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I must begin this review with a full confession: Elizabeth Berg is my aunt. I adore her and I want to be her when I grow up. :-) There. The secret is out.
Beth's new book of short stories, The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted: And Other Small Acts of Liberation
, was released yesterday, and I immediately acquired a copy for myself and sat down to read the title story. Anyone who has ever been on a diet will relate to the narrator's defiant act of hookey from her Weight Watcher's meeting. And the giggly elation of eating all day with no boundaries! And, most likely, that final unfulfilled feeling.Then I moved on to the second story about a middle-aged woman who unexpectedly comes face to face with her first love. Remember all the amazing feelings your first love was able to conjure up? Would you still feel that way now?
I have another confession to make. I have only read three of Beth's books. Why? Because she's so real that it hurts. I love Beth's writing. I always feel like we're having a private conversation when I read her work, and these little stories are no exception. It's like gossiping with a really funny friend. A really funny friend who is acutely aware of what makes us human, aware of the insecurities and tears beneath the laughter. She doesn't always point it out directly, but you know she knows. And you love her for it, because she makes it okay to be imperfect.
I only read the first two stories in this collection, because I want to stretch these little nuggets of fun and real life out for a while. I'm going to laugh out loud, and I know for a fact she's going to make me cry. And I'm going to feel vulnerable, empowered, ridiculous, smart and okay just the way I am. Thanks, Beth!
Lezlie
Updated -- May 16, 2008
I read them all now. My favorites were "Rain" (keep your hanky handy), and "How to Make an Apple Pie". I could just picture that lady writing the letter!
11 comments:
I just read my first Berg book - Never Changes - and I absolutely fell in love with it - it's like she took the thoughts and feelings right out of my mind. Truly, Truly a gifted and awesome writer!!!
Ooooppps - that should be Never Change - my fingers type faster than my brain. And yes, she did make me cry - LOL
Kara ~ She is awesome, isn't she? You should try "Talk Before Sleep", but have a full box of Kleenex with you! :-)
I love your blog by the way!!
Lezlie
She is the same in person; have seen her at a reading twice and you just can't help but love the woman. I'm so mad that I will miss her on the 30th as I have a conflict. Bummer. Linda/CT
Linda ~ She really is genuine, both in person and on the page. I'm sorry you'll miss her reading! I will miss her when she's here, too, because we have an agility trial that day. :-(
Lezlie
This sounds great - and actually she's been on my list of authors to try for a while. Which book of hers should I start with do you think?
Hi, Joanna! Since I've only read a few, it's hard to say. I *loved* "Talk Before Sleep", and that one is on a lot of people's favorites list. "Open House" was an Oprah pick a few years ago. This new one, though, is all short stories and might be a good place to introduce yourself to her.
Talk to you later!
Lezlie
hey lezlie, came here from your comment on my blog and found this post! this book sounds really interesting.. can't wait to get my hands on it.. is this is best book to begin with???
Hi, Ramya! Thanks for visiting! Yes, this would be a great introduction to her work. It's a collection of short stories and will give you a great feel for her writing.
Lezlie
I've read a few of her books, but she's my friend's very favorite writer.
Dewey ~ Cool! Hearing that always makes me proud! :-)
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