cover image The Toast Always Lands Jelly-Side Down: And Other Tales of Suburban Life

The Toast Always Lands Jelly-Side Down: And Other Tales of Suburban Life

Suzann Ledbetter. Crown Publishing Group (NY), $15 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-517-59552-7

Here is a delightfully cheeky guide for today's working wife and mother. Reminiscent of Erma Bombeck, Ledbetter, a Family Circle contributor and mother of four, writes of the humorous side of family life, but with an emphasis on the juggling act required. Everything from supermarketing to home perms to the perfect family dog is covered here, with emphasis on the antics of ``Spouse'' and kids. While the humor is uneven and at times corn pone, there are gems here. One of the funniest chapters concerns the concept of pairs: If underwear and slacks are called pairs, why isn't a shirt considered a pair too? This is a lighthearted book that should bring smiles to anyone who runs a household in the '90s. (Nov.)