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khornstein1's review against another edition
1.0
I can't believe this book was published. Boring beyond belief. Unless you want to read a whole chapter about re-finishing a door.
tiggerser's review against another edition
5.0
Such a great book! There were many times I wanted to pull out a highlighter and capture all the treasures found in this book. It is the best book for anyone with kids who are in the process of growing up as it is a transition of motherhood to empty nest.
maryhannawilson's review against another edition
4.0
Really loved this one. The only reason I didn’t give it five is that it got a bit long for me. And there is quite a bit of meandering in the thoughts - beautifully written meandering - but that got to be too much.
karnaconverse's review against another edition
4.0
A great gift selection for mothers with high school juniors and seniors.
I finally got around to purchasing Katrina Kenison’s new book “the gift of an ordinary day” (published in 2009) and can’t get her words out of my mind. I’ve followed her blog for several months and enjoyed her first book (“Mitten Strings for God”) so knew I’d love this book too. This “mother’s memoir” is made up of 15 thoughtful essays that speak to transitions involved in moving, changing careers, and in raising teenagers and letting them go. Nestled among the family stories are Kenison’s supporting words, encouraging moms at midlife to reinvent themselves. The timing is perfect for me – a mom with three teenagers, the oldest who heads to college in late August—but I suggest it for any mom who treasures the ordinary moments of everyday life.
Kenison was the series editor of “The Best American Short Stories” for 16 years, and I truly appreciate her editor’s and writer’s eyes in creating an easy-to-read book that’s both intellectual and meditative. The Reading Group Guide at the end of the book is an added bonus for me -- I journaled about each essay’s question as I read which I’m sure will help me through my own family’s transitions.
I finally got around to purchasing Katrina Kenison’s new book “the gift of an ordinary day” (published in 2009) and can’t get her words out of my mind. I’ve followed her blog for several months and enjoyed her first book (“Mitten Strings for God”) so knew I’d love this book too. This “mother’s memoir” is made up of 15 thoughtful essays that speak to transitions involved in moving, changing careers, and in raising teenagers and letting them go. Nestled among the family stories are Kenison’s supporting words, encouraging moms at midlife to reinvent themselves. The timing is perfect for me – a mom with three teenagers, the oldest who heads to college in late August—but I suggest it for any mom who treasures the ordinary moments of everyday life.
Kenison was the series editor of “The Best American Short Stories” for 16 years, and I truly appreciate her editor’s and writer’s eyes in creating an easy-to-read book that’s both intellectual and meditative. The Reading Group Guide at the end of the book is an added bonus for me -- I journaled about each essay’s question as I read which I’m sure will help me through my own family’s transitions.
key2's review against another edition
4.0
There were parts of this book that I just skimmed through, and other parts that I really connected to. I copied down a few quotes and exerpts that I really enjoyed, and will reference them often. For me this was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the book.
readcover2cover's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it better than I thought I would. I really only read it because I've had it on my shelf forever since I received it as a gift when I was pregnant with my first son (4 and 1/2 years ago). I needed to either read it or get rid of it, so I decided to at least try it. I found enough in it that I identified with to keep reading. Like the author, I have two sons, although mine are much younger than hers were at the time her book took place. I appreciated many of her reminders and insights, especially about slowing down and appreciating each moment for what it is. However, the book did get repetitive. I thought it was good to have the little mystery of where her son Henry would end up going to college woven throughout the story, because I think by the end I was mostly just reading/listening because I was curious where he ended up. Still, I honestly didn't anticipate even finishing this book, so I enjoyed it far more than I expected to.
jewellspring's review against another edition
4.0
I found myself intimately connected to many of the authors themes as I send a child to public high school after seven years of homeschooling, as well as having recently purchased the unfinished dream home while questioning my sanity. I appreciated her style, her ability to tell a story and then expound on the deeper meanings, her intuitive interpretations of the situations surrounding her and her family. I did find her consistent theme of having to let go somewhat tedious because she had to return to it over and over, but isn't that true for so many of us, having to learn our life lessons over and over again. I would recommend this book to my mothering friends who love their role, but see (or choose not to see)their children growing into adults with changing needs and dynamics inevitably challenging. This is the kind of book I would like to someday write.
heyjude1965's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty good. It spoke to me at this time in my life with my last child almost done with highschool.