“Cheaper by the Dozen” by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Quick question: have you ever felt like your household runs on chaos? Then meet the Gilbreths, who ran theirs like a factory.

Frank Gilbreth was one of America’s first efficiency experts, a man who studied the fastest, smartest way to do just about anything. When he and his wife, Lillian, a psychologist and engineer in her own right, had twelve children, he saw the perfect laboratory. In this warm, funny memoir, two of those children tell what it was like. The family votes on household matters, the kids learn languages by playing records while they wash, and a trip to the store turns into a parade. Dad has a stopwatch. Mom has the patience of a saint. The rest of the town watches in disbelief.

First published in 1948, it became a bestseller and inspired movies, but the original is still the funniest and warmest. It’s a loving portrait of two remarkable parents and a family that learned how to laugh at itself. It reads quickly, makes a great gift, and is especially good if you grew up in a big family.

This copy has never been read. It’s in good condition, and there is a little surprise waiting inside, so look for the bookmark when you open it.

You can find it at Dead Tree Dreams. Whoever opens it first will smile.