Staying Sane When Your Family Comes to Visit (Staying Sane)

By Pamela K. Brodowsky and Evelyn Fazio

Maybe your mother-in-law snoops but "doesn't judge." Perhaps grandpa hogs the bathroom, or your cousin frequently "just needs a place to crash." Whatever the specifics, it's hard to grin and bear it. From the trenches of these anxiety-inducing and guilt-ridden occasions, here are true stories of inspiration and humor about coping with family personality traits, group dynamics, bad habits, and irritating mannerisms that can drive a sane person crazy. Misery loves company and sometimes the only advice we'll take is from someone who has already stood in our shoes. Whether it is about giving up smoking, trying to lose weight, or having in-laws move in for a month, the Staying Sane series provides readers with just this kind of been-there, done-that commiseration. Each Staying Sane volume is filled with sometimes humorous (laughter is the best medicine, after all ), sometimes inspiring but always sanity-saving success stories of how other people have overcome obstacles or have risen above the situations in question. Practical tips and coping strategies lighten the reader's load throughout. Bibliotherapy of the first order, the Staying Sane guides will support beleaguered readers as they strive to persevere through the duration of their particular challenge.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738210366
• ISBN13: 9780738210360
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
• Length: 261 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Nice to know we're not alone

What a great idea for a book. I had loads of fun reading it (and reading it out loud to family members) during the holidays. We all thought that our family was the strangest, but, boy were we wrong! This book also helped give us tips on how to deal with the ornery ones in our family, too. Helpful and fun. What more could you want?

Enjoyed Every Bit

Being in the funny business myself, I'm a tough sell, but this kept me nodding throughout -- nodding in agreement, not nodding off. I wanted to send the book to my own family members, but then make Thanksgiving would be even more awkward. Thanks, Evelyn and Pam (editors), for compiling this treasure of stories. Even if I do have to keep them to myself.

Good Ideas for Staying Sane

What a wonderful series of books, especially the Family Visits. With family coming to visit numerous times in the next two months, I will be chuckling much more than in the past remembering the stories in this particular book. I highly recommend these stories for personal use and to give as holiday gifts.

Norman Rockwell in words, with humor thrown in.

The Staying Sane title caught my eye, and after browsing through the three different books, I bought two of each, one for myself and one each to give to three of my girlfriends who are going through various stages of insanity due to men, family, smoking, DIETING, etc. Some of the personal stories made me laugh so loud my husband thought I was nuts (oh well, his problem, right?). I liked the stories because I could relate to many of them from personal experience over the years. I hope the authors come out with more of these books (like Staying Sane While Going Through A Divorce--not for me, but several of my friends are driving ME insane!).--Carol Specwep

The Perfect Survival Guide

It's been a long time since I've chuckled and nodded through an entire book. I could relate to every one of the contributor's stories... although my favorite had to be the one by Kenneth P. Hastie. This book is a "must-have" with the approaching holidays and the houseguests that inevitably come along with them. I'll be sure to get a copy for all of my friends this year!