Candid, Insightful and REAL
As a Boomer, reading Anne Quindlen’s book reminds me of curling up on the living room couch with a close friend who really “gets” me and listening to her wry observations on life.
And oh wow, DOES Quindlen ever get it! Her essays are insightful, perceptive, poignant and wise as she addresses so much of our shared Boomer experiences: marriage and kids, the importance of girlfriends, expectations and let-downs, aging and premonitions of mortality. The insights into a unique generation of women who grew up with one set of expectations and then lived through a societal bait-and-switch is often pitch perfect. For those who are not Boomers, the book is an excellent guide to the road ahead.
Rated of 5
by Sue J. (Wauwatosa, WI)
Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake
I loved this book! I had never read anything by Anna Quindlan before this book. Her shared observations on life are witty, honest and relevant. I recognized myself in many of her experiences and caught myself thinking someone else feel the same way I do. I highly recommended it.
Rated of 5
by Patti F. (Stony Brook, New York)
Anna Quindlen's best yet...
In "lots of candles, plenty of cake" Anna Quindlen is writing about my life and I trust the lives of many more baby boomers. For me, this is her best yet. Anna and I are close in age and the experiences she explores in this book are those that parallel those of my own and my contemporaries, which makes the writing that much richer and meaningful. I found myself cheering out loud or agreeing with a particular statement, writing comments in the margin. She writes about love and loss and how we are shaped by our experiences, moving forward from the age of sixty and beyond. She talks about the importance of girlfriends as we age, about hoping to to have those vivid memories to relish, and wanting to walk through the house of her own life until life is done. Isn't that what we all want? Any new book by Anna Quindlen is a treat, but this one is especially lovely.
Rated of 5
by Evie L. (EauClaire, wi)
lots of candles plenty of cake by Anna Quindlen
This is a memoir to treasure and read again because it has so much "common sense" to it. Since we are about the same age, I certainly could relate to the problems and challenges she has encountered in her 60 years. She writes like she is speaking personally to me and I almost felt like "answering back".. Great book that I will share with friends.
Rated of 5
by Patty, (Carroll County Public Library, MD)
A Happy Reunion
Reading Anna Quindlen's memoir was like being reunited with an old friend after many years of being apart. If you were a loyal fan of her columns in THE NEW YORK TIMES or NEWSWEEK as I was, you will appreciate that the book reads like those columns: full of heart and deep understanding of the human experience. If you only know her from her novels, you are in for a treat. She writes of her life in relation to issues like women in the workforce or raising children or mortality with the respect of one who loves her life and isn’t afraid to say so. Her desire to age gracefully will resonate with anyone who is thinking about it and wondering what will come next. I am so glad the last chapter of this book is titled, “To Be Continued.” I will be waiting.
Rated of 5
by Bob S. (lawrenceburg, IN)
An exploration of women that men need
The book is autobiographical with all of Quindlen's usual qualities: insight, fun, self-effacing humor, and, at times, a well aimed shot at silliness. I thinks it's an important book for men to read, too, since looking at the world through each others' eyes is so important in a world often with lots of answers but no humble questions. Too many men are making decisions about women's lives when they've obviously never lived inside a woman's body and mind--it's created much pain in churches, governmental agencies, and in schools. Quindlen's searching examination of her own adventures is touching, loving, and joyful. Her wisdom is obvious.
Rated of 5
by Christine P. (San Francisco, CA)
Anna Quindlen Gets It!
Anna Quindlen puts into words what it is to be me, a woman of a certain age (50s). This book of essays connects the issues that are important to women like me. Marriage, friendship, parenting, the care of aging parents and solitude are just a few of the topics that will either make you laugh or cry or more than likely do both. The essays are meant to be savored and mulled over until you read the next one. They will get in you touch with a part of yourself that you may have thought has gone missing. It’s definitely not a book to be gobbled down in one sitting. In the end, Anna Quindlen’s list of hopes will make you want to read this book again and again.
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of 5
by Jill S. (Chicago, IL)
