Kelly Corrigan

The emphasis on motherhood didn't really resonate with me; I'm not a mother and my own mother was rather untraditional (she was more like Greenie). My approach to and appreciation for mothers is different from the author's. Also, the young American-abroad naivete can be a little exasperating for some. The nannied family, however, was fascinating. If this was a novel I would definitely want more character development here. I did like how the author wove her own mother into the story here. It's a quick read and makes you think of your own mother where ever and who ever she is.… (meer)

This was another one of those titles that caught my eye, and I placed a hold on it based on what I assumed it was about rather than actual knowledge of what it was about.
It turned out to be an intensely personal, honest—at times, uncomfortably so—collection of stories from her life, many of them addressing grief. She’s a good writer, and she’s my age, so even though I don’t share many of her experiences, I found myself relating to her. I really liked the Tell Me More chapter. Being a good listener rather than a troubleshooter is a constant challenge for me, and that chapter had a really good example of a conversation that modeled this. That she was being coached by a good friend throughout—it was a phone conversation—made it more like sharing with her readers than lecturing them.
I read everything, including the interview with Jen Hatmaker at the end, and it was worth it to get even more insights into the author’s process and values.
This was an easy one to do in my chapter-a-day approach to reading nonfiction, and I’m glad I read it. People whose lives have been affected (altered? wrecked? I’m having a hard time finding the right verb) by cancer may find it especially moving.… (meer)

This is a book that has been on my to read list for a long time, so I was happy when the audio book appeared on sale. A coming-of-age memoir, Ms. Corrigan writes about how her father was always the glitter in her family – the one who was always up for a good time. Her mother, however, was thew glue – the one who msde sure the bills were paid, the meals were made and the house was clean. Corrigan grows up wanting to be like her father, but after college when she runs out of money on an around the world adventure and has to take a job as a nanny, it’s her mother’s voice she hears constantly in her head. Corrigan comes to realize that while glitter may be nice for a time, it’s the glue one needs to hold life together for the long term.

Beautifully written, this book made me want to call up my own mother.… (meer)