Fantastic Find at the Bookstore #13: Humor in Daily Life

~ Becky Ross Michael

When I came across this cute vintage paperback by Betty MacDonald at the used bookstore, I recognized the author’s name right away. But this was a “new” story and a new husband! The $3.00 price tag was well worth it, and I snapped this one up without a second thought.

I became familiar with Betty MacDonald’s humorous writing through her first book, The Egg and I, years ago, in high school. I was one of the students chosen in my senior English class to take part in a regional forensics competition. Assigned to do humorous readings (not sure why), I had no clue what to present. The Egg and I had rested on my parents’ bookshelf for years without tempting me. It no longer had the dust jacket pictured below, and with just a plain green cover, it never called to me.

My mom wisely suggested I check it out for some humorous chapters. I thoroughly enjoyed the funny book about a newly married couple who lived on a chicken ranch in Washington State. Imagine my surprise when I discovered this was the origin of the Ma and Pa Kettle characters I had seen in movies! I did well in the competition, advancing several rounds, and even had to read in front of my entire (small) school at an assembly. I was very nervous, but Betty MacDonald’s entertaining words gave me much-needed confidence.

Years later, I enjoyed watching the movie on either AMC or TCM. Claudette Colbert played Betty, and Fred MacMurray played her first husband, Bob.

When I came across Onions in the Stew, I realized there was a lot more to Betty MacDonald (1907-1958) than I had ever known, and I needed to dig deeper! I soon discovered that she wrote Anybody Can Do Anything about raising her daughters as a single parent during the Depression and also The Plague and I about surviving tuberculosis. All told through humor, of course. Onions in the Stew tells about moving to Vashon Island in the Pacific Northwest’s Puget Sound with her two daughters and new husband, Don. For a taste of the humor, I’ll mention that their washing machine floats away into the Sound their first night there!

Although Betty MacDonald died much too young, from cancer at age 49, she packed a lot of living and writing into her life. She is also the author of the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle series, in addition to Nancy and Plum.

My research prompted by this fantastic find at the bookstore also placed another book in my sights, this biography by Paula Becker. I can hardly wait!

47 thoughts on “Fantastic Find at the Bookstore #13: Humor in Daily Life”

  6. What a delightful story! I know the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books, but not the others. I remember watching Ma and Pa Kettle movies, but not the Fred MacMurray movie. No wonder you were excited to find that book at the bookstore!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. I vaguely remember “The Egg and I,” but I couldn’t have told you why, and I don’t remember ever hearing the author’s name. It sounds as though she’s of the same school as Peg Bracken, whose books I adored. I still use some of her recipes from the “I Hate to Cook Book.”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. As I am from the other side of the Pond, I haven’t heard of this author – but she sounds like a real character. Humour is a powerful tool when confronted with misfortune and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your excellent article, Becky.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  10. I loved those Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books when I was little!! I haven’t thought of them for years. I didn’t realize the author had also written The Egg and I. Thanks for the entertaining and informative post.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. I loved reading this tonight, Becky! I have deep admiration and respect for anyone that can write funny, especially about tough times. I remember getting to watch a couple of the Ma and Pa Kettle shows but have not heard of Betty MacDonald. What are the odds of finding any of her books now. I love reading books with a funny slant to them. They are a favorite. Thanks for sharing this. I’ll put this on my list of books to hunt for at thrifts and used book stores.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. I’m pleased you enjoyed this, Marlene! I believe some of her books are still in print, and there are used copies available online, too. Of course, it’s always more fun to discover them in used book stores:)

      Like

      Reply

  12. I loved the Ma and Pa Kettle movies when I was a kid, and when I was older I also read and enjoyed “The Egg and I.” I didn’t realize she’d written other books as well, thanks for the information. I’ll have to see if I can find a copy of them!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. “Onions In the Stew” sounds so familiar to me but that cover doesn’t ring a bell. I’m glad you scored that find, though, Becky! It certainly sounds as if she lived a very full life in a too-short life.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. I am very interested in this book so went on Amazon.ca and found the hardcover at $143.00CAD with only one left. It must be a most excellent book. There is a paperback and an audiobook format (normal pricing) which are available so will be checking them out. Many thanks for the introduction to Betty MacDonald, Becky.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Colette, I’m happy to hear from you! I hope you enjoy the book. Oh, yes! I have a 1953 copy with the dust jacket of Life Among the Savages! I love the book and her writing…both scary and humorous. I used her story “Charles” from that book when I taught 7th grade language arts, and the kids loved it:)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a reply to Becky Ross Michael Cancel reply