I Hurt My Foot Doing the Mashed Potato

Or...I Should Have Stuck With the Twist

Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
213 Pages
Reviewed on 04/26/2023
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

I Hurt My Foot Doing the Mashed Potato is a humorous yet thought-provoking memoir comprising 25 essays from James Robinson on various topics. James has accumulated several riveting stories and distinctive opinions over his 70 years as a father to three children and grandfather to six grandchildren. For example, one of his essays shows his dislike for movie censorship and his early experience of age-restricted movies at 13. Another essay depicts his view of Christmas as an adult and a child. Here, he compares his reality as a child growing up in modest financial conditions with how children are loaded with the latest gadgets and several gifts today. In addition, James shares his thoughts on several other topics, including Covid-19, Ozark, Bigfoot, Mondays, the ups and downs of the Pittsburgh ​Steelers, and more.

James Robinson's stories are captured in an open, funny, and conversational tone, with essays that balance vivid narrations and witty, complementary thoughts. The passage of time is encapsulated by statements about Robinson's age, historical references, and his different identities in life as a child, a father, and a grandfather. One of my favorite parts reveals how as a grandfather, he does not wish to experience the same sort of wild pranks he played on his grandfather. The story is best for adults because of its language usage and historical topics. I liked that some topics, such as iPods and fanny packs, took me back to my past. I recommend I Hurt My Foot Doing the Mashed Potato to fans of humorous memoirs. I would watch any show centered on Robinson's open, clever remarks and highly entertaining stories any day.