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happylilkt's review against another edition
3.0
This is a very brief book, but worthwhile WITH the afterword, as the book itself implies that career is more important than family, which I actually don't think Reichl fully intended. It does well describe the pendulum swing of generations—especially during the 20th century with women's liberation—and one woman's angst with the limited options available to women. I think it's good for a modern girl to read this and consider with gratitude how far we have come and also to take responsibility for one's own happiness—regardless of what one chooses. A thoughtful, anecdotal-style reminiscence that doesn't have the answers.
cdjdhj's review against another edition
5.0
This was the second Ruth Reichl book I read. The first was Garlic and Sapphires, which I didn't love, but found interesting enough that I promptly purchased two more Reichl books - this one and Tender at the Bone. I decided to read this one first and I am glad I did. This is one of those books that starts out slow and dull and the reader thinks, "wow, I really don't like this book," but by the end of it, you realize that this short 120 page book may have been life changing. Ruth Reichl writes authentically about her mother, in a way that made me think of my own mother, my own relationships - especially the one I have with myself - and the kind of parent I had been to my own children. It made me think about life, the choices we make and why we make them. What do we tell ourselves, over and over that holds us back? Why does happiness seem so elusive? Why are we just never good enough? Truly an interesting and thought-provoking book, with an impact far greater than its length. Highly recommended.
alicebme's review against another edition
2.0
This book made me cry a lot. Too many options. Too few. Too many expectations. Too few. Sigh.
dlschroeder's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
tophat8855's review against another edition
3.0
April 2012 RS book group
Quick read. Almost too quick, didn't seem "complete." About a daughter finding her mother's old letters and notes and seeing her as an adult peer and learning about her mother in a new way.
Quick read. Almost too quick, didn't seem "complete." About a daughter finding her mother's old letters and notes and seeing her as an adult peer and learning about her mother in a new way.
amlibera's review against another edition
4.0
This is more of a long article than a full memoir but still a fascinating contemplation of her mother's complex life and personality.
heidihaverkamp's review against another edition
5.0
The mother of this famous food writer couldn't cook a lick - literally giving her future in-laws and dozens of other people food poisoning at one party. In that mid-century age of housewives, casseroles, and Valium, even in NYC, here was a highly intelligent - if eccentric -- woman who suffered deeply because she was never allowed to be herself, so drove herself and her family crazy. Most heartbreaking, she taught / told her daughter again and again, "Don't be like me."