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In her first autobiography, Pants Optional, Carol draws on her experiences of growing up in a large family, getting married, coping with her parents and having children of her own. She writes with great insight and a wicked sense of humor, and willingly divulges some ingenious "family management" techniques in this funny, original take on family life. She has been called this generation's Erma Bombeck. Carol wrote Pants Optional in honor of her mom, Colleen.
Carol shares, "Pants Optional did not start out as a book. It was created from pure fear! For years I had been jotting down funny moments that happened to my family members out of fear that I would forget them. As the years went by, the stories accumulated and I realized these memories were forming into a very humorous autobiography. Many were parenting tips that would "help" my kids later in life. I had, unknowingly, written my first draft of Pants Optional."
Carol graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa with degrees in English Literature and Writing. She has experience as a correspondent, proofreader, editor, copywriter and marketing director. Pants Optional has been on the Amazon's Best Seller list, reviewed by the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and featured on her local CBS news. Carol's been a guest on the Michael S. Robinson New York talk radio show and on Microbin Radio in Florida. On September 1, 2017, Pants Optional received Gold Medal honors by Readers' Favorites.
She resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her husband, Paul.
Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite
Pants Optional by Carol Steingreaber is a humorous memoir about life, motherhood, and the comical situations that develop when living in a large family. Carol is the youngest in a family of eight, until her little sister is born. Her little sister is not only a surprise baby, but she is also the one who seizes Carol's role as Queen of the Family. This book follows Carol as she finds her place in her family, and years later, as a mother of her own children. Each story has a beautiful and underlying theme; it is imperative in life to keep a keen sense of humor! As suggested by the title, Carol has found herself in laugh-out-loud ridiculous situations that take a special person to see just how absurd life can be. This book will speak to any mother out there that, like Carol, sometimes struggles to fit within the norm, and doesn't mind it one bit when she doesn't!
Pants Optional by Carol Steingreaber is a comical look on life, highlighting motherhood's more humorous moments. I loved reading this book! I couldn't stop laughing! Having come from a slightly smaller family than Carol's, I felt her sibling angst. As she related her motherhood experiences, I laughed myself to tears! It felt great to know that I wasn't the only "kooky" mother out there that may have taken things to extremes as a new parent. I loved her recollections of family moments. Her Unconventional Tips truly do have their merits. I believe that my favorite story was her first mammogram. It was so hilarious; I had to share it with my mom. This book is perfect for any mother, young or old, new or experienced; everyone will find something entertaining within its pages!
