Cheaper by the DozenCheaper by the Dozen
Score Classic
What it's about
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, efficiency experts, raised twelve children in the early 20th century with 'progressive' methods, applying time-and-motion study to family life. Two of their children tell the hilarious story of their wild household.
Why it's worth reading
It spent 22 weeks at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. It's a classic, warm and funny family memoir.
You'll love it if you liked
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Half Broke Horses
The Glass CastleGood to know
It was written by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. It's very different from the modern films.
By the numbers
- Readers35 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller50 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
Why it made the list
Reads as
True story
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Quick answers
Is Cheaper by the Dozen worth reading?
Yes. It spent 22 weeks at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. It ranks #1,996 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 64.0 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Cheaper by the Dozen about?
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, efficiency experts, raised twelve children in the early 20th century with 'progressive' methods, applying time-and-motion study to family life. Two of their children tell the hilarious story of their wild household.
How long does it take to read Cheaper by the Dozen?
About 6 hours (224 pages), or about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Cheaper by the Dozen?
If you liked it, try All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot, Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls or The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.