Experience an Extraordinary Life: A Memoir Through the Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Person

JoieDe: Amy’s books are a delight from beginning to end. Original, observant, quirky, funny, and every entry rings true.

United States on Sep 19, 2023

SuzanneArtiste: I had high expectations for this book for some reason and was very disappointed. It is not only the encyclopedia of an ordinary life, but a very ordinary book indeed. Don’t spend your money on this.

Canada on Jan 15, 2023

JaimeBZ: How incredible that AKR chose to document her life in this way prior to knowing she would die so young. I loved every entry. I had a library copy but had to order one so I could mark it up!

United States on Aug 03, 2022

Claire T: Bought as part of my son's english studies requirement... why, I'm not sure. No comments about the actual book as I didn't read it. He said it was OK.

United Kingdom on Feb 28, 2019

C Davis: I liked that this book was essentially tidbits of Amy Krouse Rosenthal's life up to the point of the books release. I read her more recent 'Textbook' first,and liked it so thought I would read 'Encyclopedia'. I did like 'Textbook' better, but 'Encyclopedia' was entertaining as well. I discovered her work after reading a public interest news article that had let the public know she passed away. It mentioned her last writing - a personal ad of sorts for her husband whom she didn't want to see remain lonely. It was a moving piece. That led me to 'Textbook' which led me to 'Encyclopedia'. Textbook seemed to have a bit more maturity, was just a bit more touching, with just a bit of poignancy, but I Would recommend this book. I had a few laugh out loud moments, and several items made me smile. It was definitely worth my time. If you get it and like it, you will also like 'Textbook'

United States on May 03, 2017

Sandra Margret: I bought this book after reading Amy Krouse Rosenthal's moving essay (and dating profile) on her husband and her terminal cancer process. I enjoyed the episodic style of an Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life and felt like I had become her friend in the process. Silly to say that. What an assumption. In this sometimes very lonely world, it is nice to feel a connection to a writer who is willing to open her whole entire life (and then some) and share.

Canada on Apr 25, 2017

Bob: A terrific read that had me chuckling, laughing, whooping at almost every turn of the page. Who would have guessed an "encyclopedia" could be so thoroughly entertaining. AKR provides an insightful glimpse into her, yes, "Ordinary Life" that sparked countless memories of my own passages through time. Brilliant! Loved it! Am looking forward to clearing time on my schedule to read "Textbook" in the very near future.

Canada on Apr 02, 2017

D. Brown: This book was a relatable, quirky read from the late Amy Krouse Rosenthal. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style, as well as the non-linear format of this book. She's thoughtful and funny and she makes me want to write encyclopedia entries to capture my thoughts and ideas about my own ordinary life.

Canada on Mar 19, 2017

Eclectic Reader: Can't help liking this book. Anybody who doesn't like this book would have to be . . . terminally miserable.

It's too full of observations that are too true, too human and so give (I was going to say give us all, but that would be presumptuous) me hope: if only I would take care to see in the small details and events pathos, humor, humanity, and then remember . . . it would be FUN.

I'm sorry this review is so pedantic. Get the book. It's so much better to read things like

My brother, who grew up with three sisters, was I won't say how many years old when he
finally realized that he did not have to wrap the towel around his chest when he came out
of the shower. [Under B for "Brother"]

Page 147 of a book titled Mastery. The word it's is misused. [Under D for "Depressing Things
That I Find"]

Charise (blonde): How would I look with red hair?
Doug (husband): Lonely
[Under D for "Dialogue"]

Nor would I make a very good Buckingham Palace guard; I get the giggles way too easily
and/or smirk at inappropriate times (while reprimanding my kids; upon hearing tragic news).
[part of an entry under J for "Jobs I Could Never...

United States on Oct 10, 2014

Gen of North Coast Gardening: This quirky, fun little book is all about Amy, the author. Structured like an encyclopedia, with entries on all kinds of topics, Amy's encyclopedia entry covers everything from parking tickets to toast, the deep to the mundane. It is charmingly written and is surprisingly amusing and fun to read.

My only complaint is that the structure of the book is such that I didn't really want to sit down and read it for more than a half hour or so, because there isn't really a narrative flow. This would be a great book to keep in the car for those moments when you have to wait for someone or kill a few minutes at a time.

That said, the idea is so innovative and it is so charmingly carried out that I'd definitely recommend it. I enjoyed it all the way through, and the way she made the mundane things of life so interesting, gave me some new ways of looking at the mundane things of my own life.

United States on Mar 01, 2007