5 comments about Talk Before Sleep.

1. Berg is one of my favorite writers. I bought this book and tried to read it at one point, but one got through one chapter and then shelved this one.
   A few months ago, I pulled it back out and started reading. I could not put this book down! Berg develops her characters so beautifully, realistically. The description, and "everyday" doings are true to life, which is why I almost always enjoy her books.
   This book devastated me, made me sob, but was not a cheesy story in any way. I would recommend this book. It's a quick read, and totally worth it.



2. Somewhat dragged out, belabored but certainly a good story of loyalty and friendship as well as courage.



3. It requires a unique respect for love and friendship to wholly relate with the characters in this novel. I have experienced an unprecedented friendship myself with one woman since my youth, and reading this book reinforced my feelings on the salvation of female bonds. The truth is, the book was not at all sappy, but depicted the reality in some life situations: divorce, discontent with male counterparts, humdrum of every day common life; Ann, the protagonist of the novel, could only escape these facets after she met her best friend Ruth, and remained at her side during Ruth's last breathing moments as memories with Ruth danced in her head. They were the sisters each never had, and we all know a sisterly bond is paramount to all. The truth is, men will never be able to relate to a book such as this, in which women place their true friends in front of their husbands and children during moments of desperation to identify themselves. Men could never share this connection depicted in the novel with women or with men due to social mores, and therefore I pity those men who read this book and simply never understand it. I recommend this book to anyone who has experienced any sort of strong bond with another woman, or if you have not, then to a woman who has never felt the necessity to share a bond with another woman. You will be convinced otherwise.



4. I really, really loved this book. And I read ALOT of books. My sister gave it to me after she read it. She had pre-menopausal breast cancer, was cured - and 15 yrs. later developed bone cancer. It's in remission... and we're able to talk about death - and life - and this book reminds me again that we all need to ENJOY life. We're ALL dying. Sometimes it takes being given that "death sentence" to really do what you want, to be yourself, to live each day like we all should be doing - but usually dont. Its a book about female friendship, love in marriage, and different types of women.
   
   To reviewers who said the characters didnt develop - the book was not that long; but i thought they were developed well, and if you know women you can imagine them and know how they are. To the reviewers who said they ate too much junk food!? She was dying. There was no cure. Dont feed me bean sprouts when i KNOW im going within months! (Also, this was a fictional story.)
   
   I read the book in a day and a half. I would recommend it to women for sure. I dont have alot of female friends, but i still loved reading about the friendships and relationships. Enjoy!



5. Anyone who's ever loved someone with breast cancer should read this book. It's a novel about friendship, foremost, and what makes life so important to be shared with friends and family. I couldn't put this book down, and it moved me in a profound way. I sobbed for awhile after I was done, but I loved this story. This is the book that had me searching for more family/friendship dynamic stories by Ms. Berg.

5 comments about What We Keep.

1. This is my first and only book read by Elizabeth Berg so far and I enjoyed this book a lot. The ending is a bit abrupt, but people like resolution, I guess. It's unfortunate that some people were expecting the same from EB, which I believe would be a huge sign that the author isn't creative and/or is in a rut. She could really take me back to her childhood and EB capturing the sisterly bond between Ginny and Sharla was a nice read. I read this novel in a women's lit class in college and approached it from a feminist standpoint. The dad wasn't the greatest by any means, but consider what time period this was written for. Martha, the woman seated next to her on the plane, notes to Ginny that "people like 'differentness' in everything except their mothers." If you approach the novel like that, you can empathize with both sides of the story and makes for a much more interesting read.



2. This was a wonderful story from beginning to end! And yes, this time, the ending was fabulous, happy and complete, but not in a poorly written manner!!! I was glued to this book. As a kid of the 80s and 90s, I enjoyed reading about late 1950s American culture.
   
   But even more enjoyable is the story of Ginny and Sharla, how two young teens overcome the heartache of their mother's big mistake. As I read about Ginny enduring the five hour flight to San Francisco, where she's going to meet her mother for the first time after 35 years, I kept wondering what her mother did. I knew it involved the mysterious Jasmine Johnson. I wondered- did her mother become so jealous of single, sexy Jasmine that she murdered her? Or, maybe there was a sapphic relationship?? Did Jasmine sexually abuse Sharla and Ginny, and mother couldn't cope with the effects?
   
