Erma Bombeck

Erma Bombeck

Erma Bombeck (Erma Louise Fiste) was born on February 21st, 1927. Erma passed away April 22nd, 1996 at 69 years old. Erma Bombeck was born in Bellbrook, Ohio, USA. Bombeck attended the University of Dayton where she received an English degree.

Erma Bombeck was an American humorist famously known for her funny newspaper column about suburban homes. The column ran from 1965 to 1996 and made her a household name. Most of Bombeck’s books were bestsellers. By the 1970s, her column was read twice a week by over 30 million people in 900 newspapers across the United States and Canada. Her literary work captured the everyday lives of middle-class folks in post-Second World War America and was popular among the parents of the Baby Boomer generation.

Bombeck’s book, If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?, explores the everyday chaos of family life. It's full of sharp humor and relatable stories which readers can easily connect with. Bombeck terms herself a “professional worrier” and finds things to stress about which more people wouldn’t ever consider stressful- for instance, her daughter's marriage to an Eskimo who she fears might set her adrift when she gets old.

The story kicks off with a funny but strange story of a lab rat named Lionel who survives endless experiments only to die during a car ride with a teenager. This story sets the tone for the rest of the story which is all about survival- whether it's about surviving her kids growing up or assuming the caretaker role for her aging mother.

Bombeck explores the events in her life with candid humor. She often jokes about her husband’s chronic lateness and affirms that they have never been on time since their wedding day. She also shares a funny story about her mom forgetting her child’s name, only later for the child to use it to guilt-trip her. Even when Bombeck and her spouse joke about vacating an apartment to avoid their kids- their children confidently predict that they will come back crawling.

Bombeck’s humor shines when she reflects on the trendy tennis lessons that feel more like a battle with platform heels or a social trap. In addition, she also pokes fun at the hazards of shopping carts and makes jokes about leaving her kids behind on vacation.

One surprisingly funny moment is her idea of a “child trade-up” system where parents could exchange their kids, only to end up deciding their children aren’t as bad after all. Bombeck vividly captures the joys, struggles, and absurdities of family life with sharp observations and, a warm and humorous tone.

Overall, If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits? Is a perfect read for anyone who wants to laugh out loud about the ups and downs of parenting and find comfort in knowing they are not alone in all the chaos.

Erma Bombeck: Lists & Other Mentions

• If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries What Am I Doing in the Pits? was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1978.
• Aunt Erma's Cope Book - How to Get From Monday to Friday in 12 Days was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1979 and 1980.
• Motherhood: The Second Oldest Profession was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1983 and 1984.
• When You Look Like Your Passport Photo, It's Time to Go Home was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1991.

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Erma Bombeck: F.A.Q