A collection of humorous personal essays about family, marriage, motherhood, faith, and living a life that sometimes goes cattywampus.

Lord Byron, the 19th century poet, purportedly said “Laugh when you can; it’s cheap medicine.” That’s my life strategy, and that’s why I started the Cheap Medicine Book Club. These stories are meant to be read and shared with family and friends like a recipe for Granny’s dressing or casserole or pie. So you’re invited to write your first name and the date, and then the next reader can do the same.

But just like all medicine, cheap or otherwise, don’t take it all at once. I’d prescribe one story with breakfast, another on a coffee or tea break (especially after anything annoying happens), and then one last dose before bed to improve sleep. After that, please pass this booklet on, and we’ll see how far it travels; it’s like your Granny’s version of Instagram.

One of my all-time favorite writers, PG Wodehouse, who wrote about the brilliant British valet Jeeves, once said that he was the most popular author for people in the hospital or in prison. That just about sums up my ambition as a writer. If your day is going sideways, this dose of cheap medicine is just what you need.

So please share these stories with friends and family (including anyone you know in the hospital or in prison). Just like a cook likes feedback on a recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please email me at

stories@thecheapmedicinebookclub.com

I can't wait to see how far these stories travel and if the cheap medicine works. I promise I won’t junk up your inbox!