   As I read about young Ginny and Sharla, I looked for clues about the mother's mistake. You'll have to read the book to find out all about this. Trust me, it is sooo worth it!!! ;)
   
   Ginny and Sharla have a very typical sisterly relationship, which I appreciated, not having any sisters. Again, loved the references to the late 50s (Berg has a knack for taking us back in time!). Ginny has a little love relationship with a teenage boy, it's sweet, and it's not caked in hormones, either. (Means this is appropriate reading for older teen girls.)
   
   Highly recommended book! Enjoy!



3. This book was the first Elizabeth Berg book I read and all I can say is I found myself smiling, laughing, and crying while reading that book. Having grown up in the 50's, I found so much of my childhood in that story. She has become my favorite writer as she seems to always touch my heart through every book of hers. I think I'm going to reread "What We Keep" again this summer!



4. This is the story of an adult daughter going to visit the mother who left her when she was 12.
   
   The story is good at showing the hurt the child feels when her mother leaves, but when it comes time to resolve the story the author (I've never read her before so I don't know if it's her way) falls into the...I don't know what to call it, PC--feminist story line? the father is at fault, he had an affair with the neighbor--something not at all in the character of this kind, responsible, unimaginative man. And if that's not enough to absolve the mother for her abandonment, well then, she had to find herself. Hey what do children count against that?
   
   Goood grief.
   
   Instead of putting the blame on the mother who leaves, the book justifies her actions because two wounded children said they didn't love her anymore. Who was supposed to be the adult here? Please.
   
   It's not just the "women must follow their stars" garbage that I object to, but the fact that at the end the children feel guilty about driving their mother away.
   
   I think the author just got stuck and couldn't figure out how to end the book. But I think she should have worked out an ending that didn't cheapen her writing and waste my time.
   
   Don't bother with this.



5. I had to keep checking the cover of this novel to confirm that it was, in fact, a work of fiction rather than a memoir. Berg paints such a vivid, realistic picture of the relationship between Ginny and her sister, Sharla, adding in many blurbs of conversation that you would swear you are overhearing from the pair of children next to you. ("Look at me, I'm pregnant," Sharla says while holding a pillow to her stomach and in the midst of a tiff with Ginny) Berg's portrayal of their mother left me feeling both sympathetic to her feelings about motherhood and her marriage, and angry for abandoning her children so she could "find herself." However, it is my guess that many women feel this dichotomy within themselves at some point or another, and Berg illustrated it beautifully and heartbreakingly. Truly one of the best books I've read in a while. I only wish the novel was longer so we could hear more about the end of the mother's and Jasmine's relationship, as well as Ginny's and Sharla's adult lives. Absolutely amazing.

5 comments about We Are All Welcome Here.

1. Although fiction, the book was based on a real situation as suggested by a reader. I think knowing that lends credibility to the amazing strength of Paige's character. For me, the various relationships between the central characters made the book especially interesting because they exhibited such different types of love and commitment. For example, it was fairly obvious that Diana loved her mother and vice versa, yet the strong affection that Peacie and Diana had for each other was less obvious as they always appeared to be at odds. Also enjoyable were the escapades of Diana and her girlfriend Suralee as they put on plays for the community and experienced an evening with some local boys. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read.



2. Wow - this book is just too sad. Not that I dislike sad books because there are many that are so beautifully tragic, but this story was so hard to endure because it was very dark and depressing. I felt so badly for the characters, especially knowing that they were loosely based on true people. Still, anytime I read an Elizabeth Berg book, I marvel at how very well-written they are, and this one is no exception. Attention to detail is inpeccible, as always, and the characters are drawn so well that the reader feels as though they are friends/neighbors.



3. I love this book - and I haven't been a particular fan of Elizabeth Berg. Great on detail, but not a particularly good storyteller. However, someone gave this to me and I read it in two sittings. Absolutely riveting and (the best part)- the greatest ending ever (Don't peek!!!) Totally out of the blue and perfect. The character of the girl (the narrator) is the most "true to life" since Frankie in Carson McCuller's "Member of the Wedding." Wonderful, the best.



4. I picked this up off the discount table at the bookstore, was headed out for summer vacation and it looked like an interesting read for the beach. I have to say I don't normally read this author but the premise for this book sounded interesting to me. I was not dissappointed, really enjoyed the story and when I realized it was based loosely on a women's real past history, that just made it even more interesting. It was a quick read, which will leave you somewhat sad, and wondering how would I have dealt with something like this.



