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Odyssey In A Teacup: Inspiring Chick Lit Novel (Ruth Roth Series Book 1) by [Paula Houseman]

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Paula Houseman

Odyssey In A Teacup: Inspiring Chick Lit Novel (Ruth Roth Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Paula Houseman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

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A tut-tutting, big-breasted, modern-day gorgon; a humourless schoolmarm with an unfortunate name and freakishly long, yellow incisors (yeesh)—these are the kinds of people Ruth Roth regularly encounters. Add in daily dealings with an acerbic mother who squawks like a harpy, a father with a dodgy moral compass and a God complex, a bitchy mirror, and Ruth’s existence feels like a Greek tragicomedy.
The idiocy of daily life makes sense to Ruth when she develops a fascination with ancient mythology. She learns that the deviant gods and spectacular monsters of bygone myths are alive and well in the backwoods of our psyche; that there’s always one who escapes suppression and can have the whip hand in our lives. Ruth’s is one of the most unwelcome societal presences—the goddess of obscenity. And talk about ugly!
Ruth can relate to this immortal. Not in looks; Ruth is quite comely. But she feels unwelcome in her own family (she gatecrashed her mother’s womb only two months after her brother vacated it). Despite being labelled the ‘black sheep’, or maybe because of it, Ruth takes on her nemeses, bravely and brazenly (her dirty goddess doesn’t give a rat’s about social niceties). But our heroine is war-weary. And the yearning to fit in somewhere—anywhere—eventually undoes her. We must look on helplessly as Ruth loses her soul.
She wants it back, though!
Just as well the mad characters in her mind and experiences won’t quit. Just as well Ruth never loses her wry wit. And where her nearest and dearest attempt to keep her shrunken into a wholesome package of conformity, Ruth’s two closest girlfriends simply won’t allow it. And then there’s Ralph Brill.
Ruth’s hot-looking, eccentric cousin and best friend, Ralph is her staunchest ally. Also a misfit in his family, he has his share of problems including a st-t-t-tuttering brutish father, and an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder—Ralph needs to do everything twice, twice.
Ruth relies on his repeated encouragement and the support of her girlfriends as she embarks on an odyssey. A good homoeopathic dose of ancient mythology helps her find her way back through the sludgy shame and irrational fears choking her spirit. Then just when all seems well, Ruth faces an apocalypse …

“Paula Houseman’s keen understanding of the ancient, universal forces at work in the very roots of humanity, and magnificently bawdy humor make Odyssey in a Teacup an epically defiant, bold, painful, hilarious, soul-fortifying must-read for anyone who has ever dared (or hoped) to look at themselves in the mirror and ask the question, How in the hell have I survived?
Crazy-brilliant!”
—Stephanie L Harper, author

"Paula Houseman’s Odyssey in a Teacup is an example of literary excellence. Based on shared childhood experiences – sex, religion, and dreams – Houseman skillfully gives voice to characters that readers will love. Houseman reminds the reader that one can pick friends but one cannot pick one’s family."
—Charla White

Length: 320 pages	Word Wise: Enabled	Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
Page Flip: Enabled	Language: English

Product description

About the Author

Paula Houseman thought her life was, well ... meh. Until she started fiction writing. What gushed forth onto the page made her realise her existence had not been mundane after all; it had been ridiculous! Sure, she has a serious side. The concept of 'identity' had fascinated her for some time, and she exercised it as a graphic designer creating them for others through imagery. Then, at university (majoring in linguistics and sociology), she explored how word usage constructs our identities and realities. Paula applied her findings to an essay on women's subjectivity, even won the 2007 UNSW United Association of Women Prize. And her honours thesis examined the archetypal significances in the words that shape our collectively authored cancer story. But while she was digging around in ancient mythology where the archetypes live, Paula developed a kinship with a butt-ugly, potty-mouthed goddess, one who embodied a holy kind of dirty, showed her the absurdity of the human condition, taught her about the value of laughter, and is responsible for the bawdiness in her book, Odyssey in a Teacup. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Product details

ASIN : B0153VEB2I
Publisher : WildWoman Publishing; 1st edition (7 September 2015)
Language: : English
File size : 2636 KB
Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 320 pages
Page numbers source ISBN : 1517292441

Best Sellers Rank: 720,220 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- 374 in Comedy (Kindle Store)
- 1,285 in Satire (Kindle Store)
- 2,139 in Satire (Books)

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28 ratings

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Allyne Zamel

not only because he had a great sense of humor

Reviewed in Australia on 29 September 2015

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“Odyssey in a Teacup” not only suggests that Paula Houseman is taking us on a journey of adventures filled with notable experiences and hardships, but also on a journey filled with lots of ‘laugh out loud” moments.

