Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth, Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
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Book Reviews of Cheaper by the Dozen
Book Review: Not your children's "Cheaper by the Dozen"
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the finest pieces of children's literature written in the twentieth-century. There are books in this world that deserve to be remembered and books that do not. This book is perhaps THE funniest book of the 40s, and it is certainly one of the best. The events recounted are based in fact (with a little literary license thrown in). In real life, Frank Gilbreth was the foremost expert in the country on motion study and its effects. Transferring this knowledge to his home life, Frank attempted to raise his twelve children according to his own unique set of rules and regulations. The result was sometimes catastrophic, sometimes brilliant, and always funny.As other reviewers of this book have mentioned, this book has nothing to do with the 2003 movie starring Steve Martin. When I noticed that the poster of this movie was exhibited on the cover of this book and being sold in stores everywhere as its original inspiration, I was a little angry. The movie and the book have exactly one fact in common. Twelve children in a single family.
Like all books written in the past, there are elements to this book to be aware of. There's a Chinese cook in the story that speaks broken English and occasionally reacts violently to the children. When a birth-control advocate arrives at the house, the Gilbreths take the opportunity to turn the situation humorously to their advantage. But really, in the scope of 40's children's literature, these are small potatoes. To read this book as a kid is to love it. Heck, to read the book as an adult is to love it as well. Ten stars would I give it if I could. Unfortunately, I only have five to work with.
Book Review: You only need one word to describe this book: fun!
Summary: 5 Stars
It is very, very rare to come across a book that is purely and simply fun to read. The reason that this book is a classic is that it has managed to be just this. This is the story of Frank Gilbreth, his wife, and their twelve children around the turn of the 20th century. If you imagine that a family of fourteen would provide many, many occasions for humor, you would be very correct. This book is an account, written by two of those twelve children, of the many interesting and humerous events which befell them growing up in such a large family. The family is made even more enjoyable and strange by the extremely unique father who was a pioneer of motion-study, and who did such things as covering the walls of their home with lessons about astronomy, morse-code, etc. It is very interesting to read, but, most of all, it is very, very fun.
My only complaint is about the absolutely horrible cover on the new version. Why on earth would you use the cover from the Steve Martin movie with the same title as the cover for this book, which bears NO connection to the book except that it is about a large family? It is an incredibly tasteless and transparent attempt to cash in on Martin's popularity.
Overall grade: A+
Book Review: Oh, I had to REREAD this!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Cheaper by the Dozen is one of the greatest books ever. I had such fond memories of sitting in my 6th grade class after eating lunch, when my teacher would dim the lights and, in the filtering afternoon sunlight, read to his class several pages a day of a book he liked and wanted to share. Cheaper by the Dozen was one of these books. I just finished grad school and I went back and reread this, especially since I was disgusted by the remake of the movie. The story in the Gilbreth's novel is not just about a family and its crazy way of life, but it's really a commentary on life in the first half of the 20th century, when everything was changing and Dad longed to instill traditional values while using his family as a test pilot for his quirky ideas. This is something no modern update film could possibly capture. This book is the childhood every kids wishes they had. A good, old-fashioned Sunday picnic of a novel, complete with typing contests, the man from Nantucket, and an early model Ford with a mind of its own. A real gem!!!Book Review: A heartwarming classic for readers young and old...
Summary: 5 Stars
I haven't seen the new movie version with Steve Martin--I understand it has received mixed reviews and is quite different from this book. However, if the movie encourages a new generation of readers to discover this book, then hurrah for it--because this is a book worth reading. It's been years since I last read Cheaper by the Dozen, but I must have read it dozens of times as a child and adolescent. It is the story of a family with, yes, a dozen kids, growing up in the early part of the twentieth century. The father, Frank Gilbreth, is an efficiency expert who applies his theories to his built-in test group--often with hilarious results. It is an exceedingly funny book, but also touching and at times very sad. The sequel, Belles on Their Toes, carries on the story, focusing on the oldest daughters (one of whom is the author, Ernestine Gilbreth Carey). Both books were also made into wonderful movies in 1950 and 1952, starring Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy.Book Review: Cheaper by the Dozen
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is about a family that consists of twelve kids! The family moves and the kids are very excited. The book is full of adventors and excitment. Twelve kids, A caring mother and a srict father can make a pretty interesting household... and life! There is two versions of the book and a movie based on the books. Although the movie and books are a little different, people of all ages can enjoy! Many people, even adults have read both books and saw themovie, and loved it!