Apparently I Know Who Satan Is: My Fight Against Maturity and other Irritating Social Norms

By Sara J. Ford

Book Overview

'Apparently I Know Who Satan Is: My Fight Against Maturity and Other Irritating Social Norms' is a collection of humorous essays based on the belief that the gap between appearance and reality is wide... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1596636289
• ISBN13: 9781596636286
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Seaboard Press
• Length: 172 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.4" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

One of the funniest books I've ever read

Sara Ford is hilarious. If you don't believe me, just read her book. She is also incredibly honest about her own life choices, and never is this more apparent than in her 156 page memoir about growing up in St. Paul Minnesota and all of the adventures that unfold afterwards. Ford brings to her reader a combination of joy, tragedy, and downright good fun. Whether it be climbing out of her third story bedroom with a rope around her waist, dressing up as a kazoo playing gorilla, or entertaining her children and partner with toxic blue paint, Sara makes her reader aware of how wonderfully funny life really is. Her life is brought out through a serious of outrageous, embarrassingly humorous moments, but she doesn't shy away from sharing them with us. I found myself looking at my own life, all of its ups and downs and unexpected twists, with a new comic eye. Sara's overarching philosophy seems to be: don't sweat the small (or for that matter, big) stuff, but instead, turn it all into the thing of which entertainment is made. I found myself laughing out loud, unable to put her book down. Initially readers might think that Ford's book is about living with differences, for Sara is a tomboy who loves floor hockey, a college student who doesn't know how to study, a lesbian living in the deep South, a mother of boys. However, ultimately what you will remember from Ford's book is not her differences, but her similarities to all the people you know and love, including yourself. Her descriptions of the human condition are so rich and engaging that you will not want her stories to end. Her subtle eye to detail, sensitivity to human complexity and emotion, and tragic, at times flawed, sense of justice bring to you a life--Ford's life, yes, but also, a human life not so unlike your own. Sara Ford is one of our newest comic writers who will be around for a long, long time. I cannot wait to read her next book.

Lovely look at the mystery of maturity!

Sara Ford's book captures the way adulthood sneaks up on all of us, despite our efforts to remain blissfully unaware. One day you're slacking off in college, and the next you know who Satan is. This memoir doesn't so much guide the reader along the path of growing up as it invites the reader to stare around, perplexedly, at the state of affairs. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Great! More stretch marks! At least they're from laughter!

This is a funny read! Every one has amusing anecdotes from their life but not everybody can turn those anecdotes into round essays or complete stories. Ford accomplished just that. I love the way she grounded the stories in an historical and political context. The collection builds beyond a self-deprecating schtick into insightful cultural commentary, and, it is funny! It was fun to read how this Big Wheel loving, sugar and movement junky becomes an effective teacher and perfect mom for two active boys. The gorilla essay and the blue guy essay will stick with me for a long time.

A Must Read

Brilliant. Hilarious. Honest. One of the very few reasons I put this book down was to control my laughter. A note of caution: Do not drink while reading this book. Your beverage will launch out of your nose. If you like David Sedaris, you will love Sara Ford. Whether it be her experience with elementary school sports, solving mysteries in motels, teaching in the classroom, selling balloons, or even exposing us to the humorous side of canine genetics, Sara Ford is masterful in her presentation.

Finally!

I have read several of Sara's articles and short stories in the past and have been patiently waiting for this book to be released. I continue to be impressed by Sara's insights and sense of humor. Hopefully this book is the first of many!