5. Upon first reading this wonderful story of Medical care, Psychology & Beauty I became saddened. I wondered how it could become more compelling? As got the teenager Dianna who had been born in her mother's Iron Lung, I noted she came to be the narrator. Her Mother, Paige could only move her head requiring the continual respirator and personal care day and night.
   
   Her care-givers were Peacie a loving black woman during the day. Mrs Gruder at night along with Diana, who always awakened during the early hours to her Mother's voice. Every few weeks the Social Worker Susan, came by to check on Peacie, Paige & Diana. It was during those times that Peacie & Diana lied about who was taking care of Paige during the night.
   
   Each person expressed their feelings of love and cocer for each other. I noted the author's use of psychology in the relationships of Diana & her friend, Suralee. They created plays about their neighbors, enemies and shop owners related to their parents.
   
   Iris Johanson created a sub-plot of Civil Rights' marches which LaRue & Li'l Bit joined for voters' rights! Crucial times were all contrasted with the peacefulness of Paige, Peacie & Diana. Not long after this the family was forced to find new care-takers.
   
   When I came to the surprise ending, Paige is able to enter College and graduate. There are hopeful scenes of "redemptive beauty" as Paige comes to "see the light everywhere!" In spite of all her obstacles she succeeds in seeing the inner beauty of life! With gratitude,
   Retired Chaplan Fred W Hood

No comments about Elizabeth Berg CD Collection: Say When, The Art of Mending, and The Year of Pleasures.

No comments about Home Safe: A Novel.

5 comments about True To Form.

1. I have no idea how long this book has been on my bookshelf. I was bored the other night and needed something to read ~~ not too thick of a book and something that I can sink my teeth in. After having read Berg's other books, I thought, oh I can't go wrong with this one! Yep! I didn't go wrong! For such a slim book, it really packed in a story that makes me want more!
   
   Katie Nash is living in St. Louis. She is lonely. She has only one friend, Cynthia. She still keeps in touch with her best friend from Texas, Cherylanne and visited her for a few days after winning a contest on the radio. Katie was planning to have a nice quiet summer ~~ but her father has other plans. She has two babysitting jobs and they both impacted her life in more ways than one. She has to babysit three little boys and help an elderly couple with the caretaking of the wife. Katie didn't want to take these jobs ~~ she had dreams of glamourous jobs like working the concession stand at the local pool or something else. Just not babysitting.
   
   This is one of the best written books I have read in a long time. Berg describes the midwestern summer nights so perfectly or even the long summer days. I grew up in the Midwest and just lived in those descriptions. Katie is a budding poetress and her thoughts are so similar to what I had as a teenager ~~ it felt like I was reliving my past through the words of this book. I love it when I find a good book like this ~~ because it's a keeper and it hits close to home. It is about a young girl growing up ~~ and it is about life, viewed through the eyes of a young girl.
   
   If you have a chance to, I would recommend this book for you to read. It is one of the most unforgettable books you'll ever have a chance to read. Katie will stick with you long after the last page has turned.
   
   2-27-06



2. "True to Form" is actually a sequel to one of Berg's previous books, "Joy School." Once again, the writing and plot seem aimed at a young adult reader. To a mature reader, the book may appear juvenile in content and writing style.
   
   Katie, the main character, has moved to Missouri with her strict army-dad, her new step mom and the two family dogs. She has also found a new best friend in Cynthia. One of the strongest characters in the book is Cynthia's Mom who is just a tad bizarre. Katie wins a radio contest and the prize is a plane trip anywhere she would would like to go. She chooses to visit her former best friend in Fort Hood, Texas, where she once lived. There is a lesson for Katie from this trip - nothing is ever quite the same as it was.
   
   The plot of "True to Form" is not exceptionally exciting, but the well-developed characters are what gives the book warmth, humour and style. "True to Form" is certainly not once of my favourite Berg novels; however, it is an okay read and we have the opportunity to find out how Katie's teen years are progressing.



3. "True to Form" beautifully illustrates the small challenges and trials of growing up in one of the most realistically stunning novels I've read in a long time.
   
   In this coming of age novel, we are reunited with young Katie Nash, of Berg's previous novels, who is facing some difficult choices apropos for a young girl at the age of 13. While, as many have noted, we're not exactly breaking new ground here, Berg writes beautifully and with such authenticity that it's nearly impossible not to enjoy the ride.
   
