Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life
"I have not survived against all odds. I have not lived to tell. I have not witnessed the extraordinary. This is my story."Amy Krouse Rosenthal, one-timeMightmagazine columnist and self-confessed hater of the segue has written a snappy, random, remarkable memoir--the first of its kind to give readers an honest flaws-n-all perspective of what it's like to be...ordinary. Initially inspired by the "bizarre, haphazard arrangement" ofThe Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon, Rosenthal has collected a lifetime of thoughts, observations, and decisions, and created an alphabetized personal encyclopedia, complete with cross-referenced entries and illustrations. Rosenthal reveals the minutiae of her life, from pumping gas ("Every. Single. Solitary. Time I go to get gas I have to lean out the window to see which side the tank is on"), to  witnessing her son's accident ("I saw with front-row-seat clarity, just how quickly, randomly, and mercilessly your child can be taken away"), and in turns both playful and poignant, engages the reader in effortless and stimulating conversation.Whether you are laughing aloud or nodding along, readingEncyclopedia of an Ordinary Lifeis like being introduced to a new friend--one that you automatically connect with and feel compelled to share. Fans ofDave Eggers,David Sedaris, and shows likeArrested DevelopmentandScrubswill appreciate Rosenthal's quirky, conversational humor and dead-on observations. Writers will see the book as a contemporary portrait of the fledgling artist, and should enjoy her aptly named, "Evolution of this Moment"--a timeline tracking her growth as a writer from her first word ("more") to publication of her fourth book.Modesty prevents Rosenthal from acknowledging herself as anything other than ordinary--that, and the fact that she has not "survived against all odds"--but that certainly does not mean she has nothing to say, or to share. Her delightful memoir is a reminder that life is not always an  adventure, but it can be full of sad, silly, and important moments that make it worth living. Witness the generosity of an author who is willing to reveal so much of herself, not just as a writer, but also as a person--share this delightfully quirky, utterly enjoyable book with family and friends with a note, "Here is someone I think you should meet."--Daphne DurhamAmazon.com Exclusive ContentThe Lost and Found ProjectBetween January 25th and February 1st, hundreds of copies ofEncyclopedia of an Ordinary Lifewere intentionally left in random places (taxis, public bathrooms, laundromats) in Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. Each book was inscribed with a note from the author, and the finder was encouraged to report back to Rosenthal's website (www.encyclopediaofanordinarylife.com) when and where the book was discovered.Watchthe "Lost and Found" video directed by filmmaker Steve Delahoyde, documenting Rosenthal's test run and featuring her theme song, "This is My Story."Listento the theme song written by Tony Rogers.Ordinary Lifefrom A to ZHow do you interview a smart, creative, clever author like Amy Krouse Rosenthal? You agree to letherstart with the questions, and hang on for the ride. Find out more about Amy and sneak a peek behind-the-scenes at Amazon.com with this decidedly ordinary email correspondence between Ms. Rosenthal and senior editor Daphne Durham.Readour unusual interview with author Amy Krouse Rosenthal.Extra Ordinary ExcerptsABGIW--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.