is my favorite: "Stop When Flashing - Flashers who stop generally get caught!" Some of the stories are also very sweet and romantic; she shares with us some lovely memories of vacations and special occasions with her husband and kids. Overall this is a feel-good read that covers a variety of topics.
Pros: Because each chapter is a single essay it is easy to pick this book up and read at your leisure. I enjoyed reading this book and read it quickly in 2 nights. Most of the stories are entertaining and some are down right funny. This is one of few books that has gotten audible laughs out of me. It is well written by an experienced writer with no blatant editing errors. The settings and events are descriptive and believable. The flow of the book works well even with the structure of it being a series of unconnected essays.
More at: ODBookReviews.blogspot.com
In Short: Deedee Divine is definitely someone I would like to hang out with. She has a ton of funny stories, a knack for getting herself into situations, and a great sense of humor that is sarcastic at times. For example she comically describes alternative meanings to road signs. This quote about a road sign is my favorite: "Stop When Flashing - Flashers who stop generally get caught!" Some of the stories are also very sweet and romantic; she shares with us some lovely memories of vacations and special occasions with her husband and kids. Overall this is a feel-good read that covers a variety of topics.
Pros: Because each chapter is a single essay it is easy to pick this book up and read at your leisure. I enjoyed reading this book and read it quickly in 2 nights. Most of the stories are entertaining and some are down right funny. This is one of few books that has gotten audible laughs out of me. It is well written by an experienced writer with no blatant editing errors. The settings and events are descriptive and believable. The flow of the book works well even with the structure of it being a series of unconnected essays.
More at: ODBookReviews.blogspot.com
March 10, 2011
Sometimes you just need a book that speaks to you, but not in a profound, life-changing way. Sometimes you need a book that lets you know that your life is similar to those around you and we are facing the same everyday issues; a book that is an affirmation of your normalness, if that’s a word. Deedee Divine’s Totally Skewed Guide to Life is the book you need.
*
You’ll guffaw, chuckle, giggle and eventually belly laugh so hard you’ll be crying over Diana Estill’s perspective on life.
*
She can take a simple situation such as how to look 10 pounds thinner in a swimsuit and turn it into a hilarious little story that we can all relate to. One of her suggestions is to wear platform flip-flops to make yourself appear taller. You’ll still look overweight, but at least now you’ll seem statuesque and full-figured instead of just short and dumpy.
*
Everyday happenings become her target and receive a hilarious spin on life as we all know it. This is a quick-read book that you’ll enjoy from page one.
*
You’ll guffaw, chuckle, giggle and eventually belly laugh so hard you’ll be crying over Diana Estill’s perspective on life.
*
She can take a simple situation such as how to look 10 pounds thinner in a swimsuit and turn it into a hilarious little story that we can all relate to. One of her suggestions is to wear platform flip-flops to make yourself appear taller. You’ll still look overweight, but at least now you’ll seem statuesque and full-figured instead of just short and dumpy.
*
Everyday happenings become her target and receive a hilarious spin on life as we all know it. This is a quick-read book that you’ll enjoy from page one.
January 10, 2013
Talk about laugh out loud! This was brilliant! The book is made of small chapters, each having snippets of commentary about life, illustrated by hilarious scenes.
It’s the kind of book that should have a warning label: go to the bathroom before reading. I mean, I was laughing out loud while standing in a custom’s lineup at an airport. No one laughs while lining up. No one. It might be a criminal offense, and it will definitely get you strange looks from security and other passengers. But there I was, oblivious to the frowning customs officials, the scowling security guards, the nervous passengers and the drug sniffing dog. I had to actually take a break from the book; my body was just so darn tired of laughing. Plus I noticed people shifting away from me and eyeing me nervously.
If you have kids, a husband, extended family, bills to pay, groceries to buy, road trips to make� You’ll love this book.
It’s the kind of book that should have a warning label: go to the bathroom before reading. I mean, I was laughing out loud while standing in a custom’s lineup at an airport. No one laughs while lining up. No one. It might be a criminal offense, and it will definitely get you strange looks from security and other passengers. But there I was, oblivious to the frowning customs officials, the scowling security guards, the nervous passengers and the drug sniffing dog. I had to actually take a break from the book; my body was just so darn tired of laughing. Plus I noticed people shifting away from me and eyeing me nervously.
If you have kids, a husband, extended family, bills to pay, groceries to buy, road trips to make� You’ll love this book.
May 3, 2013
This book was a quick read. As it is a collection of short, humorous essays, it would be great for someone to enjoy over lunch breaks or while waiting to pick up kids after school.