   Katie's struggles are relatively minor, but they are vividly drawn portraits of the challenges of a thirteen year-old girl, and watching Katie work through it with the pluck and shortcomings of a precocious young girl is an absolute delight. Unlike other novels that deal with childhood betrayal, Katie's transgressions are fairly simple, and more typical of a girl her age - she backstabs a close friend in the name of being 'cool' - yet it is so wonderfully written that every scene leaps off the page. This is not a book that's high on plot - it's more of a simple, beautiful character study of a young girl coming into her own, warts and all.
   
   I absolutely reveled and delighted in it, and it's short enough to be a quick summer read while frittering away a hot afternoon by the pool.



4. Following the recent death of her mother, 13-year-old Katie Nash and her family have moved to Missouri, the latest of her father's military postings. It's the summer of 1961, and Katie keeps busy with her two jobs - babysitting the rambunctious Wexler boys and helping care for her elderly disabled neighbor Mrs. Randolph.
   
   Initially Katie is less than thrilled with both prospects. The boys all but tear each other apart each day, and Katie is uncomfortable with the elderly.
   
   But within a short time, Katie begins to enjoy the time she spends in both homes. By being clever, Katie is able to control - and even build a rapport with - the three Wexlers, and it's clear to her that the Randolphs are an extraordinary couple - who just happened to get older.
   
   Katie's summer would be wonderful - except for some shocking news from her best friend back in Texas. All of a sudden, the two-years-older Cherylanne, who always seemed so mature, is seen by Katie as the child she really is.
   
   This final novel in Berg's trilogy about Katie follows the events of just one summer, when she is forced to grow up in ways that readers will be able to identify with themselves...



5. Be sure to listen to the reading of this book by Arija Bareikis. She's terrific!
   
   Imagine that you are a thirteen year-old girl whose mother has died, and your authoritarian father (who is in the Army) gets you two jobs for the summer that you don't want. Obviously, you are going to do the jobs . . . but your stomach is churning with dread. What is there to look forward to?
   
   Katie Nash ends up having the summer of her life, learning new meanings to friendship, making new friends, and finding out important lessons about herself and the challenges of being a teenage girl. She brings a caring heart to her life that takes this book from being somewhat of a formula book into one that will bring many smiles.
   
   Although I was never a teenage girl, Ms. Berg's writing took me back to those days and the desire to be an adult . . . while my parents had other ideas.
   
   Part of the book's charm is that Ms. Berg knows how to let her characters grow and change in ways that you usually don't expect.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to re-create 1961 and think about the importance of becoming open to more possibilities.

5 comments about Dream When You're Feeling Blue: A Novel.

1. Dream is a WWII home front novel that reads something like a 1940's movie starring Ginger Rogers or Betty Grable. The Heaney Sisters (aka the Dreamy Sisters to all the guys who meet them) are the archetypal, golly gee, let's do it for the boys, characters that populate the books, music, and films of the era. Salt of the earth Irish American parents, good Catholic daughters and sons,and brave, selfless soldiers. Meatless Wednesdays, mystery meat, Glenn Miller, and USO dances. All this would work if it were written in the 1950's, and era of idealism and celebration. Nowadays, these characters simply come across as too good to be real.
   
   Dream is fun to read for its nostalgic value, for its reminder of the genuine sacrifices that those at home made for those "over there", but too much sentimental, saccharine ambience is never a good thing. Worth a read, but not great.



2. Anyone interested in "homefront" style stories will enjoy this one. A lovely, simple story of an engaging family, somewhat predictable, and I would not be surprised if Hallmark picks this up as a movie. Thankfully, it is not written in the first person present; that extremely annoying, self-absorbed recounting of every action and thought of the narrator as it is happening (!) as most of Elizabeth Berg's books are written, which is why I can't get through any of her other books, though I have tried.. She has wonderful ideas for stories but of all her books, this is the one that I DO recommend.



3. I bought the book, read it quickly, then returned it to the store for a full refund. I don't usually do that, but even paperbacks cost a fair amount of cash now and my shelf space is at a premium, and frankly I didn't want to waste either one on this piece of trite garbage. The story was very strange, with characters being built up, then acting out of character, and it seemed to be an excuse to try to take some of the shine off the Greatest Generation. I was so disappointed when I read it, I didn't even want to send it along to my mother or sister, like I usually do when I enjoy a book but don't want to keep it. It's not that I'm cheap, but I plain didn't want one cent of my money going to this author, or to the publisher who put out this drek.



4. I enjoyed The Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg so much that I rushed out to get audiobook versions of some of her other work. Why do authors read their own material? It never works. I couldn't get through the first CD. A thin voice. Irritating. Grating, in fact. Especially after the creamy richness of listening to Jill Tanner's narration in Atonement.
   
