Sister Mother Husband Dog: (Etc.)

If you're at all on the fence about buying this book. Don't hesitate a moment more. Buy it. Delia Ephron has a voice of her own. It sounds a little like Nora's; and if you miss Nora from the planet, as I do - it will comfort you to know that someone else can conjure up ironic, quirky little twists to both the most banal and meaningful moments we trip across in life. There is someone else out there like you. And it is comforting. Validating. But Delia's voice, while perhaps a little more knobby in its polish, is more honest in its gaze. More powerful. More personal. She's a truth teller in a way Nora never was. Nora told you about her neck, but she didn't tell you about her real fears. Delia lays it all out - like ingredients of a granola she's about to bake. The chewy parts, the sweet - and, of course, all the nuts. In all their gnarly glory. By fearlessly showing you things you might want to turn away from, she reveals so much more compassion, loyalty, and real love. And that's when an author is also a teacher. That courage of hers is imparted to us. There is so much more character than we get to see in most authors who delve into their own lives for content. I was touched and impressed -- and I wanted more. Turning to Amazon to find another memoir or a book of her essays, I found novels and children's books. And I promise to try them too. But - please Delia - more personal takes on life and love and family and work and dogs and parents and friends and baked goods - and anything else you want to share. Just - more Delia.

A type of memoir of a deceased sister and mother and a living husband and dog. The author is from a family of writers and gives us a look into parts of her family life, some of which are painful. Obviously losing her older sister was difficult but the chapter about her mother was difficult to read but at the same time very informative. Alcohol was a big part of her mother's life as she managed a career in the male dominated world of screen writers in the 40s and 50s. There were many light and humorous parts too. This book was enjoyable over all and a relief from the several heavy books I had just finished. It also offers some interesting insight into the world of screen writers. Nora, the oldest of the four sisters, is probably best known for "When Harry met Sally", my co-favorite along with "Tootsie".

As a seasoned admirer of Nora's work, her passing was at once a shock and a loss. Reading Delia's latest has offered fans of Nora an invaluable opportunity to mourn Nora, while at the same time offering a chance to "taste" Nora's work in the loving and more-than-capable hands of her sister. Their collaboration for all these years is crystal clear in this new work, while at the same time being all Delia's. I was particularly moved by the candor of her experience as the daughter of alcoholics. She could very well have been writing about me, and I so wish others had been as forthcoming in sharing as she's been, at the time I so needed to know how to manage. Her insight is unsparing, raw, but clearly cathartic -- as much to herself as to her readers. And funny -- how can that be? Evidently it's the genius of being an Ephron daughter.

I've never been blown away by the Ephron sisters, but I seem to be in a minority. The book was ok, but it struck me as trite and not particularly interesting.

This is a easy read and if your anything like me - I will go back and 're-read' pieces of this book - watch: 'Sleepless in Seattle; Michael; You've Got Mail; It's My Life; Hanging-Up; Heartburn and maybe even read pieces of Nora's - Crazy Quilt and other novels. I never got to see 'Lucky Guy' - but would have loved to. This book is about relationships between two sisters who loved each other - despite the differences they had. I appreciate Delia more now because I like her am a 'middle child' and could relate to all the problems & joy that comes with it. I would give my eye-tooth to have been a fly on the wall during all those movies - because those are all some of my all-time favorite movies. I also would love to write a children's book but never had the courage...yet. I did write a family cookbook and I am proud of that... and I always loved the recipes Nora included in her books. We all have stories to tell... and Delia does a wonderful job here - even the stories she didn't quite know how to... I really get that. Great job! I will recommend this to anyone who has aspirations of writing books or screen plays.

I loved this book, it is sincere and heartfelt. It was my first Delia Ephron book - which is strange - being a hard core fan of Nora E. since many years back. Reading this book I got very nostalgic about Nora’s death and I loved to hear about the relationship with her sister as well as their work collaborations. It is an honest and witty book that will make you laugh and also - at least in my case - cry.

Delia Ephron wrote a wonderful book of essays ! I liked her immediately. I realized even though I had seen her work I never knew her. She lived in her amazing sister Nora Ephron's shade not shadow. Every little sister will connect with her recollections and every big sister will learn a thing or two. She tells her own stories and never uses the emotional connection we have with Nora to make us beholden. Brave writers always risk something .Delia trusted the reader to open the book and get to know her. Once you do you will hope as I do that Delia continues working her craft with abandon. Nora would expect nothing less from her little sis. I Loved This Book!

Delia seems to be forever in Nora's shadow. She's a fine writer of her own right, but reviews always reference Nora in some way. Sadly, I'm going to do it as well. The format of this collection of essays isn't all that different than those of her sister. Often random topics. However, Delia usually has a point, or deeper subtext attached. Her love of bakeries turns into people always wanting more while overlooking happiness with less. Facebook upgrades highlighting that social media doesn't allow anyone to shed high school beliefs and hang ups. Delia seems more honest than Nora, who always seemed to be hiding any real feeling behind snark, humor and bossiness. I get the impression that Nora was very much like their mother, rather domineering, my way or the highway, little nurture and somewhat angry. She was passive-agressive. i.e. I'm demanding my way but at the same time sending you beautiful roses or fantastic baked goods that I know you'll adore. I enjoyed Delia's collection more than Nora's "I Remember Nothing" or "I Feel Bad About My Neck" and I'm glad she's concentrating on novels. Very much looking forward to reading more. FYI Delia - In Word, use ctrl B, ctrl I, ctrl u, etc. : )