The use of the word “Odyssey” which comes from “Odysseus” being a Greek leader in the Trojan war, tells us that Houseman makes many comparisons in the life of Ruth Roth, the main Character of the book, with Greek mythology, which Ruth became fascinated with in fourth grade, because of her ancient Greek history teacher Mr. Zero Kosta who became her mentor, not only because he had a great sense of humor, but because Mr Kosta , regarded life as a tragic comedy, which is how she viewed her own life.

Ruth Roth, born in the baby boomer era, started her life as a “mistake” as her mother would tell her, as she was conceived only two months after her brother was born.
Her family were from an ethnic background, born in Egypt, but with European history. Ruth’s background is very similar to my own, and I find myself relating to so many of her stories with my own, especially, since my family was as dysfunctional as hers.

Ruth shares her stories with her cousin Ralph, family, childhood friends Maxi and Vette, and takes us on ride full of emotions, and a great sense of humour.

A Must Read

2 people found this helpful

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Mireille Davidson

A must read and be prepared for self recognition and tears of laughter.

Reviewed in Australia on 26 September 2015

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Paula Houseman takes the reader on a hilarious roller coaster of mixed emotions. At times this can be confronting for those of us who are babyboomers from migrant backgrounds, similar cultural backgrounds, those from dysfunctional families or anyone who has experienced self- loathing or injustices. It appeals to so many people and her humour allows us to face our demons with renewed strength. Her quest for self-discovery is written in a profound and empowering manner. Houseman has us laughing while she simultaneously demonstrates the resilience of human beings, even those who have been so disempowered. Houseman’s passion for Mythology is highlighted as we journey along side of Ruth through her Odyssey and draw strength from her triumphs. Through Ruth, Houseman articulates our private pain, but she does so in the most hilarious manner and she frees us from our inner fears. Ruth is our heroine in what reads like a Greek Tragicomedy. In the end, the reader understands that humour, genuine friendships and support are so important in our life’s journey and Houseman demonstrates that human beings are so resilient. This is a must read and be prepared for tears of laughter.

2 people found this helpful

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Avidreadergirl

Feel good book

Reviewed in Australia on 16 September 2015

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While reading about Ruth Roth’s journey, I was taken back to some painful childhood and adolescent memories. But the way this character (who is also the narrator) describes her own experiences of these times in her life (especially the problem of trying to fit in when you feel so different), it made me reflect on mine, and they didn’t seem quite so bad! In that sense, Odyssey in a Teacup is a little bit like a tonic. What’s also impressive about this book apart from the fact that it gave me some really good belly laughs, is that IT is different. The author has an unusual style.

This story about a woman who doesn’t fit the mould told in a way that doesn’t fit the mould makes the reading very enjoyable and very uplifting! Highly recommended.

2 people found this helpful

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Gabriella Kovac

Great Read

Reviewed in Australia on 9 October 2015

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Odyssey in a Teacup is an insightful tale of one young Jewish woman’s trials and tribulations of growing up. Ruth is enchanting as we see her and her friends experience life firsthand. Their close friendship and knowing that they are always there for one another is fresh and warming. After all, one can say anything uncensored in front of friends.

“I don’t recall the handsome prince scratching his nuts in any of the fairy tales I grew up with! Of course not! But fairy tales also don’t tell you the damsel in distress could turn into a bloated, hissy, snarly bitch once a month.”
Ruth, Maxi, Vette and Ralph are close friends. They share a love that stretches beyond time and distance. True friends are rare and for Ruth, they help her see things in perspective as she struggles through her passage into adulthood and motherhood.

Paula Houseman has a light fresh style that allows Ruth’s voice to be strongly heard. The character and plot development are excellently executed leaving readers wanting more! Richly told in a down to earth style, Houseman allows the reader to know each character completely including the ones just passing through. She is a masterful story teller and word craftsman!

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Sam J

Exposes the lighter side of the stuff that makes up life

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 November 2015

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This is one of those books that you don’t want to come to an end! While it’s a story of a regular woman, it’s also unique. Paula Houseman has managed to make the mundane funny by fabulously satirizing social niceties, rites of passage, love, relationships (particularly the mother-daughter one, which is just too good to miss if you’ve struggled with this one!), friendships, school, work, dating, sex, marriage, fashion, and pretty much everything that makes up life in general. We see all of this through the eyes of Ruth Roth, the lively central character who just doesn’t fit the mould, and fails miserably when she tries to because her differences have gotten her into trouble once too often. But fortunately for Ruth (and for the reader), it’s hard to keep a spirited person down! I highly recommend Odyssey in a Teacup and I can’t wait for the sequel!

Ana María

A terrific satire that comes across a real!