   Publishers should discourage authors from reading their own work, much the same way movie studios discourage them from writing screenplay adaptations of their books. It's another art form. Leave the narration to the vocal performers.
   
   You might have a different experience with the written word, but I don't recommend the audio version.



5. A return to a simpilier time. . . . It does seem simple on the service: the references to movie stars of the time, hair styles, food, speech, etc., but actually...things were extremely hectic. A horrible war was going on. Boys left for the war and it was not known if they would return. The family were left to worry, write letters of encouragement, and wait.
   
   I enjoyed reading that the Heaney family was so close. Their warmth seemed to keep the members of the family together. Their closeness acted like a buffer to the realities that they had to face: life in wartime. What with rationing, war posters (even Mickey and Donald got in the act), and feelings of fear (will he make it home alive) it was nice to read that the family kept together and were there for each other.
   
   At first, the ending did seem a bit hasty, but then it made sense. The relationship between Kitty and Hank seems to be dissolving in previous chapters. He wants a stay-at-home wife and she has tasted independence- so the conflict begins here. He is more suited for Louise. Afterall, a cookie-cutter ending (where Hank marries Kitty) would really not make sense and would be so ho-hum (boring). I thought it was so refreshing and creative.
   
   I did love this book-couldn't wait to see how everything turned out. I would recommend this book. The school reunion at the end was fantastic.

5 comments about Year of Pleasures, The.

1. Unlike some of the reviewers of The Year of Pleasures: I did NOT find the characters (or the setting) "June Clever-ish"; I DON'T think Betta "selfish"; nor did I find the characters too "Goodie-goodie". A recent widow myself, I admired Betta's tenacity in starting a new/different life and not lolling in her grief. Death is a part of life, and life goes on.....why not LIVE it? I agree that Elizabeth Berg DOES speak to one's soul. The psychology/philosophy she "slips" into her stories adds so much to her characters and speaks volumes as to the kind of person the author is......kind, compassionate, and insightful. I discovered her less than a month ago, have read five of her novels and have two "in the wings" waiting to be read.
   
   I was torn between reading the book slowly, to savor it, and reading it quickly, to see how the story developed. I have recommended it to many, and plan to re-read it after I finish "The Art of Mending".
   
   I hope Berg has many more stories where her others came from......I am an ardent fan. Thank you for "hours of pleasures".



2. What person affter 30 years of her husband doing everything goes up to the first house in the first town she stopped at and knows nothing about, and buys it, full price, after 10 minutes of looking?
   
   The worst was when she phoned a friend after not speaking for 30 years and just reaquainting themselves after 2 short visits "I've got a favor. I want you to take the weekend off, fly down here, and make the girlfriend of a new friend jealous." These women are 50 years old! And then the way she treats that friend when she gets along with Tom. Practically throwing her out of the house.
   
   What a totally selfish woman. Unbelievable.
   
   The other worst was after only months after her absolute perfect husband died she is throwing herself at another man to have sex with him. If she her husband loved him as much as we are led to believe ... There is no way.
   
   I guess there are lots of worst things. Like her relationship with 10! year old Benny who has girlfriend troubles. Benny's mother lets him stay at Betta's house until 9:00 and she hasn't even met him.
   
   Blah BLah Blah. You feel insulted and stupid reading this book. "the things that bring me comfort now are too small to list (but she lists them anyway)... "raspeberries in cream. Sparrows with cocked heads. Shadows of bare limbs..." PLeeeeeeeeeeze!



3. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I agree with C.L. Ferle who stated that this book relates to everyone approaching midlife and wanting or needing to reinvent themselves. The message here is that life is full of starts and stops, beginnings and endings, rolling with the punches and surviving whatever life throws at you. There is light at the end of the tunnel and better days are coming so don't give up. And I don't know of one person who hasn't needed to take comfort in that message at some time in their lives. I love Elizabeth Berg's writing style, the way she sprinkles words of wisdom right into the storyline that stay with you long after you have finished the story and I have a strong feeling that she writes from personal experience. I have just added her to my favorite authors list and I look forward to reading more of her novels. To those critics here who are complaining about the characters being selfish, the story being contrite or unrealistic or whatever other whining they are doing, sorry you didn't "get" it. It's not so much about what Betta did, but rather HOW she managed to pick herself up by her boot-straps when life as she knew it ended.