Most of the essays poked fun at family dynamics, but you don't have to be a parent or spouse to relate to the stories. However, I think the humor would be lost on younger readers; they just wouldn't have enough life experience to relate to the stories from the author's point-of-view.
In other essays, the author poked fun at her own housekeeping abilities, weight issues, career, map-reading and directional skills, innate laziness, and so forth. Some readers might not appreciate her self-deprecating sense of humor, although I thought she was pretty funny most of the time.
Most of the essays poked fun at family dynamics, but you don't have to be a parent or spouse to relate to the stories. However, I think the humor would be lost on younger readers; they just wouldn't have enough life experience to relate to the stories from the author's point-of-view.
In other essays, the author poked fun at her own housekeeping abilities, weight issues, career, map-reading and directional skills, innate laziness, and so forth. Some readers might not appreciate her self-deprecating sense of humor, although I thought she was pretty funny most of the time.
April 17, 2012
Some compare her to Erma Bombeck. While amusing, I didn't make that connection. I found her experiences hard to relate to, probably because I come from a younger generation (though I find Erma Bombeck highly entertaining and she is from an even older generation).
Anyways, if you have some time to kill and want a light read about the nuances of life, you might want to give this book a go. It's kind of like watching a sitcom with a laugh track. Sure there are funny moments, but definitely not as funny as watching a true comedian. Besides, there are many blogs about day-to-day life that are much funnier to read...
Anyways, if you have some time to kill and want a light read about the nuances of life, you might want to give this book a go. It's kind of like watching a sitcom with a laugh track. Sure there are funny moments, but definitely not as funny as watching a true comedian. Besides, there are many blogs about day-to-day life that are much funnier to read...
February 13, 2013
This wasn't as funny as I was in the mood for. Lots of potty (literal) humor, which made me snicker and even laugh out loud a couple of times, but otherwise, it's not really a guide, more just anecdotes from her life and many from her time AFTER her children have left the nest. I think I was looking for something from someone closer to my age and with stories that I could more relate to. This is probably more "skewed" to a crowd over 50.
March 31, 2012
Deedee's witty take on life was a breath of fresh air after all of the mysteries I've been reading lately. The book is actually a collection of short stories, some of which intertwine. I sat down and read the entire thing in an evening, but it would also be great for someone with less free time to commit to a novel.
April 25, 2013
I really need to stop reading free Kindle books, they are always pretty much a let down. I didn't find much wit or humor in this book, but I did notice it needs an editor. Of course the chapter on beans and farting was funny, but that's because everyone loves a good fart story. *meh* Waste of eye juice.
August 14, 2013
This was an okay book. Light.... make that very light....reading. I didn't find it LOL funny for the most part. It was amusing enough, I guess. Just little stories about the author's life. Could possibly give a lift on a bad or really dull day. Took me a while to read because I couldn't get into it.
February 5, 2013
I really enjoyed this. I thought it might be a humour book or a novel with a fun title, but it really is more of a guide of how to survive a totally skewed life. Lots of funny moments, lots of great things going. Highly enjoyable.
October 9, 2012
Freakin hilarity. At one point I will admit to snorting. Someone in an earlier review mentioned she didn't get her humor. Well it surely resonated with me and I think it would with my 'age'groupies! Great freebie from kindle. Worth the $ for a funny break
January 21, 2013
This is a collection of humorous essays about being a mom and wife in the South. It started out a little slow, but the latter half of the book earned a few chuckles from me. The title and synopsis were what initially drew me in; I'll admit that I was somewhat let down but not totally.
May 28, 2013
Fun and entertaining. A perfect rainy day read. Even if you aren't married with... you can still identify with many of the scenarios and will find yourself laughing while knowing you've experienced some of these things yourself, or exaggerated them in your mind in the exact same way.
February 3, 2014
This could be a 3* or a 4* depending on your mood. I sometimes need something light and fluffy to read before I read another long novel and this was a good change of pace. This book is easy to read and has a lot of humors stories about the author Diana Estill's daily life.
February 26, 2011
funny beach read!
May 24, 2011
Entertaining, but they compare her to Erma Bombeck ... which she doesn't deserve. She's not nearly as polished a writer, but maybe she'll grow up to be an Erma.
October 9, 2011
Funny, light read! Loved it!
April 1, 2012
Loved it! Hilarious!
October 6, 2012
Totally skewed would have been more engaging. How about "slightly off center and seriously disgruntled"? I couldn't relate to the stories and the humor seemed spread a little thin.
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