Reviewed in India on 30 October 2015

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With its bunch of lovable characters (and some not so lovable ones), Odyssey in a Teacup
entertains from beginning to end, particularly because of Ruth Roth’s quick wit and smart
mouth! Some of the situations she finds herself in are utterly ridiculous, but because Paula
Houseman’s style has such a genuine quality to it, the unbelievable almost becomes
believable. I didn’t relate to all the experiences, but Houseman’s descriptions are so rich, I
found myself relating to all the thoughts and feelings that arose from the experiences, and at
times, I felt like I was inside the story. You can’t help but fall in love with Ruth, her
obsessive-compulsive cousin and flawed hero, Ralph, a ‘knight in silver lamé’, and Ruth’s two
closest girlfriends, the genteel Vette with the ‘big caboose’, and the ballsy Maxi with the big
mouth! This must read is a story about the power of being real and an up yours to anything that
gets in the way of that!

LANEY

It is like living in a hot tea cup and according to ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 October 2015

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You get this 270 pages tragic comedy for just 99 bucks. The book starts with an interesting scene. A merciless mirror and an awkward scene. The complete world presents a different scenario. The title completely reflects the story of this book. It is like living in a hot tea cup and according to author most people look like frogs. Practicing kiss on a frog and messing up the first date is a classical example. It took me 7 days to read the book. Overall, it is an interesting book.

Messages For The Soul

Fantastically fun women's satire

Reviewed in the United States on 16 September 2015

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I haven't read any good satire in a really long time. As an American and Floridian, I used to follow writers like Dave Barry and Carl Hiassen with abandon but there is something to be said for international writers and I simply adored author Paula Houseman's new novel, "Odyssey in a Teacup". A story written around one central character, Ruth, and her trials and tribulations in her world of family, friends, occupation and the like. Ruth's encounters are nearly all quite hilarious and I loved her sharp wit, that often had me wishing I was as quick with the tongue. The secondary characters in this one are equally as quirky and delightful. A great read.

14 people found this helpful

Truthsayer

A Human Soul's Resurrection from Shame -- get ready for the abdominal workout of a lifetime (from laughing...)!

Reviewed in the United States on 14 September 2015

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Paula Houseman’s Odyssey in a Teacup takes readers along with protagonist, Ruth Roth, on a brilliantly crafted, classic hero’s journey. From her initial stirrings, awakenings, and blaring Call to Adventure, through her protracted Initiation of descents and dashings upon the rocks (during which phase Ruth’s internal “bulls*** detector” becomes a well-oiled, exquisitely adept machine), to her ultimate, victorious Return to the Self, Ruth encounters and defeats a series of soul-sucking harpies, who time and again try to bite off more than they can chew.

The decided “black sheep” of her family, the ruthlessly undermining treatment Ruth endures as a child is almost too terrible to see… Almost. If it were not for Houseman’s brazen wit, keen understanding of the ancient, universal forces at work in the very roots of humanity, and magnificently bawdy humor, Ruth Roth’s Odyssey would be little more than a lonely trek. Instead, in the very first chapter, when Ruth triumphs in an embarrassing modern-day encounter with “Cyclops,” we rush to back our champion with an unprecedented resolve -- never leaving her side for the duration -- and we are rewarded over and over with wretchedly wonderful, belly-shaking laughter, and liberating tears.

Houseman resurrects from the darkness (of fundamental, moralistic terrorism) the human soul, which we learn as children to regard as too grotesque as to be worthy of sight. In relating one such example of our conditioned belief in the shamefulness of our own humanity, she astutely observes the collective sentiment, “A cloud passed in front of the sun as if to stop it from seeing. Even nature was mortified.” But as the story progresses, such sentiments prove to be nothing more than our fearful, self-defeating human projections onto Nature, and Houseman’s heroine shines brightly -- with moxie, and with the categorical approval of the gods and goddesses -- in the sun.

Paula Houseman possesses all the verve, aplomb, and wisdom lauded of veteran authors. With rare authenticity and vigor, Houseman reveals the formative events of Ruth Roth’s life in a series of vignettes that infuse the pandemonium of Jackson Pollock expressionism with the clarity of purpose of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. We sense in each instance that Ruth ought to be asking herself, incredulously, *How can this be my life? How can Nature permit another day of this existence to unfold?* We feel we ought to avert our eyes, but we are captivated by a truth which strikes so close to home for us, because it so aptly mirrors that most basic of human truths: we are not born knowing how to recognize, much less question, the aberrations of dysfunctional family life, as they comprise our *normal* experience.

Yet, despite the mythical monsters’ best efforts to thwart her, Ruth Roth prevails as our champion. She becomes our mouthpiece, articulating for us the question that has always been lurking there, beneath the living room’s imitation wood-grain wallpaper, by exposing the fantastic lie that has surreptitiously enlisted our complicity in maintaining others’ fragile illusions at the expense of our realities.

Houseman’s Odyssey in a Teacup is epically defiant, bold, painful, hilarious, soul-fortifying, and a must-read for anyone who has ever dared (or hoped) to look at themselves in the mirror and ask the question, *How in the hell have I survived?*

6 people found this helpful

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