4. I loved this book! I've been disappointed by some of Berg's recent books, still believing her first few were the best....Joy School, Durable Goods, etc. But some of her phrasing and descriptions in this book are just breathtakingly beautiful. Of course, some of it is unrealistic, but it's a novel!! I highly recommend it!



5. I'm 58, happily married 19 years to the "perfect" man (older than I am) but with no children of my own and thinking a lot about widowhood and what I would do if I were on my own. This book came into my life now, as I prepare to attend my 40th high school reunion (1968) with my 2 best friends from that era. We live in different states and rarely see each other. I went to our 30th reunion with one of them (last time I saw her) and the other has not been to any of our reunions yet.
   
   This book spoke to me, as if it were written espressly for me. That is the only criticism I might have of it; I'm trying to think of other friends it might help as it has me and can only think of a one or two. Nevertheless, if you know a mid-fifties, childless, married woman, buy her this book and she'll thank you for it.

5 comments about Open House.

1. Oprah's never steered me wrong yet. (Well, one time. Maybe I'll review that particular book another day.) I was a little disappointed in this book though. The characters didn't have alot of depth, and the narrator comes off as sort of whiny. It's an interesting story about divorce, but Jaclyn Mitchard's novel "The Breakdown Lane" is a much more compelling rendering of the same issues. I would only recommend this book if, like me, you read about 50 books per year. If you only read a few, chose "Breakdown Lane", "Accidental Tourist" by Anne Tyler, or "Tara Road" by Maeve Binchy.



2. I don't know if it was this author's style of writing or just the story line itself, but I really couldn't get into this book. It was an enjoyable read, but I prefer to read novels that are more than just enjoyable. I'd probably try this author at least one more time before deciding on whether I like her or not.



3. I kept waiting for this one to have a point. Didn't seem to find one. Do yourself a favor and save yourself the time.



4. There are already so many wonderful reviews and descriptions of this book, so I won't ramble. Suffice it to say that this is one of the best books about going through a divorce that I've read. I love that it is so raw and real at times, but still offers hope and inspiration.



5. I loved this book. Maybe I identify with Sam a little too much, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been able to relate quite so well if I hadn't been through a very similar break-up experience within the last year. Sure, she's crazy at first. I get that. It's hard to be rational and resilient and cool when the rug has been ripped out from under you and your entire life hurts.
   
   But Sam, like most of us, picks herself up and rebuilds a life for herself and her son, even while aching for her husband David to return and unshatter her world. There are some scenes so funny and a few so sad and each time, I wanted to be there with Sam to laugh and to cry with her and refill the wine glasses or the cereal bowls.
   
   Her friendship with the overweight, temp-job working King is rather refreshing, too. I love him even more than I do Samantha.
   
   Berg does a great job with all the characters in this story, from Sam and David's son, Travis to the often annoying and best friend, Rita to Veronica, Sam's loving but pushy mother to Edward, the hilarious gay roommate who I wish had moved in much sooner!
   
   This book is an easy, enjoyable, comfortable read. It's flannel pj's and red wine and an evening or two with a few new friends you hope can stay forever.

5 comments about The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted: Stories.

1. I felt this book was such a whiny, self indulgent book that was one step down from hackneyed chick lit. It was more like chick lit meets "fictional" self-help. I thought it was corny, silly, poorly written, simplistic, and not worth the time it takes to read.



2. I am not generally a fan of short stories, but this book was a total delight. Berg has a a great eye for detail, a nice sense of humor, and a good philosophical perspective. I found myself caring about all her characters and finishing the book with a renewed appreciation of the beauty of everyday life and the human condition.



3. I'm mom to twin 18-month-olds so don't have much time -- i.e. short stories are perfect. And these stories ARE perfect. Have recommended to all my friends.



4. These small stories are good enough to eat! Each one is crafted with memory, empathy, love, and a wry appreciation for the realities of life. "Rain," the story of a friendship between a married woman and a single male friend, captures years of feeling, expressed and unexpressed, in a short story. Delicious!



5. I am a huge Elizabeth Berg fan, having read everything she's written. I don't typically care for short stories, but overall this was one of the better collections of shorter pieces by any author that I've read.
   
   That being said, there's something disingenuous about a strikingly beautiful woman writing about the struggles of women trying to lose weight. I've met Berg in person, and she's drop-dead gorgeous. Perhaps if I didn't know that, I'd be better able to accept her writing about weight issues.
   
   There are plenty of other topics covered here, though, including growing older, taking risks, regrets, and more. If you are a Berg fan or a fan of women's fiction in general, give this a try.