[Quindlen] serves up generous portions of her wise, commonsensical, irresistibly quotable take on life. . . . What Nora Ephron does for body image and Anne Lamott for spiritual neuroses, Quindlen achieves on the home front.NPR Classic Quindlen, at times witty, at times wise, and always of her time.The Miami Herald [A] pithy, get-real memoir.BooklistPraise for Anna Quindlen A reporter by training, a storyteller at heart, [Quindlens] writing is personal, humorous, and thought-provoking.The Seattle Post-Intelligencer Quindlen is an astonishingly graceful writer.San Francisco Examiner Thank goodness for Anna Quindlen. [She] is smart. And compassionate. And witty. And wise.Detroit Free-Press [Quindlen is] Americas resident sane person.The New York TimesAbout the AuthorAnna Quindlen is a novelist and journalist whose work has appeared on fiction, nonfiction, and self-help bestseller lists. Her book A Short Guide to a Happy Life has sold more than a million copies. While a columnist at The New York Times she won the Pulitzer Prize and published two collections, Living Out Loud and Thinking Out Loud. Her Newsweek columns were collected in Loud and Clear. She is the author of six novels: Object Lessons, One True Thing, Black and Blue, Blessings, Rise and Shine, and Every Last One. where can i download free books Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake: A Memoir of a Woman's Life
259 of 268 people found the following review helpful. More Candles, More CakeBy Someone ElseAt age 60, Anna Quindlen has already had plenty of candles and birthday cake, but she wants more. A lot more. Her own mother died in her early 40s, when Anna was just nineteen. That early loss has made her grateful for every additional year she gets that her mother was denied.Anna's gratitude is the common ingredient that ties together these ruminations of an aging feminist baby boomer. She seems amazed, even somewhat astonished, at how fortunate she has been. She has reached an age where she can look back and recognize the combination of ambition and serendipity that allowed her to "have it all" in terms of marriage, motherhood, career, and friendship.These essays will of course have the most appeal for those in Quindlen's age range whose life paths have somewhat paralleled hers. But if you've read her work before, you know she always shares observations and wisdom that are universally relevant. I like her spunk. I like her honesty. Most of all, I like the way she always manages to say the things I feel but cannot put into words. I recommend the book for all connoisseurs of life.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Some good insights into aging gracefully.By BobbieBecause Quindlen and I are about the same age, her youth and mine have a lot in common. I identified with many of her experiences, observations, thoughts, etc. The book touches on events and culture relevant to the leading edge of the Baby Boomers (born in late 40s, and early 50s), but you don't have to be a boomer to appreciate the book. She also gives advice on parenting while occupying an empty nest and on how to age gracefully, which is appropriate for our generation--the one that said, "Never trust anyone over 30." Man, has that callow slogan ever come back to bite us! Quindlen admits as much.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful writing. I think this book speaks to all ...By Honey PavelBeautiful writing. I think this book speaks to all women as to who we have been, and where we are... How adaptation to change is vital andenriches our lives. Anna Quindlen is a mind-reader. I am in my 80s, have friends of various ages and learn from the younger ones abouttoday's world, as well as my contemporaries with whom I can share much history. I am very fortunate to live in a multi-cultural community andhave been and am exposed to various outlooks. The book points out the many choices women now have to explore interests, to choose careers,to travel, and to grow and change.