Mom’s death released a flood of emotions in me. After those first few weeks of activity – planning the memorial, packing up her apartment before the deadline, making “those” decisions – I was kind of worried the reality wouldn’t sink in. I continued to imagine her a few counties over in her apartment, still three […]
Nonfiction Book Review: Oldest Daughters by Patricia Schudy
I agree with Patricia Schudy (and the authors of the Eldest Daughter Effect) that oldest daughters are treated differently than oldest sons. While many firstborn traits will be similar (see Dr. Lehman’s books) the specific expectations of an oldest daughter are different than an oldest son. Author Patricia Schudy is a writer and former columnist […]
Nonfiction Book Review: The Firstborn Advantage by Dr. Kevin Leman
Guess who said the following: “I have offended God and mankind because my work didn’t reach the quality it should have.” No, not me after my last performance evaluation. This quote is from Leonardo da Vinci, who created the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Oh, and was a genius. And was also a functional […]
Nonfiction Book Review: The Eldest Daughter Effect
After Mom died I couldn’t figure out why I was so compelled to take care of her (given our history) – and why I was so conflicted about it at the same time. Since books are my go-to for learning about anything, I searched and found The Eldest Daughter Effect. It provided lots of insight. […]
Nonfiction Book Review: How to Survive the Loss of a Parent
Two days after Dad died in 2010, I did as usual and sought solace in a local bookstore. I knew about Kubler Ross’ stages of grief but bypassed her book for the more targeted How to Survive the Loss of a Parent: A Guide for Adults. The original receipt from that day is still inside. […]
Nonfiction Book Review: Passages in Caregiving by Gail Sheehy
Author Gail Sheehy is a literary journalist and her earlier book, New York Times Bestseller Passages, is about the major milestones and common experiences of our 20s, 30s, 40s, etc. In Passages in Caregiving, Sheehy recounts the years she cared for her husband, legendary magazine editor Clay Felker (founder of New York magazine, among other […]
Nonfiction Book Review: The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
The Birth Order Book: Why You Are The Way You Are is a classic now and I’ve come across it occasionally over the years as I browsed bookstores and libraries and stood reading excerpts, hunkered between the shelves. I found the idea of birth order interesting, probably because I’m the oldest of six. I recently […]