Scandinavian-American and Rural Humor Books

Books about Farm Life, Small Town Life, the Midwest, and Scandinavian-Americans

Featuring the Heartwarming Humor of "Those Lutheran Ladies"

Caragana Press Books/Tapes

Caragana Press is a kitchen table operation owned and run by Suzann Nelson and Janet Martin where coffee breaks are ongoing, uniforms are flannel nightgowns, and wages are dirt "sheep." Hours are 23/7, with one hour off for Sunday Services. Benefits are not discussed because being 100% Norwegian-Lutheran Farm Girls is enough. Shoes and snakes at the worksite are forbidden.

You Know You are Lutheran If... by Suzann Nelson & Janet Martin

This book, boldly emblazoned with a picture of Martin Luther smack-dab on the front cover, is divided into 10 categories so it has something for almost everyone...Steadfast Lutherans, Contemporary Lutherans, Scandinavian Lutherans, Country Church Lutherans, Lutheran Church Basement Women, etc.

A great gift idea for Lutherans of all types, (ALC, ELC, LFC, LCA, LCMS, AFLC, ELCA,...) and for non-Lutherans who are trying to figure out their quiet and decent non-dancing, hotdish-eating neighbors.

CA 2 - 17 Paperback $9.95

Growing Up Lutheran: What Does This Mean? by Suzann Nelson & Janet Martin

Still a bestseller, this is a cradle-to-grave humorous look at Lutherans in the '50s, especially those who were triply blessed by being rural and Scandinavian as well as Lutheran.

Winner of the 1998 Minnesota Book Award for Humor and the Minnesota Independent Publishers' Award! Check out Those Lutheran Ladies.
CA 2 - 06 Paperback $13.95

Luther's Small Dictionary: From AAL to Zululand by Suzann Nelson & Janet Martin

This is written for full-blooded Lutherans, halfhearted Lutherans, Lutheran Wannabes and non-Lutherans who get dragged to the St. Olaf Christmas Concert and don't know why. It contains entries such as, "Zacchaeus -- a New Testament figure who, like many a Lutheran woman, was up a tree because company was coming to visit" and "Dust -- the origin of mankind, and the downfall of Lutheran women."

CA 2 - 07 Paperback $9.95

Just How Much Scrap Lumber does a Man need to Save? by Suzann Nelson & Janet Martin

This book, perfect for the men in your life, traces the history of scrap lumber to the cavemen and Noah right up to Martha Stewart, President Bush, Stephen King, Ralph Lauren and Sally Jesse Raphael. If you really want to make a statement, top it off with a Scrap Lumber King cap or the t-shirt.

CA 2 - 15 Paperback $9.95

This "Those Lutheran Ladies" shim (bookmark) will be included free with your order of the Scrap Lumber book.

Cream Peas on Toast by Suzann Nelson & Janet Martin

Subtitled "Comfort Food for Norwegian-Lutheran Farm Kids and Others," this book, although not a cookbook, is ideal for anyone who has ever eaten white food on a white plate in a white house. The authors are quick to point out that they would "rather eat food than write about it," so they have dished up another serving of humorous rural memories topped with lots of black and white pictures. Nora Nord -- avid summer canner, winter reader and napkin collector -- quoted on the back cover sums it up best: "So good you almost laugh out loud!"

CA 2 - 01 Paperback $10.95

Is It Too Windy Back There, Then? by Suzann Nelson & Janet Martin

This is a collection of phrases many of us don't hear much anymore. Things like "Mom, can I drive home from the mailbox?" or "Sure thought he'd make it through Christmas!" and "It doesn't smell spoiled!" (The implication: "So just eat it and quit whining!")

CA 2 - 04 Paperback $8.95

They Had Stores, We Had Chores by Suzann Nelson & Janet Martin

This lexicon compares and contrasts the daily lives of town kids and farm kids in the 50's. This book is rich with one-liners such as, "They had barber shops; we had Moms with bowls and wicked clippers" and "They had goldfish in a bowl; we had suckers in the stocktank!"

CA 2 - 03 Paperback $8.95

They Glorified Mary, We Glorified Rice by Suzann Nelson & Janet Martin

A Catholic-Lutheran lexicon for those who have forgotten what it was like in the 50's. This little book is packed with great one-liners such as, "They had incense; we had Air Wick" and "They had patron saints; we pretty much fended for ourselves!"

CA 2 - 02 Paperback $7.95

Uffda, But Those Clip-ons Hurt, Then! by Suzann Nelson & Janet Martin

A booklet of cartoon drawings based on Norway's most famous artist, Edvard Munch, and his sketch of "The Scream." We figure it never caught on among our people in the New Land because it is about mental anguish and we, the Scandinavian-Americans, don't have mental problems. We just say, "Oh, snap outta it!"

CA 2 - 05 Paperback $4.95

Those Lutheran Ladies: Live at Medora

Recorded live in 1998 at the Medora Musical which is held each summer in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Western North Dakota. Go to 'Those Lutheran Ladies'

Available on CD

CA2 - 10 $7.95

Growing Up Lutheran Sound Versions
Read by authors Suzann Nelson & Janet Martin

Authors Nelson & Martin read an abridged version of their bestselling book, Growing Up Lutheran, in their natural Norwegian-American brogues. Chapters are introduced with excerpts from familiar Lutheran hymns. In other words, there are no hymns from the green hymnal or With One Voice. Truckers can shoot right across Kansas or Montana when they listen to this, and people in the hospital can shoot right through the day...unless they have had stitches. In the case of stitches, the authors recommend the book version. Why get sewn up again? The doctor has better things to do with his time, like finding a cure for hot flashes.

CDs: Three hours, three compact discs, 180 minutes. Aud-CD $19.95

Order by using the 'Place an Order' form or you may order by phone (800 494-9124). For payment and shipping charges, see 'Place an Order.'

All Caragana Press products are available at wholesale prices to qualified retailers, organizations, churches, schools, and libraries. Call 800 494-9124 for details.