Tag: The Poop Diaries

The Poop Diaries by Abby Ross: These Plumbers have Seen and Smelled it All.

The Poop Diaries

The Poop Diaries

by Abby Ross

Kindle Edition, 236 pg.
Black Rose Writing, 2020

Read: April 4-11, 2020
Grab a copy from your local indie bookstore!

Plumbers are not always just plumbers. We are rescuers, concierges, and listeners. We go into people’s homes, treat them with respect, answer their questions, and fix their problems.

Back in February, I posted a Book Spotlight and Guest Post from Abby Ross about the origin of this project. I’ve now found the time to read it, and it’s exactly what was promised. A collection of anecdotes about memorable jobs and the people they’ve helped from a wide variety of plumbers at various stages of their careers.

Most of the stories sound like the stories someone would share over beers—generally told to amuse/entertain, some feature some pretty gross things, some are heartwarming (a couple are particularly sweet). And wow—the things they’ve found? Mind-boggling.

Yes, occasionally, the stories get repetitive—there are only so many plumbing problems. It reminded me a little of Herriot’s All Creatures… books, which also largely consisted of variations on a theme. But they’re quick enough reads that it’s easy to get past. And every time a tale starts to feel like one you’ve read before, within a page it moves to something else and that’s over with.

I wouldn’t have minded a little more detail about what some of the technical terms mean—I was able suss them out from context, and eventually, we’re given better definitions, it just would’ve been nice to have it up front.

My biggest—really only—complaint was the lack of contractions in the dialogue. Sure, I knew that none of the dialogue was made of exact quotations, it was all paraphrases based on memory. But still, everyone speaking in a wooden, contraction-less manner just feels wrong.

A breezy book that makes you think about a segment of the population that most of us likely try not to think about, but really should. Ross helps us to do so by hearing their stories—with an emphasis on those that’ll make you grin. This sentiment is repeated throughout the book, and it’s a pretty good note to end on:

“If things get bad and your furnace breaks, you can always build a fire. If your electricity goes out, you can always light a candle. But you always need clean water to drink and a place to go poop.”

And that is why the world will always need plumbers.


3 Stars

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for this post and my honest opinion, I thank her for it.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

PUB DAY BOOK SPOTLIGHT: The Poop Diaries by Abby Ross

I didn’t have enough time to read The Poop Diaries by Abby Ross this month, but I liked the idea enough that I was hoping to give it a little boost here on its publication day. So I’ve got this little spotlight post and a nice guest post from the author coming along in a bit. But let’s start by learning a little about this atypical book, okay?

Book Details:

Book Title: The Poop Diaries by Abby Ross
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Release date: February 6, 2020
Format: Ebook/Paperback
Length: 236 pages

Book Blurb:

They come into our homes. They see us in our most fragile moments. Plumbers are a fixture in our lives. When a toilet clogs, a faucet leaks, or a sewer line plugs, we call those unsung heroes, desperately seeking help. They scoop out our poop and pull underwear, toothbrushes and cotton balls out of our toilets, doing whatever it takes to get the job done.

On a late Wednesday evening, after my toilet clogged, I asked our plumber to share his top five “greatest hits.” The stories were so hilarious, I had to share them with the world. The Poop Diaries features true stories told by my plumber, and many other plumbers, about the most memorable service jobs they have worked on and most unique people they have helped. Whether it’s nudity, rats, fake vaginas, dildos, snakes, weapons and so much more, these plumbers have seen and smelled it all.

About the Author:

Abby Ross has nearly two decades of experience working in journalism, public relations, and marketing. She has written countless news stories, bylines, and blog posts. Abby began her career as a television news reporter, which fostered her passion for interviewing and writing about interesting people from all walks of life. After six years of reporting, Abby pivoted her career into public relations and marketing, which has been her focus for the past decade.

Purchase Links:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

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